Author: The Whistler Newspaper

Commuters along the Karu–Nyanya Expressway in Abuja have decried the growing gridlock caused by the persistent occupation of the road by petty traders, warning that the situation poses a serious risk of accidents.

Speaking exclusively to THE WHISTLER, road users said traders who displayed goods such as trousers and shoes have taken over designated parking spaces meant for commercial vehicles to pick up and drop off passengers.

This development, they noted, has significantly narrowed the usable portion of the road, forcing vehicles to stop on the main carriageway and worsening congestion.

Ismail Dango, who plies the Zuba–Nyanya route, expressed frustration over the situation to THE WHISTLER, noting that the road, already notorious for accidents involving tankers and trailers, continues to face new challenges despite regulatory efforts.

“The road has always been dangerous, with accidents caused by tankers and trailers failing brakes. Even after authorities restricted trailers from plying this route, we expected relief.

“But now traders have taken over a large portion of the road, creating another form of constraint that should be urgently addressed,” he said.

Dango further lamented the rise in indiscriminate parking, stating that drivers have abandoned designated parks.

“Commuters no longer use the proper parks to offload passengers. Everyone now stops on the main road, which has made the situation worse,” he added.

Another commuter, Israel Adegoke, corroborated the concerns, calling on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to intervene before the situation escalates.

“The FRSC should look into this to prevent accidents. Vehicles can spend over an hour trying to navigate through traffic caused by wrong parking and roadside trading,” he said.

Findings by THE WHISTLER revealed that traders typically occupy the affected section of the road between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m., further compounding the traffic situation during peak hours.

The spaces originally designated for parking have effectively been converted into makeshift marketplaces.

A road user, Jemima, described her daily ordeal, noting that traffic delays have become routine.

“Anytime I’m returning from work during that period, I already prepare my mind to spend at least an hour in traffic that could have been avoided,” she said.

Further observations showed the presence of a police post within the vicinity, although officials of the FRSC were notably absent during peak periods of congestion.

The Nyanya–Karu corridor has recorded multiple fatal accidents over the years, including a tragic incident in February 2025.

In several cases, heavy-duty vehicles such as trailers have either overturned near the mini-bridge or crashed along the stretch between Abacha Barracks and the NAF Valley Estate in the area.

Although authorities have restricted trailers from plying the expressway and directed them to designated parking areas, including opposite the NAF Valley, commuters say the road has yet to serve its intended purpose due to the encroachment by traders.

Commuters Lament As Traders Block Karu–Nyanya Expressway is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Imo State Chapter of Action Peoples Party, APP, has accused the State Government of being responsible for an alleged attack on supporters of Ikenga Ugochinyere, member representing Ideato North and South at the National Assembly.
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The attack, according to the party, took place at Christ Anglican Church, Itueke, Ideato South LGA, during a constituency briefing and official unveiling of the Federal Constituency office.

In a press statement issued through the desk of its spokesperson, Steve Nnadi, the party alleged that the State Government deployed security personnel and masked men suspected to be thugs to the venue of the event and unleashed terror on the constituents and supporters of the lawmaker.

“In what appears to be a deliberate attempt to disrupt, harass, and intimidate Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, the Honourable Member representing the good and enterprising people of Ideato North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State allegedly deployed security operatives and masked thugs to the venue of a constituency briefing attended by men, women, youths, and guests from all walks of life.

“The attendees were reportedly subjected to humiliation, molestation, brutality, and tear gas, an incident that reflects a recurring pattern by the State Government.

“This trend, if left unchecked, risks establishing a dangerous and draconian precedent against opposition figures in the State,” the party alleged.

The party recalled that the incident had become a recurring decimal since the inception of the present administration on January 15, 2020.

“It is on record that Governor Uzodinma has remained unrelenting in actions perceived as targeted attacks against Hon. Ugochinyere.

“The reported use of live ammunition and tear gas on unarmed constituents is considered not only barbaric but wholly unacceptable, and deserving of widespread condemnation.

“It could be recalled that a similar incident allegedly occurred at the country home of the lawmaker, where lives were lost and properties worth millions of naira were destroyed in a fire incident reportedly linked to agents of the State,” it added.

APP strongly condemned the development and called on the citizens of the State both at home and in the diaspora, to lend their voices in condemning the act which the party maintained was capable of causing perpetual social unrest.

