Author: The Whistler Newspaper

The screening process for aspirants seeking the All Progressives Congress (APC) tickets for House of Representatives seats in Rivers State has deepened political tensions within the party, following the clearance of several loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, while aspirants believed to be aligned with Governor Siminalayi Fubara were reportedly disqualified.

The list released by the APC screening committee for the South-South House of Representatives aspirants showed that prominent figures associated with the party’s mainstream structure in Rivers were cleared to contest across various federal constituencies.

Among those cleared is the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Chike Amaewhule, who was screened and cleared for the Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency seat.

Others cleared include Felix Uche Nwaeke for Eleme/Tai/Oyigbo Federal Constituency; Hart Cyril Godwin and Philmoore Tombodiea Tony for Bonny/Degema; Dumnamene Dekor and Israel Lebura Ngbuelo for Gokana/Khana; Blessing Chisery Amadi and Igwe Precious for Port Harcourt Federal Constituency.

Also cleared were Victor Chukwuemele Obuzor and Solomon Bob for Egbeda/Ndoni/Ahoada West/Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Federal Constituency; Onyeozu Joy Nyebuchi and Adiele Lawrence Ogbor for Ikwerre/Emohua; Linda Somiari Steward and Tekena Thankgod Ikiaki for Okrika/Ogu/Bolo; Frederick Apiafi for Andoni/Opobo/Nkoro; Tom Epikaw Peter for Ikot Abasi/Eket Federal Constituency, as well as Ozuzum Chibuzor Nwamaka for Etche/Omuma.

However, the screening outcome appeared to favour aspirants linked to the camp loyal to Wike, as several politicians reportedly aligned with Governor Fubara were not cleared by the panel.
Those listed as “not cleared” include retired Air Commodore John Azubuike Opara for Port Harcourt Federal Constituency; Anderson Allison Igbiki for Okrika/Ogu/Bolo; Awaji Imombek D. Abirite for Andoni/Opobo/Nkoro; and former federal lawmaker, Boma Goodhead, for Asari-Toru/Akuku-Toru Federal Constituency.

The development is expected to further heighten the political rivalry between the camps of Wike and Fubara ahead of the 2026 general elections in Rivers State.

Political observers say the screening exercise may shape the internal power dynamics within the APC in Rivers, especially as both factions continue to struggle for influence within the party structure.

The APC in Rivers State has yet to officially explain the reasons behind the disqualification of the affected aspirants, though party sources hinted that issues relating to documentation and screening requirements may have influenced the outcome.

APC Clears Wike Loyalists For Reps Race, Screens Out Fubara Allies is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Legal representatives of Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi have strongly criticised Senior Advocate of Nigeria and human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, over his public call for their client’s prosecution on allegations bordering on murder, attempted murder, and destruction of property.

In a rebuttal issued following reports published in several national newspapers on May 10, 2026, Akanbi’s counsel, Mr. Adedotun Ajulo, Esq., described Falana’s intervention as hasty, irresponsible, and lacking legal foundation.

According to Ajulo, Falana’s comments amounted to an attempt to sway public perception and interfere with ongoing investigations through media pressure.

“With due respect, the intervention by the Learned Silk is premature, reckless, and legally indefensible. It falls short of the standard expected from a senior member of the Bar,” the statement said.

The legal team maintained that under Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution, Akanbi remains innocent until proven guilty by a competent court, noting that investigations into the matter only commenced on April 16, 2026.

Ajulo argued that demanding prosecution before the conclusion of investigations undermines due process and the principles of fair hearing.

He questioned the basis upon which Falana made the allegations, asking whether there was any credible evidence linking Akanbi to the crimes or if the public statements were merely aimed at generating sympathy and public outrage.

The lawyers further claimed there was evidence showing that Akanbi was not in Nigeria on April 18, 2023, and August 26, 2024, the dates when Sheriff Ishola Salami and Prince Akinloye were allegedly killed.

According to the statement, none of the suspects currently standing trial in connection with the killings had implicated Akanbi in their confessional statements or testimonies.

“There is no direct or circumstantial evidence connecting our client with any of the persons facing prosecution in the matter,” the lawyers stated.

Ajulo also dismissed claims that Akanbi had previously been convicted for land grabbing or destruction of property, insisting that no court in Nigeria had ever found him guilty of such offences.

The statement additionally accused former Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Moshood, of mishandling the case and abusing legal procedures. The lawyers alleged that Akanbi was declared wanted on February 19, 2026, without prior invitation or a valid court order.

