Author: The Whistler Newspaper

A presidential aspirant on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has outlined the qualities he believes Nigeria’s next president must possess ahead of the 2027 general election.

Hayatu-Deen said whoever emerges as president on May 29, 2027 must be a competent and unifying leader capable of addressing the country’s numerous challenges and positioning Nigeria effectively in the global community.

“The 230 million people deserve a leader who is a unifier, not a divider, who is very competent, who understands this country, its opportunities and problems, and who also understands what the world is all about and Nigeria’s place in it,” he said.

The aspirant spoke with journalists on Wednesday shortly after submitting his nomination documents at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

He lamented the country’s worsening socio-economic conditions, including inflation, poverty, insecurity and the state of public infrastructure.

“We face enormous problems in this country, pertaining to high inflation, the cost of living, hunger, poverty, and diseases. Children are out of school, health facilities are dilapidated, and an enormous amount of insecurity,” Hayatu-Deen said.

“If I am lucky to get the nomination and go on to contest this election, I would be waging a campaign that is focused on alleviating poverty, eliminating insecurity in this country, reducing the cost of living, and putting our children back to school, giving our people prosperity and a world in which they can live comfortably and raise the quality of life for all Nigerians,” he added.

Speaking further, the Borno State-born politician stressed the need for competence over ethnic or regional considerations in the choice of a president.

“Competence is exceptional at this point in time, because anybody who is going for the office of president is actually going as a quintessential Nigerian, not because I come from Borno or from Imo or Anambra,” he said.

“Once you put your hands on the Quran or the Bible, you are actually taking an oath to actually work for the Nigerian people, wherever they come from, regardless of background.”

On the debate surrounding zoning ahead of the 2027 election, Hayatu-Deen argued that Nigerians should prioritise integrity and leadership quality over regional considerations.

His position differs from prevailing sentiments in some quarters that the presidency should remain in Southern Nigeria for another term following the eight-year administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2015 to 2023.

Hayatu-Deen, however, maintained that the electorate should be allowed to freely decide who leads the country.

“Power truly belongs to the people who are the voters and Nigerians should be given a free hand to make a choice, in terms of who their representatives will be for various elective offices in the country,” he said.

“The pinnacle of these elective offices is the office of the President. And I can tell you with full confidence that I am fully prepared to contest this election. I am certain of myself. And I am very, very confident about the kind of campaign that I am waging.

“I am confident that I will win this campaign and win the election. That’s why I am here. We are talking about the journey,” he emphasised.

On the mode of selecting the ADC presidential candidate, the aspirant said he was comfortable with any process adopted by the party in line with the Electoral Act.

“The party leadership will decide what model of primaries that best suits the needs of the ADC in order for it to win this election hands down. So that’s number one and I will go for whatever the party decides,” he said.

2027: Hayatu-Deen Lists Qualities Nigeria’s Next President Must Possess is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Federal Government has announced the official launch of Nigeria’s nationwide Digital Switch Over (DSO) platform on June 17, promising free access to more than 100 television channels, superior picture quality, broader content distribution, and real-time audience measurement for advertisers.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the disclosure on Wednesday during a facility tour of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT). He was accompanied by the Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Dr. Charles Ebuebu, and other key stakeholders.

Idris described the development as a long-awaited milestone for Nigeria’s broadcasting sector, noting that the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting had finally materialised after several years of delays and unsuccessful attempts.

“I have been grappling with this idea of the DSO for many years. Moving our transmissions from analogue to digital has now happened and is ready to be commissioned by June 17,” the minister said.

He revealed that multiple channels have already been integrated onto the new platform, adding that the digital migration would revolutionise broadcasting, advertising, and television consumption not only in Nigeria but across Sub-Saharan Africa.

The minister highlighted the introduction of advanced scientific audience measurement tools that will provide real-time viewership data. 

“Now science is at play. If you are viewing a station, we know who is watching what and how many people are watching. Advertisers can now take informed decisions about the kind of programming Nigerians want to watch across all demographics,” Idris stated.

He commended the collaborative efforts of NIGCOMSAT, the NBC, the Ministry of Communications, and the Ministry of Information, while praising President Bola Tinubu for his support and provision of necessary resources that made the project possible.

Idris contrasted the new initiative with previous DSO attempts, which he said were limited in reach and expensive due to encrypted set-top boxes. 

“In the past, the boxes were encrypted and costly. Now this is free. Government has taken off some of those costs on behalf of Nigerians,” he explained.

