Author: The Whistler Newspaper

American rapper Fat Joe has sparked controversy after claiming that Afrobeats originated from Jamaica.

The rapper made the statement during a recent episode of the Joe And Jada podcast, which featured Jamaican dancehall artist Buju Banton as a guest.

“Jamaica started Afrobeats. Even though everything comes from Africa,” he claimed.

During the discussion, Banton did not directly challenge the claim, instead speaking about how Panamanian rapper El General influenced the development of reggaeton and other related genres.

However, Afrobeats is widely recognised as originating from West Africa, with strong influence from Afrobeat pioneered by Nigerian music legend Fela Kuti.

In the past, Buju Banton has also criticised Afrobeats artists, accusing them of borrowing heavily from Jamaican reggae and dancehall without proper credit. In a 2024 appearance on the Drink Champs podcast, he described Afrobeats as lacking substance and predicted it would fade over time.

American Rapper Claims Jamaica Started Afrobeats is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Residents of Kano State took to the streets in spontaneous celebration on Wednesday following the nomination of Murtala Sule Garo as Deputy Governor by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Several parts of Kano metropolis and surrounding local government areas turned into scenes of chants, music, and political excitement shortly after the announcement was made in a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad.

In videos that went viral, youths were seen riding motorcycles and driving through major roads, chanting “Sai Abba” and “Sai Garo” while carrying portraits of both the governor and the nominee.

The celebrations remained largely peaceful despite the large crowds, with excitement in some areas continuing into the early hours of Thursday, particularly in Garo town.

Yusuf transmitted Garo’s name to the Kano State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation following wide consultations with key political stakeholders, with his administration stating the move is aimed at strengthening governance and ensuring continuity in service delivery.

The nomination came after the resignation of former Deputy Governor Abdussalam Gwarzo on March 27, 2026, creating a vacancy the governor moved to fill in line with constitutional provisions.

Garo, 48, is a long-time political figure with over two decades of experience across elective and appointed positions.

He has served as State Organising Secretary, Special Adviser to the governor, Chairman of Kabo Local Government, Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria in Kano, and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

He also ran as the All Progressives Congress deputy governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections.

The Kano State House of Assembly has since formally invited Garo for screening as the next step in his confirmation process.

Kano Erupts In Celebration As Yusuf Nominates Garo Deputy Gov is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, stated this in a statement on Wednesday following the symbolic flag-off of the exercise along the Mushin, Agege Motor Road corridor on March 14.

The post Lagos govt clarifies modalities for monthly environmental sanitation exercise appeared first on Tribune Online.

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Mr Peter Obi, Tuesday, met with the newly elected South-East chairmen of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Enugu.

The meeting, attended by all the newly elected ADC chairmen from the South-East alongside the party’s National Vice-Chairman for the zone, is part of efforts to strengthen internal party structures and consolidate regional political alignment ahead of the 2027 elections, THE WHISTLER gathered.

Our correspondent reports that among those in attendance are Professor Uche Akubue, the Enugu State Chairman-elect, alongside his counterparts from Imo, Abia, Anambra, and Ebonyi states.

A statement issued by the ADC Media Team, signed by Martins Chiedozie Ugwu, said the meeting was aimed at strengthening party cohesion, promoting internal democracy, and aligning leadership priorities across South-East.

The statement added that the meeting discussed issues affecting the political future of the South-East within Nigeria’s super structure.

It read in part, “The meeting was an opportunity for all of us to meet and discuss issues that affect Ndigbo’ political endeavours in the Nigerian project. It was a resounding success, to God be the glory!”

A member of ADC in the state, Chief Jude Onah, has however advised Mr Peter Obi to find always to unite various members of the party in Enugu State and South-East in general.

Onah, a House of Assembly aspirant, said the officials that met with Obi were factional.

“We have at least two factional chairmen of ADC in Enugu State. The group led by retired Maj Gen Chris Eze is even more formidable and pro-Obi than any other group. I expect Obi to engage the two factions to avoid imploding. Achieving this will position him as a political father of the East. Otherwise, he should expect the gradual mistrust among his organic followers.”

