WAFFI TV | Feature

Reps Warn Rivers Sole Administrator Against Making Laws

The House of Representatives has reminded Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd.), that he lacks the constitutional authority to enact laws for the governance of the oil-rich state. This reminder comes in response to Ibas’ intention to introduce a new budget, following the declaration of a state of emergency in March. Speaking with The PUNCH on Sunday, House Deputy Spokesman Philip Agbese revealed that Speaker Tajudeen Abbas is in talks with House leadership to establish a committee to oversee Admiral Ibas’ activities. He said, “The Sole Administrator does not have the authority to carry out the National Assembly’s function of making laws under the current circumstances. The Speaker of the House is consulting with the leadership to establish a committee to oversee the administrator’s activities and ensure that the interests of Rivers State are represented. “We assume that the President has been informed of our resolution regarding the administrator’s appointment and mandate. Should the administrator exceed his authority, the House will take necessary actions, including the possibility of a vote of no confidence, to ensure accountability and adherence to the rule of law.” President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State in March, following a political standoff between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the state House of Assembly. The move saw the suspension of both the governor and the legislature for an initial six-month period. In Governor Fubara’s stead, Tinubu appointed Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd.), who, just last week, announced his intention to draft a new budget to manage the affairs of the state over the next six months.

4/7/2025, 7:33:32 AM

Police Warn Against Planned April 7 Nationwide Protest

The Nigeria Police Force has urged the Take It Back Movement (TIB) and other organizers to cancel their planned nationwide protest set for April 7. According to DAILY POST, the civil society group and its allies had finalized arrangements for the protest, which aims to highlight concerns over the alleged abuse of the Cybercrime Act and the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. TIB's National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, stated that the demonstration was intended to address these pressing issues. However, in a statement released on Sunday, Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi described the protest as “ill-timed and mischievous,” urging organizers to suspend it. He noted that April 7 has been designated by the Federal Government as National Police Day, meant to honor the dedication and service of police personnel across the country. “While not against the exercise of citizens right to peaceful assembly and association in Nigeria as enshrined in the Constitution, the Nigeria Police Force is deeply concerned about the motive behind such protest scheduled on the same day the contributions of the Nigeria Police Force to national security is to be celebrated, putting into consideration that such glamorous event would bring together dignitaries from all spheres of life both internationally and within the country, including Foreign Inspectors-General of Police and Diplomats. “The Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, while reaffirming the commitment of the NPF to adequately carrying out its mandate in accordance with the Law and respect for rights of citizens hereby urges all the organizers of the planned protest as well as individuals who intend to join the protest to pursue dialogue by engaging the proper institution of government to press home their demands,” the statement added.

4/7/2025, 7:07:32 AM

Dangote Vows To Make Nigeria Self~Sufficient In Cement, Petroleum, Agriculture

Dangote Industries Ltd. has restated its dedication to achieving self-sufficiency for Nigeria in vital sectors including cement production, agriculture, mining, and petroleum refining. This assurance was given by Dr. Abayomi Shittu, Regional Sales Director (Southeast) of Dangote Cement, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday at the ongoing 36th Enugu International Trade Fair. “Dangote Industries Ltd. operates across several sectors including cement, sugar, salt, poly products, real estate, agriculture, logistics, telecommunications, steel, oil, and gas,” Shittu said. He noted that three of its major subsidiaries—Dangote Cement Plc, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, and NASCON Allied Industries Plc (producers of Dangote Salt)—are listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, reflecting the company’s strong investment footprint in the country. “Our continued innovation, value creation, and investments in Nigeria are driven by our deep belief in the country’s vast economic potential,” he added. Emphasizing the group's contributions, Shittu noted that the Dangote Sugar Refinery's out-grower scheme has created jobs for thousands of farmers in host communities, thereby strengthening local economies. He also highlighted the pivotal role of Dangote Fertiliser in transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape and the expected economic boost from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which is set to spur the growth of allied industries. “In addition, we recruit engineering and technology graduates and train them across various areas of industrial operations to build local capacity,” Shittu said. He praised the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA) for organizing impactful trade fairs, describing the Enugu event as a strategic platform given the state’s significant industrial base in the Southeast and South-South regions. “ECCIMA trade fairs offer a unique opportunity for industries like ours to connect with customers and partners from across these regions,” he noted.

