WAFFI TV | Politics

Rivers Crisis: Obey Supreme Court Verdict, Tinubu Tells Stakeholders

President Bola Tinubu has urged compliance with the Supreme Court’s verdict in Rivers State, calling on stakeholders to uphold the law. The court recently annulled last year’s local government elections in the oil-rich state and ruled that Martin Amaewhule and his group be recognized as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Weeks after the ruling, Tinubu met with Niger Delta leaders under the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday, urging them to ensure its implementation. “This is a nation governed by the rule of law. I should not be here as President without a rule of law. I have total confidence in our judiciary. We have expectations. Human beings can make errors. But once the court has spoken, that is it,” presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga quoted his principal as saying. “Please go back home and help implement the court rulings within the shortest possible time. I am putting the ball in your court. Help! Privately and openly intervene and counsel the governor. Pursue the path of peace and stability”. Tinubu said he foresaw the crisis in Rivers State and made attempts to forestall it. “Yes, Niger Delta is the goose that lays the golden egg. We must care for the goose; otherwise, we lose the golden egg. I got your signal and your concern, particularly on Rivers State. I have been on the issue for quite some time. I foresaw the crisis festering for too long before I intervened,” he said. “We reached an agreement, written agreement, and both parties signed.” On his part, King Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff, Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass Kingdom and Co-Chairman of the PANDEF Board of Trustees, thanked the President for his commitment to South-South well-being and appointments given to Niger Delta indigenes. “Your government has taken the bull by the horns, and we are sure you will succeed. We are here to give you our assurance and support. I can say now that God bless Nigeria and your government”.

3/12/2025, 7:25:47 AM

Natasha Takes Case Against Akpabio To UN, Inter Parliamentary Union

Suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has taken her case to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting at the United Nations in New York, seeking global intervention. Speaking at the Women in Parliament session, she condemned her suspension from the Nigerian Senate as unlawful and urged international democratic institutions to act. Akpoti-Uduaghan, suspended after a heated exchange with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, claimed she was being victimized for opposing injustice. She also raised concerns about her security, alleging possible attempts to detain her in New York for speaking out. In a video obtained by *Vanguard*, she was seen in tears while making her case. Her suspension followed accusations that Akpabio sexually harassed her, an allegation that has fueled intense debate in Nigeria over the fairness of the Senate’s action. By bringing her case to the UN and IPU, Akpoti-Uduaghan seeks international backing against what she describes as political oppression, adding further tension to Nigeria’s political scene. Her words: “I come with a heavy heart from Nigeria. But first, I’d like to apologise to honourable… I’m not here to bring shame to our country. I’m here to seek help for the women of Nigeria. “Five days ago, on the 6th of March, 2025, I was suspended as a senator illegally because I submitted a petition of sexual harassment against the President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio. I thought that by submitting the petition, he would recuse himself and both of us would submit ourselves to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petition for a fair and transparent investigation, but unfortunately, I was silenced and I was suspended. “I was suspended for six months amongst many other stringent conditions such as taking away my security, taking away all the official vehicles and other items that were handed over to me as a senator. My salaries will be cut off. I must not appear anywhere near the National Assembly, and for six months, I’m not to introduce or present myself as a senator locally in Nigeria or internationally. “That means I’m here illegally, but I have no other place to go but to come here and speak to you women because this is a bigger picture. It depicts the crisis of women in political representation. My suspension is not just about me—it’s about the systemic exclusion of women from political leadership in Nigeria. This is a clear case of political victimisation, punishment for speaking out against impunity, corruption, and gender-based violence. “The Senate’s actions are an assault on democracy. I was elected by my constituents to represent them, yet a few powerful men have unilaterally decided to silence their voices by suspending me for six months. My call for an open and transparent investigation into harassment allegations has been met with hostility instead of accountability. “If a female senator can be treated this way in the full view of the world, imagine what ordinary Nigerian women go through every day in workplaces, universities.”

3/12/2025, 7:12:57 AM

Senate Approves Restoration Of Aniocha North II State Constituency

The Senate, on Tuesday, approved the restoration of the Aniocha North II State Constituency in Delta, in compliance with the Supreme Court ruling in suit No. SC/129/2019. The decision followed a motion titled *“Restoration of Aniocha North II State Constituency, Delta in Compliance with Supreme Court Judgment,”* sponsored by Sen. Ned Nwoko (APC-Delta North) during plenary. The Senate also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to implement the resolution. The restoration will take effect in the next State House of Assembly election, after the current term of the Delta State House of Assembly. “This aligns with Section 115 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended),” the Senate stated. Presenting the motion, Nwoko recalled that in 2014, residents of Idumuje-Unor, Idumuje-Ugboko, Nkwu-Nzu, Ugboba, Idumuogo, Ugbodu, Ubulubu, Anioma, and Ogodo in Aniocha North Local Government Area initiated legal action at the Federal High Court in Asaba, seeking the restoration of their constituency. While the Federal High Court dismissed the case, the Court of Appeal in Benin ruled in their favor on Nov. 22, 2017, ordering INEC to restore the constituency and conduct elections. INEC later sought to appeal the decision at the Supreme Court, but on Nov. 29, 2019, the apex court dismissed the application, declaring the judgment “final, binding, and legally non-appealable.” In compliance, INEC met with constituency stakeholders on Nov. 19, 2020, before submitting a report to the National Assembly, as required by Section 115 of the 1999 Constitution.

