Author: Daily Post Nigeria

Nigerian singer and songwriter, Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr P, has reacted to criticism surrounding the release of his latest music.

The singer, who was seen dancing in his new music video, faced comments from some social media users who suggested he should retire, arguing that Afrobeats is for a younger generation.

Responding to the backlash, Mr P defended his ability to sing, dance, perform, play multiple musical instruments, and his musical qualifications. 

Taking to his social media, he said, “Put some respect on the name Peter Okoye aka Mr P.”

He also claimed that many critics are disappointed PSQUARE fans who are yet to accept the group’s split. 

“Respect our decision and move on,” he said, adding that his solo career has been “one of the best things that has ever happened” to him.

The singer further revealed that he recently signed a multi-million-dollar five-year deal with an international distribution company covering three albums.

“Nobody can stop this movement. The train has left the station. It’s Mr P Forever!” He added.

Peter Okoye slams fan demanding his retirement over age

Prince Emmanuel Kanu, younger brother to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu has backed his brother’s courtroom exchange with Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja raising fresh questions over the legal foundation of his conviction.

Prince Kanu insisted that any criminal conviction must be based on an extant written law in force at the time of judgment.

In a detailed thread shared by Prince Emmanuel Kanu with THE WHISTLER on Tuesday, the court proceedings were described as centering on a fundamental constitutional question anchored on Section 36 (12) of the Nigerian Constitution, which prohibits conviction for any offence not defined and prescribed in a written law.

According to the account, during proceedings on 20 November 2025, Nnamdi Kanu directly challenged the court to “show me the law,” demanding the specific extant statute that defined the offence and prescribed its punishment at the time of conviction.

The thread alleges that the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, which is cited as the current law, was not expressly relied upon in the conviction, while the court instead referenced provisions linked to the repealed Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013.

It further stated that the prosecution’s case was originally anchored on the 2013 law, despite its repeal, and that the court relied on a savings provision contained in Section 98(3) of the 2022 Act to sustain ongoing proceedings.

Prince Emmanuel Kanu also referenced portions of the judgment in which the court acknowledged that repealed laws generally lose legal effect, but maintained that transitional provisions may preserve certain proceedings.

The argument, according to the thread, is whether such provisions can validly sustain a conviction where the offence-creating law has been repealed.

Central to the argument is Section 36(12) of the Constitution, which states that a person cannot be convicted of a criminal offence unless the offence and its penalty are defined in a written law. The Kanu camp maintains that the constitutional requirement applies at the point of conviction and not merely at the time of alleged conduct.

The thread further claims that the court did not explicitly identify a standalone offence-creating provision under the 2022 Act that directly supported the conviction, raising questions – according to the argument presented – about whether the legal basis met constitutional standards.

It also noted that the preliminary objection filed by Kanu challenged the continued reliance on a repealed statute and argued that any trial or conviction based on such a law would be void.

According to his explanation, Justice Omotosho had previously cited authorities suggesting that proceedings conducted under a repealed law are a nullity, but also relied on statutory transition clauses to justify continuity of the prosecution process.

The issue, as framed by the Kanu camp, is now expected to be further examined on appeal, where they argue that the Court of Appeal must clearly identify the specific written law in force at the time of conviction that supports the judgment delivered.

If no such law is identified, they contend, the conviction would fail the constitutional requirement under Section 36(12).

Kanu was convicted and sentenced to life in prison in 2025 on terrorism-related charges. He has recently appealed his conviction.

Kanu Backs Courtroom Exchange, Says Conviction Must Rest On Law is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has announced the restoration of near 24-hour electricity supply within the Aba ring-fenced area, covering nine local government areas of the state.

Otti made the disclosure on Monday at Invest Lagos 3.0, an international investment summit organised by the Lagos State Government in partnership with the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC).

Speaking at the summit themed “Lagos: Business Gateway to Africa – Powering Africa’s Next Era of Trade, Talent and Global Economic Leadership,” the governor said his administration, working with the Federal Government through the Office of the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, resolved longstanding issues that delayed the multi-million-dollar Geometric Power Project in Aba.

