Author: The Whistler Newspaper

A coalition of civil society organisations has called on the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) to respect the judgment of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja over its legal battle with officials of the Department of State Services (DSS).

The coalition also warned SERAP against making statements that could escalate tensions in the country.

The coalition, comprising the Green Assembly Initiative and the Nigeria Youth Organisation, made the call during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday.

The group urged all parties involved in the matter to exercise restraint and allow the appellate process to take its course.

The coalition was reacting to the May 5, 2026 judgment delivered by Justice Yusuf Halilu of the FCT High Court, Abuja, in a suit involving SERAP and officials of the DSS.

The court had ruled that publications arising from a September 2024 incident, in which SERAP alleged that DSS operatives unlawfully invaded its office, were defamatory.

Justice Halilu subsequently awarded damages against SERAP and issued additional orders, including directives for public apologies and post-judgment interest.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Ambassador Duke Alamboye, said: “The judiciary remains the last hope of the common man and must be respected”.

Alamboye is also the National Secretary of Nigerian Youths in Politics and Convener of the National Security Summit.

While acknowledging the right of parties to challenge court decisions, he expressed concern over SERAP’s public reaction to the judgment.

“We strongly believe that continued issuance of highly charged public statements at this stage risks escalating tensions and may inadvertently undermine public confidence in judicial processes,” Alamboye said.

He warned that prolonged media campaigns surrounding the matter could create negative perceptions about the independence of the judiciary and the professionalism of security agencies.

According to him, the appropriate course of action for any aggrieved party remains the appellate process rather than public confrontations capable of inflaming national discourse.

“We reiterate that Nigeria’s democracy is strengthened not by public confrontation with judicial outcomes, but by adherence to due process, respect for the courts, and responsible civic engagement,” he said.

Also speaking at the briefing, Executive Secretary of the Coalition of Patriotic Youth Leaders, Comrade Rikki Nwajiofor, said that respect for judicial decisions was essential to preserving democratic order.

“The judiciary is the last hope of the common man, and if that hope is abused, then citizens will have nowhere to run when oppressed,” he said.

Nwajiofor urged SERAP to proceed with an appeal if dissatisfied with the judgment instead of engaging in what he described as inflammatory public commentary.

“If you are not comfortable with the outcome of the judgment, then go on appeal. The political atmosphere in the country is already tense. We are not supporting any party involved; our stand is that the rule of law must be respected,” he stated.

Obey Judgement On DSS Defamation, Stop Incitement, Coalition Tells SERAP is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Universal Insurance Plc has concluded arrangements for its proposed N3.2bn Rights Issue as the company moves to strengthen its capital base, enhance underwriting capacity, and deepen its market presence within Nigeria’s insurance industry.

The insurer formally executed the transaction documents for the proposed offer during a signing ceremony held in Lagos, concluding the preparation phase ahead of an anticipated market launch in the coming weeks, subject to final approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Under the proposed Rights Issue, Universal Insurance plans to issue 2,666,666,667 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at N1.20 per share based on one new ordinary share for every six ordinary shares currently held by shareholders.

The company stated that only shareholders whose names appeared in the register of members as of the close of business on March 30, 2026, would qualify to participate in the offer.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Chairman of Universal Insurance Plc, Jasper Osita Nduagwuike, said the company had sustained steady growth over the past five years despite prevailing economic and industry challenges.

According to him, the planned capital raise represents a strategic step toward strengthening the insurer’s operations and positioning it for long-term growth.

“We have a very solid foundation. For a company that has spent over 60 years in the industry, survived economic cycles and industry challenges, and is still standing strong, it speaks volumes about our resilience,” he said.

Nduagwuike noted that Universal Insurance remains one of the few insurance firms established in the early 1960s that continues to operate and expand within the Nigerian market.

He explained that the ongoing recapitalisation exercise would further improve the company’s competitiveness, increase its market share, and enhance operational efficiency.

The chairman also urged shareholders and other stakeholders to support the offer and ensure it achieves full subscription, stressing that stronger shareholder participation would position the company for improved performance and sustainable expansion.

