Author: The Whistler Newspaper

The Senate on Thursday vacated the arrest warrant earlier issued against former Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, and also distanced itself from comments made by Senator Adams Oshiomhole describing the company as “a bunch of criminals and thieves.”

The development came amid the ongoing investigation by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts into the financial records and transactions of the NNPCL.

The committee, chaired by Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, had initially resolved to invoke its constitutional powers following what lawmakers described as repeated failures by the former NNPCL boss to honour invitations.

The decision followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Victor Umeh.

“This matter has lingered for too long. Nigerians deserve answers. The committee cannot continue to wait indefinitely while critical questions concerning trillions of naira remain unanswered,” Umeh said.

The hearing witnessed a tense moment when Senator Tony Nwoye sought to explain Kyari’s absence. Nwoye informed the committee that the former NNPCL chief was receiving medical treatment in Germany.

“I spoke to Mele Kyari about a week ago. He promised that he would be here. But incidentally, I learned last night that the man is hospitalized in Germany,” Nwoye told the committee.

His intervention was met with resistance from Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, who accused him of appearing to defend Kyari.

“You are not Kyari’s lawyer!” Nwaebonyi fired back.

The exchange briefly disrupted proceedings as lawmakers debated whether Kyari’s reported health condition should affect the committee’s decision on the warrant.

Responding, Nwoye denied acting on behalf of the former NNPCL chief.

“I am not holding brief for Mele Kyari. I am duty-bound to bring this information to the committee. The decision on whether to issue a warrant of arrest is entirely for this committee to make,” he said.

Reacting to the arrest warrant, Kyari denied allegations that he deliberately avoided the Senate investigation and described the committee’s action as surprising.

In a letter addressed to the committee chairman, Kyari said he had formally notified lawmakers of his inability to attend the hearing because he was undergoing medical treatment abroad.

He stated that a letter dated May 11, 2026, had been sent to the committee explaining his health condition and expressing his readiness to appear before lawmakers upon his return to Nigeria.

“I remain very willing and ready to honour the invitation of the Committee and to appear before it once I return to the country,” he stated.

“However, I wish to respectfully state that I have neither received nor sighted the said invitation. Had the invitation reached me, I would have gladly honoured it,” he said.

Meanwhile, the committee also heard from former NNPCL Chief Finance Officer, Bala Ajiya, who appeared before lawmakers to respond to issues arising from the company’s audited accounts.

Ajiya strongly defended the corporation’s financial records and rejected claims that funds were missing from the company’s books.
“There is no money missing,” he told the committee.

According to him, reports alleging that N210 trillion had disappeared from NNPCL accounts were based on a misunderstanding of accounting entries involving different entities within the company’s structure.

He further dismissed allegations that N5.8 billion was spent on registering the new NNPCL, explaining that the actual amount involved was N2.9 billion paid directly to government agencies, including the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

Ajiya maintained that all transactions were properly documented and verifiable.
The Senate also clarified that remarks attributed to Senator Oshiomhole, in which he reportedly described the NNPCL as “a bunch of criminals and thieves” during Wednesday’s hearing, did not represent the position of the upper chamber.

The NNPCL had earlier responded to the comments, insisting that it was not a thief.

BREAKING: Senate Disowns Kyari Arrest Warrant, Carpets Oshiomhole Over Remarks is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

 

The House of Representatives on Thursday passed a constitutional amendment bill to establish state police nationwide.

The passage marks a significant step in Nigeria’s long-running debate over decentralising policing and tackling insecurity.

The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 to Provide for the Establishment of State Police; and for Related Matters (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026,” was approved during consideration at the Committee of the Whole, presided over by Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas.

The voting commenced after the Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, Benjamin Kalu, presented arguments in support of the proposal and urged lawmakers to back the measure.

The exercise was conducted manually, with members raising their hands to indicate their positions.

At the end of the count, about 288 lawmakers voted in support of the bill, while four members voted against it.

The proposed amendment seeks to fundamentally restructure policing in Nigeria by creating both Federal and State Police formations.

