WAFFI TV | Feature

Again, South West Tops As Voter Pre registration Hits 2.5m

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has announced progress in the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration, CVR, exercise, disclosing that over 2.5 million Nigerians have completed their online pre-registration since it began on August 18, 2025. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, revealed that as of Sunday, August 31, 2025, a total of 2,532,062 Nigerians had successfully pre-registered online. “The exercise, which started on Monday, 18th August 2025, is now in its second week. As of Sunday, 31st August 2025, a total of 2,532,062 Nigerians pre-registered online. “Last week, the commission published the detailed breakdown of the figure at the end of Week One of the exercise. “The cumulative figure at the end of Week Two shows that 1,218,482 (48.12 per cent) are male and 1,313,580 (51.88 per cent) are female. In terms of age and occupation, the majority – 1,602,484 (63.29 per cent) – are between the ages of 18 and 34, while 647,528 (25.57 percent) are students,” the statement read in part. INEC reiterated that the online process is only the first step and must be completed in person for it to be valid. “The introduction of the pre-registration option in 2021 has enabled Nigerians to commence the online process from anywhere in the world 24 hours a day, including weekends. “However, all online pre-registrants are required to appear physically to complete the process in our 811 state and local government offices nationwide, where their fingerprints and facial biometric details will be captured. “This instruction is clearly stated on the online portal. We urge all online pre-registrants to complete the process in-person at the INEC-designated registration centres without which the online process alone is invalid,” the commission stated. INEC also noted that the pre-registration portal remains accessible 24 hours a day, including weekends, allowing Nigerians anywhere in the world to initiate the process. For citizens unable or unwilling to use the online platform, INEC confirmed that in-person registration is ongoing across its 811 state and local government offices, where eligible Nigerians can register directly. The centres operate from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. every weekday. According to the commission, Osun State recorded the highest number of pre-registrations with 474,372. Lagos followed with 355,372, while Ogun came third with 265,399. The Federal Capital Territory accounted for 152,250, Borno had 135,661, Oyo recorded 128,231, Kaduna had 127,852, Kogi reported 124,239, Kebbi had 113,884, and Yobe registered 101,622. Ekiti followed with 60,556, Kwara had 57,132, Delta recorded 47,718, Niger had 45,580, Imo registered 33,415, Sokoto recorded 32,517, Kano had 29,042, Katsina reported 28,587, Bauchi had 26,729, Akwa Ibom recorded 22,638, Nasarawa had 23,374, Plateau registered 20,447, Rivers had 18,147, Benue recorded 16,186, Jigawa had 16,755, Zamfara registered 12,381, Gombe had 11,179, Taraba recorded 10,177, Bayelsa had 9,549, Cross River recorded 9,340, Edo had 6,373, Ondo recorded 6,784, Adamawa had 5,383, and Abia reported 1,845. Enugu and Ebonyi had the lowest with 856 and 490, respectively. Also, INEC noted that in-person registration commenced on August 25, 2025. By August 29, the commission reported that 72,274 individuals had completed their registration, either by finalising their pre-registration or through new in-person enrolment. “The in-person registration commenced on Monday, 25th August 2025. Within five days as of Friday, 29th August 2025, a total of 72,274 citizens have either completed the pre-registration process or registered afresh, out of which 35,622 (49.29 percent) are male and 36,652 (50.71 percent) are female. “In terms of age and occupation, the majority of them – 54,718 (75.71 percent) – are between the ages of 18 and 34, while 30,953 (42.83 percent) are students,” he said. The commission expressed satisfaction with the turnout so far and acknowledged the contributions of civic groups aiding the process. “The commission appreciates the positive response of citizens and the efforts of the organisations that have mobilised civic participation in the exercise,” Olumekun noted.

9/3/2025, 8:55:35 AM

Nigeria Has Met Revenue Target, Not Borrowing Locally~ Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has declared that Nigeria is no longer borrowing domestically and has already achieved its revenue target for the year. He made this known while hosting members of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), led by former Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-Makura. “We have met our revenue target for the whole year, and we met it in August. Nigeria is not borrowing a dime from local banks,” Tinubu said at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday. The president attributed this to the increase in non-oil revenue and reforms by his administration, which took over the helm of affairs in May 2023. “The economy is now stabilised. Nobody is trading pieces of paper for foreign exchange (forex) anymore. The economy is now predictable. You do not need to know the CBN Governor, Yemi Cardoso, to obtain foreign exchange or import goods. “What we need now is building the ship and the vessels for the export of our goods and creating more jobs for our people,’’ the President told the gathering, according to a statement by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.