If fully subscribed, the Rights Issue is expected to significantly strengthen the company’s financial position, improve its underwriting capabilities, and support strategic growth initiatives aimed at expanding its footprint across the Nigerian insurance market.

The development comes amid broader efforts by operators in Nigeria’s insurance sector to strengthen their balance sheets, improve solvency levels, and meet evolving industry demands through fresh capital injections and operational restructuring.

Universal Insurance Targets Growth With N3.2bn Rights Offer is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

A six-year-old Nigerian girl has died after falling from a high-rise residential building in Toronto, Canada, in a tragic incident that has left the community in shock.

Reports indicate that her mother was in Nigeria at the time of the incident.

The incident occurred at an apartment complex on Chalkfarm Drive in North York, close to Jane Street, at about 8:15 p.m.

Toronto Police Service said officers responded to a report described as “unknown trouble” and later found the child unresponsive on the ground outside the building.

Residents of the building described the girl as cheerful and familiar within the community, saying her death had deeply unsettled neighbours.

One resident told CP24 that the child was regularly seen playing around the premises.

“She used to come here all the time and play… she was a lively kid. It’s very, very sad,” the neighbour said.

Another resident said the news had been devastating for people living in the building, adding that the girl was a familiar face during daily routines such as school runs.

“It’s crazy that I will never see this child again. I see her every morning. It’s heartbreaking,” the resident said.

According to neighbours, the girl had been staying with a family friend who lives on the top floor of the building while her mother was away in Nigeria.

Some residents also questioned how the incident occurred, noting that the building is fitted with window safety features designed to prevent full opening.

“To be fair, they do have precautions on these windows to make sure these things don’t happen,” one resident said.

Another added that the windows are secured and cannot be fully opened, further adding to uncertainty surrounding the circumstances.

The property management company, Greenwin, which manages the building at 200 Chalkfarm Drive, described the incident as “deeply saddening,” adding that its thoughts are with the child’s family.

The company confirmed that emergency responders attended the scene promptly and said it is fully cooperating with investigators.

It declined to comment on the condition or inspection history of the windows, citing an ongoing investigation.

Police in Toronto said the case is not being treated as suspicious at this stage, though investigations are continuing pending autopsy results.

Six-year-old Nigerian girl dies after fall from apartment in Canada

Rano Air has announced the temporary suspension of some of its flight routes following a sharp increase in the cost of Jet A1 aviation fuel.

In a public notice issued by the airline, Rano Air said the price of aviation fuel had risen by more than 300 per cent, making operations on some routes difficult and commercially unsustainable.

The airline explained that the increase in fuel prices had placed enormous pressure on flight operations across the aviation industry, forcing it to temporarily halt some services.

“This significant increase in fuel prices has greatly impacted the aviation industry and placed enormous pressure on our flight operations,” the statement read.

According to the airline, the decision to suspend some routes was made after careful consideration and in the interest of maintaining safe, reliable and sustainable operations.

Rano Air apologised to passengers and business partners for the inconvenience caused by the development and assured affected customers of support regarding refunds, rescheduling and rerouting options.

The airline said its customer service team had been placed on standby to assist passengers affected by the route suspension.

Rano Air also stated that operations on the affected routes would resume once the situation improves and becomes operationally viable for the airline.

The company reaffirmed its commitment to providing quality service to passengers despite the current challenges facing the aviation sector.

Rano Air Suspends Some Flight Routes Over Rising Costs is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

A civic advocacy group, Agenda for Positive Change, led by Titus Danladi-Biu, has strongly condemned what it described as a malicious campaign of misinformation seeking to falsely associate renowned oil and gas executive, Dr. Bala Wunti, with the widely circulated ₦210 trillion Senate probe controversy.

In a statement issued on Friday, the group dismissed the allegations as baseless, politically motivated propaganda deliberately crafted to tarnish the reputation of one of Nigeria’s most accomplished petroleum industry leaders.

According to the group, no Senate committee, anti-corruption agency, judicial panel, or legitimate investigative authority has ever indicted, investigated, or formally linked Dr. Wunti to any missing funds or financial misconduct connected to the controversial claims.

