Author: Daily Post Nigeria

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday fixed June 15 for ruling on whether an EFCC’s witness statement sought to be tendered in the ongoing trial of former Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State is admissible in line with the Evidence Act.

Justice Emeka Nwite fixed the date after counsel for the EFCC, Kayode Enitan, SAN, and lawyer to the ex-governor, Adebayo Adedeji, SAN, made their submissions on the propriety of the application.

The development occured when Enitan sought to tender the statement made by the 14th prosecution witness (PW-14), Shehu Bello, in continuation of the evidence-in-chief.

Earlier, when the matter was called, the EFCC’s lead counsel, Kemi Pinheiro SAN, told the court that the matter was scheduled for continuation of the examination-in-chief of PW-14.

He said he would allow his colleague, Enitan, to lead the witness in evidence.

While being led in evidence, the witness told the court his involvement in the property located at Plot 1891, Dalla Hills, Maitama in Abuja.

“My friend, Ali Bello, approached me if I know any good construction company that can build a house for him.

“So I recommended a company, Metro Deck Construction Company limited. I brought them and he gave them the job to build the house for him.”

Asked on how the company was paid, the witness said that Ali Bello made transfers to them, and on some occasions, he paid them in cash.

When he was asked the currency in which the money was paid in cash, the witness said it was in naira.

The PW-14 also told the court that he knew the property located at Plot 1058, Cadastral Zone A08, Wuse II, Abuja.

He explained what he knew about the property.

“My friend, Ali Bello, asked me if I could get him a property around Wuse II, where he can build shops.

“After we spoke, I went out and got some people and spoke with some colleagues of mine.

“We got a plot of land in that location, Durban street, Plot 1058, Cadastral Zone A08, Wuse II, Abuja,” he said.

He said the property was purchased from SFC Foods Limited.

When Enitan Asked him whether he could remember when he made a statement in the EFCC, the witness responded in affirmative.

He also confirmed his statement when he was asked to do so.

‘It’s my statement, it carries my signatures on all pages,” he said.

But when Enitan sought to tender the statement in evidence, Adedeji raised an objection.

Adedeji argued that the statement was inadmissible for a purpose the prosecution sought to tender the extra-judicial statement.

“Before I give my reasons as to why it is inadmissible at this stage, the same having been sought to be tendered by the prosecution, it is important for us to put it in context.

“Why do I say so, I’m referring my lord to the proceedings of yesterday.

“My lord, we submit with respect of the statement sought to be tendered this morning by the prosecution as though it constitute substantive evidence in support of the prosecution’s case is a misconception of the law and inadmissible at this stage.

“We submit that the same extra-judicial statement, my lord, is for the use of the defence under Section 223, 224, 225, 230, 232, 237 and 38 of the Evidence Act.

“My lord this category of statement is generally inadmissible except for the narrow purposes for the defence to impeach the credibility of the witness.

“My Lord, this position was not made by me but by the Supreme Court in 1989,” he said.

Adedeji argued that what was sought to be tendered by the prosecution was not a confessional statement, hence, it was inadmissible against the defendant.

“So my lord, the situation is different from what your lordship ruled on earlier that the prosecution could refresh the memory of the witness,” he said.

Responding, Enitan disagreed with Adedeji.

He said the submission of the defence was an extreme exercise of confidence in the absence of cogent legal authorities in the misapplication of the law and case law cited.

After taking their arguments, Justice Nwite adjourned the matter until June 15 and June 18 for ruling and continuation of trial.

It would be recalled that on Wednesday, the PW-13, Baba Bappa, told the court that he did not transact any property business with the ex-governor.

Bappa told Justice Nwite while being cross examined by the lead counsel for the defence, Joseph Daudu, SAN.

The witness, who said he is an estate surveyor and facility manager, admitted that he only knew the former governor as a public figure, not in relation to the property transaction before the court.

Court to rule on admissibility of EFCC witness’ statement in Yahaya Bello’s trial June 15.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Niger State, Jonathan Vatsa, has warned against attempts to weaken opposition parties and impose candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking to journalists in Minna, the former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism said any move to strangulate opposition parties or deny Nigerians a transparent democratic process could lead to unrest.

According to him, underperforming leaders should be allowed to face voters at the polls, stressing that “non-performing politicians must be voted out”.

