Author: The Whistler Newspaper

The senator representing Bauchi Central, Abdul Ningi, has called for the suspension of all political activities over the escalating insecurity in many parts of Northern Nigeria.

Ningi, who made the call during the Senate plenary on Wednesday, said the suspension of political activities would allow the federal government to focus on the fight against the rising cases of attacks.

The senator spoke during a debate on the 416 persons being held captive in a Borno forest by Boko Haram terrorists.

The captives, mostly women and children, were captured when terrorists overran a military base in Ngoshe, in Gwoza local government area in Borno State on March 3, 2026.

A top military General and many soldiers, as well as a significant number of residents were killed during the attacks.

In his contribution, the senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, urged the federal government to effect the rescue of the 416 captives without further delay.

Ndume told the Senate that the captors have issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the federal government to pay N5 billion ransom for the release of the captives, threatening to execute them if the ransom was not paid.

In a video footage released by the terrorists a few weeks ago, the captives were seen pleading with President Bola Tinubu and the Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum to rescue them.

Many of the senators who contributed to the debate lamented the ravages of the terrorists in states across the Northeast and bandits across states in the Northwest and the North Central.

They called on the federal government to strengthen security in the affected states and prioritise the security of lives and property of the people.

The Senate also called for relief materials and extension of humanitarian services to the affected states, cutting across Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Plateau, Benue, Kwara and Nasarawa states.

The lawmakers called for adequate funding and equipping of the armed forces and other security agencies to enable them tackle the growing menace of terrorism and banditry in the country.

Terrorism: Senator Calls For Suspension Of Political Activities is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Nigerian music star and former P-Square member, Peter Okoye, known as Mr P, has denied suggestions that a woman was behind the fresh rift in the Okoye family, saying the disagreement stems from years of internal disputes over loyalty, trust, and control of their music business.

In a series of posts shared on Wednesday via his X handle, Mr P pushed back against public speculation linking women to the family’s breakdown.

“Before you drag any woman into this! No woman directed or advised anyone to steal from what I worked for over the years. Stop pushing that narrative to suit your agenda.”

He maintained that the conflict began long before any of the brothers got married.

“None of us were even married 20-something years ago when this whole betrayal and stealing started! I said what I said.”

Mr P, who has repeatedly spoken about distancing himself from family members over alleged betrayal, said he has prioritised his mental health despite public criticism.

“Yes, it’s painful. And yes, it’s my loss. But no one should keep reminding me that I was betrayed and used by my own blood for over 20 years plus.”

He added that setting boundaries became necessary for his well-being.

“Even if my parents were alive and supported this kind of betrayal, I’d still choose to step back, cut them off, and protect my peace. Boundaries are necessary! Blood isn’t thicker than my peace of mind.”

The singer further confirmed that the dispute remains unresolved and is now before the courts.

“Now that I’ve uncovered the betrayal that has been going on for over 20 years plus, suddenly we’re blood? No… it doesn’t work like that. We are still in court!”

The comments come amid renewed attention on the long-running crisis within the Okoye family involving Peter and Paul Okoye, as well as their elder brother, Jude Okoye, which has seen multiple breakups, reconciliations, and fresh disputes over the years.

Mr P Denies Women Behind Okoye Family Rift, Cites Betrayal is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Nigerian Afrobeats star Ayra Starr has opened up about how her 2024 meeting with global music icon Rihanna in Barbados marked a significant turning point in her journey toward self-confidence and personal growth.

In a recent interview with W Magazine, the 23-year-old singer revealed that she had been battling low self-esteem at the time of the encounter. However, Rihanna’s warmth and genuine interest in her work helped her regain confidence and reconnect with her sense of self.

Recounting the experience, Starr described one of her most memorable moments as sitting with Rihanna while they watched her music videos together. She said the Barbadian superstar pointing out her favourite scenes felt surreal and deeply affirming during a period when she was struggling with her self-image.

According to Starr, the meeting was “one of the most amazing feelings,” adding that she believed the moment was divinely orchestrated, as it came at a time when she needed encouragement the most.

The “Rush” singer has consistently expressed admiration for Rihanna, whom she regards as her biggest inspiration and role model. During their meeting, Rihanna also indicated interest in collaborating with Starr and fellow Nigerian artist Tems, highlighting her continued support for emerging African talents on the global stage.

Rihanna Boosts My Confidence – Ayra Star is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

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

The rapper made the claim in a recent episode of the Joe And Jada podcast, which featured Jamaican dancehall crooner Buju Banton as a guest.

