Author: The Whistler Newspaper

The Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out the lawsuit filed by the late Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, challenging an alleged impeachment plot by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.

Justice Emeka Nwite delivered the ruling on Wednesday after counsel for the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, B.K. Angaye, applied for the suit to be struck out. No counsel appeared for the plaintiff, and the matter was declared overtaken by events following Ewhrudjakpo’s death.

Ewhrudjakpo passed away on December 11, 2025, after collapsing in his office in Yenagoa. He was buried on January 30, 2026.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/221/2025, was filed when Ewhrudjakpo was still in office. He accused the State House of Assembly of planning to impeach him for refusing to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside Governor Douye Diri.

Diri defected to the APC on November 3, 2025, but Ewhrudjakpo remained loyal to the PDP. Through his counsel, he sought court orders to restrain the Assembly from initiating or proceeding with any impeachment process based on his refusal to defect.

He also prayed for protection of his security details and an order preventing any other person from being recognised as Deputy Governor.

Angaye told the court that the suit had become academic due to the passage of time and the plaintiff’s demise. Counsel for the Department of State Services did not oppose the application, leading Justice Nwite to strike out the case.

The development brings to a formal close a politically charged legal battle that highlighted tensions within Bayelsa State’s executive and legislative arms following the governor’s party switch.

Ewhrudjakpo’s death had already rendered the substantive claims moot.

No immediate reaction has been reported from the Bayelsa State Government or the House of Assembly on the court’s decision.

Court Strikes Out Late Bayelsa Deputy Governor’s Impeachment Suit is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Norway midfielder Morten Thorsby has warned that “everybody in football loses” if FIFA fails to do more to protect players from extreme heat at this summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Thorsby is among a group of current and former professional footballers who have written to football’s world governing body calling for stronger heat protocols ahead of the expanded tournament.

The letter supports concerns raised by leading scientists and medical experts, who warned that FIFA’s current heat safety measures should be strengthened and could put player safety at risk.

“It’s also a message to FIFA – they have to do more to take care of people and the planet,” the 30-year-old said.

“They have a huge responsibility and they’re not doing enough in terms of how big their impact and their influence is,” he said.

Thorsby, who plays for Italian Serie A side Cremonese and has campaigned on climate issues in football for more than a decade, is expected to feature at the World Cup after Norway qualified for the tournament for the first time in 28 years.

Heat is predicted to be a major issue during the competition, with researchers warning that temperatures at 14 of the 16 stadiums being used could exceed dangerous levels.

FIFA has said it has enhanced heat protocols for the tournament, including mandatory three-minute cooling breaks in every half of every match, regardless of the conditions.

A FIFA spokesperson said: “FIFA is committed to protecting the health and safety of players, referees, fans, volunteers and staff.”

However, the players’ letter argues that FIFA should go further, backing calls from medical experts for stronger protections including longer cooling breaks and clearer protocols for delaying or postponing games in extreme conditions.

“For the players, it’s an obvious problem of heat impacting the performance. Obviously the intensity of the game goes down,” Thorsby said.

“There are dangers related to heat-related problems, but it’s also a huge problem for the spectators.

“Football is also an entertainment industry. The spectacle and the show and the sport loses its value if the players are not able to perform at their best.

“Everybody in football loses by not tackling this.”

The letter has been signed by players past and present from across the men’s and women’s game, including Italy defender Elena Linari, former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha and Ipswich Town forward Chuba Akpom.

Thorsby said more high-profile footballers need to join the debate despite fears about public scrutiny.

“The more profiled and the more attention you have, the more difficult it is to speak up because you know how much attention it creates,” he said.

Thorsby founded the We Play Green foundation to encourage footballers to engage with climate and environmental issues.

“I know that the players are scared – they’re concerned about opinions of people. So that’s an obstacle that we need to overcome,” he said.

“Football players are the most influential people on the planet.