Vatsa described calls for a one-party state as dangerous and unconstitutional, warning that it could trigger anarchy.

He also said Nigerians are unhappy with the current economic situation despite what he described as abundant government revenue.

“There is excess money but excess poverty in the land,” he said, urging the ruling party to win public support through performance rather than political manipulation.

The APC chieftain further cautioned against suppressing opposition voices, insisting that democracy can only thrive where citizens are free to choose their leaders.

2027: Vatsa warns APC against imposing candidates

The Senate has passed the 2026 Electoral Act Amendment bill, with a focus on providing jurisdiction of the court in handling pre-election matters.

The passage followed the presentation of a report by the Committee on INEC by its Chairman, Senator Simon Lalong (APC-Plateau) at plenary on Thursday.

The proposed amendment aims to address gaps, timelines and court jurisdiction in the resolution of pre-election disputes.

Lalong in his lead debate said the bill sought to address one of the most persistent procedural and constitutional challenges in the nation’s electoral jurisprudence.

According to him, it sought to address the uncertainty, multiplicity and inconsistency associated with the jurisdiction for the determination of pre-election matters.

He said democracy thrives not merely on the conduct of elections, but also on the credibility, certainty and predictability of the legal processes that precede the elections.

“The legitimacy of candidates and the integrity of party primaries are foundational pillars of representative democracy.

“Where the legal framework regulating pre-election disputes is uncertain or conflicting, the entire electoral architecture becomes vulnerable to confusion, forum shopping, contradictory judgments and unnecessary delays,” Lalong said.

He said the bill targets amendments to section 29 of the electoral act and introduces a new section 29A to clearly delineate jurisdictional competence in pre-election matters.

He said in spite provisions of section 285(14) of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 on pre- election matters, the legal system continued to witness conflicting interpretations, regarding appropriate court with jurisdiction to entertain disputes.

The uncertainty, Lalong noted results in conflicting decisions from courts of coordinate jurisdiction and abuse of judicial process.

According to him, the uncertainty also results in undue delay in the resolution of electoral disputes and avoidable constitutional tension between courts.

He said the amendment sought would bring clarity, order and constitutional harmony to the adjudication of pre-election matters.

He listed highlights of the amendment to include clause two of the bill which amends section 29 (5) of the principal act.

He said the clause provides that an aspirant may institute an action either in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) or in the jurisdiction where the cause of action arose.

“This amendment is both practical and equitable, it reduces hardship on litigants, improves access to justice.

“It aligns electoral adjudication with territorial realities surrounding political primaries and nomination processes.

“More fundamentally, clause three introduces a new section 29A, which is the substantive innovation of this bill.

“The proposed section 29A establishes a clear jurisdictional framework on pre-election matters relating to elections into the National Assembly, Governorship and State Houses of Assembly.

“It shall originate at the Federal High Court, with appeals lying to the Court of Appeal.”

He said pre-election matters relating to the offices of president and vice president shall originate at the Court of Appeal exercising original jurisdiction, with appeals lying to the Supreme Court.

Lalong said the proposal was not arbitrary, adding that it was rooted firmly in constitutional logic, judicial efficiency and the doctrine of hierarchy of courts.

“Presidential elections are national in character and constitutional significance.

“Given the sensitivity and urgency associated with such offices, vesting original jurisdiction in the Court of Appeal ensures expeditious determination by a superior court of record with nationwide competence and institutional capacity.

“Similarly, assigning jurisdiction over other pre-election matters to the Federal High Court promotes specialisation and consistency, especially given the federal nature of electoral administration through the INEC.”

Lalong said the bill also sought to eliminate the dangerous practice where litigants deliberately institute multiple suits in different judicial divisions in search of favourable orders.

According to him, such practices erode public confidence in the judiciary and undermine electoral stability.

“By expressly providing that no court shall entertain pre-election matters except in accordance with the proposed section 29A, this amendment introduces certainty and procedural discipline into electoral adjudication.”

He said the bill ultimately provides clear judicial pathway that would reduce delays and enhance judicial efficiency.

“The amendment before us is not merely procedural, it is institutional.

“It strengthens electoral justice, deepens democratic accountability and reinforces public confidence in our electoral process.”

Lalong said the bill was timely, necessary and in the national interest and urged lawmakers to support its passage.