9/3/2025, 6:59:12 AM

Retirement: Court Nullifies 15 year Compulsory Service Rule For Soldiers

The National Industrial Court, NIC, in Abuja, yesterday struck down a provision in the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service for Officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces, HTACOS, which compelled soldiers to serve a minimum of 15 years before being permitted to resign. Delivering judgement, Justice Emmanuel Subilim ruled that the clause was oppressive and constituted a gross violation of the fundamental rights guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution, as amended. The ruling stemmed from a suit, marked NICN/ABJ/25/2025, filed by an aggrieved air force officer, Flight Lieutenant J. A. Akerele. Akerele, commissioned in 2013 as a pilot officer during the Goodluck Jonathan administration, told the court he had faced “systematic persecution and victimisation” by the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, after seeking to resign. According to him, the then Chief of Air Staff rejected his resignation and went further to declare him absent without leave (AWOL), issuing a signal for his arrest. In an affidavit supporting his suit, filed through his counsel, human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, Akerele narrated that he was selected on merit in July 2013, while a final-year cadet at the Nigerian Defence Academy, to complete his flight training in the United States of America. “During the course of my studies, allowances were no longer released for about (5) five months and I was abruptly recalled from the course in July 2014, and this led to my loss of seniority in rank, and I was not assigned to any unit for over a year. “I switched five different career paths as a young officer in the Nigerian Air Force, and during this course, I was never promoted as compared to my course mates, as I spent 6 (six) years on the rank of a flying officer, instead of the standard 4 (four) years. “I was posted to the National Air Defence Corps, and my specialty was changed to Air Traffic Control and subsequently to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, UAV. ” I began my UAV training in August 2016, but it was terminated as the foreign contractors were not paid according to terms. “After several months of waiting, my specialty was again changed to the intelligence arm of the air force. “I was nominated for the intelligence course after serving in Base Services Group, BSG, Lagos from November 2019 to November 2020, but it was later cancelled and I was sent back to the UAV specialty.” He told the court that the bitter experiences he was subjected to caused him “severe emotional distress, feelings of victimisation, and a lack of sense of direction.” The claimant insisted that the ordeal adversely affected his mental well-being, saying he was traumatised. “It was for these reasons and the enduring depression and trauma that I voluntarily resigned and disengaged from the Nigerian Air Force,” he added. According to the claimant, after his letter for voluntary resignation was received, authorities of NAF subjected him to series of interviews and counselling. He stated that his commander and the disposal officers who conducted the interviews and counselling sessions, supported his decision and recommended that he be allowed to disengage from service. However, he told the court that despite the recommendations, the then chief of air staff rejected his letter of disengagement, insisting that he must put in at least 15 years of service before he could be eligible to voluntarily resign. The claimant told the court that the air force boss, basing his decision on provisions of the HTACOS, ordered his immediate arrest.

9/3/2025, 6:42:27 AM

Leave Before Visa Expires, UK Warns Foreign Students

The UK government is directly reaching out to tens of thousands of international students with a warning to leave the country once their visas expire or risk deportation, the BBC reported on Tuesday. According to the report, the Home Office has launched a new campaign to address what it calls a “worrying” surge in student visa holders seeking to remain in the UK by filing asylum claims. For the first time, officials are sending text messages and emails to students, issuing formal notices about the penalties for overstaying. The initiative comes amid mounting concern in Whitehall over the increasing use of the asylum system by students attempting to extend their stay after completing their studies. “If you have no legal right to remain in the UK, you must leave. If you don’t, we will remove you,” the messages read, as reported by BBC. According to Home Office data, around 15 per cent of asylum applications last year—approximately 16,000—were submitted by people who originally arrived on student visas. While the data does not specify how many of those were made after visas had expired, officials say the pattern is clear enough to warrant immediate action. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper told the BBC that some students are “claiming asylum even when things have not changed in their home country.” She added, “We obviously will do our bit to support genuine refugees, but if nothing has changed in their country, people should not be claiming asylum at the end of a student course.” Cooper also said the growing number of students entering the asylum system is placing added pressure on already overstretched asylum accommodation and hotel services. Around 10,000 students whose visas are nearing expiry have already received direct warnings. A further 130,000 students and their families are expected to be contacted in the coming months, coinciding with the busy autumn intake period, according to the BBC. The message being sent reads in full, “If you submit an asylum claim that lacks merit, it will be swiftly and robustly refused. “Any request for asylum support will be assessed against destitution criteria. If you do not meet the criteria, you will not receive support. “If you have no legal right to remain in the UK, you must leave. If you don’t, we will remove you,” as reported by BBC. The message being sent reads in full, “If you submit an asylum claim that lacks merit, it will be swiftly and robustly refused. “Any request for asylum support will be assessed against destitution criteria. If you do not meet the criteria, you will not receive support. “If you have no legal right to remain in the UK, you must leave. If you don’t, we will remove you,” as reported by BBC.