According to him, the success of the Aba power project has positioned the state to replicate the model in Umuahia and other parts of Abia.

He disclosed that discussions with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) had advanced significantly, while the establishment of the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency forms part of efforts to ensure stable power supply across the state and ultimately disconnect from dependence on the national grid.

“We believe that Geometric, at maximum capacity of 188 megawatts, would have excess capacity, and we can just wheel it to Umuahia and other parts of the State. And by God’s grace, in a few years, we should also guarantee 24 hours power supply in Umuahia and other local governments,” Otti said.

He noted that reliable electricity remains critical to industrial growth, as energy accounts for between 60 and 70 per cent of production costs for many manufacturers.

The governor revealed that a steel plant investor had already indicated interest in relocating operations to Abia because of the availability of stable power supply.

“I have already allocated five hectares of land for the plant to be close to Geometric. So, the plant is going to move,” he said.

On healthcare, Otti said Abia had consistently allocated 15 per cent of its annual budget to the sector over the past three years, second only to education, which received 20 per cent.

He said the state had refurbished 277 primary healthcare centres, with 135 already fully functional, while about 800 healthcare professionals had been recruited to strengthen service delivery.

According to him, seven general hospitals are currently being rebuilt, alongside ongoing improvements at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Specialist Hospital Amachara, and the Umunnato facility.

The governor, however, appealed for investment support toward the state’s proposed Medical City project.

“We have acquired 200 hectares for it. We have prepared it; we’ve built the road. But we need about $1.3 billion to put that in place,” he said.

Otti explained that the project is designed to reverse medical tourism and help retain part of the estimated $2 billion Nigerians spend annually on medical treatment abroad.

He also highlighted investment opportunities in the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park (AIIP) located in Owaza, describing it as a strategic industrial hub supported by the area’s oil and gas resources.

The governor used the forum to showcase achievements of his administration, including the construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation of 414 roads covering about 864 kilometres, with another 82 roads spanning approximately 211 kilometres currently under construction.

He also pointed to ongoing upgrades at Ekeoha Market and Ariaria International Market, as well as efforts to modernise other commercial centres across the state.

Otti further noted that the state had launched 20 electric buses in December 2025, with another 20 buses expected from China, bringing the total fleet to 40 as the government works toward a target of 100 electric buses by the end of the year.

The governor said Abia has attracted significant investments in recent years, including over $320 million in agriculture from Presco Plc and Nimble Shaw, as well as a planned $100 million investment by KADJI Group in a production facility in Aba.

He added that the state is also pursuing major infrastructure projects, including an airport being developed in partnership with the Federal Government and a proposed seaport in Ukwa East Local Government Area, for which a feasibility study has been approved.

Otti thanked Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for creating a platform that allowed other states to showcase investment opportunities and engage with global investors.

The summit attracted prominent dignitaries, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey, AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene, and CWEIC Chairman Lord Marland.

Abia Restores 24-Hours Electricity In Aba, To Exit National Grid is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

 

Nigerians spent more than N50bn on United States visa applications between 2023 and 2024, despite a sharp decline in approvals as Washington tightened immigration controls and increased scrutiny of applicants.

An analysis of the Intelpoint report, using data from the US Department of State, shows that 201,200 non-immigrant visas were issued to Nigerians between 2023 and 2024. At a standard application fee of $185 per applicant, Nigerians spent approximately $37.2m, equivalent to N50.7bn at an average exchange rate of N1,360 to the dollar.

Visa issuances declined by about 23 per cent, falling to 87,300 in 2024 from 113,900 in 2023, a reduction of 26,600 visas. The PUNCH could not obtain comparable figures for 2025 at the time of reporting.

Business and tourism travel dominated approvals in 2024, with B1/B2 visas accounting for 83 per cent of total issuances, while student visas (F1) represented about seven per cent. Exchange visitor visas (J1) and other temporary categories made up the remainder.

Africa’s most populous nation remained a significant source market for the United States, accounting for about 0.8 per cent of global non-immigrant visa issuances in 2024, the data showed.

Former President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies, Susan Akporiaye, said Nigerians’ travel behaviour is driven by more than economic conditions, noting a strong cultural inclination toward mobility.