Contributing, Sen. Mohammed Monguno (APC-Borno) after seconding the motion said the amendment sought was apt and germane.

According to him, it will lead to an improved experience in the nation’s electoral litigation and urged the lawmakers to support the passage of the bill.

President of Senate, Godswill Akpabio in his remarks after the bill was passed commended the Chairman and the committee members for their inputs on the bill.

He expressed believe that the bill would be assented to by President Bola Tinubu, saying that act would deepen democracy and governance in Nigeria.

Senate Passes 2026 Electoral Act Amendment Bill is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Adetomiwa Adetilewa has emerged as the All Progressives Congress, APC, consensus candidate for the House of Representatives seat for Ijebu Central Federal Constituency.

This development was announced by the Chairman Governor’s Advisory Council, GAC, Oluneye Okuboyejo, shortly after he handed over Adetilewa to the party following the consensus reached after a meeting on Wednesday.

Those present at the event include the Chairman of the Ogun East/Ijebu Political Structure of the APC, Arowolo Adebola, and other party stakeholders.

The Ogun East APC leaders described the decision as a reflection of confidence in Adetilewa’s leadership qualities, political experience and commitment to grassroots development across the constituency.

Reacting to his emergence, Adetilewa expressed gratitude to the leadership of the party, members and supporters for the confidence reposed in him. He equally commended fellow aspirants who had shown interest in contesting for the position, describing them as critical stakeholders in the growth and unity of the APC.

“This is a victory for all of us. In this consensus option by our party members, there is no victor and no vanquished — we are all winners.

“I sincerely invite my brothers and sisters who aspired for this same position to join hands with me as we work together for the progress of our constituency and our great party. I assure everyone that I will carry all stakeholders and party leaders along in this journey,” he said.

The aspirant appreciated President Bola Tinubu for what he described as exemplary leadership and commitment to national development.

In the same vein, Adetilewa thanked the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, APC leaders, party members and his supporters for their support and trust.

The APC consensus candidate assured party faithful that their confidence in him would not be misplaced, pledging to remain accessible and committed to delivering quality representation for the people of Ijebu Central Federal Constituency.

He added, “I will continue to listen to the wise counsel of our leaders, engage our people, and work tirelessly to justify the trust placed in me. Together, we will achieve greater progress for our constituency and our party.”

2027: Adetilewa emerges APC consensus candidate for Ijebu Central Reps seat

The lawmaker representing Oredo Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Esosa Iyawe, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress, APC, following alleged irreconcilable differences between him and the Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo.

DAILY POST reports that the federal lawmaker who was elected on the platform of the Labour Party, LP, in 2023, defected to the APC on December 5, 2024.

Iyawe has now left the APC for the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC.

In a letter dated May 6, 2026 and addressed to the leadership of the APC in Ward 1, Oredo Local Government Area, attributed his resignation to the irreconcilable differences between him and Okpebholo.

While stating that he would be aligning himself with the NDC, he added that he has withdrawn his expression of interest to contest for the House of Representatives election on the platform of the APC.

The lawmaker stated that his resignation is with immediate effect.

“I write to formally notify you that I hereby withdraw my expression of interest to contest for the position of House of Representatives in the 2027 general elections and to resign from the All Progressives Congress (APC), effective immediately.

“This regrettable decision has been made after careful reflection and consideration. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been associated with the party and for the experiences gained during my membership.

“However, due to personal and political reasons, I have decided to withdraw my membership and align myself with another political platform, the Nigeria Democratic Party (NDC). I believe this move is in line with my current convictions and aspirations.

“It is imperative to state that this decision is a result of the irreconcilable difference between me and my Governor His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Governor of Edo State.

“I kindly request that my resignation be duly noted in your records and INEC records and that I be relieved of all rights, responsibilities, and obligations associated with membership in the party,” the letter read.

2027: Edo Rep, Iyawe dumps APC for NDC over alleged rift with Okpebholo

Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have unanimously endorsed Hon. Adetomiwa Adetilewa as the party’s consensus candidate for the House of Representatives seat representing Ijebu Central Federal Constituency.

This was announced by the Chairman Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), Oluneye Okuboyejo, shortly after he handed over the candidate to the party following the consensus reached on Wednesday in the State.. Also present at the event was the party Chairman of Chairmen in the Ogun East/Ijebu Political Structure of the APC,Arowolo Adebola and party stakeholders.