9/2/2025, 7:18:47 PM

Fubara Will Return September 18, We’ll Work With Him~ Rivers APC

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has announced that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is expected to resume office on September 18. State APC Chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, stated that the party is prepared to collaborate with the governor upon his return. Speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, Okocha emphasized that while the party is open to working with Fubara, it will continue to hold him accountable. He said, “The governor who was suspended will return to office on September 18. The APC will work with him when he returns. “There are states where the governor and assembly members are in different parties, so we are going to work with him. “However, that will not take away our right to criticise him when he does wrong. But for us, the LG chairmen will work with him, except that we will not agree to vicious policies.” On March 18, President Bola Tinubu placed Governor Siminalayi Fubara on a six-month suspension following the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The President also suspended the deputy governor and the State House of Assembly, appointing a sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.

9/2/2025, 7:07:25 PM

WAEC Set To Fully Adopt Computer Based WASSCE By 2026

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has reiterated its commitment to fully migrate the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) by 2026. WAEC’s Head of National Office, Dr. Amos Dangut, gave the assurance on Tuesday in Abuja during a sensitisation session with members of the National Assembly Committee on Education. According to him, the transition, which commenced with private candidates in 2024, has already recorded “remarkable progress” and will be expanded nationwide. Dangut further disclosed that mock examinations and online practice platforms will be rolled out to enable students to adapt to the system, emphasising that no candidate will be left behind in the process. “We have conducted five exams already,one for private candidates and one for school candidates,and by 2026, deployment will be massive,” he said. On concerns about infrastructure and cyber risks, Dangut assured stakeholders that WAEC had successfully conducted exams in hard-to-reach areas without disruptions. He added that candidates’ performances in CBT had been “empirically better” than in paper-based tests. The Senate and House of Representatives pledged full support for the rollout. Senator Ekong Samson, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic and Secondary Education, said parliament would work to increase budgetary allocation to education. Similarly, Rep. Oboku Oforji urged WAEC to establish at least one CBT centre in each of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas before the 2026 deadline.

9/2/2025, 7:01:30 PM

Floods To Hit Delta, Bayelsa, 27 Other States, FCT~ NiHSA

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has forecasted flooding in 29 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) between September 1 and 15, 2025. The agency said 107 local government areas are expected to be affected, while 631 communities face varying degrees of risk. In a statement signed by its Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Arc Umar Mohammed, NiHSA listed the states as Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, FCT, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara. The DG warned that more than 50 critical transport routes and infrastructure could experience disruptions. He further noted that the projected flood risk levels range from moderate to very high, with the likelihood of river overflows, flash floods, and localised inundation in riverine and low-lying communities. He said: “This alert is in line with projections made in the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) and is supported by real-time hydrometric observations, river-stage forecasts, and satellite flood mapping. “Scope of Risk; States affected: Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, FCT, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara. LGAs affected: 107; Communities at risk: 631 “Critical transport & infrastructure points: Over 50 identified with possible disruption. “Flood risk levels range from moderate to very high, with potential for river overbanking, flash flooding, and localized inundation in riverine and low-lying communities. “Expected Impacts: Possible disruption of major transportation routes, including highways and bridges. “Threats to lives, livelihoods, property, agriculture, and public infrastructure. “Increased risk of contaminated water sources and public health concerns in affected areas.” Some of the recommendations made by the agency include: “NIHSA advises all relevant stakeholders to take urgent precautionary measures, including federal and state ministries, NEMA and SEMAs. “Activate contingency plans, deploy response teams, and pre-position relief materials. “Local Governments and Community Leaders: Intensify sensitisation campaigns, identify safe evacuation routes, and prepare shelters. “Transport and Utility Operators: Secure vulnerable assets, reinforce critical infrastructure, and ensure continuity of essential services. “Communities and Residents: Move to higher ground where necessary, avoid flooded roads, and strictly follow official safety instructions. Citizens are advised to stay alert.”