“If we could gather momentum among the players, getting them to speak up about these issues, we could really accelerate the green shift and the sustainability within football.

“When you have this voice, you have it because you’re good at what you’re doing – playing football – which is a privilege.
“We’re not special. We’re lucky.”

FIFA has previously maintained that it is committed to protecting the health and safety of everyone involved at the World Cup and said scheduling, stadium selection and operational planning have taken climate conditions into account. It has however not reacted to the latest development.

The players’ letter also called on FIFA to take “serious climate action” and drop fossil fuel sponsors.

FIFA’s global partners include Aramco, the Saudi Arabia state-owned energy company and the world’s largest oil company, which signed a four-year global partnership with the governing body in 2024.

A FIFA spokesperson said the organisation remains “committed to ensuring that its partnerships contribute to the long-term development of the game and to broader social and environmental objectives”.

They added, “FIFA will reinvest nearly 90% of the projected $14bn revenue for the 2027–30 cycle back into the global game.

“This record level of reinvestment helps ensure football can be organised and developed in more than 100 countries where it would otherwise not be possible -underpinned by commercial partnerships, including those with global partners such as Aramco.”

Thorsby has previously criticised the environmental impact of major tournaments, describing the 2022 World Cup in Qatar as “an absolute disaster” for the environment.

Despite his concerns, he said the World Cup still has an important global role to play.

“In the times that we’re in today, with such a fragmented world, I think a World Cup is extremely important in terms of world peace and having a meeting place where all nations can meet,” he said.

“Maybe football is one of the few things we still have in common.

“Some types of emissions, some types of footprint, we have to allow ourselves.

“Maybe a World Cup is actually something that, if you think about all the aspects, has a positive effect on the world right now,” he said.

W/Cup Player Signs Petition Calling For Protection From Extreme Heat is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

A fish seller identified as Zayyanu Yahaya has been praised for his honesty after returning an excess payment mistakenly transferred to him by a customer. The customer, Arogbonlo Israel, in a video clip obtained by TRIBUNE ONLINE, narrated that the incident occurred while he was fixing his car and decided to buy fish from the […]

The post VIDEO: Fish seller returns excess N54,000 mistakenly transferred by customer appeared first on Tribune Online.

Spain midfielder Fermin Lopez has been ruled out of the World Cup with a broken bone in his foot.

The 23-year-old fractured the fifth metatarsal in his right foot during Barcelona’s 3-1 La Liga win against Real Betis on Sunday.

The Spanish champions did not give a timeframe for his return.

“The operation went very well and I’m already looking forward to coming back stronger, both physically and mentally,” Lopez wrote on Instagram.

“Life and football can be cruel when you least expect it or deserve it. But you have to accept that it’s all part of the journey.

“It’s a very tough time for me and yet another challenge in my career that I will overcome – of that you can be sure.

“Now it’s time to support the national team and my team-mates from home.”

Lopez has seven Spain caps and was likely to have been named in the squad, which will be named on Monday, for the World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico.

Spain begin their campaign against Cape Verde on 15 June before playing Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group H.

Lopez scored 13 goals and provided 17 assists in 48 games for Barcelona in all competitions this season despite twice suffering a groin injury.

He played 28 minutes of Spain’s successful Euro 2024 campaign.

Barcelona Midfielder Lopez Ruled Out Of W/Cup is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Peace Corps of Nigeria, PCN has expressed grave concerns over the continued invasion of educational institutions by bandits across the country with callous abductions of innocent pupils and teachers for ransom purposes.

The Corps warned that the systemic criminal assault on the academic system, if left unchecked, will undermine the fabric of the educational sector. 

Addressing a media conference in Abuja on Wednesday, National Commandant of the Corps, Dickson Akoh lamented that the wanton attacks on schools will not only induce severe psychological trauma and pervasive fear among students, but will also profoundly discourage parents from sending their wards to schools and colleges, thereby jeopardizing the future of Nigerian youth.