One of the key provisions of the bill alters Section 214 of the Constitution to establish the Federal Police and State Police formally.

Under the proposal, the National Assembly would be empowered to prescribe the structure, organisation, administration and powers of the Federal Police, while also providing the framework and guidelines for the establishment of state police services.

The bill stipulates that no state police formation shall commence operations unless it is established through a law passed by the relevant State House of Assembly and certified as meeting national minimum standards prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly.

It further provides that until a state police force becomes operational, the Federal Police will continue to perform policing functions in that state.

The amendment also seeks to limit federal interference in the operations of state police.

Under the proposal, the Federal Police may only intervene in a state’s internal security affairs in cases of a complete breakdown of law and order, upon the request of a governor, or where a state police force becomes unable to function due to administrative, financial or other challenges.

The bill also proposes significant changes to the appointment and command structure of the police.

Under the amended Section 215, the Inspector-General of Police would be appointed by the President on the advice of the National Police Council from among serving members of the Federal Police, subject to confirmation by the National Assembly.

Similarly, a State Commissioner of Police would be appointed by a governor on the advice of the National Police Council from among serving members of the State Police, subject to confirmation by the State House of Assembly.

The proposal empowers governors to issue lawful directives to State Commissioners of Police on matters relating to public safety and order.

However, where a commissioner believes such directives are unlawful or inconsistent with accepted policing standards, the matter may be referred to the National Police Council, whose decision would be final.

The bill also amends Section 84 of the Constitution by replacing references to the “National Police Council and the Federal Police Service Commission” with the “Nigeria Police Council and the Police Service Commission.”

The proposal, however, will still require approval by the Senate and endorsement by at least two-thirds of the State Houses of Assembly, assented to by the President before it can become part of the Constitution.

Super Falcons striker Esther Okoronkwo has returned to training following an injury layoff, DAILY POST reports.

Okoronkwo picked up a hamstring injury in AFC Toronto’s league clash with Halifax early last month.

The 29-year-old has missed her club’s last five league matches due to the setback.

She also missed Nigeria’s recent friendlies against the Terangha Lionesses of Senegal.

The talented forward is now expected to feature in AFC Toronto’s league clash against Montreal Roses at the  York Lions Stadium on Saturday.

Okoronkwo played a key role in AFC Toronto’s title success last season.

WAFCON 2026: Boost for Super Falcons as Esther Okoronkwo returns to training

There was pandemonium at the Legislative Council Complex in Ini Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State on Thursday as thugs invaded the chambers, disrupting an ongoing sitting of the councillors.

Some of the lawmakers sustained injuries while scampering for safety. A female councillor, Ekomobong Isaac, was seen bleeding before she was evacuated to the hospital.

Journalists who came to cover the plenary were not spared as one of them, Emmanuel Ufon, was assaulted and his cameras confiscated.

Speaking after the incident, the Leader of the 8th Ini Legislative Council, Donald Usoroh, described the attack as unwarranted, alleging that it was sponsored by the Council Chairman, Inibehe Umah.

Usoroh recalled that trouble started when the legislators wrote to the chairman, inviting him to give account of the council’s monthly income and expenditure, in order to ensure accountability and good governance.

He said rather than the chairman responding to the request, he resorted to intimidation and violence by allegedly sending thugs to disrupt the scheduled plenary.

Usoroh maintained that the legislators were not even planning to impeach the chairman as they know the due protocols to follow if they want to do such but only wanted him to give account of huge funds he had collected from Governor Umo Eno for the development of the local government.

He, therefore,  urged Governor Eno, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and other stakeholders to wade into the matter to forestall a full blown crisis in Ini LGA even as he reaffirmed their commitments to serving the people with courage, integrity and dedication to democratic principles.

Usoroh said, “We were not holding a sitting to impeach the chairman. The order paper and agenda for the sitting had already been prepared, and no item relating to impeachment was included.

“In the discharge of our constitutional duties, we had earlier requested a transparent account of the council’s monthly income and expenditure. This was a legitimate legislative responsibility aimed at ensuring accountability and good governance.