4/7/2025, 7:00:14 AM

Earning N1,500 Daily Is ‘A Lot Of Money’ For Many Nigerians~ Presidency

President Bola Tinubu’s administration has asserted that earning N1,500 per day—roughly equivalent to $1—is "a lot of money" for many Nigerians, maintaining that it is sufficient to afford decent meals despite the rising cost of living nationwide. This remark was made by Dr. Tope Fasua, Special Adviser on Economic Affairs to President Tinubu, during a recent episode of the Mic On Podcast. “$1 is N1,500. Earning $1 per day, that is a lot of money for many Nigerians,” Fasua declared confidently as he attempted to downplay growing concerns over the country’s worsening economic crisis under President Tinubu’s leadership. He continued: “That takes us to purchasing power parity, and that is what we should look at. $10 won’t buy you lunch anywhere in the US. You need at least $20. That is about N30,000. But I can tell you what you can do with $5, that is N7,500 in Nigeria.” “If you are not going to eat at eateries or high-brow places, there is a lot it can do,” he claimed. “In Gwarinpa, there are people that sell, just like in Port Harcourt, Boli (roasted plantain) and fish on the roadside. You will eat for N1,500, if you know where you are coming from.” He then turned to global comparisons, apparently attempting to justify Nigeria's poverty level. “There is nowhere in the world where people don’t suffer. There is no economy that you will not find people that are suffering,” he said. Fasua went further to suggest that Nigeria’s social structure makes poverty more bearable. “In fact, in Nigeria, because of what we call social capital… Here is a place where you could go and stay with your brother or your sister, get something to eat and so on. You could even stay with them for a few months,” he said. “Abroad, when you are down on a house, you miss your rent, and you don’t have a job, and they kick you out.” He dismissed global poverty metrics used to determine the number of Nigerians living in extreme poverty, arguing that they don’t apply in the local context. “We are not going to take every statistic like the one that says Nigerians must earn $2 per day and that is when to determine who is poor,” Fasua said. “In villages of Nigeria, you don’t even need one dollar to survive a day when you have your farm, and you can actually eat something, and you are okay.” Fasua’s comments come at a time when Nigeria is facing unprecedented hardship, with food inflation hitting record highs, the naira plummeting, and unemployment rising.

4/6/2025, 2:24:56 PM

NDLEA Intercepts Cocaine Hidden Inside Suitcase Walls

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the interception of cocaine concealed within the walls of multiple suitcases. The agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, revealed this in a post on Sunday, sharing videos of the seized contraband on X. Babafemi condemned the smugglers’ extreme tactics, noting that the drugs were factory-fitted into the luggage with surgical precision. “Narco-trend update: Strewing the walls of suitcases, in factory fitting precision, with cocaine, must have taken lot of efforts and resources but at the end #ndlea_nigeria officers still uncovered all as revealed in these videos that captured the latest seizure by #ndlea,” the statement read. According to the video released by the agency, officers were slicing through suitcase linings to remove the hidden cocaine.

4/6/2025, 1:48:12 PM

God Told Me RCCG Council Will Hold Meetings On The Moon~ Adeboye

Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has revealed that God showed him a vision in which the church’s governing council would one day hold a meeting on the moon. Speaking during the April edition of the Holy Ghost Congress, the 83-year-old cleric acknowledged that the prophecy may seem far-fetched, but expressed firm belief that it will be fulfilled. “I am not doubting God, I know with Him all things are possible. But He told me, and I told some of my people, that a day is coming when the RCCG Governing Council will hold their meeting on the moon. I know that does not make sense, but then, that is God,” Adeboye said. The respected preacher also recounted how God once told him he would own a city, despite living at the time in a single-room apartment in Mushin, Lagos. “Just like He said to me not to ask for a house, I have decided to build a city. He was talking to somebody living in a room in Mushin. When I shared with those people who were with me then, they all laughed. They are still laughing because they can see what God is doing,” he added. Pastor Enoch Adeboye emphasized that God's promises may go beyond human understanding but are always fulfilled in due time. He revealed that God told him the RCCG governing council would one day hold a meeting on the moon. Speaking during the April edition of the Holy Ghost Congress, the 83-year-old cleric admitted the prophecy might seem unbelievable, yet he expressed unwavering confidence in its eventual fulfillment. “I am not doubting God, I know with Him all things are possible. But He told me, and I told some of my people, that a day is coming when the RCCG Governing Council will hold their meeting on the moon. I know that does not make sense, but then, that is God,” Adeboye said. The respected preacher also recounted how God once told him he would own a city, despite living at the time in a single-room apartment in Mushin, Lagos. “Just like He said to me not to ask for a house, I have decided to build a city. He was talking to somebody living in a room in Mushin. When I shared with those people who were with me then, they all laughed. They are still laughing because they can see what God is doing,” he added.