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

Banton failed to correct Joe and instead chose to talk about how Panamanian rapper El General pioneered reggaeton and how it influenced other genres.

Contrary to Fat Joe’s claim, Afrobeats is widely regarded as originating from West Africa and heavily influenced by Afrobeat, which was pioneered by Nigerian music legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

Buju Banton had previously accused Afrobeats artistes of stealing from Jamaican reggae and dancehall music without crediting their source.

In an interview with the Drink Champs podcast in 2024, Banton claimed that afrobeats music has no substance and would fade with time.

‘Jamaica started Afrobeats’ – Fat Joe claims

The Nigerian military under Operation HADIN KAI has neutralised over 30 terrorists belonging to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in a series of precision air interdiction missions conducted in the Lake Chad region of Borno state.

This was made known in a post on X by Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency and security expert in Lake Chad region. State.

Makama, citing intelligence sources, disclosed that the operation was executed following credible Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) inputs indicating significant terrorist activity involving logistics movement via waterways around the Kaniram Island axis.

According to the report, an ISR platform, was deployed to the general area where it established overhead presence and confirmed the sighting of approximately 31 boats dispersed along the riverbank, with associated human activity consistent with ISWAP fighters.

He added that upon positive identification, the air component initiated precision strike operations in line with established Rules of Engagement and targeting protocols.

“The first strike effectively disrupted the hub of terrorists and degraded their logistics capability by damaging several of the boats used for movement and supply across the waterways.

Further ISR monitoring revealed attempts by the terrorists to regroup within nearby vegetation. Consequently, follow-on strikes were conducted.

A second precision strike targeted a cluster of about eight terrorists, neutralising them, while additional elements were observed withdrawing into concealed positions.

“Subsequently, a third strike was executed on another group of approximately 15 terrorists who had taken cover under tree foliage, resulting in their elimination. Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) confirmed significant attrition, with surviving elements seen dispersing from adjacent hideouts,” Makama said.

Military eliminates over 30 ISWAP terrorists in Borno

Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has declared that the All Progressives Congress remains the preferred political party of the state’s residents, as approximately 4,000 members from various opposition parties formally defected to the ruling party in Taura Local Government Area.

Namadi received the defectors at a grand reception held alongside the commissioning of a new APC secretariat in Taura.

The new entrants were led by former state party chairman and four-time House of Representatives member, Hon. Safiyanu Ubale Taura, a prominent figure in both the Peoples Democratic Party and the New Nigeria Peoples Party.

The governor described the mass defection as a clear indication of the APC’s growing popularity across the state, noting that those who crossed over represented the core of political mobilisation in Taura and Ringim local government areas.

“This development clearly shows that the APC remains the party of choice for the people of Jigawa.

“The calibre of individuals we have received today represents the core of political mobilisation in Taura and Ringim,” he said.

Namadi added that the number of new entrants far exceeded recent exits, stressing that the party continues to gain momentum across all 27 local government areas of the state.

He assured the defectors of equal treatment and inclusive leadership, pledging to justify the confidence placed in his administration.

APC State Chairman Ahmed Garba M.K. attributed the wave of defections to the governor’s leadership style and ongoing development projects across the state.

Ubale Taura, leading the defectors, pledged the loyalty of his supporters to the APC and vowed to work towards the party’s victory in future elections.

4,000 Defectors Flock To APC In Jigawa is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Former presidential candidate, Dr Gbenga Hashim, has vowed that pro-democracy groups across Nigeria will oppose any move to establish a one-party system.

According to a statement released on Wednesday, Hashim made the assertion after a meeting with a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana.

He noted that the engagement was part of ongoing consultations with key stakeholders to preserve Nigeria’s multi-party democratic framework.

“We resolved to sustain the multi-party structure of Nigeria’s democracy and resist one-party rule,” he stated.

He described Falana as a long-standing associate, saying their relationship spans more than four decades, anchored on activism, resistance, and a shared pursuit of justice.

Hashim recalled their joint involvement in the anti-apartheid struggle under the Nigeria–ANC Friendship and Cultural Association, including a protest on January 7, 1988, during the visit of former British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher.

According to him, he led a group of students who defied security restrictions to stage a protest at the airport tarmac, an action that resulted in the arrest of five activists.

He paid tribute to those involved, noting that only two are still alive, while Olaitan Oyerinde, Chris Ayaeze and Rotimi Ewebiyi have passed away.