Meanwhile, Obi has decried the neglect of the education sector by various government all levels in Nigeria. He therefore called for urgent reforms and stronger collaboration between government, the private sector, and academia to reposition the sector for national growth and global competitiveness.

Obi stated this while delivering a lecture entitled “Repositioning Nigeria’s Education Sector Through Private Partnership for National Growth and Global Competitiveness” at Coal City University, Enugu.

He said no nation rises above the quality of its education system, adding that Nigeria’s future would be determined by the strength of its educational sector.

He identified the challenges facing the sector to include underfunding, inadequate infrastructure, outdated curricula, and weak linkage between education and industry.

Citing UNESCO’s global standards, Obi said Nigeria allocates less than 7% of its national budget to education, which is far below the recommended 15–20%.

He said the development had contributed to youth unemployment and underemployment exceeding 30%, as well as a widening gap between graduates’ skills and labour market needs. He called for stronger government support across all tiers of education, questioning the limited scope of interventions by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

He questioned why TETFund does not assist private universities. Quoting him, “Nigeria’s problem is not a lack of talent, but a failure of alignment, investment, and partnership. Repositioning the education sector is fundamental to achieving sustainable development and global competitiveness.

“Weak education systems often translate into poor health awareness, lower life expectancy, and reduced economic output.”

Obi called for increased investment in education and healthcare, curriculum reforms aligned with industry needs, expanded research and innovation funding, and stronger emphasis on skills acquisition and entrepreneurship. He also urged the private sector to view investment in education as a strategic necessity for national stability and economic growth.

The vice-chancellor of the university, Prof Icha Ituma, and the chairman of the occasion, Prof Chinedu Nebo, described Obi’s presentation as timely and thought-provoking, urging stakeholders to act on the issues raised.

Peter Obi, ADC South-East Chairmen Hold Meeting In Enugu is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, has insisted that zoning of the governorship seat must be maintained among the three senatorial zones in the state.

The governor made the assertion while receiving the report of the Imo Elders Council, set up to review the Charter of Equity on the rotation of the governorship seat among the three zones, Orlu, Okigwe and Owerri.

Uzodinma said the state will not witness any form of hostile takeover, stressing that justice, inclusion, and consensus remain key to sustaining peace in the state.

Addressing the Elders Council at the Government House Banquet Hall in Owerri, the governor added that lessons from the 2020 crisis when he came into office underscored the dangers of political exclusion.

“Anyone denied justice may not be committed to peace. We will eliminate any type of hostile takeover by building consensus among ourselves,” Uzodinma maintained.

He described the Elders Council as the conscience of the state, explaining that it was established by law to guide governance beyond any political coloration.

The state’s number one citizen disclosed that there are plans to amend the law establishing the council to strengthen its authority, including sanctioning members who resort to misconduct.

Uzodinma reiterated that the Charter of Equity takes into consideration the fair distribution of key political offices across the three senatorial zones, urging stakeholders to respect zoning arrangements and avoid divisive politics.

He also reaffirmed that the state is aligned with the federal government, acknowledging the support of President Bola Tinubu.

The governor expressed optimism that adherence to equity and justice would guarantee stability and a smooth political transition in the state.

“Charter of Equity has come to stay. Listen to the voice of reason and believe in the Charter of Equity. Work with the federal government and support the president. And go home and pray and allow God to do the remaining,” Uzodinma added.

He promised to consult further with stakeholders from all three zones to deepen the consensus that will lead to political stability, which, according to him, has eluded the state over the years.

He assured the elders that their job will not end with his administration, as the body will continue to advise future governors in the state.

Earlier in his remarks, Chairman of the Elders Council, Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, commended the governor for promoting unity in the state, noting that sustainable development can only be achieved when all regions progress together.

Ilomuanya urged that the Imo Charter of Equity should go beyond rhetoric and be implemented through fair appointments, balanced project distribution, and equal opportunities across the state’s zones.