In view of the escalating insecurity across the country, most notably the frequent invasions, targeting, and kidnapping of staff and students, Akoh canvassed the deployment of Peace Corps personnel to educational institutions to tackle the challenges headlong. 

According to him, “the initiative seeks to deploy a layered security framework that integrates grassroots monitoring with robust early-warning systems to detect and mitigate threats before they escalate. 

“By training and deploying disciplined officers and men as specialized safety officers, the initiative will address critical issues such as cultism, drug abuse, and unauthorized access, establishing a proactive, community-driven presence within schools and colleges to safeguard lives and property.

“Operating at the front-lines of the educational institutions, deployed personnel will focus primarily on continuous surveillance and intelligence gathering within school perimeters. 

“By maintaining a constant, vigilant presence, the Corps will be strategically positioned to identify vulnerabilities, track suspicious activities, and detect potential security breaches by intruders. 

“This critical, real-time intelligence will be seamlessly and rapidly transmitted to conventional security agencies, creating a vital link that enables a rapid, coordinated response to neutralize threats before harm can befall the academic community.

Akoh pleaded with the appropriate authorities to consider the position of the Corps towards combating banditry in schools so as to safeguard the educational future of the citizens and national development of the country. 

Peace Corps raises concerns over continued bandits’ invasions of schools across Nigeria

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria has stressed the critical role of accurate measurement and standards in driving effective policymaking, industrial development and consumer protection in Nigeria.

Director General and Chief Executive of SON, Ifeanyi Okeke, stated this on Wednesday during the 2026 World Metrology Day celebration held in Abuja.

The event, themed “Metrology: Building Trust in Policy Making,” brought together government officials, regulators, captains of industry, development partners and members of the organised private sector to reflect on the importance of measurement science in national development.

In his welcome address, Okeke said reliable data, accurate measurements and verifiable standards have become indispensable tools for governments, industries and regulators in making informed decisions in a rapidly evolving global economy.

According to him, without confidence in measurement systems, public trust in institutions and regulatory frameworks could be weakened.

“Effective policymaking depends heavily on reliable data, accurate measurements and verifiable standards,” he said.

“Governments, industries, regulators and consumers all require trustworthy measurement systems to make informed decisions that impact lives, businesses and national development.”

The SON DG noted that measurements influence nearly every aspect of daily life, including fuel dispensing, medical diagnostics, food and pharmaceutical safety, industrial production, environmental monitoring, energy distribution and digital technologies.

Okeke described metrology as fundamental to scientific advancement, industrialisation, international trade, healthcare delivery and economic growth.

He said the Standards Organisation of Nigeria continues to prioritize metrology as one of its core mandates through calibration, testing, inspection and standards development activities aimed at promoting traceability, fairness and compliance across sectors.

“At the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, metrology remains one of our core mandates in strengthening Nigeria’s quality infrastructure,” he said.

He linked the importance of accurate measurement to the Federal Government’s Nigeria First policy, stressing that Nigeria’s products and services must comply with internationally accepted standards to compete effectively in regional and global markets.

According to him, accurate measurement is not merely a technical requirement but a strategic economic tool capable of boosting innovation, facilitating trade, improving consumer confidence and attracting investment.

The SON boss reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with stakeholders, including government institutions, manufacturers, academia, laboratories, development partners and consumer groups to improve metrological capacity nationwide.

He also urged industries and businesses to invest more in calibration systems, quality control mechanisms and conformity assessment processes to improve productivity and reduce waste.

“I wish to particularly encourage industries and businesses to invest more in proper calibration systems, quality control mechanisms and conformity assessment processes,” he stated.

“This is essential not only for regulatory compliance but also for improving productivity, reducing waste and enhancing the competitiveness of Nigerian products in regional and global markets.”

Okeke called on stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to promoting accurate measurement, evidence-based policymaking and a stronger quality culture capable of supporting economic growth and consumer protection in Nigeria.