Agenda for Positive Change described the narrative as reckless character assassination targeted at discrediting a respected technocrat whose nearly 35-year career in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector has been defined by transformational leadership, strategic reforms, and measurable industry achievements.

“It is both dishonest and irresponsible to falsely drag Bala Wunti into a fabricated corruption narrative where no credible or verifiable evidence exists,” the group stated.

The organization emphasized that Dr. Wunti’s distinguished career within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its upstream investment architecture was marked by exceptional contributions to national energy development.

As former Chief Investment Officer of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Wunti played a critical role in overseeing Nigeria’s upstream investment portfolio, strengthening joint venture partnerships, improving production efficiency, deepening investor confidence, and driving strategic asset optimization across some of Nigeria’s most critical oil and gas operations.

Under his leadership, NUIMS advanced major upstream reforms, enhanced operational governance, supported production growth initiatives, and reinforced Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global energy market.

Wunti was also widely recognized for championing investment-friendly policies, promoting sustainable resource management, and helping to position Nigeria’s upstream sector for stronger long-term profitability.

Before his honorable retirement in 2025 as NNPC’s Chief Group Corporate Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Officer, he had built a legacy as a seasoned industry professional whose expertise spanned technical operations, investment strategy, health and safety governance, and corporate transformation.

The group further noted that much of the sensationalized ₦210 trillion controversy had already been challenged by fiscal experts and industry analysts, who clarified that the figures largely reflect accounting liabilities, financing obligations, and complex joint venture structures rather than missing or stolen public funds.

Agenda for Positive Change warned against the increasing weaponization of misinformation, social media speculation, and politically engineered narratives aimed at undermining credible public figures.

“Public accountability must remain rooted in facts, due process, and credible investigation, not in distortion, sensationalism, or politically motivated fiction,” the statement added.

The group urged Nigerians to reject what it called desperate efforts by political actors to manipulate public perception through falsehoods and unsubstantiated accusations.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Dr. Bala Wunti remains an accomplished oil and gas reformer, a respected industry leader, and a patriotic professional who has not been indicted in any ₦210 trillion scandal. Attempts to portray him otherwise are false, malicious, and should be disregarded,” the statement concluded.

Agenda for Positive Change defends oil industry veteran, Bala Wunti, condemns false ₦210tn allegation

Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Friday defended the construction of houses for judges and justices in Abuja, dismissing concerns that the projects could compromise the independence of the judiciary.

Wike spoke after inspecting ongoing judicial infrastructure projects, including judges’ residences, the Court of Appeal Abuja Division and proposed residential projects for judges of the Industrial Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

The minister’s remarks followed criticisms reportedly raised by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) over executive involvement in the provision of infrastructure for the judiciary.

Rejecting the concerns, Wike argued that government provision of facilities for judicial officers was neither new nor a threat to judicial autonomy.

He said: “The mere fact that the executive constructs buildings does not mean it will interfere with the judiciary.

“We have built public houses for the National Assembly and for the judiciary before. The Supreme Court was built by government. So there is nothing new in this.”

Wike accused the NBA leadership of inconsistency, alleging that the association frequently sought financial support from state governments for its conferences and activities while criticising government interventions in the judiciary.

“All they are interested in is when state governments will sponsor NBA activities. If governments fund their conferences, does that mean they are no longer independent?” he queried.

He maintained that the FCT Administration would not be distracted from implementing projects designed to improve the welfare and working conditions of judges and justices.

“This is a voluntary act by government to make judicial officers comfortable and focused on their work. It is not done to erode judicial independence,” the minister added.

Wike said the projects formed part of activities lined up to mark President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.

He expressed satisfaction with the completion level of the judges’ quarters, describing the project as well executed and nearly ready for inauguration.

“We’ve seen the judges’ quarters beautiful. I’m very elated that the job was done well. The houses are well furnished and almost 99 per cent ready,” he stated.

The minister also disclosed that preparations had begun for the groundbreaking ceremony of residences for judges of the Industrial Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

However, he expressed dissatisfaction with aspects of the finishing at the Court of Appeal Abuja Division project, despite its advanced stage of completion.