He described the charter as a commitment to building an inclusive Imo where no area feels marginalised and every citizen can aspire to leadership without discrimination.

Eze Ilomuanya advised the governor to remain guided by the principles of fairness, justice, and peace embedded in the Charter.

Charter of equity: Governorship seat must rotate among the three zones in Imo – Uzodinma

Four members of the House of Representatives from Kano State have defected from the New Nigeria Peoples Party to the African Democratic Congress, adding to a growing wave of defections reshaping the legislature ahead of the 2027 elections.

The lawmakers are Sani Wakili (Minjibir/Ungogo), Muktar Zakari (Tarauni), Umar Datti (Kura/Madobi/Garun Mallam), and Abdulhakeem Ado (Wudil/Garko). Their defection notices were read on the floor by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas during plenary on Wednesday.

Also on Wednesday, Kabiru Amadu, popularly known as Maipalace, representing Gusau/Tsafe federal constituency in Zamfara State, and Emeka Chinedu of Ahiazu Mbaise/Ezinihitte federal constituency in Imo State, both moved from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.

All the defecting lawmakers cited internal crises in their former parties as reason for their exits.

The latest movement continues a recent surge in the ADC’s legislative membership.

On Tuesday, Thaddeus Attah (Eti-Osa, Lagos), Usman Zubairu (Birnin Gwari/Giwa, Kaduna), and Sani Noma (Argungu/Augie, Kebbi) crossed to the ADC from the Labour Party and the APC respectively.

Four Kano House Of Reps Members Dump NNPP For ADC is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

American rapper Fat Joe has claimed that he and others pressured Nigerian singer BNXN to change his former stage name, BUJU.

Fat Joe made the disclosure during a podcast interview featuring himself and Jamaican dancehall legend Buju Banton. According to the rapper, the move was driven by concerns that the name “Buju” was disrespectful to Buju Banton.

“There is a fake guy in Africa using the Buju name, we dissed him on tv, shut him down, he changed his name. I told him there is only one Buju Banton,” he said.

Buju Banton, speaking during the same interview, said his stage name holds deep personal significance, noting that it was given to him by his mother, unlike many artists who create theirs or get them from friends. He added that he later adopted “Banton” in honour of Jamaican DJ Burr Banton.

“Most people [artists] get their names from their friends or coin it. But my name came from my mom. Then I added Banton due to my admiration for Burr Banton,” he statedre.

BNXN, who began his music career under the name “Buju,” later changed to his current stage name, reportedly due to alleged copyright issues.

Fat Joe Claims Role In ‘BNXN’ Name Change is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Nigerian Senate has called for the establishment of a Police Area Command and a military base in Apa and Agatu Local Government Areas of Benue State following renewed attacks on communities in the state.

The resolution followed a motion moved on Wednesday by the Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District and Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, over what he described as the “urgent need for decisive action to address killings in Ankpali-Edikwu in Apa Local Government Area.”

Moro, while presenting the motion under Senate Order 42, said the attacks on rural communities in Apa/Agatu and other parts of Benue had become persistent, leading to loss of lives, displacement of residents, and destruction of property.

He warned that the continued violence was undermining agricultural activities in the state, describing the situation as a growing threat to food security in the region often referred to as Nigeria’s “Food Basket.”

Following deliberations, the Senate resolved to urge the Federal Government to immediately deploy additional security personnel, including military and police units, to affected communities to restore order and protect lives and property.

Lawmakers also called on the Chief of Defence Staff, the Inspector-General of Police, and other security chiefs to intensify coordinated operations aimed at apprehending those responsible for the attacks.

The Senate further mandated its Committees on Defence, Army, Police Affairs, and National Security and Intelligence to investigate the recurring violence in Benue State and recommend lasting solutions.

It also urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant bodies to provide urgent humanitarian support to affected communities.

In addition, the upper chamber called for broader security reforms, including strategies to address farmer-herder conflicts, land use issues, and community-based peacebuilding mechanisms.

The motion also urged the Benue State Government to strengthen its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property, while stressing the need for improved security presence in vulnerable areas.

