Author: The Whistler Newspaper

Four members of the House of Representatives from Kano State have defected from the New Nigeria Peoples Party to the African Democratic Congress, adding to a growing wave of defections reshaping the legislature ahead of the 2027 elections.

The lawmakers are Sani Wakili (Minjibir/Ungogo), Muktar Zakari (Tarauni), Umar Datti (Kura/Madobi/Garun Mallam), and Abdulhakeem Ado (Wudil/Garko). Their defection notices were read on the floor by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas during plenary on Wednesday.

Also on Wednesday, Kabiru Amadu, popularly known as Maipalace, representing Gusau/Tsafe federal constituency in Zamfara State, and Emeka Chinedu of Ahiazu Mbaise/Ezinihitte federal constituency in Imo State, both moved from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.

All the defecting lawmakers cited internal crises in their former parties as reason for their exits.

The latest movement continues a recent surge in the ADC’s legislative membership.

On Tuesday, Thaddeus Attah (Eti-Osa, Lagos), Usman Zubairu (Birnin Gwari/Giwa, Kaduna), and Sani Noma (Argungu/Augie, Kebbi) crossed to the ADC from the Labour Party and the APC respectively.

Four Kano House Of Reps Members Dump NNPP For ADC is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

American rapper Fat Joe has claimed that he and others pressured Nigerian singer BNXN to change his former stage name, BUJU.

Fat Joe made the disclosure during a podcast interview featuring himself and Jamaican dancehall legend Buju Banton. According to the rapper, the move was driven by concerns that the name “Buju” was disrespectful to Buju Banton.

“There is a fake guy in Africa using the Buju name, we dissed him on tv, shut him down, he changed his name. I told him there is only one Buju Banton,” he said.

Buju Banton, speaking during the same interview, said his stage name holds deep personal significance, noting that it was given to him by his mother, unlike many artists who create theirs or get them from friends. He added that he later adopted “Banton” in honour of Jamaican DJ Burr Banton.

“Most people [artists] get their names from their friends or coin it. But my name came from my mom. Then I added Banton due to my admiration for Burr Banton,” he statedre.

BNXN, who began his music career under the name “Buju,” later changed to his current stage name, reportedly due to alleged copyright issues.

Fat Joe Claims Role In ‘BNXN’ Name Change is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Nigerian Senate has called for the establishment of a Police Area Command and a military base in Apa and Agatu Local Government Areas of Benue State following renewed attacks on communities in the state.

The resolution followed a motion moved on Wednesday by the Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District and Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, over what he described as the “urgent need for decisive action to address killings in Ankpali-Edikwu in Apa Local Government Area.”

Moro, while presenting the motion under Senate Order 42, said the attacks on rural communities in Apa/Agatu and other parts of Benue had become persistent, leading to loss of lives, displacement of residents, and destruction of property.

He warned that the continued violence was undermining agricultural activities in the state, describing the situation as a growing threat to food security in the region often referred to as Nigeria’s “Food Basket.”

Following deliberations, the Senate resolved to urge the Federal Government to immediately deploy additional security personnel, including military and police units, to affected communities to restore order and protect lives and property.

Lawmakers also called on the Chief of Defence Staff, the Inspector-General of Police, and other security chiefs to intensify coordinated operations aimed at apprehending those responsible for the attacks.

The Senate further mandated its Committees on Defence, Army, Police Affairs, and National Security and Intelligence to investigate the recurring violence in Benue State and recommend lasting solutions.

It also urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant bodies to provide urgent humanitarian support to affected communities.

In addition, the upper chamber called for broader security reforms, including strategies to address farmer-herder conflicts, land use issues, and community-based peacebuilding mechanisms.

The motion also urged the Benue State Government to strengthen its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property, while stressing the need for improved security presence in vulnerable areas.

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who presided over the session, commended Senator Moro for drawing attention to the situation and assured that the Senate would support efforts aimed at addressing the crisis.