3/11/2025, 6:54:56 PM

I’ll Fully Enforce Supreme Court Ruling~ Fubara

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has reaffirmed his commitment to fully implementing the recent Supreme Court ruling on the state’s political crisis. He emphasized that, amid all the developments, protecting Rivers State’s interests remains paramount and must take precedence over any personal agendas. Governor Fubara made this pledge on Tuesday during the inauguration of the new Judges’ Quarters, a housing facility built by his administration for Judges of Rivers State origin by birth or marriage, at Old GRA in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area. “It has not been an easy 16 months, but what is important is the interest of our State, which must be above our personal interest. I want to say it here, very loud and clear to everyone: the Supreme Court has given a judgement, my administration is going to implement the judgement to its fullest. The reason is clear: It is not about me, it is about the good of this State,” he said. Governor Fubara acknowledged the significant financial losses incurred on both sides in the course of the political crisis, regretting that the funds spent had ultimately gone to waste. He noted that such resources and efforts would have been more beneficial if they had been pooled together and directed toward initiatives that serve the state’s best interests. Speaking on the project, Governor Fubara highlighted that it underscores his administration’s commitment to the welfare of judicial officers. He explained that the project was inherited, and based on reports from the Ministry of Justice and concerns raised by the judiciary, his administration deemed it necessary to see it through to completion.

3/11/2025, 6:44:03 PM

Reps Demand Suspension Of Increased ATM Charges

The House of Representatives has passed a resolution urging the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to suspend the recent increase in Automated Teller Machine (ATM) transaction charges and the removal of free withdrawals for customers using other banks' ATMs. The decision followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by lawmaker Marcus Onobun, who raised concerns about a CBN circular implementing the policy. Lawmakers expressed worries that the new charges would add financial strain on Nigerians. The House directed the CBN to halt the policy until it engages with relevant committees on banking, finance, and financial institutions. On February 10, 2025, the CBN announced that customers using ATMs of banks other than their own would now incur charges on every transaction. According to the circular, the existing three free monthly withdrawals for customers using other banks' ATMs will be discontinued. Effective March 1, 2025, customers withdrawing from another bank's ATM will be charged ₦100 per ₦20,000. For off-site ATMs—those located outside bank premises, such as in shopping malls or restaurants—an additional surcharge of up to ₦500 per ₦20,000 will apply, on top of the ₦100 statutory fee. The CBN justified the new charges by citing rising costs and the need to enhance ATM service efficiency nationwide.

3/11/2025, 2:22:38 PM

Reps Order NCC To Block Porn Sites Nationwide

The Nigerian House of Representatives has instructed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to ensure the immediate blocking of all pornographic websites in the country. Lawmakers also directed the NCC to compel internet service providers to restrict access to such content without delay. The motion was sponsored by Dalhatu Tafoki, an All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker from Katsina State, who argued that cyber pornography had become a global issue, and Nigeria had not taken sufficient action to curb it. Tafoki emphasized that Nigeria, as a "highly religious country," upholds moral values against nudity and obscenity, citing similar bans in parts of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. He also referenced expert warnings on pornography’s harmful effects, including links to adultery, prostitution, and addiction. Following a voice vote, the motion was passed, and the House ordered the NCC to penalize any service providers that fail to comply.