4/6/2025, 8:03:28 AM

Protesters March Against Trump In US

Tens of thousands of demonstrators packed the streets of major U.S. cities on Saturday, protesting President Donald Trump’s polarizing policies in the biggest wave of dissent since his return to the White House. Critics of the Republican president’s agenda — including government staff reductions, trade tariffs, and threats to civil liberties — held rallies in Washington, New York, Houston, Florida, Colorado, Los Angeles, and other cities across the country. “I am so angry, I’m so mad, all the time, yes. A bunch of privileged, white alleged rapists are controlling our country. It’s not great,” said New York painter Shaina Kesner, 43, joining a crowd marching through the heart of Manhattan. In Washington, thousands of demonstrators — many traveling from across the United States — gathered on the National Mall where dozens of speakers rallied opposition to Trump. “We have about 100 people who have come down by bus and van from New Hampshire to protest against this outrageous administration (that) is causing us to lose our allies across the world, and causing devastation to people here at home,” said Diane Kolifrath, 64, a bike tour guide. “They’re gutting our government.” In Los Angeles, a woman dressed as a character from dystopian novel “The Handmaid’s Tale” waved a large flag with the message: “Get out of my uterus,” a reference to Trump’s anti-abortion policies. In Denver, Colorado, one man in a large crowd of protesters held up a placard reading “No king for USA.” The rallies even extended to some European capitals, where demonstrators voiced opposition to Trump and his aggressive trade policies. “What’s happening in America is everyone’s problem,” Liz Chamberlin, a dual US-British citizen told AFP at a London rally. “It’s economic lunacy… He is going to push us into a global recession.” And in Berlin, 70-year-old retiree Susanne Fest said Trump had created “a constitutional crisis,” adding, “The guy is a lunatic.” In the US, a loose coalition of left-leaning groups like MoveOn and Women’s March organized “Hands Off” events in more than 1,000 cities and in every congressional district, the groups said. – Anger – Trump has angered many Americans by moving aggressively to downsize the government, unilaterally impose conservative values and sharply pressure even friendly countries over borders and trade, causing stock markets to tank. “We’re out here to stop the, honestly, fascism,” protester Dominic Santella told AFP in Boston. “We’re stopping a leader from… jailing his opponents, stopping him from jailing just random people, immigrants.” Many Democrats are irate that their party, in the minority in both houses of Congress, has seemed so helpless to resist Trump’s moves. At the National Mall, just blocks from the White House, thousands heard speakers including Representative Jamie Raskin, a Democrat who served as impeachment manager during Trump’s second impeachment. “No moral person wants an economy-crashing dictator who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing,” he told the crowd. Activist Graylan Hagler, 71, also addressed the protest, saying: “They’ve woken up a sleeping giant, and they haven’t seen nothing yet.” “We will not sit down, we will not be quiet, and we will not go away.” Saturday’s protests were largely peaceful, with a lively and positive atmosphere filling Washington on a mild spring day. Demonstrators ranged from elderly citizens to young families with babies in strollers. A similar Women’s March held after Trump’s 2016 election drew around half a million people to the capital. Organizers of the latest Washington rally had initially expected 20,000 participants, but by Saturday afternoon, they reported a significantly larger turnout. As Trump continues to shake up Washington, his approval rating has dropped to its lowest point since taking office, according to recent polls. Still, despite international criticism of his sweeping tariffs and growing frustration among Americans, the White House has downplayed the protests. The Republican president, still popular with his base, shows no sign of relenting. “My policies will never change,” Trump said Friday.

4/6/2025, 7:57:39 AM

FG Begins Tanker Colour Coding

In a bid to improve safety and enhance the identification of petroleum product transporters, the Federal Government has mandated that all petroleum trucks be painted in specific colours based on the type of product they carry. The directive, issued by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in collaboration with the Unified Petroleum Price Engagement Network, is aimed at mitigating risks associated with the transportation of petroleum products across Nigeria. According to a notice sent to truck owners and obtained by our correspondent on Saturday, the latest regulation forms part of ongoing efforts to curb road accidents involving petroleum tankers. Sunday PUNCH recalls that on February 20, 2025, the NMDPRA banned trucks with a maximum loading capacity of 60,000 litres, capping the permissible limit at 45,000 litres. This decision was triggered by the rising number of fatal accidents, which have claimed 493 lives over the past three years. The regulatory authority stated that the announcement followed a meeting with industry stakeholders, convened in response to the frequent incidents of explosions and accidents caused by overloaded petroleum trucks. NMDPRA Chief Executive, Farouk Ahmed, also recommended the adoption of the “safe-to-load” initiative alongside the colour-coding and branding of tank trucks to ensure safer operations. Under the new guidelines, trucks transporting Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) are to be painted light blue and deep yellow, while those carrying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) must be painted blue. Trucks transporting Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) are to be painted deep yellow, Jet A1 carriers in black, and bio-fuel transporters in deep green. The notice read, “We have been informed that the Unified Petroleum Price Engagement Network and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority have begun implementing the colour code policy for all petroleum products. “As part of this directive, All trucks transporting AGO must be painted in the designated AGO colour. All trucks transporting PMS must be painted in the designated PMS colour. “This colour code policy applies to all trucks before departure. Please ensure compliance with this new regulation to avoid any disruptions to your operations.” It further stated that penalties for non-compliance by truck owners will take effect from May 1, 2025. At present, no fewer than 2,000 trucks with a 60,000-litre capacity are transporting refined petroleum products nationwide—a figure that rises when trucks of varying capacities are accounted for.