“People would say it’s because of the economy, but I share a different view. Nigerians are generally migrants; they love travelling.

We are like the Chinese of Africa,” Akporiaye said

The executive argued that most Nigerians who travel abroad return home, and only a small proportion remain outside the country permanently. “There is so much noise of Nigerians staying back. The ones who travel and return are far more than those who stay back. It’s not up to 10 per cent that don’t return,” she stated.

The decline in visa issuances comes amid a series of policy changes introduced after Donald Trump returned to the White House in January 2025, which have gradually tightened requirements for Nigerian applicants.

In July 2025, the US Department of State announced that most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerian citizens would be restricted to single-entry permits valid for three months, with existing visas unaffected.

In August, applicants were required to disclose all social media usernames used over the previous five years on DS-160 forms, with officials warning that omissions could lead to visa denial or ineligibility.

Akporiaye also noted that travel demand cuts across income levels, from affluent individuals to ordinary citizens travelling for social events. “Nigerians like to explore. We travel for birthdays, weddings, and other ceremonies. I’m not talking about people like Dangote or Otedola, but ordinary Nigerians you don’t even know,” she said.

The expert, however, acknowledged that demand for US travel has softened relative to other destinations, citing operational and policy-related constraints.

“The demand has reduced for some destinations like the US, and it’s becoming worse now. Conditional requirements and operational changes at the US Embassy in Abuja have made access more difficult, including the consolidation of services in Lagos,” she stated.

“There are stories about visas being cancelled or Nigerians getting deported, and that makes people a bit sceptical. But other destinations are still booming.”

Further tightening followed in December 2025, when the US Mission in Nigeria said Washington expanded travel restrictions to include partial limitations on Nigeria and five other countries, effective January 1, 2026.

An executive at Travel and Tours Limited, Maureen Chimaobi, said securing a US visa has become increasingly difficult over the past year, with many first-time applicants facing steep odds despite completing all required procedures.

“Last year, getting a US visa drastically reduced, especially if you are a first-time traveller or first-time applicant. It’s almost a no-go area,” Chimaobi told our correspondent.

She noted that applicants continue to pay visa fees, schedule appointments and attend interviews, but approvals have become far less predictable. “You pay your visa fee, book your appointment and go for submission. Most of the time, they don’t give it,” the agent said.

The trend reflects growing concerns among travel operators about declining approval rates for Nigerian applicants, even as demand for overseas travel remains strong. Chimaobi said rejection levels have remained high throughout the period under review, particularly for individuals with limited international travel history.

The tougher environment is also influencing destination choices. More Nigerians are turning to countries where visa approvals are perceived to be more attainable, provided applicants can demonstrate sufficient financial capacity and present strong documentation.

“I think most countries still offer a 70 to 80 per cent chance of getting a visa, depending on the quality of your documents and your financial status,” Chimaobi revealed.

She identified the United Kingdom as one of the destinations with relatively stronger approval prospects, although she cautioned that British authorities have also hardened their assessment processes in recent months.

France and other countries within the Schengen area, once considered more accessible to Nigerian travellers, have become increasingly selective, especially toward first-time applicants, she added.

“Before now, France used to issue visas more easily, but most Schengen countries have become difficult over time, particularly for first-time travellers,” Chimaobi said.

Punch

Popular Nigerian stand-up comedian, Bovi Ugboma has revealed that he celebrates whenever a divorce happens. 

Speaking in a recent episode of The Moraya Show, Bovi explained that he celebrates divorces because he believes that at least one of the partners was going through difficult times in the marriage. 

According to him, the end of such marriage is a relief for at least one of the partners. 

While emphasising his support for divorce, the comedian said it is a better option than  toxic marriage. 

“I celebrate when people get divorced because I feel it means one or both people were not breathing well in the marriage. I will not suffer anybody neither will I want anybody to suffer me,” he said. 

Bovi added, “That is not to say my marriage has been easy for 17 years. It has not. I got married at 29. I have been providing for 17 years nonstop.”