The Lagos State Government has disclosed that no fewer than 6,465,667 residents have so far been captured under the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) exercise as part of efforts to strengthen governance and improve service delivery across the state. The Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Tobosun Alake, revealed this during the ongoing annual […]

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Former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku; Senator Ishaku Abbo; Emmanuel Ben; Adamu Bako Blanzou; and Jesse James Ayenajeh were among the prominent Nigerians who picked the Labour Party, LP, expression of interest and nomination forms to contest for various positions on the party’s platform ahead of the 2027 elections.

Maku picked the form for the Nasarawa North Senatorial District; Senator Abbo, for the governorship of Adamawa State; Emmanuel Ben, for the governorship of Akwa Ibom State; Adamu Bako Blanzou, for the House of Representatives seat for Akwanga/Nasarawa Eggon/Wamba Federal Constituency; and Hon. Jesse James Ayenajeh, for the House of Representatives seat for Toto Federal Constituency, Nasarawa State.

They were among the aspirants from different parts of the country, cutting across the Northern and Southern regions, who stormed the secretariat to obtain nomination forms for various elective positions.

Speaking with journalists shortly after receiving his nomination forms, Labaran Maku expressed strong confidence in the Labour Party’s chances in the forthcoming elections.

According to him, “The Labour Party has won the confidence and support of Nigerians, and I am convinced that the party will emerge victorious in the next general elections, from the presidency to the governorship elections.”

He said the party “has firmly established itself as a household name in many states, particularly in Nasarawa State and across my senatorial district, where the people remain determined to ensure the victory of the party in the forthcoming senatorial and other elections in the state.”

Similarly, Ishaku Abbo commended the growing momentum of the Labour Party and praised Nenadi Usman, the National Chairman of the party, for providing the leadership that has revitalised and repositioned the party. He also expressed optimism about the party’s prospects in the forthcoming elections across Adamawa State and the wider North-East region.

2027: Labaran Maku, Abbo, Adamu, others pick Labour Party forms

The management of the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service has reaffirmed its commitment to staff welfare and career development, while expressing disappointment over a protest staged by a group of workers over promotion and welfare concerns.

In a press statement, the agency said the protest was unnecessary given the ongoing efforts by the current leadership to address staff-related issues.

“The Management of the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) expresses its disappointment over the actions of a group of individuals protesting on issues of promotion and staff welfare, despite the ongoing efforts and interventions by the current Management,” the statement read.

The FCT-IRS noted that under the leadership of the Acting Executive Chairman, Mr. Michael Ango, staff welfare and professional growth remain top priorities.

According to the statement, upon assuming office, the current administration discovered that many employees were due for promotion and subsequently organized promotion examinations in December 2025.

“The report of the exercise has been submitted for approval, in line with statutory requirements, particularly in the absence of a governing Board,” the agency stated.

It added that once approvals are secured, successful staff members will receive promotion letters and assume their new positions effective from their eligibility dates.

On salary review and welfare, the Service said it had already paid outstanding allowances owed to workers since 2021 and introduced additional allowances to cushion economic hardship, especially following fuel subsidy removal.

The agency explained that salary adjustments require approvals from higher authorities, including the Minister and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, but noted that the process had already commenced.

Addressing concerns over the secondment of 12 staff members from the Nigeria Revenue Service, the management said the move was aimed at leveraging experienced personnel to strengthen revenue administration and improve performance.

It stressed that the arrangement was temporary and would continue until the FCT-IRS develops sufficient manpower within its expanded structure.

The Service also highlighted improvements in work tools and environment, stating that it had rented new office spaces, procured and distributed 240 laptops over the last two years, and recently purchased two 30-seater staff buses to reduce transportation difficulties.

On staff training and development, the agency said workers had participated in 105 local and international training programmes since August 2024, with every employee benefiting from at least one training programme this year.

Management further noted that it had supported the establishment of a staff union to encourage structured engagement, adding that the recognised union had distanced itself from the protest and continued to engage management through official channels.

“It is also on record that the present Management facilitated and encouraged the establishment of a Staff Union to promote structured and constructive engagement,” the statement said.

The FCT-IRS reiterated its openness to dialogue, stressing that staff concerns would continue to be addressed through recognised and constructive channels.

FCT-IRS Reviews Welfare, Awaits Approval for Staff Promotions is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Akwa Ibom State Council, has concluded plans to initiate a one billion naira suit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over the alleged assault of its member, Professor Eyo Ekpe, a Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, UUTH.

This was among the 10 resolutions reached by the body at the end of its emergency virtual meeting on Tuesday in respect of the arrest and alleged assault of Professor Ekpe by the commission.

Recall that EFCC operatives, on the grounds of authenticating a medical report presented by a suspect, were said to have invaded the hospital and subsequently arrested Prof. Ekpe under demeaning circumstances.