The party also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the State Elders Council, and the State House of Assembly, to call Governor Uzodinma to order.

All efforts made to reach the lmo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mbadiwe Emeluba was unsuccessful as he did not respond to call, text message and WhatsApp message put across to him.

Mayhem averted in lmo as thugs disrupt Ugochinyere’s constituency briefing

The Senate Leader of the 10th National Assembly, Opeyemi Bamidele, has cautioned members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ekiti State against disloyalty, saying alliances with opposition parties are akin to giving them ammunition to exploit them for recruitment.

Speaking with journalists in Ado-Ekiti during a meeting with critical stakeholders of the party in Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Bamidele said opposition parties such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is a relatively new political party actively seeking to expand its membership base nationwide.

The representative of the District explained that internal dissatisfaction among members can create opportunities for opposition parties to make inroads, warning that opposition groups are keenly observing for any signs of division that could be exploited for recruitment.

He urged party members to remain steadfast and committed, emphasizing the need for effective internal management to prevent any form of implosion within the APC.

Addressing the upcoming party primaries, Bamidele explained that all aspirants would participate in the process, regardless of whether they emerge through consensus or direct primaries.

The Senate Leader noted that Nigeria’s electoral framework provides for two modes of candidate selection, consensus and direct primaries and clarified that even candidates who secure consensus endorsements like himself must undergo a formal affirmation process.

He further advised aspirants, especially for House of Reps in the Senatorial District who may not emerge victorious to remain committed to the party, urging them not to interpret electoral setbacks as personal failures.

His words, “It’s nothing unusual that ADC is a new party that is looking for membership. It’s also a fact that, you know, in every situation, every institution, there are people that could be disgruntled, you know.

“And ADC has been making overtures to people. It’s not peculiar to Ekiti, it’s across Nigeria. What’s important to us and what we’re happy about is that ADC is not making any progress in their overtures.

“But it’s important that we continue to emphasize to our people the need to continue to be straightforward on the need to continue to be steadfast and to manage the affairs of APC in a way that there is no implosion.

“Because that is exactly what ADC and some other opposition parties are waiting for, so that they could have the benefit or the opportunity of membership recruitment from aggrieved members of APC.

“The electoral law has prescribed two modes of primaries. Everybody will face primaries, everybody, including myself.

“The only thing is that there are two modes of primaries. One is through consensus, the other one is through direct primaries.

“Even those of us that would emerge through consensus, we still have to go through the primaries, because I would still need people in all the 57 wards of Ekiti Central Central District to vote for me by affirmation.

“You still have to go there, be ready to conduct elections, until it’s obvious that there is no other person who is contesting. And then you still have to pull the question, to be sure that there is no one who is opposed to that consensus. If you have one person, just one person, being opposed to it, you still have to go through it. You still have to go through direct primaries.

“So, everyone will participate, but the point is, those who don’t have a consensus endorsement will have to participate in the direct primaries only. And for those who, for whatever reason, may not appear victorious at the end of the primary election, my advice always is that they would not see themselves as failures.

“Because if you have a position and you have more than one person who is aspiring to occupy that position, then definitely only one person will get in there. So the other people should just not see themselves as having failed.

“It could be that it’s not their timing yet. It could also be that certain circumstances or geopolitical considerations, might not favour them at the particular time. But what’s important is to remain consistent, to remain relevant within the party, knowing that by God’s grace, their own time will also come”.

On his part, Ekiti APC Chairman, Sola Eleshin commended party members for maintaining a peaceful atmosphere, describing Ekiti Central as a model of political stability.

Eleshin expressed confidence that the opposition would struggle to make inroads in the district, attributing this to the performance of the party’s representatives at the national level.

Addressing those vying for House of Representatives seats within the District, the chairman assured that while consensus arrangements may be explored, the party would provide a fair and level playing field where necessary.

“We are here to remind ourselves why our party in the Central must cooperate. We are the ones holding the Senate Leader title; that is very important to us, and we are very proud of it.

“We do not want anything to disrupt the peace we have been building in the district. For those contesting, there will be a level playing ground where consensus is not possible.

“Let us go to our units. We are targeting nothing less than 500,000 votes for Governor Biodun Oyebanji. For those opposing us, let us engage them and encourage them to join the moving train,” he stated.