Why I celebrate when people get divorced – Comedian, Bovi

Country Representative of the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security, Mrs Offiong Nsa, has stated that ethical, child-centred reporting could expose hidden recruitment networks and the realities of children in armed violence.

Opening a five-day capacity-building workshop for journalists in Abuja on Monday, Nsa told participants that the media has a central role beyond documenting conflict.

“You, as journalists, are not merely chroniclers of conflicts. You are powerful human rights advocates. Through your ethical, child-centred reporting, you possess the ability to expose the hidden recruitment networks and the realities of children in armed violence,” she said.

She described the use of children in armed conflict and violence as one of the most egregious violations of human rights, adding that children are “far too often seen by armed actors as cheap, expendable, and easily manipulated instruments of war.”

Nsa urged journalists to shift public narratives away from portraying affected children as perpetrators.

“Shift the narrative from portraying these children purely as perpetrators to recognising them as vulnerable victims and agents of peace,” she stated.

The workshop is organised by the Dallaire Institute in partnership with Journalists for Human Rights (JHR Africa) and focuses on preventing the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict and violence.

The Dallaire Institute, an affiliate of Dalhousie University in Canada with its African Centre of Excellence in Kigali, Rwanda, works on advocacy, capacity building and policy implementation around the Vancouver Principles.

Nsa said the Institute believes “war is preventable, peace is achievable, and children deserve a better world.”

She added that “your stories will shape public opinion, influence policy, and ultimately help us to put an end to this cycle of violence.”

Representing the High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Counsellor (Political) at the Canadian High Commission, Mr Omar Alihashi, reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to protecting children affected by conflict and supporting global efforts to end child recruitment.

He noted that children recruited into armed groups often face lifelong consequences affecting their education, wellbeing and future opportunities.

He said journalists play a vital role in promoting public understanding of child protection issues through accurate and responsible reporting.

“Through accurate, ethical and responsible reporting, the media can help raise awareness, amplify evidence-based information, and contribute to informed public dialogue,” he added.

Alihashi added that Canada would continue to support international initiatives guided by the Vancouver Principles, which seek to prevent the recruitment and use of child soldiers.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, who was represented by the Council’s Treasurer, Comrade Sandra Chukwugekwu, called on journalists to adopt child-sensitive reporting practices and avoid sensational coverage of children affected by conflict.

Earlier, Africa Programme Director of Journalists for Human Rights, Mr Mustapha Dumbuya, said the training was designed to equip journalists with practical skills for reporting on children affected by conflict in a professional, ethical and sensitive manner.

Dumbuya explained that participants would receive training on trauma-informed journalism, digital safety, gender-sensitive reporting, journalist security, and story development techniques.

“We are hoping that by the end of the five days, you will be equipped with the skills and knowledge on how to report on children who are impacted by conflicts in a sensitive and compelling manner,” he said.

Canada, Dallaire Institute Back Ethical Reporting To Combat Child Recruitment is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Ebem Ohafia community in Ohafia local government area of Abia State was on Monday, thrown into sorrow as two indigenes lost their lives in separate fatal accidents.

The victims, who were identified as Mr. Thompson Kalu and Uma Orji, died on Sunday evening and Monday morning.

DAILY POST gathered that the first accident happened on Sunday night when a truck operating without headlamps crashed into Thompson Kalu who was riding on his motorcycle.

Kalu suffered a broken head and died on the spot before he was rushed to the hospital.

The second accident victim, Uma Orji, popularly known as Ome Ego, lost his life Monday morning in a lone accident when the truck he  was riding, suddenly crashed  and fell on him.

The Federal Road Safety Corps and the Nigerian Police Force were yet to release official statements about the accidents, at the time of this report.

However, the paramount ruler of Ebem Ohafia ancient kingdom, Ezie Ukoha Kalu, the Ezie-in-Council, the Ebem Ohafia Development Union, EODU, have described the accidents as “profound shock, and  tragic deaths of two illustrious sons of the community.

A statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of Ebem Ohafia Development Union, Ifeanyi Okali said the community was in deep morning.

“The unfortunate incidents have thrown the entire Ebem Ohafia community into mourning, as the deceased were hardworking and responsible individuals who were striving daily to provide for their families and contribute meaningfully to the society”, the community said.