They further claimed that shortly after the declaration, some individuals invaded and vandalised Akanbi’s property in the Ajiran community, while police authorities allegedly ignored petitions supported by photographic and video evidence.

Ajulo disclosed that a petition submitted to the then Inspector-General of Police on February 23, 2026, led to the withdrawal of the case file from Moshood and its transfer to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Alagbon, Lagos, for fresh investigation.

He also stated that a court had earlier nullified an arrest and remand order obtained against Akanbi, while another court reportedly rejected a similar application and instead ordered that the businessman be properly invited rather than arrested arbitrarily.

According to Ajulo, it was based on those court rulings and the reassignment of the investigation that Akanbi returned to Nigeria to cooperate with authorities.

The lawyers, however, described his eventual arrest in Cotonou, Benin Republic, as questionable and contrary to existing court directives.

They also rejected suggestions that Akanbi was a fugitive, arguing that his movements and conduct in Benin Republic did not reflect that of someone evading justice.

“If our client was truly on the run, he would not have moved openly in a foreign country using a Nigerian-registered SUV customised with his name,” the statement added.

The legal team further condemned the public display of Akanbi in handcuffs and leg chains on April 20, 2026, describing it as a calculated media show intended to humiliate him and prejudice public opinion.

Ajulo alleged that another petition later prompted the police authorities to once again remove the case file from Moshood and reassign it within the force hierarchy.

He accused Falana of overlooking major inconsistencies and procedural irregularities while lending support to what he described as a compromised process.

“One would expect a lawyer of his standing to critically examine these contradictions rather than amplify them against a citizen who has not been convicted,” he stated.

The lawyers further suggested that Falana’s public posture raised concerns about possible undisclosed interests influencing his position.

According to the statement, Akanbi would not be subjected to public persecution or sacrificed for media sensationalism, warning that legal action could be taken against individuals spreading false narratives capable of undermining his constitutional rights.

“The criminal justice system must not be turned into a media-driven spectacle controlled by influential voices. Justice must always be guided by evidence, due process, and constitutional safeguards,” the statement concluded.

Akanbi’s lawyers slam Falana over murder claims, allege bias, media manipulation

Nollywood actress and producer Sandra Okunzuwa has recounted how her ex-boyfriend broke up with her for kissing an actor in a movie.

Speaking in a recent episode of the BTS Reality podcast, Okunzuwa recalled that her ex ended their relationship after someone allegedly sent him a movie scene in which she kissed a male colleague.

The movie star said her ex-boyfriend was insecure for breaking up with her over an onscreen kiss, stressing that actors do not enjoy kissing each other on set because of the shooting environment and conditions.

“When actors kiss while filming, there are about 20 people watching them, and instructions are also being dished out to them. Even the AC will be turned off, and the director will be monitoring and instructing them all the way through. So how can anyone be in the mood or turned on in such conditions and environment?” she asked.

“Onscreen kisses are not even enjoyable. If it is possible for them to be scrapped and viewers will still enjoy movies, then I am in support. Romantic scenes affect our personal relationships because some partners might get jealous. 

“I once lost a relationship because someone sent my ex-boyfriend a scene from a movie where I kissed an actor. At the time, I felt his reaction came from a place of insecurity. But honestly, it is not easy. I don’t blame people who say they can’t date actors because everyone has to choose what they can tolerate in a partner,” Okunzuwa stated.

She, however, urged the public to bear in mind that actors play characters on screen and not their real selves.

The movie star emphasised that it is important for actors to separate their private lives from their professional lives.

My ex broke up with me for kissing in movie – Actress Sandra Okunzuwa

The People’s Republic of China has acknowledged that its exchanges and collaborations with Nigeria in the areas of culture and tourism have produced significant and noteworthy outcomes.

Mr. Yang Jianxing, the Cultural Counselor, made this statement during the 2026 “China Tourism Day” event held in Abuja on Friday, themed “Enjoying Quality Tourism, Exploring Beautiful Landscapes.”

He emphasized that tourism acts as a link for cultural exchange and a bridge for mutual understanding, noting that both China and Nigeria are ancient civilizations with stunning natural landscapes and rich historical and cultural heritage.

Yang remarked, “From the Great Wall and Mount Tai in China to the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove and Zuma Rock in Nigeria, these cultural and tourism landmarks serve as silent ambassadors, establishing a strong bridge of mutual understanding between our two peoples.

“Diversity and inclusiveness are inherent traits of our cultures, and tourism provides the most immediate and vivid means to experience this diversity and foster mutual learning among civilizations.