The development is described as a major milestone for the party in Ogun State amid growing support from party stakeholders and members across the constituency.

The Party leaders described the decision as a reflection of confidence in Adetilewa’s leadership qualities, political experience, and commitment to grassroots development across the constituency.

Reacting to his emergence, Hon. Adetilewa expressed gratitude to the leadership of the party, members and supporters for the confidence reposed in him.

He also commended fellow aspirants who had shown interest in contesting for the position, describing them as critical stakeholders in the growth and unity of the APC.

“This is a victory for all of us. In this consensus option by our party members, there is no victor and no vanquished — we are all winners,” he said.

“I sincerely invite my brothers and sisters who aspired for this same position to join hands with me as we work together for the progress of our constituency and our great party. I assure everyone that I will carry all stakeholders and party leaders along in this journey.”

Adetilewa further appreciated the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for what he described as exemplary leadership and commitment to national development.

He also thanked the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, alongside APC leaders, party members and supporters in Ogun State for their unwavering support and trust.

The APC consensus candidate assured party faithful that their confidence in him would not be misplaced, pledging to remain accessible and committed to delivering quality representation for the people of Ijebu Central Federal Constituency.

“I will continue to listen to the wise counsel of our leaders, engage our people, and work tirelessly to justify the trust placed in me. Together, we will achieve greater progress for our constituency and our party,” he added.

Adetilewa Emerges Consensus Reps Candidate For Ijebu Central is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on the National Examinations Council (NECO) to ensure that its services remain accessible and affordable to every Nigerian child, regardless of background.

Shettima, who spoke on Thursday in Abuja during NECO’s Silver Jubilee celebration, described the milestone as “a profound testament to collective national resolve and our enduring faith in the Nigerian child.”

Shettima, who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Legal and Compliance Matters, Barrister Bashir Maidugu, commended the council for embracing digital solutions to improve transparency, result processing, and operational efficiency, and for aligning with global best practices in educational assessment and governance.

While acknowledging NECO’s progress, he urged the council to deepen its commitment to integrity in examination administration, strengthen security mechanisms to protect the sanctity of assessments, and ensure the transparent and timely release of results to candidates and institutions.

Shettima also stressed the need to expand professional development opportunities for educators and examiners, and to leverage technology and strategic partnerships to improve access and innovation, particularly in the era of artificial intelligence.

Also speaking in his keynote address, the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, stated that the council has performed exceptionally well and reduced examination malpractice by 90 per cent.

He noted that the achievement reflects years of deliberate reforms in examination administration and security.

He restated that NECO is set to commence Computer-Based Examinations (CBE) later this year to further strengthen integrity and provide real-time monitoring of candidates.

“We are at the threshold of a very important reform, which NECO is spearheading – and that is the Computer-Based Examination (CBE), which is to commence this year.

“This will go a long way in curbing the menace of Examination malpractice due to its ability to track and detect suspicious activity and also provide real-time monitoring of Candidates,” he said.

He said the council’s early focus on secure examination processes, reliable scoring and timely release of results had helped restore public confidence in national certification, while investments in examiner training, item development, psychometrics and quality assurance had laid the foundation for rigorous standards.

“Today, we pause to reflect on a remarkable journey—one that has shaped our educational landscape, strengthened accountability, and reinforced the promise of equal opportunity for all learners in our nation,” he said.

According to him, NECO has also expanded its examination centre network to give students in diverse regions fair access, diversified its subject offerings to suit different learning stages, and adopted technology-driven processes such as secure data management and electronic results to improve efficiency and transparency.

The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry of Education’s oversight role in setting standards, safeguarding fairness and aligning NECO’s examinations with national curricula and development objectives.

In his own remarks, NECO’s Registrar and Chief Executive Professor Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, said the council had evolved from its early challenges of limited public trust and infrastructure gaps to become an internationally recognised examination body now conducting examinations in eight countries.

He attributed the progress to transparent procedures, the introduction of online registration and internet-based release of results, and sustained collaboration with stakeholders both within and outside Nigeria.