“This shameful act of aggression not only undermined democracy at the grassroots but also inflicted devastating consequences. Tragically, one of our female colleagues lost her two-month pregnancy as a direct result of the assault. This heartbreaking incident has left the Council and the community deeply shaken.”

Speaking on behalf of the journalists attacked during the incident, Comrade Ufon said he had been invited to cover the legislative beat which he normally covered and was carrying out his professional duties when the violence occurred.

Ufon alleged that individuals he described as “suspected terrorists and hoodlums” stormed the legislative chambers, destroyed his tripod, assaulted him and his cameraman, and seized their cameras.

According to him, the attackers claimed they were acting on the instructions of the council chairman and informed him that he would have to recover his equipment through them.

He said, “A free press depends on journalists being able to gather information, document events, and report news without intimidation, violence, or arbitrary interference. When journalists are physically attacked or their equipment is confiscated, several concerns should arise.”

Meanwhile, attempts to reach the council chairman were not successful as his phone lines were switched off and messages sent to him were not delivered.

Pandemonium in Akwa Ibom local council as thugs disrupt plenary, sack councillors

Former England striker, Michael Owen, has tipped France to win the 2026 World Cup.

This year’s edition of the tournament kicks off on Thursday night.

Most bookmakers have Spain as their favourites to be world champions, adding to the European Championship they won two years ago.

But Owen, who played in three World Cups during his career, believes Les Bleus are “miles better” than the rest of the competition.

He also predicted that the Three Lions will make it to the semi-final at best, while Germany will be dark horses.

“I think England will be a quarter-final or a semi-final at best would be my guess, but I have a sneaky feeling that Germany could do well,” Owen told Metro.

“I think they could do well. So France would be my pick, England to get to the quarters or semis and Germany to be the dark horses.”

2026 World Cup: Michael Owen names favourites to win trophy, dark horses

There was a demand for the jersey of Portugal captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, following their 2-1 win over Nigeria in an international friendly on Wednesday night.

But it was defender Bruno Onyemaechi who was the lucky Super Eagles player to take it home.

Onyemaechi posted Ronaldo’s shirt on his social media hours after the game.

Ronaldo himself had posted a picture of him and the right-back on Instagram, with the caption: “The preparation is done. Eyes on the World Cup.”

The five-time Ballon d’Or was the centre of attention from Nigerian players and coaches, as they jostled to take pictures with him at full-time.

Ronaldo played for 64 minutes and missed a couple of chances to score against the Eagles.

Super Eagles player gets Ronaldo’s shirt after 2-1 defeat to Portugal revealed

Cornerstone Insurance Plc has secured a no-objection approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to proceed with a major corporate restructuring aimed at separating its life and non-life insurance operations in compliance with the provisions of the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act 2025.

The company disclosed that the restructuring will be implemented through a Scheme of Arrangement involving Cornerstone Insurance Plc, its wholly owned subsidiary, Cornerstone Life Assurance Limited, and FIN Insurance Company Limited, in which it holds a 96.68 per cent equity stake.

Under the proposed arrangement, Cornerstone Insurance will transfer its life insurance assets, liabilities and related undertakings to Cornerstone Life Assurance, while its non-life insurance business assets and obligations will be transferred to FIN Insurance.

The move is designed to align the group’s structure with regulatory requirements mandating the separation of composite insurance businesses into distinct life and general insurance entities.

The company said the scheme represents a significant step in its transition to a holding company structure, positioning it for improved operational efficiency, regulatory compliance and business specialization.

Upon completion of the restructuring, the group will consist of four key entities. Cornerstone Insurance Plc will be renamed Cornerstone Holdings Plc, which will remain listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) as the parent company.

Cornerstone Life Assurance Limited will operate the group’s life insurance business, while FIN Insurance Company Limited will be renamed Cornerstone General Insurance Limited and oversee non-life insurance operations.

The group’s Islamic insurance business will continue to operate under Hilal Takaful Nigeria Limited.

