Author: The Whistler Newspaper

The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has finalized the payment of the outstanding one-month arrears of the N32,000 pension increment to eligible pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS), completing the full settlement of the approved wage adjustment.

In a statement, PTAD disclosed that a total of N1.73 billion was disbursed to 54,206 eligible DBS pensioners, covering the final phase of arrears linked to the N32,000 increment approved by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), which took effect from July 29, 2024.

According to the breakdown, 25,804 pensioners under the Parastatals Pension Department (PaPD) received N825.7 million, while 28,402 pensioners under the Tertiary Education and Health Pension Department (TEHPD) received N908.8 million.

PTAD noted that the payments covered a 13-month arrears period from August 2024 to August 2025. The Directorate had previously paid 12 months of the arrears in phases between December 2024 and December 2025, with the latest disbursement settling the remaining balance.

The agency emphasized that the completion of the payments fulfills all obligations related to the N32,000 pension increment for qualified DBS pensioners under PaPD and TEHPD.

However, PTAD clarified that pensioners from organizations such as Peoples Bank, Assurance Bank, Nigeria Reinsurance, NICON Insurance, NITEL/MTEL, Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), and PHCN are excluded from the increment, as they had already benefited from separate pension increases of 10.66 percent and 12.95 percent in line with the NSIWC directive.

Reaffirming its commitment to pensioners’ welfare, PTAD said it would continue to prioritize transparency, efficiency, and timely pension administration in alignment with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

54,206 Pensioners Receive Final Arrears As PTAD Ends Backlog is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) says a monthly salary of ₦1m is worthless to workers without a stable naira and improved economic conditions.
Mr Joe Ajaero, NLC President, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said organised labour was more concerned about the value of the naira than nominal wage increases, stressing that rising inflation had continued to erode workers’ purchasing power.

According to him, the steady increase in the cost of living has made it difficult for workers to afford necessities, including food, transportation, and housing.
“Even if Nigerian workers earn ₦1m, it will not be meaningful if the naira has no value.
“What we are looking for is a currency that can sustain workers and their families at least to the end of the month.
Ajaero said that the ongoing conversation around a new national minimum wage must follow laid-down procedures, adding that it is governed by law and tied to a specific review cycle.
“The minimum wage has not been negotiated yet. It is a process that must follow the law.
“When it is time, we will commence negotiation ahead of its expiration. It cannot be rushed because of election timelines,” he said.
He said the Congress would initiate the process within the stipulated window before the expiration of the current wage structure.

The NLC president also called for urgent government intervention to cushion the impact of inflation, noting that the current economic situation had not improved for workers

He said the surge in fuel prices had worsened the hardship, with attendant effects on transportation, food prices, and the general cost of living.
“We raised concerns when global developments began to impact fuel prices locally, and we called for intervention.
“The situation has not improved, and the burden on workers continues to increase,” he said.
Ajaero stressed the need for Nigeria to develop a resilient energy policy that would reduce vulnerability to external shocks.

It is not ideal that events in other parts of the world automatically translate into hardship in Nigeria.
“We must build a system that protects our economy and citizens,” he said.
On pension, Ajaero said there were emerging concerns over the multiplicity of pension unions, which had created confusion within the system.
He said the NLC had written to relevant stakeholders and was working to convene a meeting to clarify the issues and ensure proper coordination.
“There are several pension groups now, and this is creating ambiguity. We are engaging them to understand what is at stake and find a common ground,” he said.

He said the Congress would seek clarity on deductions and remittances of check-off dues among pensioners.
On the upcoming Workers’ Day, Ajaero said any planned protest would not be nationwide but limited to states that had yet to fully implement the approved minimum wage.
“Street protests, if any, will be in states that have not complied with the minimum wage implementation.
“It is not a general protest across the country,” he said.
He added that most states had complied, but noted that some were yet to fully implement the policy, particularly at the local government and education sector levels.

According to him, there are also issues relating to consequential adjustments, with some states paying only the minimum wage without properly adjusting other salary structures.
“These are technical issues that must be addressed. We will evaluate the level of compliance before May Day,” he said.
Ajaero reiterated the commitment of the NLC to continue advocating policies that would improve workers’ welfare and ensure economic stability.
He commended the federal government for the review of peculiar allowances and the 100 per cent duty tour allowance for civil servants and hoped it would be implemented effectively.