A minute of silence was observed in honour of victims of the recent attacks in Ankpali-Edikwu.

Benue: Senate condemns attacks on Apa, Agatu communities, urges urgent actions to end killings

Former lawmaker representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye, has questioned the rationale behind President Bola Tinubu’s recent removal of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.

The Presidency had on Tuesday announced a minor reshuffle of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), leading to the exit of two cabinet members and the appointment of new officials to strategic ministries.

The development was conveyed in a memo signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

According to the statement, Edun and the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, were relieved of their duties as part of efforts to restructure the cabinet.

The Presidency said the move was aimed at strengthening cohesion within the FEC and improving the delivery of economic and development priorities under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Following the shake-up, Taiwo Oyedele, who previously served as Minister of State for Finance, was elevated to the role of Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.

In the Housing Ministry, Muttaqha Darma was named minister-designate, pending the completion of administrative procedures. Dangiwa was directed to hand over to the Minister of State, with all transition processes to be concluded on or before April 23, 2026.

Reacting via his verified Facebook page on Wednesday, Melaye faulted the decision, arguing that governments in “civilised climes” usually provide explanations for the dismissal of top officials.

“Mr President, when ministers are sacked in civilised climes, government must explain why they are sacked,” he wrote.

He went further to question the circumstances surrounding Edun’s removal, raising allegations of financial impropriety.

“Was the Minister of Finance removed because he could not cover up the stolen 24 billion dollars (34 trillion naira) diverted from our revenue? World Bank no dey lie,” he queried.

Melaye’s comments, however, triggered a wave of criticism on social media, with several users accusing him of hypocrisy and questioning his own record in public office.

Some commenters challenged him to account for his past stewardship and personal wealth, while others dismissed his remarks as politically motivated.

“Tell us how you get money to acquire the exotic cars in your garage too. Be honest, are they not from stolen money?” one user, Abdul Abdulsalam, wrote.

Another commenter, Ibrahim Badamassi, said, “The one you took as your share did you return them back? Bird of the same feather flock together.”

“Show us your constituency project while you were in the National Assembly,” Samuel Adeyemo added.

“In Tinubu’s regime, they don’t sack, cabinet members sack themselves willingly,” a user wrote.

Another commenter, Donald Oluwatuyi, mocked Melaye’s past controversies, saying, “Did you explain why you climbed the tree that year? Did you explain why you faked asthma in court? You are a comedian.”

Edun, who was appointed in August 2023, oversaw Nigeria’s fiscal policy and economic planning, renewing a working relationship with Tinubu that dates back to his tenure as Commissioner for Finance in Lagos between 1999 and 2004.

His time in office, however, was marked by persistent concerns over delayed budget implementation and low capital releases, which disrupted Nigeria’s January to December fiscal cycle.

The slow disbursement of funds for capital projects drew criticism from lawmakers and ministries, with the National Assembly in February accusing the finance ministry of recording “zero implementation” of the 2025 capital budget, despite approving N1.15tn for capital expenditure.

Lawmakers cited funding gaps across ministries, departments and agencies, alongside a backlog of unpaid contractors, while some opposition figures threatened moves to remove both the finance minister and the Accountant-General.

In his defence at the time, Edun said the government had abandoned what he described as the “unsustainable” practice of printing money to meet obligations, opting instead to prioritise debt servicing.

He maintained that about 80 percent of the 2024 budget had been implemented and assured that releases for the 2025 capital budget were on course for completion by December 2025.

Melaye Alleges Financial Misconduct Behind Edun’s Removal is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Senator Osita Ngwu, the Senate Minority Whip and representative of Enugu West Senatorial District, has officially defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Ngwu’s defection letter was read on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday.

His defection has now reduced the number of PDP senators in the Red Chamber to 6.