Wushishi noted that NECO had undertaken the construction of offices in 10 states and a standard science laboratory at its headquarters, while also procuring 50 Mitsubishi single-cabin trucks, 24 Toyota Hilux double-cabin trucks, two Isuzu mini trucks and two 18-seater buses to improve logistics.

He said the council had also developed the NECO e-verify application for result confirmation, an e-library, e-granary, a Statistics and Data Analysis studio, and created additional departments and six zonal directorates to enhance staff mobility and development.

The Registrar paid tribute to former Presidents General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and Olusegun Obasanjo for their roles in establishing and consolidating the council, as well as to the Niger State Government and the Gidan Mangoro and Baganakwo communities for hosting NECO’s headquarters.

He also acknowledged the contributions of past Ministers of Education, Governing Board members and former Registrars, including Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, Prof. Promise N. Okpala, Prof. Abdulrashid Garba, Prof. Charles B. Uwakwe and Mallam Abubakar M. Gana, for building the foundations on which NECO now stands.

Outlining plans, Wushishi said NECO would continue to enhance security protocols, item banking and anti-cheating measures, expand e-services and data analytics, align with international best practices through partnerships with global examination bodies, and broaden access for learners in underserved communities through targeted outreach and fee strategies.

NECO Must Remain Affordable For Ordinary Nigerian Child—-Shettima is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has disclosed that Section Two of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is expected to be completed by November, while Section One is substantially completed and ready for inauguration.

Umahi disclosed this while speaking with journalists during an inspection tour of the highway project on Wednesday evening in Lagos.

He said that some ongoing works, including flyovers, underpasses and interchanges being observed on the corridor, belonged to section two of the project.

“Some of the works you are seeing, such as underpass, overpass and the interchange, belong to section two.

“Section one does not have any flyover. You may be asking why we say it is ready while flyover construction is still ongoing. Those works belong to section two,” he said.

The minister also said that about 200m of pavement had been intentionally left unfinished due to soil settlement concerns.

“We have been checking the settlement there, and it is settling very fast. We do not want to take chances.

“If after two weeks we are not satisfied with the settlement, we will put flexible pavement there temporarily for one year before replacing it with rigid concrete pavement,” he said.

According to him, rigid concrete pavement does not tolerate settlement because it can crack.

Umahi said that only minor works such as shoulders and landscaping remained on section one.

He expressed satisfaction at the quality of work by the contractor, Hitech Construction Company, and praised President Bola Tinubu for initiating legacy infrastructure projects across the country.

“We are doing the same in Sokoto, Kebbi, Badagry, Oyo, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi, Jos, Gombe and Biu.

“These legacy projects are spread across the six geopolitical zones, and it shows that the president is fair,” he said.

Umahi added that by November, the coastal highway construction would have reached the Ogun/Lagos border.

He noted that the highway construction was also progressing on the Ogun/Ondo axis.

“Before this time next year, motorists will be able to drive all the way to Ondo, while work on the Edo section will commence,” he said.

He assured Nigerians that roads constructed under the current administration were designed to last for between 50 years and 100 years.

The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Engineer Olufemi Dare, said that 47km Section One of the coastal highway was 98 per cent completed.

“The remaining works within the next two weeks are mainly tree planting and walkways.

“I can confidently say that this project is completed and ready for commissioning,” he said.

The Director of Bridges and Design in the Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Musa Saidu, said that the construction met all engineering standards of the ministry.

“As you can see, from Victoria Island to Chainage 47, engineering-wise, the project is complete.

“What remains are aesthetics such as tree planting, solar installations and about 100 metres of continuously reinforced concrete pavement awaiting settlement,” he said.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-West), Mrs Moremi Ojudu, described the highway as a major economic corridor for the South-West and Nigeria at large.

Similarly, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-East), Mrs Chioma Nweze, commended the Federal Government for extending legacy infrastructure projects to the South-East.

She cited ongoing work on the Trans-Saharan Road as evidence that no geopolitical zone was left out.

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, described the project as a dream come true.

He recalled that the coastal highway was envisioned by Tinubu when he was the Governor of Lagos State.

He commended the president, Umahi and the National Assembly for supporting the project through funding and oversight.

Also, Senator Osita Ngwu, a member of the Senate Committee on Works, said that initial doubts about the project had disappeared following visible progress on it.

“It is difficult for anybody to come here and not be impressed.

