Author: The Whistler Newspaper

Five members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the House of Representatives have defected to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, who presided over the session, announced these defections when he read 13 letters announcing the change of parties by lawmakers.

The defections to the APM followed the movement of Oyo Governor, Seyi Makinde to the party from the PDP a few weeks ago.

Makinde emerged the presidential candidate of the APM for the 2027 election.

The members of the Oyo House of Representatives caucus who decamped to the APM on Tuesday included Anthony Adebayo, Adedeji Olajide, Sunday Makanjuola, Oyedeji Oyeshina, Fola Oyekunle and Adigun Adekunle.

In their letters of resignation, the lawmakers cited the protracted internal crisis and leadership tussle in the PDP as a reason to seek a political plan B to pursue their ambitions in 2027.

As a result ,Gov Makinde has switched allegiance with six out of the 14 members of the Oyo state caucus in the House of Representatives with him to the APM.

PDP lost and secured members on the floor of the House on Tuesday

In Bauchi, Auwalu Gwalabe also switched allegiance from PDP to APM, while Shehu Dalhatu, representing Faskari/Kankara/Sabuwa Federal Constituency of Katsina State, left the ruling All Progressives Congress for the PDP.

In his letter of pivoting, Dalhatu said, “After careful consideration of the issues in the APC and having consulted with my constituencies, I have settled to join the PDP.”

Also, Delta lawmaker, Etanabene Benedict, decamped from the Labour Party to PDP, citing “the crisis in the LP,” in the South-South state.

The PDP also secured another lawmaker in person of Alex Egbona, who decamped from APC to PDP, stating, however, that his “dedication to the House and his constituency remains unwavering.”

In yet another evasion, Edo legislator Esosa Iyawe, who had switched allegiance thrice in three years, again resigned from APC to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

He blamed “unfixable differences with the Edo State chapter of the APC for his resolution.”

Nasarawa lawmaker, Gbefwi Gaza, announced his switch from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to the Labour Party.

Six PDP Reps Defect To APM is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Yinka Alaseyori, has called on Nigerians to pray for the victims of the Oyo school children abduction, saying prayer…

The post Oyo abduction: Gospel singer, Yinka Alaseyori, calls for national prayers appeared first on Tribune Online.

The main airport in Ituri, the DR Congo province at the epicentre of an Ebola outbreak, reopened on Tuesday after a 10-day closure for safety reasons, the government said…

The post DR Congo reopens airport after 10-day Ebola-related closure appeared first on Tribune Online.

Japan became one of the first beneficiaries of the new time-limited substitution rule on Sunday when they scored while opponents Iceland had just 10 players on the pitch.

Under several new rules introduced by the International Football Association Board (Ifab) in time for the World Cup, players have 10 seconds to leave the field at the nearest point when being substituted.

If they fail to do so, the substitute cannot enter the field for at least one minute until the next stoppage in play, meaning their team must continue with 10 players.

During a friendly between Japan and Iceland on Sunday, Iceland fell foul of the new rule and winger Isak Thorvaldsson was unable to come on.

While Iceland were down a player, Koki Ogawa scored an 87th-minute header to earn Japan a 1-0 win.

Japan’s goal came one minute and 54 seconds after Thorvaldsson was prevented from entering the pitch.

Speaking after the match, Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu warned his players about making the same mistake as Iceland.

“I thought the players handled the new rule adjustments today with almost no issues,” Moriyasu said.

“Under the new rules, players won’t necessarily be able to get back on the pitch as quickly as before. That’s something we need to be mindful of. Whether it’s during substitutions or in other moments, we need to avoid creating openings that give the opponent a chance.”

Moriyasu also spoke about the importance of delivering clear and concise tactical instructions during three-minute hydration breaks, another new introduction.

“In those three minutes, we have to organise the key points we need to get across and communicate them clearly to the players,” the 57-year-old said.

“I felt that how well we use those three minutes could have a major impact on the outcome of matches, so we want to prepare thoroughly.”

Japan begin their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on Sunday, 14 June, before facing Tunisia and Sweden.