More details to follow…

BREAKING: Senate Minority Whip, Osita Ngwu dumps PDP, joins APC

Several Social Security Administration (SSA) offices across the United States (US) are facing closures and service disruptions, affecting in-

There was a heavy police security presence around the residence of a former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, and the venue for the planned BATOGD Community Assessment…

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A Federal Capital Territory High Court has approved alternative service of court documents via email on Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh in a fundamental rights suit seeking N200m in damages over an alleged exorcism ritual involving a minor.

Human rights lawyer Barrister Ikechukwu Obasi filed the case on behalf of a Junior Secondary School 1 pupil from Durumi II in Abuja, originally from Rivers State. The suit alleges that Dikeh subjected the child to degrading treatment during a religious deliverance session on March 6, 2026.

According to court filings, the incident which was recorded in a video and photographs later shared on the actress’s Facebook page involved the child being placed on bare ground and pressed against a rough surface. The plaintiff claims this resulted in public humiliation, stigma, psychological trauma, and a breach of the child’s rights to dignity and privacy under the 1999 Constitution and the Child Rights Act 2003.

The case is being heard at High Court No. 3 in Maitama before Justice Maryann E. Anenih. On Tuesday, the court granted the request for substituted service after personal service on the defendant proved difficult. The court ordered that documents may be served via two email addresses or through publication in a national newspaper.

Counsel C.E. Okoro told the court that efforts to serve the defendant personally had been unsuccessful. Justice Anenih ruled that sufficient grounds had been established and granted the application.

The suit was filed in March under the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009. An ex parte motion for substituted service was submitted on March 31.

The matter is scheduled for hearing on May 11, 2026.

Court Grants Email Service On Tonto Dikeh In N200m Exorcism Suit is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Federal Government has signalled growing investor confidence in Nigeria following the successful hosting of the UK–Nigeria Trade and Investment Mission in Abuja, where top government officials, business leaders and international partners explored fresh opportunities for capital inflows and stronger economic cooperation.

The two-day mission was organised by the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) in collaboration with DMA Invest, the UK Department of Trade and the British High Commission, alongside representatives from both the public and private sectors.

The event served as a major platform for showcasing Nigeria’s improving investment climate, ongoing economic reforms and readiness to attract global investors seeking opportunities in Africa’s largest economy.

Participants at the mission engaged in ministerial roundtables, sector-specific discussions and strategic Business-to-Government (B2G) and Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings designed to move beyond policy conversations and deliver practical investment outcomes.

According to organisers, several bankable opportunities were identified during the engagements, with a focus on accelerating investment inflows, expanding partnerships and deepening trade relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

The government said the mission sent a clear signal to international investors that Nigeria remains committed to reforms, competitiveness and creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

A key highlight of the event was the commendation received by NIPC from DMA Invest, which reportedly described the Commission as “the best it has ever been,” a remark seen as recognition of the agency’s recent reforms, improved service delivery and stronger investor engagement processes.

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NIPC, Aisha Rimi, played a central role in driving the mission’s engagements and strategic direction.

Speaking during the programme, Rimi said the government’s objective was to convert diplomatic and business engagements into measurable economic gains for the country.

She noted that the momentum generated from the recent state visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the United Kingdom, as well as other bilateral engagements, should translate into concrete investments that create jobs and stimulate growth.

“This Mission is not just about conversations—it is about conversion,” she said.

“Our priority is to ensure that strategic engagements lead to real projects and partnerships that create real impact on Nigeria’s economy.”

Observers said the successful outing reflects increasing efforts by the Tinubu administration to attract foreign direct investment, diversify the economy and strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s long-term prospects.

The UK–Nigeria Trade and Investment Mission is being seen as another important milestone in expanding bilateral economic ties and positioning Nigeria as a competitive destination for international capital.

As interest from global investors grows, the NIPC said it would continue to facilitate investments, unlock new opportunities and promote sustainable economic growth through strategic partnerships.

FG Signals Strong Investment Momentum At UK–Nigeria Trade Mission is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Nollywood actress Ini Dima-Okojie has announced that she and her husband are

The post Actress Ini Dima-Okojie, husband announce pregnancy appeared first on Tribune Online.