3/11/2025, 2:12:43 PM

FG Plans ‘Proof Of Address’ To Check Strangers’ Influx

The Federal Government has unveiled plans to collaborate with state and local governments, alongside key stakeholders, to introduce a Proof of Address System aimed at boosting security and enhancing governance nationwide. Set for implementation across all 774 local government areas, the initiative will provide every resident with a verifiable and secure address, serving as a vital tool for administrative processes in both public and private sectors. Speaking at a stakeholders' sensitization meeting for the South-West region at Protea Hotel, Ikeja, on Monday, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, described the initiative as a pivotal move to strengthen governance, enhance security, and improve grassroots service delivery. Represented by Helen Gapriya, a director in his office, Akume emphasized that the program aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision to address security challenges and build a safer, more prosperous nation. “Our nation’s inability to fully identify addresses and provide accurate data has compounded many problems, making it difficult to combat criminal activities, secure communities, and plan effectively for development during budget planning,” he said. “In light of these challenges, the introduction of the Proof of Address System is not just timely but necessary for strengthening our national identity management infrastructure. “This initiative will bolster national security, improve government planning, and foster a more orderly society. By enabling accurate identification and location verification, it will help curb various societal vices, contributing to a safer and more structured environment for all. “The Local Government Proof of Address System is a critical component of our efforts to strengthen the capacity of local governments to deliver essential services while reducing the reliance on physical documents,” he added. The National Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Bello Lawal, who was represented by the Secretary of the Lagos State ALGON chapter, Razak Ajala, emphasised the importance of the PoA system in boosting national security, financial inclusion, and economic growth. “The Proof of Address System is not just another bureaucratic exercise; it is an integral part of the civil registration and vital statistics ecosystem,” Lawal stated. “It serves as a crucial pillar in national and global data infrastructure, contributing meaningfully to our developmental goals. By providing verifiable proof of residence, the PoA will support effective planning, financial inclusion, and overall economic growth.”

3/11/2025, 7:29:34 AM

‘Modify NIN Only On Official Self Service Portal’, NIMC Warns Nigerians

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has urged Nigerians to update their National Identification Number (NIN) details exclusively through its official self-service portal. In a statement signed by the Head of Corporate Communications on Monday, NIMC emphasized that this measure aims to safeguard data security and integrity. The commission reassured Nigerians that its self-service portal is secure, reliable, and allows users to update their information conveniently from any location. NIMC further stressed that NIN modifications should only be carried out via SelfserviceModification.nimc.gov.ng, cautioning the public against using unauthorised websites. It noted “The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) wishes to state that in order to ensure the security and integrity of your National Identification Number (NIN) data, modifications can only be done on the official NIMC self-service portal: Selfservicemodification.nimc.gov.ng.” It cautioned Nigerians against attempting to modify their NIN data on third-party platforms, stressing that such actions could expose personal information to fraudsters. “Do not attempt to modify your NIN data on any unauthorized websites, as this may compromise your personal information and put you at risk of identity theft,” the statement read. Highlighting the benefits of the new portal, NIMC noted that the platform ensures data integrity while allowing Nigerians to modify their details without visiting an enrollment center. “By using the official NIMC self-service portal, you can be rest assured that your data is secure and protected. You’ll also enjoy the convenience of updating your information from anywhere, at any time,” the commission stated.

3/10/2025, 1:43:15 PM

Rivers Crisis: Resign Or Be Impeached, APC Tells Fubara

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara to resign honorably or face impeachment by the House of Assembly. The party alleged that the governor has committed multiple impeachable offenses, as revealed by the Supreme Court's judgment. Speaking at a press conference in his country home in Port Harcourt on Monday, the state chairman of the APC, Tony Okocha, said there was no need for the assembly to set up a seven-man panel to investigate the wrongdoings of the governor. “Supreme Court has already exposed those allegations,” he said. “There are two options left for Sir Siminalayi Fubara. He should either resign honourably or face impeachment,” Okocha added.

3/10/2025, 1:37:27 PM

El Rufai Dumps APC For SDP

Former Kaduna State Governor and APC founding member, Nasir El-Rufai, has officially resigned from the ruling party. El-Rufai announced his move to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) on Monday via his verified Facebook page. He stated that he had submitted his resignation letter to his ward in Kaduna after consulting with his mentors, colleagues, and loyalists before finalizing the decision. “As a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I have fond memories of working with other compatriots to negotiate the merger of political parties that created the APC. It had been my hope since 2013 that my personal values and that of the APC will continue to align up to the time I choose to retire from politics,” he stated. El-Rufai accused the party’s leadership of ignoring internal concerns and stifling its democratic structures. “Developments in the last two years confirm that there is no desire on the part of those who currently control and run the APC to acknowledge, much less address, the unhealthy situation of the party,” he said. The former governor, who played a key role in the APC’s victories in 2015, 2019, and 2023, said he could no longer remain in a party that has “castrated its organs and treated its membership with contempt.” He added that as a member of the SDP, he would work to unite opposition parties to challenge the APC in future elections, including the 2027 general election. “Without prejudice to this decision, as a member of the SDP, I will focus on engaging with and persuading other opposition leaders and parties to join us and congregate under a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in all elections and bye-elections between now and 2027 by the Grace of God,” El-Rufai said. “I therefore call on all our supporters and other persons concerned about our country’s future to join us in the SDP in the journey towards making Nigeria flourish as a beacon of pride for Africans and the Black Race.”

3/10/2025, 1:34:32 PM

Subscribe to our newsletter

advertisement