4/6/2025, 7:43:16 AM

Education Minister Seeks Extension Of NYSC To Two Years

The Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa, has proposed extending the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme from one year to two. He made this suggestion on Friday during a courtesy visit by the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, to his office in Abuja. A statement shared on NYSC’s official Facebook page also noted that the minister advocated for the enhancement of the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Training Programme for corps members. “The minister also advocated for the extension of national service from one to two years, with the expansion of NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Training programme content for corps members,” the statement read. The minister further called for the posting of more graduate teachers to rural schools to help address the shortage of manpower in those areas. He praised the NYSC management for its proactive and digitized approach to the mobilisation process, which he said helps combat certificate fraud among some foreign-trained graduates in West Africa. Alausa also applauded the scheme for resolving the long-standing issue concerning OND part-time graduates with full-time HNDs who were previously excluded from national service.

4/5/2025, 5:52:50 PM

Late Pa Edwin Clark For Burial May 13

Late elder statesman and former Federal Commissioner for Information, Chief Edwin Clark, will be laid to rest on May 13, 2025, in his hometown of Kiagbodo, located in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State. The Second Republic Senator and prominent South-South leader passed away on February 17, 2025, in Abuja. His burial plans were formally announced on Saturday by his eldest son, Mr. Penaowei Clark, during a brief ceremony at the late PANDEF leader’s residence in Kiagbodo. Present at the announcement were the Pere of Mein Kingdom, Kiagbodo, HRM Samuel Fuludu, Ogiogio II; Head of the Clark family, Prof. C. C. Clark; Delta State Commissioner for Directorate of Riverine Infrastructure Development, Chief Ebikeme Clark; and other notable family members. According to the statement released by Mr. Penaowei Clark, the burial rites will commence on Wednesday, May 7, with a memorial lecture in his honour at the NAF Conference Centre & Suites, Abuja, starting at 11 a.m. As part of the funeral programme, a valedictory session will be held at the Senate Chamber on Thursday, May 8, also at 11 a.m., in honour of the late Chief Edwin Clark. According to the statement, “Friday, 9th May, 2025. Event: Day of Tribute; Venue: NAF Conference Centre & Suites, Abuja. Time: 3 pm. “Saturday, 10th May, 2025. Event: Wrestling Contest. Venue: Yenagoa; Event: Service of Songs. Venue: St. James’ Anglican Church, Asokoro, No. 39, Haile Selassie Street, Asokoro, Abuja. Time: 5pm. “Sunday, 11th May, 2025. – Boat Regatta; Port Harcourt Masquerade, Candlelight Memorial: Yenagoa Kiagbodo, Abuja: No. 43, Haile Selassie Street, Asokoro, Abuja. Time: 7 pm-8 pm. “Monday, 12th May, 2025. Event: Commendation Service, Time: 8 am; Venue: National Christian Centre, Abuja; Event: Valedictory Court Session (to hold simultaneously); Time: 10am. Venue: High Court of Justice, Warri, Delta State. 10:30am Body departs from Abuja to Yenagoa, Bayelsa State; 1:30-2:30 pm Commendation Service at Ijaw House, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State; 2:30 pm Body departs to Warri, Delta State. 6:30-7pm Lying in state at No. 5, Swamp Road, Warri, Delta State. 7:30pm Body departs to Kiagbodo Town, Delta State. Service of Songs and all-night vigil at Kiagbodo Town, Delta State. “Monday, 12th May, 2025. Event: Commendation Service, Time: 8 am; Venue: National Christian Centre, Abuja; Event: Valedictory Court Session (to hold simultaneously); Time: 10am. Venue: High Court of Justice, Warri, Delta State. 10:30am Body departs from Abuja to Yenagoa, Bayelsa State; 1:30-2:30 pm Commendation Service at Ijaw House, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State; 2:30 pm Body departs to Warri, Delta State. 6:30-7pm Lying in state at No. 5, Swamp Road, Warri, Delta State. 7:30pm Body departs to Kiagbodo Town, Delta State. Service of Songs and all-night vigil at Kiagbodo Town, Delta State. “Tuesday, 13th May 2025; 10 am-10:30 am Lying in state at Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo Town, Delta State. 10:30-11 am Commendation Service at Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo, Delta State. 11 am Funeral service. 1pm Reception. 5pm Internment All-night vigil. “Sunday, 18th May, 2025; Event: Thanksgiving Service,” the statement added.

4/5/2025, 4:47:36 PM

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