The Chairman of the Standards Council of SON, Hon. Yahuza Ado Inuwa, highlighted the critical role of metrology in national development and policy effectiveness.

According to Inuwa, the Standards Council remains committed to providing policy direction and institutional support to enhance standardisation, quality assurance, and metrology across Nigeria.

He noted that the Council continues to work closely with SON management to strengthen the country’s quality infrastructure and improve service delivery.

He stressed that accurate measurement systems are essential for effective policymaking, adding that decisions in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, energy, manufacturing, and trade must be based on reliable data to ensure credibility and efficiency.

The Chairman further stated that Nigeria’s drive toward industrialisation and economic diversification requires consistency, compliance with international standards, and improved technical capacity.

He emphasised that SON’s work in calibration, testing, conformity assessment, and standards development remains vital to national progress.

Inuwa also pledged the continued support of the Standards Council for investments in laboratory infrastructure, technical capacity building, and stakeholder collaboration aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s quality ecosystem.

SON Pushes Accurate Measurement To Strengthen Policy Making, Industrial Growth is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

 The collated results from the seven wards of Constituency 1, Ado Ekiti have declared Ayodeji Sunday Adarabierin winner of the House of Assembly election.

According to the official tally released by electoral officials, Adarabierin polled 4,577 votes across the constituency, defeating his closest rival, Adegbite Ayo, who secured 676 votes.

Ward-by-ward breakdown:

· Ward 1: Adarabierin – 934, Adegbite – 0

· Ward 2: Adarabierin – 580, Adegbite – 7

· Ward 3: Adarabierin – 0, Adegbite – 557

· Ward 4: Adarabierin – 1,766, Adegbite – 47

· Ward 5: Adarabierin – 481, Adegbite – 20

· Ward 6: Adarabierin – 364, Adegbite – 4

· Ward 7: Adarabierin – 452, Adegbite – 41

Total valid votes cast: 5,253

Adarabierin’s victory margin stands at a commanding 3,901 votes.

Adarabierin wins Ado Ekiti Constituency 1 Seat

The Kano State Government has claimed that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf once approached President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over a possible political defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), with the consent of former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

The claim was made by the Director-General of Media and Publicity at the Kano Government House, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, during an appearance on the Arise TV Morning Show.

Bature said the alleged discussions formed part of wider political movements and consultations already shaping narratives ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to him, the move was not done in isolation but reportedly had the backing of key political figures within the state.

He said, “Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had at a point approached President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the issue of defection into the APC, and this was done with the consent of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo.”

He added that the political conversations remained part of unfolding developments in the build-up to the next election cycle.

Bature also alleged that some political alignments across the country suggest ongoing negotiations among key actors, though he stressed that many of the claims circulating remain part of political discussions rather than confirmed agreements.

Gov Yusuf approached Tinubu over planned defection with Kwankwaso’s consent — Sanusi Bature

The Administrative and Finance Committee of the West African Examinations Council has passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of the Nigeria National Office under Head of National Office, Dr Amos Dangut.

The decision came at the Committee’s 240th Meeting held in Ibadan, Oyo State. The body, WAEC’s highest advisory panel on administrative and financial matters in Nigeria, said it was satisfied with the management’s handling of operations and staff engagement.

The Committee commended Dr. Dangut and his team for what it described as exemplary leadership, operational efficiency, and institutional discipline. It noted that the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination for School Candidates, 2026, had continued without disruption despite recent union-related concerns.

After reviewing the Council’s operations, the Committee said management’s approach reflected professionalism, strategic focus, and commitment to WAEC’s core values. It reaffirmed support for the current leadership and expressed confidence in its capacity to advance the Council’s mandate.

The Committee also cautioned against actions that could undermine WAEC’s institutional reputation and integrity.

WAEC management reassured candidates, parents, state ministries of education, and other stakeholders that operations nationwide remain stable and on course. It restated commitment to transparency, staff welfare, and maintaining a peaceful working environment.