“Reflecting on the past, the exchanges and collaborations between China and Nigeria in culture and tourism have yielded significant and remarkable results. We successfully organized the ‘Happy Chinese New Year’ series of celebrations, allowing the Nigerian populace to engage with the festive spirit and cultural importance of family reunions during the Chinese Lunar New Year.

“Additionally, we conducted consecutive China-Nigeria Cultural and Tourism Festivals, which enabled individuals from both nations to profoundly experience the essence of each other’s cultures through various forms such as artistic performances, displays of intangible cultural heritage, and culinary experiences.

“These initiatives not only strengthened friendships but also instilled the idea of ‘harmony in diversity’ in the hearts of the people.

“Looking ahead, China is eager to collaborate with Nigeria, using the ‘China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges’ as an opportunity to further enhance practical cooperation in these fields.

“We will seek broader opportunities for collaboration in areas such as the protection of cultural heritage, the development of creative industries, and the promotion of tourism routes. We invite more Nigerian friends to learn Chinese, visit China firsthand, discover its breathtaking landscapes, and immerse themselves in its rich civilization.

“We also anticipate an increase in Chinese tourists traveling to Nigeria to experience the unique allure and limitless vitality of this West African region.”

Additionally, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Abdulkarim Ozi Ibrahim, represented by Yohanna Evandu, Director of International Cultural Relations at MACTCE, remarked that the cultural ties between Nigeria and China span over five decades and continue to strengthen.

He emphasized that tourism serves as a significant instrument for cultural exchange, economic development, and mutual understanding among nations, as it bridges divides, nurtures friendships, and creates opportunities for shared prosperity.

“Nigeria, like China, is enriched by its diverse cultural heritage, landscapes, and vibrant creative expressions. As a ministry, we are dedicated to promoting Nigeria as a premier destination while simultaneously strengthening international partnerships that will bolster our economy in the face of climate change.”

Collaboration with Nigeria on culture, tourism very productive – China

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has again defended the tough economic decisions taken at the inception of his administration….

The post VIDEO: No regret over subsidy removal, single foreign exchange market — Tinubu appeared first on Tribune Online.

The Ogun State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to the protection of lives and property, calling for calm following the gas leakage incident that occurred along the Agoro/Okunowa Road axis of Ijebu-Ode.

DAILY POST reports that the Friday incident affected no fewer than 100 students and teachers from at least seven schools.

The schools include Our Ladies Grammar School, Epe Garage; Anglican Girls Grammar School, Obalende; Titilayo Agbaje Comprehensive High School, Imosan; Ifesowapo Comprehensive High School, Imosan; St. Peter’s Anglican Primary School, Imosan; St. Anthony Grammar School, Esure; and Orphanage Primary School, Imosan.

This is coming barely one month and two weeks after a similar chemical odour affected Our Lady of Apostles Primary and Secondary Schools (OLAS), where 30 students and two teachers were hospitalised.

The State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, in a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, assured that the situation is under control.

Ojajuni confirmed the immediate deployment of the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit and other tactical response teams to secure the affected area, support emergency operations, and ensure public safety.

“The situation has since been brought under control, while monitoring and technical assessments continue.

“The incident was reported today when operatives on patrol within the area received information concerning a suspected chemical emission affecting students and residents around parts of Ijebu-Ode.

“The affected victims were promptly evacuated to the General Hospital and other private medical facilities within the area for immediate medical attention. The Command is pleased to confirm that no life was lost, while all affected persons are responding positively to treatment.

“Preliminary environmental assessments from the state’s Air Quality Monitoring infrastructure revealed elevated methane gas concentrations within the monitoring coverage area. Relevant technical experts and emergency response agencies are currently conducting detailed investigations to determine the source of the emission and assess any associated environmental risks,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, the General Manager of the State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), Kehinde Bello, described the incident as more of a security issue than a safety concern.

He also refuted claims that the incident was a result of air pollution, noting that it was mainly restricted to some schools and not the entire town.

He stated this during his visit to St. Anthony Grammar School, Esure; the State General Hospital, Esure; as well as a private hospital in the town.

Bello, however, urged residents and guardians of the affected schools to remain calm, assuring them that the government is doing everything possible to resolve the issue.

Ijebu Ode gas leakage: Police call for calm, say situation is under control 

A public affairs analyst and security expert, Maurice Ayobami, has explained why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent appointment of Major General Adeyinka Famadewa (retd.) as Special Adviser on Homeland Security is vital to tackling the insecurity bedevilling the country.

In a statement on Friday, Ayobami said the creation of the office reflects strategic adaptation to Nigeria’s evolving security landscape rather than institutional weakness.

