Author: The Whistler Newspaper

Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, has called on public office holders to present verifiable records of their achievements, stating that his own track record in government remains open for public scrutiny.

Pantami made the remarks in Gombe during the launch of a compendium documenting 241 legacy projects and over 700 employment opportunities executed during his tenure.

The former minister, who is seeking to become governor of Gombe State, said political office seekers should prioritise showcasing tangible achievements rather than making promises to the electorate.

“I am not going to the people with empty promises, but with a scorecard. If you want to present yourself for anything, come with your scorecard, show that you have been tested and trusted,” he said.

Pantami, who served as Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency from 2016 to 2019 and later as minister from 2019 to 2023, said his record in office has not attracted any corruption allegations.

“Through the protection of the Almighty, we served for years in government and we have never been invited by any institution for any corrupt practice.

“It is not easy to serve for that long with a clean record without being indicted in any report. We are grateful to God for that,” he said.

He emphasised that accountability in leadership should be anchored on documented performance, noting that the compendium reflects measurable contributions to national development, particularly in technology, education, and job creation.

Pantami added that his projects were evenly distributed across the country, ensuring fairness and inclusivity.

“Justice must be done to every part of the federation. That is exactly what we ensured,” he said.

Highlighting the role of technology in governance, he said many of the initiatives implemented under his leadership were designed to tackle insecurity, unemployment, and gaps in education.

He noted that digital centres equipped with internet access, modern software, and cybersecurity systems were established to empower youths and support security agencies.

Pantami maintained that Nigeria’s challenges can be addressed through effective policies, technology deployment, and strategic implementation.

“This is not the time for promises. It is time for presenting records for people to assess,” he said.

Beneficiaries of the initiatives also shared testimonies at the event, highlighting the impact of the programmes.

One of them, Abubakar Mohammed, said the intervention helped him secure employment at the Federal University of Kashere, where he now lectures in Educational Foundations.

Another beneficiary, Abubakar Maina, now a staff member of the National Identity Management Commission, also credited the former minister for facilitating his employment.

Pantami served under the administration of Muhammadu Buhari from 2019 to 2023, during which the ministry oversaw key digital reforms, including broadband expansion and the implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy.

‘I’ve Never Faced Corruption Probe’,Says Pantimi is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed has cautioned traditional rulers in the state to avoid financial mismanagement, absenteeism, and unnecessary travels, warning that such conduct undermines governance and public confidence in traditional institutions.

The governor gave the warning during the distribution of official vehicles to traditional institutions at the Rilwanu Suleimanu Adamu Square, Government House, Bauchi.

He expressed concern over reports of alleged embezzlement and frequent absence from duty among some traditional rulers, warning that such practices weaken governance structures and erode public trust.

“Your roles are critical to the stability of our communities. You must not be found wanting in matters of accountability and service. Mismanagement of resources and unnecessary travels at the expense of your duties will not be tolerated,” the governor said.

He added that traditional rulers occupy key positions in maintaining peace, promoting development, and supporting government policies, urging them to lead by example in transparency and responsibility.

Mohammed further warned that his administration would not hesitate to take action against any traditional ruler found guilty of misconduct.

Gov Bala cautions traditional rulers against mismanagement

Istanbul giants, Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe will battle for the signature of Tolu Arokodare this summer, DAILY POST reports.

Arokodare linked up with Wolves from Belgian Pro League outfit, KRC Genk last summer.

The striker has, however, been tipped to leave the Old Gold following the club’s struggles this season.

Wolves occupy bottom spot in the Premier League, with relegation to the Sky Bet Championship imminent.

Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe will look to sign the Nigeria international on loan this summer, according to transfer expert, Ekrem Konur.

Beşiktaş are also rumoured to be interested in the forward.

Arokodare has a contract with Wolves until 2029.

Turkey: Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe join Arokodare chase

A magistrates’ court sitting in Makurdi has ordered the remand of two suspects, Terhile Yarnum and Simon Changoji, over alleged offences, including conspiracy, trespass, assault, and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Presiding Magistrate, Ajuma Igama declined to take the defendants’ plea, citing lack of jurisdiction.

The court directed that the suspects be held at the Makurdi Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter until May 11 for further mention.

Earlier, prosecuting officer, Insp. Inedu Friday, told the court that the case was reported by Kanshio Cyprin of Ukemberegya in Logo Local Government Area to the Anyin Divisional Police Station.

According to the complainant, he and five others were working on a farm when the defendants, alongside several members of the Changoji family, allegedly stormed the area.

He alleged that the group trespassed onto the farmland armed with sticks, cutlasses, and firearms, attacked them, and inflicted injuries on one Terhile Abraham, who sustained a forehead wound.

“They later made away with a wheelbarrow of seed yams, all with a total value of N136,000,” he said

The prosecutor further informed the court that the suspects were apprehended during investigations, while other alleged accomplices remain at large.

He added that inquiries into the matter were still in progress and requested an adjournment for mention.

The offences, according to the prosecution, violate Sections 97, 349, 254, and 288 of the Benue State Penal Code (2004), as well as Section 3(1) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act.