N1m Monthly Salary Worthless Without Stable Naira – NLC is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Jose Mourinho is the preferred candidate of Real Madrid President Florentino Perez to take over as head coach this summer, according to The Athletic.

Interim boss Alvaro Arbeloa’s contract runs out at the end of the season.

Mourinho, who is currently in charge of Benfica, reportedly has a £2.6 million break clause in his contract with the Portuguese club.

However, it is believed the 63-year-old does not enjoy universal support inside Real Madrid to return for a second spell.

But with Perez leading the process to find a long-term successor to Xabi Alonso, who was sacked earlier this season, Mourinho finds himself in a strong position.

Mourinho spent three seasons in charge of Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, winning LaLiga and the Copa del Rey.

LaLiga: Mourinho emerges as Perez’s preferred choice at Real Madrid

Controversy over the neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has intensified, with opposition voices alleging partisanship and calling for sweeping reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been at the forefront of the criticism, demanding the resignation of INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, over what it describes as a pattern of biased decisions. The party insists the electoral umpire can no longer be trusted to conduct credible polls. ADC leaders point to several actions taken under Amupitan’s leadership, including a controversial social media post linked to him during the 2023 elections and, more recently, INEC’s April 1, 2026 decision to delist the party’s leadership from its official portal. The move effectively removed Senator David Mark as national chairman and sidelined other members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC). But INEC defended its decision, citing a Court of Appeal order directing parties involved in internal disputes to maintain the status quo. But the ADC rejected that explanation, accusing the commission of misinterpreting the ruling to achieve a predetermined outcome.

“We are reaching out to INEC’s international partners to make it clear that the commission is gradually becoming a rogue organisation,” ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said. “Yes, I can confirm that we have been engaging them and will continue to do so.”
The controversy has drawn in civil society groups and political analysts, many of whom have questioned a “forensic investigation” reportedly commissioned to clear the INEC chairman. Critics have dismissed the report as a reactive measure that failed to address core concerns. Beyond the immediate dispute, attention has shifted to what observers describe as a long-standing structural flaw: the role of the executive and legislature in shaping INEC’s leadership.

Reforms Ignored

At the heart of the debate is the 2008 report of the Justice Muhammadu Uwais Electoral Reform Committee, set up by late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua following the widely criticised 2007 elections.
The committee recommended stripping the President of the power to appoint the INEC chairman and national commissioners. Instead, it proposed that the National Judicial Council (NJC) should oversee a transparent selection process and forward qualified nominees for presidential consideration, subject to further consultation and Senate confirmation. The aim was to insulate the electoral body from political influence and strengthen public confidence in the process. However, successive administrations and the National Assembly declined to adopt the recommendation.

Politics Over Principle

Political calculations ultimately trumped reform. Despite initial enthusiasm, the Yar’ Adua administration backed away from implementing the proposal. His successor, former President Goodluck Jonathan, forwarded the report to the National Assembly but withheld the contentious recommendation.
At the time, the legislature, led by then Senate President David Mark, reportedly opposed ceding the powers of the President over INEC chairman’s appointment to the NJC.
Analysts say the outcome entrenched a system in which the executive retains decisive control over INEC appointments, with legislative backing, thereby weakening the commission’s perceived independence.

“The demand for INEC neutrality often depends on political convenience,” a senior member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), who asked not to be named, said. “Political actors push for reforms when they are in opposition, but once in power, they resist the same changes.” That irony is not lost on observers. Political heavyweights who once resisted reforms are now among those calling for a more independent electoral body, as opposition parties raise concerns about the credibility of future elections.
With the 2027 polls fast approaching, pressure is mounting for a revisit of the Uwais Committee recommendations. Observers however, note that whatever reform intended, might be too late for the 2027 general election with its tight schedule.
For many stakeholders, the current dispute is not just about one chairman, but about a system that continues to blur the line between electoral oversight and political influence.

FEATURE: How Executive–Legislative Alliance Fuels Doubts Over INEC Neutrality is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

A member of the House of Representatives representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, James Faleke, has obtained the All Progressives Congress, APC, Expression of Interest and Nomination forms on behalf of Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The forms were presented on Tuesday in Abuja by the APC National Organising Secretary, Suleiman Argungu, who formally announced the commencement of the party’s nomination process.

Faleke, who is also the founder of the Tinubu Support Groups, received the documents on behalf of the President.

