Author: The Whistler Newspaper

Olympic 200m freestyle champion Mollie O’Callaghan and fellow Olympic gold medallist Meg Harris secured places in Australia’s women’s 100m freestyle team on Friday as the country’s swimming trials continued to produce standout performances ahead of the Commonwealth Games and Pan Pacific Championships.

O’Callaghan, one of Australia’s biggest swimming stars, lived up to expectations by winning the event in 52.33 seconds, while 50m freestyle world champion Harris finished second in 52.63 seconds to book her place on the national team.

Shayna Jack came third and Alex Perkins fourth, with all four swimmers expected to form part of Australia’s formidable women’s 4x100m freestyle relay squad. The team has dominated the event for more than a decade and currently holds both Olympic and world titles.

The six-day Australian trials, which conclude on Saturday, serve as qualifying events for next month’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Pan Pacific Championships in Irvine, California, in August.

In the men’s events, Queensland freestyle sensation Sam Short continued his remarkable week by completing a clean sweep of the freestyle distances. The 22-year-old stormed to victory in the 1,500m freestyle in 14:42.09, setting a blistering pace through the first 1,000 metres before fading slightly in the closing stages.

Short had already posted the fastest 800m freestyle time since the now-banned supersuit era of 2009. He also recorded a personal best in the 400m freestyle, ranking as the 10th fastest performance in history, and added victory in the 200m freestyle.

Tokyo Olympic champion Zac Stubblety-Cook also impressed, producing a powerful finish to win the men’s 200m breaststroke in 2:08.92 ahead of Bailey Lello.

In the women’s 200m breaststroke, Ella Ramsay led from the front to qualify fastest with a time of 2:24.04, narrowly edging Tara Kinder.

Se-Bom Lee rounded off the day’s notable performances by winning the men’s 200m backstroke in 1:56.75.

O’Callaghan, Harris Secure Sprint Spots As Short Dominates Australian Trials is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Lawmakers from Osun State have called for the immediate redeployment of the state Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, over alleged partisanship and failure to provide adequate security ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

Speaking at a press conference in Osogbo, Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, said the legislators had lost confidence in the police commissioner and urged the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, to replace him without delay.

The lawmakers, comprising seven members of the National Assembly and 25 members of the State House of Assembly, also called for the arrest and prosecution of individuals allegedly linked to attacks on members and supporters of the Accord across the state within the last three months.

According to the caucus, it had received intelligence suggesting that leaders of the All Progressives Congress, APC were allegedly planning to instigate violence in the period leading up to the election.

The lawmakers alleged that the police in the state had failed to respond adequately to reported incidents of violence and vandalism, including attacks carried out in public and allegedly captured on video recordings.

“We find it difficult to understand how crimes committed in broad daylight, in branded vehicles, caught on tapes would not be tracked and perpetrators arrested 72 hours after those shootings,” Egbedun said.

He also alleged that the Police Commissioner had rarely attended meetings of the State Security Council since assuming office in May 2025, claiming that junior officers were frequently delegated to represent him.

The caucus accused the police leadership in the state of attempting to weaken the operations of the Osun Amotekun Corps at a time when concerns over kidnapping and other security threats were increasing across parts of the country.

The lawmakers also alleged that hundreds of campaign billboards belonging to the Accord had been vandalised without any arrests being made, while campaign activities of the party had allegedly faced restrictions in some areas of the state.

They also claimed to possess intelligence indicating plans for targeted attacks on Accord members, destruction of property and other acts capable of creating instability before the governorship poll.

According to the lawmakers, “such actions could be aimed at creating conditions that might lead to the declaration of a state of emergency in Osun State ahead of the election.

“This is not political speculation, or hearsay. We consider the information before us serious enough to warrant immediate public attention and preventive action by relevant security agencies.”

The caucus appealed to President Bola Tinubu to direct security agencies in the state to remain neutral and professional, while urging civil society groups, the media, election observers and the international community to closely monitor developments in Osun as preparations continue for the August 15 governorship election.

Osun lawmakers seek redeployment of CP over election tensions

Controversial Nigerian social media influencer, Mandy Kiss, has called out her former godmother, actress Funmi Awelewa, for allegedly ruining her life.

Mandy Kiss made the allegation while responding to a Tiktok report about her falling out with several celebrities including Funmi Awelewa, Papaya and Toyin Abraham.

In response, Mandy Kiss in an Instagram video, clarified that she only had issues with Papaya, stating that Awelewa and Toyin Abraham wronged her.

While tagging Awelewa as her greatest mistake, she claimed that her godmother “ruined my life”.

