Author: Daily Post Nigeria

Nigeria’s Accountant General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi, has clarified his remarks on a six-month ultimatum to the World Bank over loan disbursement.

In a statement issued at the weekend by the spokesperson of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, Bawa Mokwa, the AGF said the remarks were made in the context of encouraging timely consideration and processing of no-objection requests.

The AGF explained that the facilities being accessed by Nigeria are loans and not grants and therefore require efficient processing to ensure that projects tied to such facilities are implemented within planned timelines and fiscal cycles.

“At no point did the AGF issue a threat or ultimatum to the World Bank. Rather, he underscored the importance of stronger collaboration, mutual understanding, and timely and favourable consideration in the processing of no-objection requests by the OAGF to the World Bank when such requests are made by the OAGF for the deployment of project accountants, assistant project accountants, and project internal auditors from the Treasury for all federal government World Bank-funded projects that have a duration of more than six months before the project closure.

“The OAGF remains committed to maintaining a cordial and productive relationship with the World Bank and other development partners in advancing transparency, accountability and effective public financial management in Nigeria,” the statement read.

Nigeria’s AGF clarifies six-month ultimatum to World Bank over loan disbursement

The Nigeria Police Force has revealed that former Big Brother Naija housemate, Ms. Ilebaye Odiniya Emmanuel, and her two younger brothers, who were rescued during a police operation in Abuja are currently in protective custody and not detained as being circulated in online reports.

The clarification follows reports alleging that the children rescued from the residence of Hon. Emmanuel Odiniya in Wuye, Abuja, were being held in police custody after an alleged assault incident involving Ilebaye and her father.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said Ilebaye, 27, alongside her brothers, Godson Emmanuel Odiniya, 14, and Devin Emmanuel Odiniya, 10, were rescued and taken for medical attention after the operation.

According to the statement, the victims, alongside their father who also sustained injuries during the confrontation, were rushed to Yabisam Hospital, Lugbe, by the Area Commander Metro, ACP Ufomadu Georglyn.

Adeh stated that the children remain under police protective custody and not detention as alleged in some online publications.

“The rescued siblings are currently in police protective custody, contrary to the circulating publications being released online, while their father, who is also receiving medical treatment, remains in police custody,” the statement read.

She added that investigations into the incident were ongoing and that questioning of all parties would commence once medical personnel certify them stable.

Police Clarify Ilebaye’s Siblings’ Custody Situation is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Barcelona legend, Ronaldinho, has sent a special word of support to his old club ahead of their LaLiga El Clasico with Real Madrid.

The Blaugrana will host the Los Blancos in Sunday’s El Clasico clash  at Camp Nou.

The Catalan club sits at the top of the LaLiga table with 88 points from 34 games, and Real Madrid occupies the second position with 77 points from the same number of matches.

However, in a post on X ahead of the encounter,  Ronaldinho posted a picture of himself in El Clasico action, with the caption, “Great week and with El Clásico!!! Let’s go Barça.”

Meanwhile, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick had said at his pre-match press conference earlier on Saturday that it would be unbelievable for his team to win a back-to-back LaLiga title.

“To win a second title with this young team would be unbelievable,” Flick said.

El Clasico: Ronaldinho sends message to Barcelona ahead of Real Madrid clash

Manchester City closed the gap between themselves and Arsenal to two points with a 3-0 victory on Saturday.

Pep Guardiola’s dropped points earlier in the week, after they were held to a 3-3 draw at Everton.

But they bounced back to keep their Premier League title hopes alive with a home win.

Although the first half ended goalless, City made their dominance count after the break.

In-form Jeremy Doku opened the scoring with a curling effort, before Erling Haaland bundled the second over the line.

Omar Marmoush came off the bench to add the third goal.

Arsenal can extend their lead to five points when they play at West Ham tomorrow.

EPL table: Man City cut Arsenal’s lead to two points with Brentford win

A member of the Governing Council/Board of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN, Dr. Bayo Olugbemi, has appealed to Christians to make wise use of opportunities in the digital space and artificial intelligence.

Olugbemi, who spoke on Saturday, noted that there are many opportunities online, in the digital space and in artificial intelligence that people can tap into to earn a good living.

He made the remarks while addressing participants at the Regional Men’s Convention of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Mount Zion Cathedral, in Ibadan.

Olugbemi, while addressing the congregation, explained that there are numerous opportunities in the digital space and artificial intelligence.

He revealed that there are many opportunities within and outside the church that Christians can utilise in order to live independently and attain financial stability.