The restructuring comes amid ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s insurance industry aimed at strengthening governance, improving risk management and enhancing the financial stability of insurance operators through clearer business segmentation.

Cornerstone noted that although it has received SEC’s no-objection approval, the scheme remains subject to additional regulatory and judicial processes. These include approvals from shareholders of the company and the affected subsidiaries at separate Court-Ordered Meetings, as well as the final sanction of the Federal High Court.

According to the company, a comprehensive Scheme Document detailing the terms and conditions of the restructuring will be dispatched to shareholders after obtaining the court’s approval to convene the meetings.

Market analysts say the move reflects a broader industry trend as insurers adjust their corporate structures to comply with the new regulatory framework introduced under the Insurance Industry Reform Act.

The separation of life and non-life businesses is expected to enhance transparency, strengthen capital allocation and improve oversight of insurance operations.

Cornerstone assured investors that further information on the restructuring process would be communicated as approvals are obtained from shareholders, regulators and the court.

In the meantime, the company advised members of the investing public and shareholders to exercise caution when dealing in its shares pending the completion of the transaction and the release of additional information regarding the scheme.

SEC Approves Cornerstone Scheme To Unbundle Composite Insurance Operations Nationwide is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The senate on Thursday distanced itself from the warrant of arrest issued against Mele Kyari, former group chief executive officer, GCEO, of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPC, Limited, by its committee on public accounts.

It also distanced itself from comments attributed to Adams Oshiomhole, senator representing Edo North.

Oshiomhole reportedly described the NNPC as a bunch of criminals and thieves during the committee’s hearing on Wednesday.

In response the NNPC said it was not a thief.

BREAKING: Senate disowns Mele Kyari arrest warrant, Oshiomhole’s comments

A Bayelsa State lawmaker, Fred Agbedi, has been announced as the House of Representatives Minority Leader.

The speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, made this announcement on Thursday moments after settling down for the day’s business.

Also appointed is Sokoto State lawmaker, Abdusamad Dasuki, who will serve as Deputy Minority Leader.

Meanwhile, Bauchi State representative, Mansur Manu Soro, has been named Minority Chief Whip.

DAILY POST reports that Fred Agbedi is from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, while Mansur Manu belongs to the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, and Abdusamad Dasuki represents the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

The announcement ends weeks of consultations and lobbying among opposition lawmakers over the composition of the minority leadership.

Recall that about 9 members, alongside the member representing Ideato North and South federal constituency of Imo State, Ikenga Ugochinyere, walked onto the floor of the House of Representatives’ chambers a while ago, chanting ‘No announcement, No Sitting’ over the minority leader position.

Among Ugochinyere’s supporters for the office of the Minority Leader are Jesse Okey-Joe from Lagos, Aliyu Mustapha from Kaduna, Afam Ogene from Anambra as well as Aliyu Misau from Bauchi.

House of Reps announces Agbedi as Minority Leader

Nigerian singer Michael Adebayo Olayinka, popularly known as Ruger, has been absent from the music scene due to an ongoing legal dispute involving a former romantic partner, his record label has revealed.

In a statement, the label disclosed that the singer’s hiatus was caused by personal challenges stemming from a lawsuit filed by an ex-girlfriend, who allegedly accused him of causing emotional distress and sought damages.

According to the statement, the legal battle significantly affected the artist’s activities and contributed to his prolonged absence from the spotlight.

“Ruger was caught up in a series of personal challenges after someone he dated decided to sue him for alleged ‘emotional distress’ and ‘damages,’” the statement read.

The label, however, assured fans that the singer is preparing for a return to the music industry and is expected to resume active engagements in August.

Ruger, known for hit songs including “Bounce,” rose to prominence with his unique sound and has remained one of Nigeria’s most successful Afrobeats artists.

The announcement has sparked reactions from fans, many of whom are excited about the singer’s anticipated return to music after months away from the public eye.

Legal Dispute With Ex-Girlfriend Stalls Ruger’s Music Career, Says Label is first published on The Whistler Newspaper