Other law changes for the World Cup

This summer’s World Cup will see a high number of law changes, primarily around eradicating tactics to slow the tempo of play and waste time.

Fifa referees’ chief Pierluigi Collina hopes these changes will mean stoppage time is not as long as at the 2022 World Cup. But there is guaranteed to be three minutes in each half for the hydration breaks.

Throw-in countdown (five seconds): If a player deliberately delays the restart of play, the throw can be given to the opposition.

Goal-kick countdown (five seconds): Also applies to deliberate attempts to run down the clock and can result in a corner being awarded.

Off-field treatment (one minute): Players who are treated by the physio must stay off the field for 60 seconds. There are some exceptions, including for goalkeepers, injuries and if the opponent is booked or sent off.

Players covering their mouths: Any player covering their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent may be sanctioned with a red card.

As well as Collina’s request for the change to the protocol on corners, there are also a couple of other tweaks to VAR.

Corners can be checked: If VAR can make sure that a corner has been correctly awarded, but this must be done quickly and before the restart. Does not apply to wrongly awarded goal-kicks.

Second yellows can be reviewed: Players sent off for two cautions can have the second booking checked – but there will be no reviews for potential second yellows.

Japan First To Benefit From New W/Cup Substitution Rule is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

By every visible and measurable indicator, the FCT under the leadership of the Minister, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike is undergoing one of the most ambitious transformations in its history.

In less than three years, Abuja has witnessed a scale of infrastructural development, governance reforms, urban renewal, and institutional expansion that many residents and stakeholders say is unmatched since the creation of the Federal Capital Territory in 1976.

From the city centre to satellite towns and Area Councils, the evidence of transformation is impossible to ignore. Roads once abandoned have been reconstructed, bridges completed, public infrastructure revitalised, healthcare strengthened, security enhanced, and new institutional frameworks introduced to reposition the FCT for sustainable growth.

As Nigeria marks the third anniversary of the administration of President Bola Tinubu, and the historic celebration of 50 years of the creation of the FCT, the Wike-led administration has unveiled thirty-one landmark projects for commissioning and flag-off ceremonies across Abuja — a development many observers have described as unprecedented.

The projects include the commissioning of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX), the Airport–Kuje Highway, Arterial Road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way), newly constructed Court of Appeal Complex in Dakibiyu, multiple Judges’ Quarters, water supply networks to Karu and Bwari, the Kuje–Gwagwalada Dual Carriageway, Transit Way N2 connecting Central Area to Wuse, and the remodelled Abuja City Gate.

Across Katampe, Mabushi, Wuye, Guzape, Jahi, Gaduwa, Karsana, Dakibiyu, and Wasa districts, new roads, bridges, interchanges, and engineering infrastructure are redefining urban mobility and opening up new corridors for economic growth and residential development.

Perhaps for the first time in many years, Area Councils are also witnessing massive government presence. Roads in Kwali, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Bwari, Abaji, and AMAC are either completed or under construction, bringing development closer to communities that previously suffered years of neglect.

Beyond roads and bridges, the Administration has introduced significant governance reforms. The exemption of the FCT Administration from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) improved financial flexibility and accelerated project delivery.

The creation of the FCT Civil Service Commission equally marked a major turning point in the administrative history of the FCTA. The reform ended the routine posting of Federal Permanent Secretaries to the FCT and created career progression opportunities for FCTA civil servants to rise to the positions of Head of Service and Permanent Secretaries.

The Women Affairs Secretariat and Youth Secretariat further expanded governance inclusion and institutional coordination.

The health sector has also experienced a remarkable transformation. Functional oxygen plants were established at Maitama, Asokoro, Bwari, and Abaji Hospitals. The Administration commissioned a 20-bed Vesico-Vaginal Fistula Centre at Gwarimpa Hospital and carried out free medical missions in Kuje and Bwari, where over 10,000 residents received treatment and more than 225 surgeries were conducted free of charge.

Healthcare access expanded significantly through the enrolment of vulnerable residents into the FCT Health Insurance Scheme, while major investments were made in emergency response systems, ambulances, medical equipment, residency training, and healthcare infrastructure upgrades.