Speaking further, Olugbemi said the number of poor people would reduce if people made use of the available opportunities.

He said, “There are opportunities in the digital space. Artificial intelligence is there. Let us make use of the opportunities because opportunities abound in our churches and outside the churches.

“This life is full of risks; you must take risks to survive. In business, you take risks. So, don’t procrastinate. It kills dreams. The best thing is to do it now. Do it today.

“To succeed requires knowledge and action. We are to inspire our generation. Whatever you want to do, do it with all your heart. Seek professional help before taking any action. Whoever you want to consult must be a real professional.

“There are a lot of opportunities out there in the digital space and online. Artificial Intelligence is another area.”

A social scientist, Pastor Taiwo Babatope, while addressing the gathering, urged members of the congregation not to wait until they fall sick before seeking medical attention.

He said it is cheaper to prevent diseases than to seek a cure.

Babatope said, “Don’t wait till you fall sick before seeking medical attention. Prevention, they say, is better than cure.”

Make wise use of digital space, AI – Olugbemi charges Christians 

The lawmaker representing Oredo Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Engr. Ososa Iyawe, has denied resigning from the All Progressives Congress, APC, attributing the rumour to overzealous individuals within his media circle and some loyalists.

DAILY POST reports that Engr. Iyawe, who was elected on the platform of the Labour Party in 2023 and defected to the APC on December 5, 2024, had in a letter dated May 6, 2026, and addressed to Ward 1, Oredo Local Government Area, allegedly announced his resignation from the party over irreconcilable differences between him and Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State.

In the letter, the federal lawmaker was alleged to have disclosed that he would align himself with the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC.

He was also alleged to have stated that he had withdrawn his expression of interest to contest for the House of Representatives seat in the 2027 general elections on the platform of the APC.

Reacting, Engr. Iyawe, in a press statement personally signed and made available to newsmen on Saturday, May 9, 2026, in Benin City, denied resigning from the APC as well as withdrawing from the House of Representatives race.

He said the letter did not represent his position and was issued without his authorisation by certain overzealous individuals within his media circle and some loyalists acting outside the scope of his directives.

According to him, “My attention has been drawn to a purported resignation letter currently circulating on social media and other platforms, alleging my withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and my resignation from the party.

“I wish to categorically state that the said letter does not represent my position and was issued without my authorisation by certain overzealous individuals within my media circle and some loyalists acting outside the scope of my directives.

“For the avoidance of doubt, I remain a committed and loyal member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and I have not resigned my membership from the party nor withdrawn my political aspirations.

“It is important to emphasise that I am presently engaged in constructive consultations and ongoing engagements with the leadership of our great party in Edo State regarding matters affecting the party and the future of our constituency.

“These discussions are being carried out in the spirit of unity, mutual respect and progressive development.

“I therefore urge party faithful, supporters and the general public to disregard the said letter and any misinformation surrounding it.

“I remain committed to the ideals of the APC and to the continued progress and development of Oredo Federal Constituency and Edo State at large,” he said.

He, however, appreciated the concern, support and solidarity shown by his supporters and well-wishers during the period.

Edo Reps, Esosa Iyawe denies APC resignation, blames overzealous aide for viral letter

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has received Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Moses Rugema, in Abuja as both countries deepen bilateral cooperation ahead of the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali from May 14 to 15.

President Bola Tinubu is expected to attend the forum, which brings together top business and government leaders from across Africa.

The meeting covered economic cooperation, security and technical partnership, with both sides reviewing a growing list of agreements that have strengthened ties between the two countries in recent years.

Central to the economic relationship is the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement signed in June 2025, which is designed to eliminate double taxation, create certainty for investors and promote cross-border investment in manufacturing, agriculture, information and communications technology, and real estate.

The two countries also maintain a Bilateral Air Service Agreement under which RwandAir currently operates multiple flights per week to Lagos and Abuja, boosting trade and people-to-people relations.

Nigeria has deployed at least 28 Technical Aid Corps volunteers to Rwanda in various capacities, while Rwandan military and police officers continue to receive training at Nigerian institutions.

Both countries also collaborate through the Rwanda Co-operative Institute, which regularly hosts delegations from Nigerian states.

They further strengthened relations with the establishment of a Joint Permanent Commission in September 2021 to provide a structured framework for advancing bilateral cooperation, while continuing to support each other at the African Union and the Commonwealth.