Recall that President Tinubu appointed Famadewa as his adviser on homeland security.

The decision generated mixed reactions, with some people supporting the move while others opposed it.

DAILY POST reports that Prof. Femi Otubanjo, a research professor at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, faulted Famadewa’s appointment.

Reacting, Ayobami argued that modern security threats have become increasingly decentralised, asymmetric, and technologically sophisticated, requiring governments across the world to continuously redesign their coordination structures and policy responses.

“To interpret the appointment of a Special Adviser on Homeland Security as an admission of failure is to fundamentally misunderstand the nature of contemporary security management,” Ayobami said.

“Serious governments evolve. Serious administrations review their structures, identify emerging gaps, and create mechanisms capable of improving coordination, intelligence integration, and rapid strategic response. That is exactly what this administration has done,” he said.

Ayobami explained that the office is designed to strengthen inter-agency collaboration and improve strategic policy coherence, not to replace military command structures or usurp the statutory responsibilities of existing security institutions.

“The attempt to frame this appointment as a power struggle within the security architecture is both inaccurate and unnecessarily alarmist,” he said.

“The Special Adviser on Homeland Security is not being appointed to command military formations or override existing agencies. The role is strategic and advisory, aimed at deepening intelligence coordination, improving homeland risk assessment, and strengthening synergy among critical institutions,” Ayobami added.

Why appointment of Gen Famadewa as Homeland Security Adviser is good for Nigeria – Ayobami

Health facilities and personnel in Katsina State have been placed on alert after the state recorded 105 suspected cases of cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM)…

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In 25 years of flying, pilot Ian Nixon had never faced anything like the crash that left him and 10 passengers stranded for hours in the Atlantic Ocean, waiting to be rescued off Florida’s east coast.

On Tuesday, during what should have been a routine 20-minute flight between two islands in the Bahamas, Nixon watched one disaster unfold after another – first the navigation system, then the radio, then one engine, and finally the other.

“I wasn’t able to reach anybody on the radio for a while,” Nixon said. “I tried to call Freeport, [Bahamas]; I tried to call Miami radio. I don’t know if they were hearing me, but I didn’t get a response,” Nixon told CBS News, the BBC’s US news partner.

The plane was heading from Marsh Harbour, in the Bahamas’ Abaco Islands, to Freeport, Grand Bahama.

With nowhere to land, the Bahamian pilot “ditched” the aircraft in waters roughly 175 miles (289km) north of Miami – a last-resort intentionally executed manoeuvre when no other options are possible.

“Once I hit the water, my first thought was: ‘We didn’t die,’” Nixon said.

Handout Air Force Reserve Command 920th Rescue Wing Two images: left image of people inside three orange and yellow floating rafts on blue water, right image of grey clouds over blue sea with people on floats bobbing in the waterHandout Air Force Reserve Command 920th Rescue Wing

All 11 aboard the aircraft floated on a life raft for hours

What followed was an hours-long ordeal on a life raft, as the pilot and the passengers waited for rescuers to find them.

Nixon tried to keep spirits up.

“I told them: ‘In the next 10 minutes, a plane is going to come,’” he said. “Then one of the passengers said: ‘Hold on, did I hear something?’”

It was the distant sound of a helicopter from the US Air Force 920th Rescue Wing.

The unit was on a training mission when it was redirected to assist in the search and rescue effort after an emergency locator transmitter signal alerted the US Coast Guard about a potential distress situation.

“They had already been in the raft for about five hours,” Capt Rory Whipple said. “You could tell just by looking at them that they were in distress – physically, mentally and emotionally.”

A map showing the state of Florida and the Bahamas. Two points mark where the flight originated and was supposed to land. Another point shows where the flight crashed. A fourth point shows the Florida city of Melbourne. 

The rescuers worked against the clock to bring all the passengers to safety before the helicopters needed to refuel.

“I have not known anyone to survive a ditching in the ocean,” Maj Elizabeth Piowaty, an aircraft commander who assisted with the rescue, said. “And, from what I’ve seen, I mean, for all those people to survive is pretty miraculous.”

All 11 people on board were taken to a Florida hospital. Three suffered minor injuries.

“Everybody was rejoicing to know that we get saved because we thought we were going to die,” Olympia Outten, one of the passengers on the plane, said afterwards. “That was a scene that [was] just like it was a movie.”

The Bahamian authorities are investigating the cause of the crash.

According to him, the first sentence was an “unacceptable sentence, because they have fully agreed no nuclear, and if they have any nuclear of any form, I don’t read the rest,” adding that he is unsatisfied with the “level of guarantee from them.”

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