Security agencies operating within the FCT also received operational vehicles and logistics support to strengthen security coordination and response capacity across the Territory.

One of the most symbolic achievements of the current administration is the massive investment in judicial infrastructure. The construction of Judges’ Quarters for Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, Federal High Court, and FCT High Court Judges, alongside the new Court of Appeal Complex and Body of Benchers Office Annex, reflects a deliberate effort to strengthen the justice sector and uphold institutional dignity.

As Abuja celebrates fifty years of existence, the official presentation of the “Abuja @50 Compendium” is expected to document the city’s evolution, indigenous heritage, governance journey, infrastructural growth, and future aspirations.

Today, across the Federal Capital Territory, the signs of transformation are visible in newly paved roads, illuminated streets, expanding water networks, transportation systems, modern public facilities, and ongoing mega-projects.

For many residents and observers, the current pace of development has not only changed the physical landscape of Abuja but has also restored confidence in governance, project execution, and public leadership.

As the commissioning activities continue, one message appears increasingly clear across the nation’s capital — Abuja is experiencing a new era of accelerated growth, and the impact of the current Administration will remain visible for many years to come.

Dr. Ahmadu, Director, Reform Coordination and Service Improvement Department, FCTA

OPINION: Situating Wike’s Abuja Revolution In Three Years is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Ivy Ifeoma, wife of Nigerian singer Paul Okoye, popularly known as Rudeboy, has advised women against making marriage to a wealthy man their primary life ambition.

Speaking in a video shared on her Instagram page, Ifeoma emphasized the importance of financial independence, stating that women should focus on building their own wealth rather than relying on a partner’s financial status.

According to her, while marrying into a wealthy family may provide access to opportunities, it should not replace personal ambition and financial growth.

“Marrying a rich man should not be anybody’s primary goal. Why would you even want to have a primary goal of marrying someone because they are rich? At the end of the day, it is their money, not your money,” she said.

Ifeoma also addressed speculation about her marriage to Paul Okoye, particularly claims that she married him for his wealth and the age difference between them. She maintained that she was financially successful before meeting the music star.

“Before you come for me, know that I was a millionaire before I met this man,” she stated.

She further encouraged single women to invest in themselves, noting that successful and wealthy individuals are often attracted to ambitious and hardworking partners.

“Don’t get me wrong, marrying rich is a very good add-on because it can open doors of opportunities for you. But what I will tell you to do as a woman is to get rich,” she added.

Her comments have since generated reactions on social media, with many users sharing differing opinions on relationships, wealth, and financial independence.

Reacting, @uyai said, “Reason with me if no get it today, go get am tomorrow say one for the money. Two for the dough Three for the shawty Yawa don blow please don’t advise us

Also, @jasmine stated that, “So true and another piece of advice, never marry a man that already has kids and whose ex-wife is still very much alive and present. You and your kids will just be 2nd option and there’s nothing you can do”

@nnaji said, “But it was after you married him u now owned a store in his plaza at Lekki, and became more popular divorce him pls let me come and marry him, and give the rest girls ur remaining advice ma after u met him u travelled out for the first time in ur life 00 after you met him u now have access to the u.s, after you met him you owned a car, after you met him u stopped ur video vixen of small pay, after you met him u now had so much benefits, maaam pls move with this ur advice biko, I will be rich and still marry rich man”

Also, @overcomerqueen said, “A lot of young girls work hard and have nothing to show for it. Please this will just depress some people. Just enjoy your rich man. To all those working hard and not seeing anything now, my prayer is that God shows you mercy and opens doors for you. It’s not easy.”

Marrying Rich Shouldn’t Be Women’s Goal, Says Rudeboy’s Wife is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Suspected bandits attacked worshippers during Maghrib prayers at a mosque in Namama Community, Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State, killing a teenager and abducting several worshippers.

The Kaduna State Police Command confirmed the attack and the abduction to THE WHISTLER on Tuesday.

“Yes, we are working hard with the relevant security agencies to ensure the return of those who were kidnapped,” the command’s spokesman, Mansir Hassan, told THE WHISTLER before ending the call without confirming the number of abductees.