It was gathered that when the professor was accosted by the official, he told him that the office was already processing the request. However, the official allegedly went outside, mobilised other colleagues, and returned to hound the professor away after allegedly beating him and making him cry in public.

At a press conference held at Doctors’ Mess, Udoudoma, Uyo, on Wednesday, the NMA Chairman, Prof. Aniekan Peter, who also suffered during the crisis, said it was a slap on the integrity of the NMA as a body to allow anyone assault their member, not to talk of a professor who was only carrying out his lawful duties of saving lives and imparting knowledge.

Reading a communiqué endorsed by the chairman and the secretary, Dr Ighorodje Edesiri, respectively, the assistant secretary of the union expressed dismay that there has been a recurring pattern of harassment and assault of medical professionals and members of the association by security agencies within the state, adding that the union would no longer condone such acts.

The union, while observing that there was no formal invitation extended to Prof. Ekpe or the leadership of the NMA before the incident, described the act as barbaric, degrading, inhuman, and a gross violation of the sanctity of the hospital environment, thereby putting staff and patients at risk and undermining the dignity of the medical profession.

The union, which has since embarked on an indefinite strike, said members would not return to work unless the EFCC tenders an apology to the assaulted professor, chairman, and members of the NMA, and identifies and prosecutes the officials who carried out the operation.

The union further stated that it has resolved not to offer any medical services to EFCC officials or their relatives, as they have chosen the path of cruelty against their member.

The communiqué read in part: “We observed that Prof. Eyo Ekpe was apprehended within the premises of UUTH by masked EFCC operatives who physically assaulted him, beat him to the point of bleeding, and handcuffed him alongside other doctors and hospital staff who attempted to intervene.

“Prof. Peter, Akwa Ibom NMA chairman, was shoved and exposed to teargas when he approached the scene seeking clarification from the operatives. Hospitals are sacred environments meant for the preservation of life and should not be subjected to violent invasions by security agencies.

“We shall institute legal action against the EFCC with a demand for damages in the sum of one billion naira (N1,000,000,000) for the physical, emotional, professional, and institutional damages caused. Congress further emphasised that this action shall serve as a deterrent against future harassment, intimidation, or assault of medical practitioners by any security agency. The association reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare, dignity, and safety of all its members.”

NMA threatens N1bn suit against EFCC over alleged assault on UUTH professor

A former Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of Osun State University, UNIOSUN, Professor Yusuf Ali, has urged the university community to embrace education as a tool for character formation rather than mere certification.

He made the call on Wednesday as a guest lecturer at the maiden Folorunso Alakija Annual Lecture held at the university auditorium in Òṣogbo. The lecture was titled, “A Life of Impact and a Legacy of Service: Lessons from Apostle Folorunso Alakija.”

He noted that Apostle Folorunso Alakija took her assignment as Chancellor of UNIOSUN seriously, describing her contributions as enduring and impactful.

According to him, “Her philanthropic efforts reflect a moral commitment to giving,” adding that her investments in the university stand as lasting legacies. “If Apostle Alakija had been thinking the way many of us think, she would not have contributed a dime to UNIOSUN’s development.

“Let ambition be guided by purpose, let resilience transform adversity into growth, and let integrity anchor achievement.”

Governor Ademola Adeleke thanked Apostle Alakija for her service and announced the appointment of a new Chancellor, Mrs Victoria Adunola Samson.

In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of UNIOSUN, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, described Apostle Alakija as a blessing to the university and a diligent, down-to-earth woman whose tenure brought significant development to the institution.

Providing an overview of her achievements, Adebooye disclosed that the number of Bachelor of Science programmes increased from 39 to 66 during her tenure and later rose to 138 under his administration.

“The student population grew from about 10,000 to 14,290 during the tenure of a former Vice-Chancellor, Professor Labode Popoola, and has now reached 42,980. Apostle Alakija contributed N250 million of her personal funds towards the N350 million dual carriageway project within the university,” he said.

In her remarks, Apostle Folorunso Alakija expressed gratitude to the university community for their support throughout her tenure.

She attributed her accomplishments to divine grace, saying, “I thank God that I said yes at the beginning and for all those who supported me on this journey, including my husband and children.”

In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Princess Omolola Oyinlola described Alakija as a rare Amazon and a woman of excellence.

Embrace education as character formation tool — Prof Yusuf Ali

An aspirant on the platform of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), Alhaji Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, on Wednesday submitted his presidential nomination form…

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The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to reposition its tertiary education sector through international collaborations, digital infrastructure expansion…

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Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has disclosed that Katsina State now serves as a practical model for studying community engagement in security management…

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