Nigeria, Rwanda Deepen Bilateral Ties Ahead Of Africa CEO Forum is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria, a decision widely seen as strengthening the prospects of former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, ahead of the general election.

The announcement was made on Saturday at the party’s national convention in Abuja, attended by key party stakeholders and political leaders from across the country.

Confirming the development in a post on its official X handle, the party declared: “NDC Presidential ticket is zoned to the South”

Among prominent figures present at the convention were Obi and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

According to the convention agenda made available to journalists, delegates were expected to deliberate on issues including zoning arrangements, ratification of the amended party constitution and the election of national executives.

The NDC has in recent weeks been receiving a number of defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) into its fold.

The defectors are mainly members of the National Assembly whose prospects of realising their 2027 re-election through their former parties became dim.

The defection of Obi and Kwankwaso to the ADC has continued to boost the prospects of the newly registered party.

They were formally received into the party by former Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson who is the NDC national leader.

Dickson, who represents the Bayelsa West senatorial district in the Senate, has aggressively been marketing the ADC to politicians intending to contest in the 2027 general election.

Obi and Kwankwaso dumped the ADC a few days ago citing the unresolved legal issues the party is currently entangled in.

It’s apparent the duo intends to run on a joint presidential ticket on the platform of the NDC.

Obi Aspiration Receives Boost As NDC Zones Presidential Ticket To South is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Prince Adewole Adebayo has emerged as the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He emerged through a unanimous decision by delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory during the party’s national convention held on Saturday at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Memorial Stadium, Bauchi.

The delegates adopted a voice vote conducted by state chairmen, in line with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines.

Adebayo was the sole aspirant for the presidential ticket and was returned unopposed.

DAILY POST reports that the convention also produced new national officers of the party in line with its constitution.

Prof. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe emerged as National Chairman, while Senator Ugochukwu Uba was elected Deputy National Chairman (South), and Dr Olu Agunloye became National Secretary.

Other elected officials include Hajiya Mariam Maggie Batubo as Treasurer, Barr. Joseph Achile Abu as National Organising Secretary, Anaba Rufus Aiyenigba as National Publicity Secretary, Barr. Aderemi Abimbola as Legal Adviser, and Mallam Bello Ado Hussaini as Financial Secretary.

Others are Hajiya Sa’adatu Abdullahi as Women Leader, Hon. Daniel Ibe as Youth Leader, Rosemary Effiong as Welfare Secretary, and Chief Lekan Alabi as Leader of Persons with Disabilities.

Adewole Adebayo emerges SDP 2027 presidential candidate

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has paid the ₦90 million fee for the presidential nomination form of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general election.

The party made the disclosure on Saturday in a statement posted on its official X account, accompanied by a copy of the payment receipt issued to the former vice president.

Confirming the development, the party stated: “A new chapter in Nigeria’s democratic journey. H.E. Atiku Abubakar, GCON, has officially received his payment receipt to contest under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 Presidential Election.”

But Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is challenging the legitimacy of the David Mark-led ADC leadership, has called for the immediate suspension of the sale of nomination forms, pending the determination of a suit he filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Gombe, speaking through the Secretary of his faction’s Board of Trustees, Rufus Akanni,
warned that anyone purchasing nomination forms of the ADC risked losing their money.

“All parties concerned are directed to immediately suspend the sale/purchase of such forms pending the final determination of the matter presently before the Federal High Court,” Akanni said.

“It is expressly stated that any person who proceeds to purchase the said forms does so at their own risk, and the African Democratic Congress shall not accept any liability or responsibility for consequences arising therefrom.”

The Mark-led leadership however described the purchase of form as a major step in what it termed a growing political movement focused on “national renewal, democratic inclusion, and people-driven leadership.”

“This development marks another significant moment in the growing movement for national renewal, democratic inclusion, and people-driven leadership within the ADC,” it stated.

The opposition party also reiterated its commitment to providing what it described as a credible alternative platform for Nigerians.

“As Nigerians continue to seek credible alternatives, the ADC remains committed to providing a strong platform built on unity, competence, economic recovery, security, and national progress,” it added.

According to the party, the formal presentation of the nomination forms is scheduled to take place on Monday, May 11 at the ADC National Secretariat in Abuja.

“The movement is growing. Hope is rising. Expect more,” the party stated.

THE WHISTLER reported that another ADC presidential aspirant, Dr. Mohammed Hayatu-Deen had also purchased his nomination form on Friday.

Atiku Obtains ADC Presidential Nomination Form, Gombe Kicks is first published on The Whistler Newspaper