Abia community mourns as auto accidents claim two indigenes 

The Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, has urged newly promoted officers in the Command to see their elevation as a call to higher responsibility, discipline, and professionalism.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, on behalf of the Command on Monday.

According to the statement, The Kano State Police Command decorated 956 officers who recently benefitted from the promotion exercise approved by the Police Service Commission.

Speaking at the event, CP Bakori congratulated the officers and conveyed the goodwill message of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who he said remains committed to improving the welfare and career progression of police personnel.

He reminded the officers that promotion is not just a reward but also a responsibility that requires higher standards of conduct and service.

“Promotion comes with greater responsibility,” CP Bakori said, urging them to remain committed to professionalism, discipline, and integrity in the discharge of their duties.

He charged the newly promoted personnel to rededicate themselves to selfless service to the nation and the people of Kano State, and to always act in ways that strengthen public trust in the police.

According to him, the Command will continue to monitor performance and ensure that officers justify the confidence reposed in them through excellence in service delivery.

Promotion comes with greater responsibility – CP Bakori tells newly decorated officers

Arsenal has made the decision to dismiss head doctor, Zafar Iqbal, and they are also poised to lose Under-21s head coach, Max Porter.

The Gunners reportedly parted ways with Iqbal shortly after their defeat in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.

This decision followed a season plagued by numerous injuries to key players.

It remains uncertain whether the time spent with Acedo influenced the choice to let go of Iqbal.

When Arsenal received the Premier League trophy at Selhurst Park, Dr. Iqbal was seen celebrating alongside the players on the pitch. Just a few weeks later, he has been relieved of his responsibilities.

This represents a significant change for the Gunners, even with several months remaining before the new season begins. Additionally, they are set to lose Porter, the Under-21s coach, who has also contributed to the first team.

He is expected to join Stoke City after nine years of service in north London across various roles. He has been in the capital since July 2017, starting as an Under-9s football coach, and subsequently working with the Under-13s, Under-17s, and Under-19s, before becoming the Under-21s assistant coach in July.

Porter was appointed as the manager of the Under-21s last summer, following Mehmet Ali’s appointment as assistant first team coach at Brentford under Keith Andrews. Porter will join Stoke in a similar role.

He will arrive at the Championship club as part of Mark Robins’ backroom staff. Porter is highly regarded in north London, having also been involved with the first team setup.

He will need all of his experience and more to achieve success at Stoke. The Potters had a disappointing Championship season last year, finishing in 17th place.

Arsenal came very close to achieving a Premier League and Champions League double-winning season, but it now seems that the club is preparing for some personnel changes.

Transfer: Arsenal lose two key men with deal agreed

The Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has appointed Princess Oforitsenere Emiko as Interim Chairman of the governing board of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), a move that anchors the Commission’s plan to reposition the Institute for the next era of Nigeria’s communications sector and digital economy.

She will be joined on the board by Engr. Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, and Ms. Rimini Makama, Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, who join as interim Board members. The interim leadership will work alongside the President/CEO, Mr. David Daser, and the remaining board members whose tenures are unexpired, to drive the Institute’s transformation.

Established by the NCC in May 2004, DBI was created as a specialized centre for training in telecommunications and information technology. In the two decades since, the sector it serves has grown from telecommunications into a broad, fast-moving digital economy, one where technology now advances quickly enough to demand continuous specialized training, and where communications infrastructure has become a matter of national sovereignty and oversight. Securing and advancing the future of communications and the digital economy is now a clear national and economic priority.

That future also rests on Nigeria’s young population. With 70 percent of Nigerians under the age of 30, the DBI transformation is designed to empower young people, equip them with advanced technical skills, and close the capability gap that currently slows the pace of technology adoption across the communications sector and the wider digital economy.

The repositioned Institute will concentrate on five areas: Education and Training, Research and Development, Innovation, Economic Impact and Growth, and Emerging Policy and Regulation. The strategy has been shaped through engagements beyond the NCC and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, including consultations with the Federal Ministry of Education and TETFund, the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).