The statement was issued Tuesday, 19 May 2026, by the Public Affairs Department and signed by Acting Head of Public Affairs Moyosola F. Adesina.

The vote of confidence comes as WAEC engages with staff unions on workplace issues while conducting the 2026 WASSCE across Nigeria.

WAEC Nigeria Office Gets Commendation After Smooth WASSCE 2026 is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Southampton have been expelled from the Championship play-offs following a major “spygate” scandal, with Middlesbrough reinstated after an independent disciplinary commission ruled in favour of the Teesside club.

The decision means Middlesbrough will now face Hull City in the Championship play-off final at Wembley on Saturday, May 23, replacing Southampton.

The ruling came after the English Football League’s independent commission heard the case on Tuesday, following allegations that Southampton staff illegally filmed opponents’ training sessions ahead of key fixtures.

In addition to expulsion from the play-offs, Southampton were also handed a four-point deduction for next season after admitting “multiple breaches” of EFL regulations.

According to the EFL, the club accepted responsibility for the unauthorised filming of opposition training sessions before matches against Oxford United, Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough during the play-off semi-final.

“Southampton was first charged on Friday 8 May, with further charges issued on Sunday 17 May in relation to additional breaches during the 2025-26 season,” the EFL said.

“Those additional charges arose from matters identified after the initial proceedings involving Middlesbrough were initiated.”

The controversy began when Middlesbrough reported Southampton to the EFL after alleging that a Southampton staff member spied on one of their training sessions on May 7 ahead of the semi-final clash.

Southampton have appealed the decision, with the hearing scheduled for Wednesday. The EFL acknowledged that the appeal outcome “could result in a further change to Saturday’s fixture.”

The club has strongly criticised the punishment, describing it as excessive and unprecedented.

In a statement, Southampton said the sanction was “manifestly disproportionate to every previous sanction in the history of the English game.”

Chief executive Phil Parsons apologised for the incident but insisted the punishment went too far.

“What happened was wrong,” Parsons said.

“But the club cannot accept a sanction which bears no proportion to the offence.”
Parsons also apologised “to the other clubs involved, and most of all to the Southampton supporters” who he said “deserved better from the club.”

Southampton pointed to Leeds United’s infamous spying controversy involving Marcelo Bielsa in 2019, when Leeds were fined £200,000 for observing Derby County training sessions.

However, the EFL noted that regulation 127 – which specifically bans observing an opponent within 72 hours of a game – was introduced after the Leeds incident.

“Southampton has been denied the opportunity to compete in a game worth more than £200m and one which means so much to our staff, players and supporters,” Parsons added.

“We believe the financial consequence of yesterday’s ruling makes it, by a very considerable distance, the largest penalty ever imposed on an English football club.”

The Saints also referenced several previous sanctions in English football, including Luton Town’s 30-point deduction in 2008-09, Derby County’s points deduction in 2021, Everton’s Premier League punishments in 2023-24 and Chelsea avoiding points deductions despite financial rule breaches earlier this year.

“We say this not to minimise what occurred at this club, which we have accepted was wrong,” Parsons said.

“We say it because proportionality is itself a principle of natural justice.

“The Commission was entitled to impose a sanction. It was not, we will argue, entitled to impose one that is manifestly disproportionate to every previous sanction in the history of the English game.”

Meanwhile, Middlesbrough welcomed the ruling and said the verdict protected the integrity of football.

“Middlesbrough Football Club welcomes the outcome of today’s disciplinary commission hearing,” the club said.

“We believe this sends out a clear message for the future of our game regarding sporting integrity and conduct. As a club, we are now focused on our game against Hull City at Wembley on Saturday.

“Ticket information for our supporters will be available shortly.”

Southampton supporters who purchased tickets for the play-off final will be entitled to full refunds while the appeal process continues.

Southampton Expelled From Championship Play-Offs Over ‘Spygate’ Scandal is first published on The Whistler Newspaper