“It was only Papaya that I had issues with. Even though I didn’t mean to hurt her but she blocked me everywhere after I innocently reposted a post about her from a blog. I honestly don’t know that she’s the one that the blog is referring to.

“For my ex godmother, that one is my greatest mistake. She really ruined my life,” she said.

‘She’s my greatest mistake’ – Mandy Kiss accuses Funmi Awelewa of destroying her life

Former Sweden international, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, has named Croatia as the country he would be supporting at the World Cup tournament apart from his home nation.

The former Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain striker stated this on Fox Sports while revealing that Group L is the group he likes at the World Cup.

“Group L. We have England. We have Croatia. I’m supporting them in this tournament,” Ibrahimovic said.

“Then, we have Ghana with big talents. Let’s see what they bring. “We have Panama.

“Unfortunately, in this group, I think they will be a punching bag for England and Croatia, and Ghana might disturb them and take some points.”

World Cup 2026: Zlatan Ibrahimovic names country he’ll be supporting apart from Sweden

The Chief Judge of Taraba State, Justice Joel Agya, has cautioned that the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the judiciary must be guided by the principles of judicial independence, impartiality, integrity, accountability and fairness.

Agya gave the warning on Friday in Jalingo while declaring open a two-day training programme for High Court judges on the application of AI in judicial processes.

He said AI literacy and its responsible application had become increasingly important in modern judicial administration, describing the technology as one of the most transformative developments of the current era.

According to him, the world is witnessing an unprecedented technological revolution that is reshaping the way institutions operate, decisions are made and services are delivered.

“Artificial Intelligence is rapidly reshaping the way institutions operate, decisions are made, and services are delivered. The justice sector is not immune to these developments,” he said.

The chief judge noted that courts and judicial institutions across the globe were exploring ways in which emerging technologies could improve efficiency, expand access to justice, strengthen legal research and support judicial administration.

He, however, stressed that while AI presents significant opportunities, it also raises ethical, legal and practical concerns relating to accuracy, confidentiality, transparency, bias and judicial responsibility.

Agya explained that the workshop was designed to equip judges of the Taraba State High Court with the knowledge and skills needed to understand both the capabilities and limitations of AI and to apply the technology responsibly within the judicial process.

“The objective is not to replace judicial reasoning or discretion, but to enhance our understanding of technological tools that may assist us in the performance of our duties while preserving the human judgment that remains at the heart of justice delivery,” he said.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of Lex Decipher Tech Ltd, Mr Segun Meleki, who served as the resource person, commended the leadership of the Taraba judiciary for embracing innovation and demonstrating interest in the application of AI.

Meleki said the technology offered enormous opportunities despite its challenges and had the potential to enhance justice delivery across the judicial system.

He expressed optimism that participants would acquire the necessary skills for the effective application of AI in judicial processes.

According to him, judges across various levels of the court system had increasingly embraced the global trend of integrating AI into legal and judicial operations.

Judiciary must embrace AI with caution – Taraba Chief Judge

The Yoruba Community in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has distanced itself from an alleged mobilisation notice circulating among youths in the North in support of President Bola Tinubu’s second-term ambition.

In a public notice signed by its President-General, Barrister Afiz Adigun, the group described the notice as unauthorized and warned members of the public against individuals falsely claiming to represent the organisation.

According to the statement, the leadership of the Yoruba Community had already taken an official position regarding the 2027 presidential election, having adopted President Bola Tinubu as its preferred candidate for a second term following a congress attended by its elders and representatives.

The group further stated that the decision led to the establishment of a political platform known as the Yoruba Northern Network for Tinubu (YONNET), which is responsible for coordinating political activities and support campaigns across the 19 Northern states and the FCT.

Barr. Adigun explained that Deputy President of Yoruba Community 19 Northern States, Hon. James Olorunfemi serves as the National Coordinator of YONNET, while presidents of Yoruba Community chapters in each northern state function as state coordinators under the structure.

The group expressed concern over what it described as attempts by unauthorized persons to issue directives and mobilise Yoruba youths in the name of the community, particularly notices.

He however called on members not to assemble in Kaduna or participate in activities not approved by its recognised political wing.

“We dissociate ourselves from any memo or directive calling for all Yoruba youths not to assemble in Kaduna or similar actions that did not originate from YONNET or this office,” the statement said.

The community urged members, APC stakeholders and the general public to verify all political communications through its official channels to avoid being misled by misinformation and impersonators.

It further advised individuals and organisations seeking to coordinate activities related to support for President Tinubu’s second-term bid in Northern Nigeria to liaise directly with YONNET or the National Secretariat.