Hashim also highlighted his history of legal resistance against military rule, including a 1988 suit challenging the Structural Adjustment Programme under the regime of Ibrahim Babangida, in which Falana served as his pro bono counsel.

He further referenced his detention in 1989 during a constitutional case against the Attorney General of the Federation, handled by a legal team led by Alao Aka-Bashorun.

The former presidential candidate added that Falana played a significant role in his emergence as National Administrative Secretary of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, where he worked under the late Beko Ransome-Kuti.

Hashim stressed that their longstanding alliance remains committed to defending democratic principles, civil liberties and political plurality in the country.

He said the position reflects growing concerns among pro-democracy advocates over Nigeria’s political direction, adding that he is prepared to work with like-minded stakeholders to safeguard the nation’s democratic system.

2027: Hashim, Falana meet, vow to resist one-party system in Nigeria

Members of the National Media Team of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for the 2026 Hajj exercise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have been urged to uphold truth, fairness and objectivity in their reportage of the pilgrimage. NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, gave the charge on Tuesday […]

The post 2026 Hajj: Be just, fair in your reportage — NAHCON boss tells media appeared first on Tribune Online.

The Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo, is set to partner with the European Union (EU) on the dredging and development of the Onitsha Seaport. The move is aimed at extending the scope of the state’s socio-economic development. He also disclosed plans for a “New Industrial City” and a pioneering aerotropolis, among others, designed to […]

The post Anambra govt seeks collaboration with EU over seaport devt, new industrial city appeared first on Tribune Online.

The West African Tax Administration Forum has called for the accelerated digitalization of Value Added Tax (VAT) systems across the region, warning that inefficiencies in current frameworks are limiting revenue mobilization and slowing economic growth.

The call was made during a high-level regional forum in Abidjan, organized by the African Development Bank. The event brought together tax administrators, policymakers, and development partners to review reforms and best practices in VAT administration across Africa.

Speaking on the sidelines of a panel session titled “VAT Digitalization: Pathways, Challenges and Opportunities,” WATAF Executive Secretary, Jules Tapsoba, emphasized the urgency of adopting technology-driven tax systems across West Africa.

“Digitalization is the single most transformative lever for improving VAT performance across West Africa. Without it, we will continue to face leakages, inefficiencies, and limited compliance,” said Mr. Tapsoba.

He noted that while VAT remains a major source of domestic revenue in many West African countries, several structural challenges continue to hinder its effectiveness.

These include a large informal sector, weak tax culture, limited digital infrastructure, and poor coordination between customs and domestic tax authorities. According to him, these issues contribute to revenue leakages, delays in VAT refunds, and reduced liquidity for businesses.

Tapsoba acknowledged ongoing reforms in member states, including the rollout of online taxpayer registration systems, electronic invoicing, and automated tax filing and payment platforms. However, he stressed the need for greater coordination and harmonization of these initiatives across the region.

Also speaking at the forum, Eline Okudzeto, Chief Governance Officer at AfDB, pointed to lessons from East Africa, noting progress alongside persistent challenges in compliance, coordination, and system integration. She reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting VAT reforms through technical assistance, dialogue, and capacity-building programmes.

Other speakers, including Emeka Nwankwo of the African Tax Administration Forum, Abou Ouattara Sié, and Darlingston Yahkor Talery of the Economic Community of West African States, echoed the importance of VAT in boosting domestic revenue while highlighting ongoing implementation challenges.

Tapsoba further urged member states to align their national VAT systems with the ECOWAS Directive on VAT harmonization adopted in July 2023, ahead of the January 2027 deadline for domestication. He said harmonization, alongside digitalization, would be key to promoting fair competition, facilitating a common market, and strengthening regional integration.

He also outlined measures to improve VAT performance, including modernizing refund systems to reduce delays, strengthening audit and verification processes to curb fraud, improving customs valuation systems, and enhancing collaboration between customs and domestic tax authorities through joint audits.

WATAF reaffirmed its commitment to supporting member states through technical assistance, capacity development, and knowledge sharing, as the region shifts from reliance on border taxes to more efficient domestic tax systems.

The forum called on governments and development partners to move beyond policy discussions to concrete implementation, stressing that timely action is essential to achieving fiscal sustainability in West Africa.

West Africa Risks Revenue Loss Without VAT Digitalization — WATAF is first published on The Whistler Newspaper