Benue court orders remand of two over alleged firearm possession

A member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mukhtar Adnan, has alleged that there is a deliberate plot to weaken opposition political parties in Nigeria, describing the ongoing leadership crisis in the party as an abuse of democracy.

Adnan, a former Kano State House of Assembly aspirant, made the claim in an exclusive interview with DAILY POST, where he accused the government and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of interfering in the internal affairs of the ADC.

According to him, the crisis began after the party’s National Working Committee was dissolved and a new leadership emerged, with David Mark as chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as secretary.

He explained that the transition was formalised, including a public unveiling of the new leadership at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, and was backed by due process.

“After all the handing over, including the unveiling of the ADC leadership, one of those who was part of the dissolved committee who even submitted a resignation letter acknowledged by INEC came out to say he never resigned,” Adnan said.

He added that the individual went to court, where an order was issued to maintain the status quo, a development that led to the removal of the names of David Mark and Aregbesola from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal.

“This is what led to all the confusion we are seeing today,” he said.

Adnan alleged that the situation was not ordinary, insisting that there were signs of political interference aimed at destabilising the ADC.

“It is very obvious that the government and the APC are part of this plot to destabilise the ADC. This is an abuse of democracy,” he said.

He further claimed that the crisis was driven by fear of a strong opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“It is clear that the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is scared of the opposition. They want an election without any strong opposition so they can win easily,” he alleged.

Adnan expressed confidence in the judiciary, saying it would protect Nigeria’s democracy.

“We are confident that the judiciary will do the right thing. Nigeria is not under military rule. In a democracy, people have the freedom of association and the right to belong to any political party,” he said.

He warned that weakening opposition parties could have long-term consequences for the country.

“This destabilisation will not only affect Nigeria now, it will affect future generations. There is no democracy anywhere in the world without opposition,” he added.

Adnan also criticised INEC for its role in the matter, arguing that the commission acted outside its mandate.

“INEC has a very big fault here. The Supreme Court has already ruled that party leadership issues are internal affairs and should be resolved within the party, not imposed from outside,” he said.

He questioned the justification for INEC’s actions, insisting that the commission should strictly follow the law.

“Why is INEC interfering? The law is clear. If the law is not followed, then the court will decide not INEC,” he added.

Adnan said despite the controversy, the crisis has instead increased the visibility and support for the ADC across the country.

“At the moment, ADC is gaining momentum and popularity across the states. People at the grassroots are supporting the party,” he said.

He, however, urged the party leadership not to be distracted but to focus on building a strong platform ahead of the next elections.

“The ADC should not be discouraged. They should continue organising, come up with a serious manifesto and field credible candidates for the 2027 elections,” he said.

“The unfortunate thing is that many of those in the National Assembly today are not credible enough to defend the interests of the people. Some have sold their conscience for cheap gains,” he said.

APC, Nigerian govt plotting to crush opposition politics – Adnan

…Olubadan orders police probe

By Adeola Badru

Suspected Fulani herders have allegedly killed a 47-year-old farmer in Asa Village, Okelade area of Ido Local Government Area, Oyo State, while the Olubadan has summoned the police over the incident.

The victim, identified as Chief Mutairu Oladosu, Otun Balogun of Oluode Okelade, was reportedly murdered while working on his tomato farm.

According to an eyewitness, the suspected herders invaded the farm in large numbers and launched an unprovoked attack on the farmer.

The deceased, who was on the farm with one of his daughters, was said to have been overpowered by the attackers, who were armed with dangerous weapons.

Confirming the incident, Oba Wahab Olabamiji, the Okelade Okin, stated that the attack was carried out by three suspected Fulani herders.

He added that one of the suspects had been arrested and handed over to the police for further investigation.

According to him: “We are here at the palace of Olubadan to inform Oba Ladoja about what is going on in our various communities in Ido Local Government Area.“

“The Fulani herders are not only grazing on our farms, but they have also become a source of threat to the dwellers.“

“The people in the area can no longer sleep with their two eyes closed again because of the fear of the herders.“

“Last Friday, Oladosu was hacked to death by the suspected herders while working on his tomato farm. I prevailed on my people not to allow the incident to snowball into a major crisis; hence, the visit to the Kabiyesi.“

“We are happy with the timely intervention of Oba Ladoja.”

Also confirming the incident, Oba Ladoja said he was informed of the attack through the leadership of the community.

“I was informed that one Mutairu Oladosu has been murdered by suspected Fulani herders in Asa Village, Ido Local Government Area.“

“I have invited the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State, to the palace over the incident.“

“He stated that one of the suspects is in police custody, while others are being sought.“

“The CP gave assurance that the matter will be duly investigated and that justice will be served on whoever is found guilty of the killing,“ he said.

The post Tension rises as suspected herdsmen kill farmer in Ibadan appeared first on Vanguard News.

The Chief Whip of Oyo State House of Assembly, Gbenga Oyekola has declared that he is not among the lawmakers planning to impeach the State Governor, Enginerr Seyi Makinde.