The purchase of the forms, valued at N100 million, is seen as a formal indication of Tinubu’s intention to seek a second term in office.

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has fixed Saturday, January 16, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly polls are scheduled for Saturday, February 6, 2027.

INEC also outlined that political parties will conduct their primaries, including the resolution of related disputes, between April 23, 2026, and May 30, 2026.

According to the commission, campaigns for presidential and National Assembly contests will begin on August 19, 2026, while those for governorship and state assembly elections are expected to commence on September 9, 2026.

More details short…

BREAKING: 2027: Faleke picks APC nomination forms for Tinubu

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) faction loyal to David Mark has written to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, seeking an urgent hearing and judgement from the Supreme Court over the lingering leadership crisis in the party.

In a letter dated April 28, the group urged the CJN to intervene by constituting a panel of the Supreme Court of Nigeria to hear and determine the dispute without further delay.

The faction expressed concern that the prolonged legal battle over the party’s leadership has continued to create uncertainty within its ranks, affecting its activities and preparations ahead of future political engagements.

The letter said the matter requires urgent judicial attention in the interest of justice and internal party stability.

“The continued delay in resolving this dispute is detrimental to the party and its members nationwide,” the faction stated.

They further appealed to the CJN to use his constitutional powers to ensure that the case is expedited at the apex court.

The leadership tussle within the ADC has been the subject of multiple legal proceedings, with opposing factions laying claim to the party’s structure and control.

Mark’s ADC writes CJN, seeks urgent Supreme Court judgement

The Ademola Adeleke administration has defended its record on public spending, insisting that Osun State resources are being managed responsibly and in line with due process.

The clarification was made by the Governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, during an interview on Westernspring Television in Osogbo posted on the state’s X account on Tuesday.

Rasheed dismissed allegations from opposition figures claiming financial mismanagement, describing such accusations as false and misleading.

He said the state government operates strictly under procurement laws and ensures that all projects are executed with “value for money” principles.

According to him, infrastructure projects funded by the state are visible, verifiable, and directly beneficial to residents across Osun.

The spokesperson specifically rejected claims that the governor spent N92bn on feeding, calling the allegation baseless.

“It is a lie from the pit of hell,” he said, adding that such claims reflect either “mischief or financial illiteracy.”

He explained that government expenditures are distributed across multiple agencies and sectors, making it inaccurate to attribute all spending to a single item or office.

Rasheed also accused opposition figures of opposing the state’s “local content” approach, which prioritises the use of local professionals and contractors in executing government projects.

He said the administration remains committed to empowering Osun-based engineers and professionals through infrastructure development.

The spokesperson maintained that all ongoing projects, including roads, bridges, schools, and health facilities, meet acceptable engineering standards and are comparable to best practices.

He cited completed and ongoing projects such as bridges and road dualisation works, arguing that their quality is evident across the state.

According to him, the state resources are being deployed across key areas, including roads and bridges, health facilities, education upgrades, agriculture, water infrastructure, staff welfare, pensions, and empowerment programmes.

He said these investments are aimed at improving livelihoods and driving development across the state.

The spokesperson also accused opposition groups of attempting to frustrate governance through control of local government funds, alleging that such actions are politically motivated.

He reiterated that despite these challenges, the administration remains focused on delivering measurable results for residents of the state.

No Reckless Spending In Osun- Adeleke Defends Govt is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Nigeria’s Falconets have settled down in Ikenne for their 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifying fixture against Malawi, DAILY POST reports.

The players and their officials arrived Ikenne on Monday following three weeks of intense camping in Abuja.

Moses Aduku’s side will hold their first training session at the practice pitch of Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne later tonight.

Nigeria will host Malawi in the first leg at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne on Saturday.

The return leg is set to take place in Malawi on Saturday, May 9.

The overall winners will qualify for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finals, which Poland will host 5th – 26th September.

U-20 WWCQ: Falconets begin training in Ikenne ahead Malawi clash

Former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume has said President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s approval of the sum of N68 billion operational support to the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant, MEPP, will help reduce insecurity in the state.

The lawmaker representing Borno South, in a statement on Tuesday, hailed the federal government for responding to the long agitation of the people who have been at the receiving end of prolonged power outages.

Senator Ndume noted that restoration of electricity would add value to the economic life of the people, particularly in the informal sector of the economy.