“Almost 90 per cent complete, but I must say it’s not the quality I expected. I have told the contractor that several errors must be corrected before inauguration,” he said.

Wike assured that the administration would continue monitoring contractors to ensure all projects are delivered according to specification and within schedule.

“All the promises that have been made, we are going to fulfil them. That is why we are going around to inspect and ensure contractors are ready,” he added.

‘Nothing new’ – Wike defends houses for judges, dismisses NBA criticism

The Federal High Court has announced a new posting schedule for its judges following the recent appointment of 14 new judges and the reposting of three existing ones.

The Honourable Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, approved the postings and directed all affected judges to report to their new stations on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

The new postings spread across several judicial divisions in the country. In Abuja, Justice Salim Olasupo Ibrahim and Justice Onah Chigozie Sergius have been posted, while Lagos receives Justice Usoro Kuyik Uduak and Justice Nwoye Osinachi Donatus.

Other postings include Justice Hassan Dikko to Gusau, Zamfara State; Justice Sulaiman Amida Hassan to Osogbo, Osun State; Justice Muhammad Barau Saidu to Minna, Niger State; and Justice Igboko Chinelo Conchita to Akure, Ondo State.

Justice Onuegbu Chioma Angela heads to Yenagoa, Bayelsa State; Justice Galumje Edingah to Abakaliki, Ebonyi State; Justice Ibrahim Vera Eneabo to Gombe, Gombe State; and Justice Abubakar Musa Usman to Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

In the North-East, Justice Salihu Aisha Yunusa is posted to Damaturu, Yobe State, while Justice Shehu Umaru Adamu goes to Maiduguri, Borno State. Justice Ikpeme Joy Bassey has been posted to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State; Justice Mohammed Ibrahim Buba to Dutse, Jigawa State; and Justice Binjin-Eigegbe Nendelmum Judith to Lokoja, Kogi State.

The announcement was signed by the Court’s Director of Information, Dr. Catherine Oby Christopher, on May 8, 2026.

Federal High Court Announces New Posting Of Judges Nationwide is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Nigeria Citizens Watch for Good Governance has hailed the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and two Chinese firms for the rehabilitation, restart and expansion of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.

It called it a strategic masterstroke for energy security and economic renewal.

In a statement signed by Collins Eshiofeh, the chairman of the group, the civil society organisation said it had reviewed the scope, strategic context, and calibre of partners involved in the MoU with Sanjiang Chemical Company Limited and Xinganchen (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co., Ltd.

It stated that the agreement, if faithfully executed, would fundamentally restructure Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, strengthen energy security, create mass employment, and halt the recurrent haemorrhage of scarce foreign exchange on fuel imports.

The group described it as arguably the most consequential refinery intervention since the country’s return to democratic governance.

The organisation recalled that for decades successive administrations and previous NNPC leaderships had allocated and allegedly expended billions of dollars on turnaround maintenance and rehabilitation with little result.

It cited figures from newspaper reports showing $520 million spent under General Sani Abacha, $92 million under Abdusalami Abubakar, over $800 million under Olusegun Obasanjo, $257 million under Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, $495 million under Goodluck Jonathan, and $2.39 billion under Muhammadu Buhari.

The group said the public was repeatedly shown flaring and smoke from the stacks only for the refineries to collapse within days or hours while the funds vanished.

“The billions wasted in the past were wasted by other hands, not by Bayo Ojulari. Since his arrival, the approach has been commercially disciplined, transparent, and anchored on equity partnerships that share risk,” it clarified.

It said the difference this time was the calibre of the Chinese partners, noting that Chinese firms dominate global infrastructure, manufacturing and energy technology through innovation, disciplined execution and technical know-how.

The group cited the Abuja-Kaduna and Lagos-Ibadan railways and the Lekki Deep Sea Port as examples of Chinese-delivered projects functioning daily in Nigeria.

Under the MoU, Sanjiang Chemical and Xinganchen would take an equity stake that aligns their balance sheets with the operational fate of Port Harcourt and Warri.

The agreement covers not just rehabilitation and restart but long-term operations, maintenance, expansion, deeper petrochemical capacity and co-located gas-based industrial hubs.