Oyekola, who represents Atiba State Constituency made this declaration on his verified Facebook page, Tuesday morning..

Oyekola, who was elected on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said that there are plans to create division within the State House of Assembly.

He said certain individuals were planning to work against the relationship between the state government and the lawmakers.

He said “I, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, hereby completely disassociate myself from any arrangement or activity that has the potential to disrupt the peace of Oyo State. I was never invited, never consulted, and was not part of any such meetings or arrangements.

“I cannot and will not be disloyal to my boss, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde.

“I reaffirm my unwavering loyalty and support for Governor Seyi Makinde, his government, and his party. I remain firmly committed to the peace, unity, and continued progress of Oyo State”.

I’m not part of plot to impeach Makinde – Oyo Assembly Chief Whip

A delegation from the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), led by the Federal Commissioner representing Kano State, Adamu Fanda, on Monday, commenced a data verification exercise in Taraba state, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s revenue allocation framework.

Speaking during the visit, Fanda explained that the exercise was fdesigned to generate accurate and up-to-date data that will guide the distribution of revenue among states and local government areas across the country. He noted that revenue allocation in Nigeria relies on specific indices intended to ensure fairness and equity in sharing national resources.

However, he pointed out that Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape has changed significantly over time, citing population growth, infrastructural expansion, and widening development gaps as key factors necessitating a review of existing data.

According to him, the current revenue allocation formula has reached an advanced stage, making it critical to validate the integrity and accuracy of the data that will underpin future allocations.

Fanda added that the delegation would work closely with relevant ministries, departments, agencies, and local authorities during their stay to ensure comprehensive data verification that reflects current realities.

He also called for the support and cooperation of the state government, emphasizing that the outcome of the exercise would have far-reaching implications for both the state and the nation.

In his response, governor Kefas reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the exercise, including providing adequate security and hospitality for the visiting team.

He further recommended that the commission organize workshops and training sessions to sensitize stakeholders on its roles and clarify expectations for states and local government areas to improve overall effectiveness.

The delegation is also expected to engage with key stakeholders across the state as part of efforts to verify critical data for the exercise.

RMAFC begins data verification exercise in Taraba

A disturbing video circulating on social media has brought renewed attention to Nigeria’s worsening kidnapping crisis, as a young man identified as John Arum Azi is seen pleading for help after being abducted along the Kaduna route.
According to him, he was travelling to Kaduna when he was kidnapped alongside six other individuals, bringing the total number of victims to seven.

The video, said to have been posted on Facebook by one of his course mates, was allegedly shared using Azi’s own phone after the kidnappers forced him to record a message to his family and the public. In the footage, he appears visibly distressed as he appeals for financial assistance to secure his release.

The abductors initially demanded a ransom of N30 million, threatening to kill him when he told them he could not afford the payment.

There is persistent insecurity across parts of northern Nigeria, particularly in the North-West region, where kidnapping for ransom has become widespread.

States such as Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto, Niger, and Kogi states have continued to record frequent abductions, with criminal groups targeting travellers, rural communities, and students.

Despite repeated assurances from security agencies that efforts are being intensified to tackle the menace, incidents like this continue to raise concerns among citizens over safety on major highways.

Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on Azi’s abduction at the time of filing this report even as the victim remains in his abductors’ den.

Kidnappers demand N30m as Uni-Jos student pleads for life in disturbing video

Nigeria and Morocco are expected to sign a major intergovernmental agreement this year for the ambitious $25 billion Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project, also known as the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline.

Amina Benkhadra, Director General of Morocco’s National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM), made the disclosure in an interview with Reuters.

The project, which was conceived about a decade ago, involves constructing a 6,900-kilometre hybrid offshore-onshore pipeline that will transport Nigerian gas through 13 West African countries before reaching Morocco and eventually supporting exports to Europe.

According to Benkhadra, once the intergovernmental agreement is signed, a high authority will be established in Nigeria.

This body will bring together ministerial representatives from all the participating countries to provide the necessary political and regulatory coordination for the entire project.

She further revealed that a dedicated project company will be created in Morocco as a joint venture between ONHYM and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

This entity will be responsible for leading the execution, financing, and construction phases of the pipeline.

The pipeline is designed with a maximum annual capacity of 30 billion cubic metres of gas, out of which 15 billion cubic metres will be allocated to meet Morocco’s domestic needs while the remainder will help facilitate exports to European markets.

Feasibility studies and front-end engineering design for the project have already been completed, although final financing arrangements are yet to be secured.

Benkhadra explained that the project will be implemented in phases, with each segment developed as a standalone system.

This approach is intended to allow for early delivery of economic value without depending on a single global final investment decision. She added that first gas from the initial phases is targeted for delivery in 2031.

The development is seen as a significant step towards enhancing energy security, promoting regional economic integration across West Africa, and positioning Morocco as an important energy bridge between the African continent and Europe.

The project has continued to attract strong interest from stakeholders due to its scale, phased structure, and strategic importance.

Nigeria, Morocco Set To Sign $25bn Gas Pipeline Deal is first published on The Whistler Newspaper