According to him, with the singular move, the federal government has succeeded in cutting off the supply chain for recruitment of able-bodied men by the terrorists.

He stressed that stable power will also complement the resilient efforts of the military in routing insurgents, whom he noted are agents of darkness and thrive better in environments where there is no visibility, particularly at night.

He said, “I join the Borno State governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, and other well-meaning citizens of my state to express profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for this great gesture, aimed at ensuring stable electricity in the state.

“The fund released to the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant is a lifeline that would ultimately engender economic activities, particularly operations of medium and small-scale enterprises (SMEs).

“As the saying goes, an idle mind is a devil’s workshop. When the informal sector thrives in a place like Borno State, the government would have succeeded in cutting off the supply chain for recruitment of able-bodied men by the terrorists.”

“Apart from that, the stimulus for the seamless operations of our military would have been strengthened.”

The former Senate chief whip, however, called on the relevant federal and state agencies, the military, and the citizenry to ensure that power infrastructures were no longer destroyed, either by insurgents or the nefarious activities of vandals.

“It is to the eternal credit of the federal government that it has responded speedily to our lamentations over the power shortage.

“I urge our people to be vigilant and assist the security agencies in checking the excesses of vandals.

“We owe it a duty to safeguard the facilities, as the benefits of stable electricity are numerous.

“When power is restored, it will boost economic activities and improve livelihoods. It will also strengthen efforts to address security challenges.”

DAILY POST reports that EPP was a presidential intervention initiated in 2021 to mitigate the prolonged power outage caused by insurgents vandalizing power infrastructure, leaving the state without electricity for nearly two years.

The fund will be released in phases of N2 billion monthly in line with OPEX intervention funding from March 2026 to December 2028, totaling N68 billion to bridge the existing funding gap in the operations of the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant (MEPP).

Electricity in Borno will reduce insecurity – Ndume on Tinubu’s N68bn for Maiduguri power plant

John Stones will leave Manchester City in the summer, bringing an end to a memorable and hugely successful ten-year stay at the club.

Stones announced his decision with a video on his official Instagram page on Tuesday.

He joined City in 2016. The English central defender became Pep Guardiola’s second signing, and has made 293 appearances.
He helped City win 19 major trophies, including six Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League, two FA Cup triumphs, five Carabao Cup successes, three Community Shields, a FIFA Club World Cup and a UEFA Super Cup winner’s medal.

Across that period, Stones also contributed 19 goals and nine assists. He could add to those trophies with City still in the hunt for success in both the Premier League and FA Cup.

“It’s been my home for the past ten years and it will be my home for the rest of my life. it’s been a rollercoaster in many ways,” he said in an emotional farewell.

“I came as a kid and now leaving as a man becoming a father a husband and on the pitch a very fulfilled player in living all of my dreams out and lifting all the things that I came here to achieve. At the start of my career I never would have thought I’d be in this position – first to achieve everything but to have and love the bond with everyone.

“Every dream has been smashed out of the park. From day one, as soon as I came I felt at home and I felt loved. I can only relate it to me as a little kid. If you’d said to me that I’d be playing at City winning everything, the fans are signing your name and your song throughout the stadium to wherever you go in the world, I don’t think I would have believed them.

“The fans mean everything to me. I hope I’ve made them proud, I hope that they can relate to me as a person and as a player with how I’ve played, how I’ve represented the club and will do for the rest of my life.

“All the setbacks that you have and the good things that you have came into light in that [Champions League final] game or after that game, it made it worthwhile what you have to go through that people don’t necessarily see and to celebrate and do it in the fashion that we did with all my family and friends was incredible.

“The manager, how I could describe this ten years with him, I don’t think it would have been anywhere as successful without him. The first time that I met him, I left and knew that it was what I wanted to do and where I wanted to be playing under the best manager in the world.

“I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to spend so long with him, win everything with him and share and have so many incredible moments together. I feel very lucky and grateful for what he’s done for me. I’ve got endless memories with everyone and ones that I’ll cherish forever.

“I’ve been so lucky to be in every dressing room with incredible people and I’m so glad I’ve been able to do it with all of them. It will always be my home and I’m thankful from the bottom of my heart. This is my team forever and always will be and I don’t have the words to say what I feel and how much I love everything about it.”

Stones To Leave Manchester City is first published on The Whistler Newspaper