The group clarified that the MoU was a preliminary, non-binding agreement to explore collaboration and develop a framework for partnership, not an award of contract or commitment to further rehabilitation spending.

It said the next step was to define the commercial, technical and operational framework for a future incorporated joint venture, calling it commercial prudence rather than the opaque deals of the past.

It lamented that Nigeria, despite having high-quality crude, still exports crude and imports refined products at high cost, a situation it said was dragging down the naira and fuelling inflation.

Refining domestically, it argued, was the only sustainable way to save foreign exchange, stabilise the currency and reduce pump price volatility.

While acknowledging the Dangote Refinery as a monumental private investment, the group said energy security for 200 million Nigerians could not rest on one private venture and that functioning state-owned refineries were necessary.

The group praised NNPC Ltd GCEO Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari and his team for their technical grounding and resolve to make the refineries work.

It said Ojulari conducted six months of engagement before securing the Chinese partnership and that since he assumed office in 2025, NNPC Ltd had not committed to any new rehabilitation programme, focusing instead on equity partnerships that share risk.

It urged the National Assembly and anti-corruption agencies to support oversight that strengthens performance.

The organisation also aligned with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers under Comrade Otunba Salmon Akanni Oladiti.

It stated that the union’s endorsement and call for transparency, professionalism and timely execution was significant.

It urged Nigerians to give the partnership a chance, saying that the flaring stacks of Port Harcourt and Warri would soon burn steadily as a symbol of the country refining its own crude and restoring economic dignity.

“Very soon, the flaring stacks of Port Harcourt and Warri will not be staged for cameras. They will burn steadily as a symbol of a nation finally refining its own crude, reclaiming its economic dignity, and restoring hope,” the statement said.

Group Hails NNPC-China Refinery Deal As Energy Security Boost is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Dr Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi, has urged the World Bank to accelerate the approval and disbursement of project funds to Nigeria, emphasising that the country’s access to such facilities should not be unnecessarily delayed.

Ogunjimi was made in Abuja during a courtesy visit by a World Bank delegation led by Mrs Treed Lane, the World Bank Team’s Manager.

He stressed that World Bank facilities are loans, not grants, and as a responsible borrower, Nigeria deserves prompt processing of its requests.

The AGF warned that prolonged approval timelines could discourage the Nigerian government from pursuing such funding arrangements.

“If approvals take more than six months, the Nigerian Government may no longer honour such arrangements,” he stated.

Ogunjimi also disclosed that the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) has begun addressing critical concerns previously raised by the World Bank, particularly in public financial management statements and audit reporting.

According to him, the 2023 Audit Report will be submitted to the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation within two weeks, while work on the 2024 and 2025 audit reports is ongoing.

He further assured the delegation that issues surrounding the digitalisation of the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) are being tackled, with outdated infrastructure currently being replaced by modern technology to improve efficiency and service delivery.

Earlier, Mrs Treed Lane congratulated Ogunjimi on his recent appointment as African Chairman of the Association of Accountants-General.

She also encouraged the OAGF to sustain its digitalisation drive and ensure the timely submission of professional financial statements to the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation to strengthen seamless public financial management processes.

FG Urges W/ Bank To Fast-Track Loan Approvals is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has directed the State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, Princess Pat Ajudua, to oversee the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Community Support Services and Girl Child Development pending further directives.

The Governor also directed the Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Godknows Angele, to supervise the Ministry of Youth Development with immediate effect.

The directives were contained in a statement issued by the State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu on Friday. 

According to Aniagwu, the development became necessary following the resignation of the former Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Community Support Services and Girl Child Development, Ms Orode Uduaghan, and the former Commissioner for Youth Development, Barr. ThankGod Harry Trakiriowei, who resigned to pursue their political ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Aniagwu stated that the two former commissioners stepped down to contest for seats in the Delta State House of Assembly.

He said Governor Oborevwori appreciated the former commissioners for their patriotic service to the state and wished them success in their future endeavours.

The statement added that the new supervisory arrangements take immediate effect pending further announcements by the state government.