9/2/2025, 11:14:38 AM

Strike Threat: Resident Doctors Give FG 10 day Ultimatum

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on Monday gave the Federal Government and relevant agencies a 10-day ultimatum to address its welfare concerns, warning that members would commence a nationwide strike if the demands are not met within the period. In a communiqué signed by NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara; General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Omoha Amobi, the association explained that the decision stemmed from resolutions reached at its Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting, held virtually on Sunday. NARD recalled that it had initially issued a three-week ultimatum in July but, “in the spirit of industrial harmony,” the NEC granted an additional three-week extension to enable the National Officers’ Committee to engage stakeholders. However, the association noted with concern that despite the concession, the Federal Government had yet to honour its commitments. The communiqué read, “The E-NEC condemned the failure of the Federal Government to fulfil its promises, noting with dismay that a substantial number of resident doctors remain unpaid for their 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund. The government has also refused to pay the outstanding five months’ arrears arising from the 25 per cent/35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review, as well as other longstanding salary arrears. “The E-NEC expressed displeasure over the unjust downgrading of the membership certificates of the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, as well as the persistent non-issuance of membership certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.” The association further criticised the failure to pay the arrears of the 2024 Accoutrement Allowance and condemned some state governments for neglecting their doctors. “The E-NEC condemned in strong terms the failure of the Kaduna State Government to honour its commitments to members under ARD Kaduna and Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, despite earlier agreements and signed Memoranda of Understanding. The E-NEC condemned the failure of the Oyo State Government to address the challenges faced by members of ARD LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho, despite an ongoing indefinite strike action in the hospital,” it added. However, NARD commended state governors who have already paid the 2025 MRTF, noting that such actions demonstrated commitment to the welfare of doctors. The doctors demanded immediate payment of all outstanding allowances and entitlements, restoration of the recognition of postgraduate membership certificates, and resolution of welfare concerns in Kaduna and Oyo states. “The E-NEC extends the ultimatum by a final 10 days to all relevant government agencies to meet these demands. Failure to do so within this period (expiring on Wednesday, 10th September 2025) will leave the NEC with no other option than to embark on a nationwide strike action,” the communiqué warned.

9/2/2025, 7:10:23 AM

Otuaro Urges Peace, Unity as Ember Months Begin

The immediate past Deputy Governor of Delta State, H.E. Dcn. Barr. Kingsley B. Otuaro, has extended goodwill to Deltans and Nigerians as the nation enters the ember months. In his message, Otuaro described the period as a season of heightened activities — including travels, celebrations, and business engagements — but also one that calls for reflection, gratitude, and renewed unity among citizens. He urged Nigerians to conduct their daily affairs with caution, prayerfulness, and love for one another, stressing that peace and harmony remain the foundation for prosperity. Otuaro said, "As we step into the ember months, I extend my warmest greetings to all Deltans and Nigerians at-large. This season is often marked by heightened activities — travels, celebrations, and business opportunities — but it is also a time to reflect, give thanks, and remain united as a people. "I urge everyone to go about their daily endeavors with caution, prayerfulness, and love for one another. Let us embrace peace and unity in our communities, for only in an atmosphere of peace can we truly prosper. "May these remaining months of the year bring safety, blessings, and fulfillment to every home, and may Nigeria continue on the path of growth and stability.

9/1/2025, 2:04:47 PM

Finland Court Sentences Simon Ekpa To Six Years In Prison For Terrorism

A District Court in Finland has sentenced Simon Ekpa, the self-acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Government in Exile, to six years imprisonment for terrorism-related offenses. WAFFI TV reports that Ekpa was arrested on November 21, 2024, by Finnish authorities following a probe by the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) into allegations that he incited terrorism and promoted violence through social media—activities linked to unrest in southeastern Nigeria. After his arrest, the Päijät-Häme District Court ordered his remand, ruling that the charges stemmed from “public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” with alleged offenses committed between August 2021 and November 2024. In the course of the investigation, the NBI also froze Ekpa’s assets, along with those belonging to his associates and affiliated companies.

9/1/2025, 11:45:07 AM

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