The Secretary to the Ekiti State Government (SSG), Professor Habibat Adubiaro emphasised unity among party faithful, insisting that there was no division within the district.

“We in the district are one, and we should see ourselves as one. There is no division and we are going to tell the whole world that we are brothers and sisters. We will go wherever our leaders ask us to go,” she said.

2027 poll: Senate Leader warns APC members against alliance with opposition

Adesua Etomi-Wellington, wife of Nigerian singer, politician and clergyman, Banky W, has reflected on her marriage, revealing that their love is still waxing stronger nearly a decade into their union.

Speaking in a recent interview hosted by Teju Babyface along with her husband, Mrs Wellington explained that initially Banky W wasn’t her ideal man due to his career paths but she settled for him because of divine instruction.

“Before I met my husband, I told God I didn’t want to marry a musician, a pastor or a politician, but God gave me all three,” she said.

On his part, Banky W revealed that Adesua confirmed he was her husband after several rejections.

He explained that he had known that she was his wife for a year and half but was waiting for her to be on the same page.

He said, “Adesua called me on the phone one day and said, ‘Banky, you know you’re my husband right?”

The singer said Adesua’s confirmation further strengthened his own conviction and they got married.

The couple wedded in 2017. Their marriage has produced two children.

‘I didn’t want to marry artiste, pastor, politician’ – Banky W’s wife, Adesua

Popular Nigerian actor and filmmaker, Lateef Adedimeji, and his wife, Adebimpe Adedimeji, have announced the birth of their triplets.

Abdulateef shared the news on May 1, 2026, through a video posted on his official Instagram page, confirming the arrival of the babies.

In the post, Lateef spoke about his recent silence and the journey leading to the birth of their children.

“I’ve been quiet… not absent. I was building, protecting, and embracing the greatest blessing of my life. God gave me more than I prayed for, a woman who became a mother of three, and three kings to call my own @etawithlove. My world. My responsibility. My legacy. Alhamdulilah!,” he said.

Following the announcement, friends, colleagues and fans flooded the couple’s Instagram page with congratulatory messages and well wishes.

Lateef and Adebimpe, who are both actors and filmmakers, got married on December 18, 2021.

Adebimpe hails from Ijero-Ekiti in Ekiti State, while Lateef is from Abeokuta in Ogun State.

Actor, Lateef Adedimeji, wife welcome triplets

A building consisting of four classrooms in Ogbomoso Grammar School, Oyo State has collapsed.

DAILY POST reports that the building collapsed on Thursday during a downpour that lasted for about one hour.

The development has compounded the problems being faced by the students and teachers in the school.

Our correspondent learnt that the building had been distressed and abandoned over time.

A teacher in the school, who begged not to be named, noted that no one was affected during the incident.

The teacher said, “The walls caved in leading to the roof crashing down but thank God there is no casualty.

“It started to show signs of distress and so it was not used again.

“Later, iron scrap scavengers (jaribola) started to slice off the iron sheets in bits. For lack of funds, the school couldn’t maintain the building. It has now totally collapsed.”

DAILY POST reports that many schools in Ogbomoso geopolitical zone were affected during a recent rainfall that wrecked havock in some parts of the state.

Our correspondent reports that rehabilitation of the schools has not been carried out as of the time of filing this report on Friday.

 

Oyo: Four-classroom block collapses in Ogbomoso Grammar School

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has filed a third set of criminal charges against former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and seven others over alleged fraud and money laundering linked to a N10.8 billion CCTV security project.

Court documents filed at the Federal High Court in Kaduna on April 17 show the ICPC brought 11 counts under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The commission alleged that El-Rufai approved the award of an N8.68 billion CCTV contract in December 2015 to a company it claims lacked the required competence, and that several large sums were received and transferred between 2017 and 2022 by individuals and companies linked to the project, including Singularity Network Security Limited.

Others named in the case include former Kaduna State government official Jimi Lawal, senior executives of IHS Towers, and five companies.

One of El-Rufai’s sons, Bashir El-Rufai, was mentioned in the allegations but is not listed as a defendant.

The development was disclosed by former Kaduna Commissioner of Information and Liberty Television chairman, Alhaji Tijjani Ramalan, in a Facebook post, in which he said the accused persons would face the new charges soon.