“This is what we call a legacy project, and I encourage Nigerians to visit and see what the government is doing,” he said.

Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Ready By November, Says Umahi is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

A rare hantavirus case involving a foreign traveller has triggered an international public health investigation involving the World Health Organisation (WHO), multiple countries, and cruise ship passengers travelling between continents.

A 69-year-old Dutch woman collapsed on arrival at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on April 25 after travelling on Airlink flight 4Z 132 from the British island of St Helena. She died the following day.

South African authorities confirmed on May 3 that she died of hantavirus, a rodent-borne disease rarely recorded outside the Americas, Europe, and parts of Asia.

The diagnosis, confirmed by Johannesburg’s National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), prompted a multinational investigation involving the WHO, national health authorities, and the operator of the cruise vessel MV Hondius.

The woman’s 70-year-old husband had died two weeks earlier aboard the same cruise ship.

A British passenger who fell ill on board was evacuated to a private hospital in Johannesburg and remains in intensive care, though officials say his condition is improving.

Virus Rare In Africa

Hantavirus is carried by rodents and spreads to humans through contact with infected urine, droppings, saliva, or contaminated particles in the air.

The disease is most commonly linked to parts of the Americas, Europe, and Asia where the rodent hosts are found. No sustained local transmission has been recorded in Africa.

The virus drew global attention in 1993 after deaths in the southwestern United States were traced to a strain carried by deer mice. Since then, cases have been reported in South America, particularly Argentina and Chile, and in Europe.

South African Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi told Parliament: “Local rodents in South Africa are not known to carry hantavirus.”

He said the strain identified in the current cases, the Andes virus, originates in South America and is among the few hantavirus strains with documented, though limited, human-to-human transmission.

Regional And International Response

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said it is monitoring the situation.

South Africa’s NICD conducted laboratory confirmation, while Institut Pasteur de Dakar is analysing additional samples from symptomatic passengers with WHO support.

Health officials have begun contact tracing involving airport staff, airline passengers, hospital workers, and cruise ship contacts. Monitoring continues because the virus can incubate for up to six weeks.

Former NICD deputy director Lucille Blumberg described the rapid identification of the virus as “like finding a needle in a haystack,” saying confirmation was achieved within 24 hours of alert.

Authorities have also traced passengers from connecting flights, including KLM services, as part of precautionary monitoring.

Cases Linked To Cruise Vessel

Health agencies have identified about seven to eight cases linked to the vessel, including at least two to three laboratory-confirmed Andes hantavirus infections.

Three deaths have been reported, while one patient remains critically ill in Johannesburg..

Symptoms include fever, headache, and gastrointestinal distress. Severe cases can progress rapidly to respiratory failure and shock.

The MV Hondius vessel, which departed Ushuaia in March on an Antarctic and Atlantic expedition, is heading toward Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands after anchoring off Cape Verde. Several passengers have been evacuated to hospitals in the Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland.

The WHO said the global risk remains low, with no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission or wider community spread.

How Deadly Hantavirus Outbreak Reached Africa is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

As the 2027 elections draw near, former Nigerian President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has called for active participation of Nigerian youths in electoral processes.

DAILY POST reports that Jonathan made the remark in Abuja on Thursday when a large number of youths stormed his residence, appealing to him to join the 2027 presidential race.

Addressing the crowd, Jonathan urged those advocating his comeback to get their Permanent Voters Card, PVCs, and actively participate in the election.

He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to carefully look at the growing apathy in Nigeria, lamenting that Nigerians are not interested in elections.

He said that young citizens of the country “must be involved in the electoral process”.

Lamenting the prevailing voter apathy in the country, Jonathan told the youths, “Probably 50% of you don’t even have voters card and you are asking me to go and contest the election”.

DAILY POST recalls that on 5th May 2010, upon the death of then President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Jonathan was sworn in as Nigeria’s President.

On May 29, 2011, the Bayelsa-born politician was again sworn in after winning the April 2011 presidential election.

Although Jonathan, who lost the 2015 election to Mohammadu Buhari is yet declare his intention to join the 2027 race, a cross section of Nigerians are calling for his comeback.

Some political analysts, however, argue that the Nigerian constitution does not allow for a person to be sworn in as President three times.

2027: ‘You’re asking me to contest but 50% of you don’t have voters card’ – Jonathan to Nigerians