Hassan did not respond to subsequent calls seeking clarification.

The attack was first reported by security analyst @Bakatsine in a post on X.

According to the analyst, the attack happened during a heavy rainfall.

“Yesterday evening, bandits attacked worshippers during Maghrib prayers at a mosque in Namama community, Giwa LGA of Kaduna State, amid heavy rainfall. The attackers opened fire indiscriminately, killing a young boy identified as Adamu and injuring several other worshippers.

“Local residents are mourning the loss, while prayers continue for the recovery of the wounded and for an end to the insecurity affecting communities across the Northwest region of Nigeria.

“How many more civilians must lose their lives in places of worship before effective measures are taken to protect vulnerable communities?” the analyst wrote.

In a separate incident reported on Tuesday, bandits reportedly attacked a residence in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, killed one person and abducted members of his family.

“Last night, bandits attacked a residence in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, killing a man identified as Sagir Umar and abducting members of his family.

“The attack adds to a growing list of violent incidents affecting communities across the region, raising fresh concerns about civilian safety and the effectiveness of ongoing security efforts.

“When will lasting security measures be put in place to protect vulnerable communities from these repeated attacks?”

Bandits Kill One, Abduct Worshippers During Kaduna Mosque Attack is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

If the reforms are not working, will we get this money? More money is coming to the states. The reforms are working very well in Delta State, and…

The post 2027: Tinubu’s re-election my number one project — Oborevwori appeared first on Tribune Online.

A renewed surge in customer demand propelled Nigeria’s private sector to its strongest growth performance in nine months in May, offering fresh evidence that economic activity is gathering momentum despite persistent inflationary pressures and elevated fuel costs. The latest Stanbic IBTC Bank Nigeria Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), compiled by S&P Global, rose sharply to 54.1 […]

The post Private sector growth hits nine-month high despite cost pressures — Report appeared first on Tribune Online.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday assured protesting teachers and civil society organisations in Abuja that security agencies are intensifying efforts to secure the release of abducted teachers and students, while cautioning against the politicisation of security challenges.

Addressing demonstrators who staged a protest in front at the Federal Capital Territory Adminstration (FCTA) Secretariat demanding the immediate rescue of victims of recent school kidnappings, Wike said the Federal Government remained committed to ensuring the safe return of those in captivity.

According to him, security agencies are actively working to rescue the victims and restore confidence in the country’s security architecture.

“We are all concerned about this security situation. The government is on its toes to ensure that those who are kidnapped are rescued,” he said.

The minister expressed confidence in the capacity of the nation’s security institutions to secure the release of the abducted teachers and students, stressing the need for prompt action.

“I have that confidence that the security system will do all they can to make sure the teachers and the students that are being kidnapped are rescued, and let it be prompt,” he added.

Wike, however, warned against turning security concerns into political issues, arguing that insecurity affects all parts of the country and should be approached as a collective national challenge.

He noted that incidents of teacher abductions had occurred in other states without attracting similar protests in the nation’s capital, urging citizens to adopt a more unified response to security threats.

“We are all concerned, but let us not politicise issues. That is what I will not support. We are all concerned about the security situation and how the teachers and students should be released,” he said.

The minister further disclosed that security agencies were operating within established protocols and had made significant progress in efforts to secure the victims’ freedom.

According to him, no responsible government would deliberately allow its citizens to remain vulnerable to criminal elements, adding that authorities were working under challenging circumstances to protect lives and property.

“There is no government that will deliberately say let citizens be kidnapped, but we know where we found ourselves and we know that everything possible is being done,” he stated.

Calling for national solidarity, Wike said insecurity should not be viewed through regional or political lenses, stressing that an attack on one community ultimately affects the entire country.

“What concerns you concerns everybody, and what concerns Abuja also concerns everybody. We are all looking at how people should rise up with the same dedication,” he said.

The protest followed growing public concern over recent school abductions in parts of the country, with teachers’ groups and civil society organisations calling on authorities to strengthen security around schools and ensure the safe return of victims.

Wike assures protesting teachers of rescue efforts, warns against politicizing insecurity