This is the third set of charges filed by the ICPC against El-Rufai since March. He is already facing separate corruption-related cases involving a light rail contract and severance payments, all of which he has denied.

The State Security Service and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission are also independently investigating or prosecuting him over separate allegations.

ICPC Files Fresh N10.8bn Charges Against El-Rufai, Seven Others is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and former APC National Chairman, Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, were among hundreds of party stakeholders who contributed N50 million for the purchase of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid forms.

The stakeholders of the party in Kano unanimously adopted President Tinubu as the party’s sole presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections and pledged a donation of N50 million towards the purchase of his expression of interest and nomination forms.

The decision was reached at a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held at the Coronation Hall of the Kano Government House, where party leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the continuity of the President’s leadership.

This was contained in a press release issued by Mustapha Muhammad, the Chief Press Secretary to the Kano State Governor.

A motion for the adoption of President Tinubu was moved by Rabiu Sulaiman Bichi and received unanimous support from stakeholders present at the meeting.

Speaking during the session, the Kano State APC Chairman, Umar Haruna Doguwa, disclosed that the state chapter had initially intended to purchase the nomination forms outright but resolved instead to contribute financially in support of the President’s candidature.

“We have agreed to contribute the sum of N50 million towards the purchase of the expression of interest and nomination forms for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

The stakeholders noted that the endorsement reflects their confidence in the President’s leadership and ongoing reforms, as well as their collective resolve to ensure the party’s success in the 2027 general elections.

The meeting also reaffirmed the endorsement of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf as the APC’s sole governorship candidate in Kano State, as part of efforts to strengthen unity and cohesion within the party.

The Kano State Government commended the stakeholders for their unwavering support and called on all party members to remain united in advancing the collective interest of the party and the development of the state.

Gov. Yusuf, Ganduje, others contribute N50m for purchase of Tinubu’s re-election bid forms

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has flagged off the distribution of 100 trucks of rice and ₦1.2 billion in palliative support to vulnerable households across the 19 Northern states and the FCT.

The event, held in Kaduna State, was hosted by Governor Uba Sani, who described the initiative as a major step toward supporting citizens amid current economic challenges.

According to the governor, the intervention reflects the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to economic recovery, social inclusion, and national stability under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He also commended the First Lady for championing humanitarian initiatives that directly impact vulnerable Nigerians, noting that such efforts help restore dignity and hope across communities.

The programme, carried out in collaboration with key stakeholders, is aimed at cushioning the effects of economic hardship while promoting unity and support across the northern region.

Governor Sani reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to policies that enhance resilience, peace, and sustainable development in Kaduna State.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared before Congress this week for the first time since the United States entered the war with Iran, defending the administration’s actions while facing tough questioning from lawmakers over civilian casualties, military strategy, and the rising cost of the conflict.

Testifying during lengthy hearings before the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, Hegseth received strong backing from Republican lawmakers, many of whom praised his leadership and supported the administration’s handling of the war.

However, some members of his own party raised concerns, including questions surrounding his dismissal of a senior Army general, while others sought assurances that the Pentagon is taking adequate steps to minimise civilian harm.

Democratic lawmakers pressed the Defense Secretary over the humanitarian and financial implications of the war, citing the bombing of a school that reportedly killed children, the depletion of critical U.S. munitions, and the overall sustainability of the military campaign.

“The biggest adversary we face at this point are the reckless naysayers and defeatist words of congressional Democrats and some Republicans,” Hegseth said, pushing back against critics during the hearings.

The sessions marked the first time a cabinet member under Donald Trump has publicly defended the war on Capitol Hill since the administration launched military operations against Iran without congressional approval two months ago.

Lawmakers also examined the administration’s proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget for 2027, which Pentagon officials argued is necessary to strengthen U.S. military capabilities, including investments in drones, missile defence systems, and naval forces.

While Hegseth framed the war as a strategic success and a demonstration of decisive leadership, his remarks suggested the conflict has lasted longer than initially anticipated, contrasting with earlier projections that it would be concluded within weeks.

The hearings highlight deepening political divisions in Washington over the direction of U.S. foreign policy, as the war with Iran continues with no clear resolution and growing concerns about its long-term consequences.

US lawmakers grill Pentagon Chief over school bombing, arms shortage in Iran conflict