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who presided over the session, commended Senator Moro for drawing attention to the situation and assured that the Senate would support efforts aimed at addressing the crisis.

A minute of silence was observed in honour of victims of the recent attacks in Ankpali-Edikwu.

Benue: Senate condemns attacks on Apa, Agatu communities, urges urgent actions to end killings

Former lawmaker representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye, has questioned the rationale behind President Bola Tinubu’s recent removal of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.

The Presidency had on Tuesday announced a minor reshuffle of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), leading to the exit of two cabinet members and the appointment of new officials to strategic ministries.

The development was conveyed in a memo signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

According to the statement, Edun and the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, were relieved of their duties as part of efforts to restructure the cabinet.

The Presidency said the move was aimed at strengthening cohesion within the FEC and improving the delivery of economic and development priorities under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Following the shake-up, Taiwo Oyedele, who previously served as Minister of State for Finance, was elevated to the role of Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.

In the Housing Ministry, Muttaqha Darma was named minister-designate, pending the completion of administrative procedures. Dangiwa was directed to hand over to the Minister of State, with all transition processes to be concluded on or before April 23, 2026.

Reacting via his verified Facebook page on Wednesday, Melaye faulted the decision, arguing that governments in “civilised climes” usually provide explanations for the dismissal of top officials.

“Mr President, when ministers are sacked in civilised climes, government must explain why they are sacked,” he wrote.

He went further to question the circumstances surrounding Edun’s removal, raising allegations of financial impropriety.

“Was the Minister of Finance removed because he could not cover up the stolen 24 billion dollars (34 trillion naira) diverted from our revenue? World Bank no dey lie,” he queried.

Melaye’s comments, however, triggered a wave of criticism on social media, with several users accusing him of hypocrisy and questioning his own record in public office.

Some commenters challenged him to account for his past stewardship and personal wealth, while others dismissed his remarks as politically motivated.

“Tell us how you get money to acquire the exotic cars in your garage too. Be honest, are they not from stolen money?” one user, Abdul Abdulsalam, wrote.

Another commenter, Ibrahim Badamassi, said, “The one you took as your share did you return them back? Bird of the same feather flock together.”

“Show us your constituency project while you were in the National Assembly,” Samuel Adeyemo added.

“In Tinubu’s regime, they don’t sack, cabinet members sack themselves willingly,” a user wrote.

Another commenter, Donald Oluwatuyi, mocked Melaye’s past controversies, saying, “Did you explain why you climbed the tree that year? Did you explain why you faked asthma in court? You are a comedian.”

Edun, who was appointed in August 2023, oversaw Nigeria’s fiscal policy and economic planning, renewing a working relationship with Tinubu that dates back to his tenure as Commissioner for Finance in Lagos between 1999 and 2004.

His time in office, however, was marked by persistent concerns over delayed budget implementation and low capital releases, which disrupted Nigeria’s January to December fiscal cycle.

The slow disbursement of funds for capital projects drew criticism from lawmakers and ministries, with the National Assembly in February accusing the finance ministry of recording “zero implementation” of the 2025 capital budget, despite approving N1.15tn for capital expenditure.

Lawmakers cited funding gaps across ministries, departments and agencies, alongside a backlog of unpaid contractors, while some opposition figures threatened moves to remove both the finance minister and the Accountant-General.

In his defence at the time, Edun said the government had abandoned what he described as the “unsustainable” practice of printing money to meet obligations, opting instead to prioritise debt servicing.

He maintained that about 80 percent of the 2024 budget had been implemented and assured that releases for the 2025 capital budget were on course for completion by December 2025.

Melaye Alleges Financial Misconduct Behind Edun’s Removal is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Senator Osita Ngwu, the Senate Minority Whip and representative of Enugu West Senatorial District, has officially defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Ngwu’s defection letter was read on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday.

His defection has now reduced the number of PDP senators in the Red Chamber to 6.

More details to follow…

BREAKING: Senate Minority Whip, Osita Ngwu dumps PDP, joins APC