The statement reaffirmed the group’s support for President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC), while emphasizing the need for discipline, proper coordination and adherence to established structures in all political engagements.

The leadership also urged members to remain vigilant against unauthorized announcements circulating on social media and other platforms.

Yoruba Group Disowns Tinubu Re-Election Mobilisation Notice is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

A former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, has revealed that he did not receive security votes at any point during his eight years as governor of the state.

Fashola made the disclosure on Friday while speaking at a June 12 Democracy Day event organised by The Platform, where he participated in a panel discussion alongside former Senate President, Bukola Saraki.

During the session, the former governor responded to questions regarding the use and impact of security votes allocated to state governments, particularly in light of Nigeria’s persistent security challenges.

Fashola dismissed the notion that governors routinely receive security votes directly, describing such assumptions as misplaced.

He maintained that throughout his tenure as Lagos governor, no security vote funds were paid to him personally.

According to him, all funds belonging to the state government during his administration were managed through established institutional channels rather than being placed under the direct control of the governor.

The former Minister of Works, Power and Housing under the administration of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari explained that revenues accruing to Lagos State while he was in office were domiciled within the state’s Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.

His remarks came amid ongoing public discussions about the management, transparency and accountability of security votes by state governments across the country.

I did not receive security votes as Lagos governor – Fashola

Ebonyi State Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has distributed 31 operational vehicles to security and law enforcement agencies in the state to combat crimes and social unrest.

Handing over the vehicles at the Governor’s Office Ochoudo Centenary City Abakaliki, the Governor observed that one of the ways security and social disorder can be contained is to arm security agencies to
respond to emergencies and distresses.

According to the Governor, “The selfless services rendered by the Service Chiefs are very tremendous and commendable, especially the technical knowledge and digital skills they have adopted to provide security”.

The Governor expressed satisfaction with the performance of the security and law enforcement agencies who have kept vigil to protect lives and properties of residents.

“I am very impressed with the Army, Police, Department of Security Service, NDLEA, FRSC, Custom, Immigration , Prisons and Civil Defense Corps.

“After our security council meeting, we agreed to procure vehicles to respond to distresses and security challenges”.

Explaining the rationale behind the donation of the operational vehicles, the Governor acknowledged pockets of social disturbances from non state actors in the state’s suburb.

“We have been challenged in our local areas. We looked at the challenges and saw the necessity of providing these vehicles because security is everybody’s business”.

He urged the benefitting agencies to ensure the exhibition of ownership spirit in the management of public facilities and assets to serve the purpose of which it was procured.

“I have very much confidence that these vehicles will be handled the same way the other materials are being handled”.

Nwifuru Distributes 31 Operational Vehicles To Boost Ebonyi Security is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for renewed commitment to ending child labour and protecting the rights of children across the country.

In her message on Friday to mark the 2026 World Day Against Child Labour, Mrs Tinubu said the theme, “Red Card to Child Labour: Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults,” underscores the need to safeguard every child’s right to safety, education, dignity and well-being.

She stressed that no child should be deprived of the opportunity to learn, grow and fulfil their potential as a result of forced labour.

She noted that children belong in homes, classrooms, playgrounds and other safe environments where they can thrive.

“No child should be denied the opportunity to learn, grow, and achieve their dreams because they are subjected to forced labour. Children belong in homes, classrooms, playgrounds, and safe environments where they can grow and thrive,” she said.

The First Lady further urged governments, communities and stakeholders to continue investing in the welfare of children while creating opportunities that empower families to provide adequate care and support.

“Let us all raise a red card against child labour and work together for a fairer and a promising future for every child,” she said.

She also felicitated with children and advocates working to end child labour, wishing Nigerians a meaningful World Day Against Child Labour.

The World Day Against Child Labour, launched in 2002, is held annually on June 12, and is intended to foster the worldwide movement against child labour.

Let’s Raise Red Card Against Child Labour, First Lady Urges Nigerians is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Liverpool on Friday confirmed the departure of three coaches from the coaching staff.

They are Sipke Hulshoff, Ruben Peeters and Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

Hulshoff is a first assistant coach and lead physical performance coach.

Peeters joined Liverpool as part of Arne Slot’s new backroom team following his arrival as head coach in the summer of 2024.

Van Bronckhorst, meanwhile, arrived at Liverpool last summer to take up a role as an assistant coach within Slot’s set-up.

However, the three coaches will now leave their posts following the announcement of Slot’s departure as head coach last month.

“Everybody at LFC thanks Sipke, Ruben and Gio for all their efforts and contributions to the club and wishes them the best for the future,” Liverpool’s statement partly read.

EPL: Three coaches leave Liverpool