Author: Daily Post Nigeria

The Supreme Court on Wednesday reserved judgment in the appeal filed by the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, David Mark, challenging the jurisdiction of court to intervene in the internal affairs of the party.

A five-member panel of the apex court led by Justice Garba Mohammed reserved its verdict shortly after lawyers representing parties adopted their briefs of argument for and against the appeal.

Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, who represented David Mark, in urging the court to allow the appeal, submitted that the apex court had in a judgment on March 21, 2025 put an end to the issue before the court when it held that “no court has jurisdiction to entertain cases bordering on internal affairs of political parties”.

Okutepa therefore urged the apex court to allow the appeal and hold that the Abuja Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain a suit bordering on the ADC’s internal matters.

Robert Emukpero, SAN, who represented the 1st respondent, Nafiu Gombe however, urged the apex court to reject the appeal and affirm the judgment of the lower court, which held that the case of the appellant was premature and dismissed it.

It will be recalled that a three-member panel of the appellate court had dismissed Mark’s appeal, challenging the jurisdiction of the Abuja Federal High Court presided by Justice Emeka Nwite, to entertain the suit filed by Bala against the leadership of the ADC.

The appellate court in its decision held that the appeal was not only premature but was brought without leave of the trial court.

The appellate court subsequently ordered that the matter be returned to the trial court for expeditious hearing, adding that parties should maintain status quo.

Following the order for status quo, the electoral umpire subsequently de-recognized the ADC leadership headed by Mark, pending the resolution of the matter by the court.

Dissatisfied, Mark approached the Supreme Court to challenge the ruling of the appellate court as well as an order staying the order for maintenance of status quo.

Rather than taking the motions filed in the appeal, the apex court directed parties to file their briefs for and against the appeal.

After taking arguments from the parties, Justice Garba announced that judgment is reserved to a date that would be communicated to parties.

BREAKING: ADC leadership battle: Mark, Bala await fate as Supreme Court reserves judgment

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and the Cross River State Government have activated emergency response measures against Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) following the detection of a case in the state.

NCDC, on Monday, confirmed a fresh report of a variant of COVID in the state from a Chinese national who flew into Nigeria on March 17 before he took ill.

Also, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk, said the case involving a 53-year-old Chinese expatriate working in a company in Akamkpa Local Government Area, became worse at the medical facility of his office and was taken to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), where his sample was taken, and after due process, it was confirmed that he had symptoms of COVID.

“The confirmed case involves a 53-year-old Chinese expatriate who arrived in Nigeria about a month ago and works in a company at Akamkpa Local Government Area,” Ayuk said.

In a statement released on Tuesday night, the Centre said the confirmed case had been isolated and was being managed in line with national treatment guidelines, while assuring residents there is no cause for panic.

“The patient is in stable condition at the state’s designated isolation and treatment centre and responding to care,” NCDC stated.

The Centre further listed some confirmed and coordinated response measures that were immediately activated in collaboration with the state Ministry of Health and development partners, to include contact tracing, surveillance and infection prevention and control.

It added that all identified contacts are being actively monitored with no indication of further spread.

“Following confirmation of the case, the Cross River State Ministry of Health, in coordination with NCDC and with support from partners, has activated response measures, including contact tracing, surveillance, and infection prevention and control,” the statement read.

“All identified contacts are being followed up appropriately, and there is no evidence at this time of widespread transmission,” the NCDC added.

Coronavirus Disease is an infectious respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and was identified in Wuhan, China, in late 2019. Its symptoms include fever, cough, fatigue, and breathing difficulties, spreading through respiratory droplets, which has led to a global pandemic.

However, the state commissioner noted that the government delayed public announcement until diagnostic protocols were completed to avoid misinformation, while reassuring residents of their safety.

NCDC Begins Contact Tracing After C/River Covid-19 Case is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has revealed that there will be a mass exodus from the

The post 2027: There will be mass defection from APC – Primate Ayodele appeared first on Tribune Online.

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen fair business conduct as well as discourage harmful market practices in Nigeria. Speaking in Abuja at the signing of the MoU by the duo, the Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, […]

The post FCCPC, LASCOPA sign MoU to strengthen fair business conduct, stop harmful market practices appeared first on Tribune Online.

The senator representing Bauchi Central, Abdul Ningi, has called for the suspension of all political activities over the escalating insecurity in many parts of Northern Nigeria.

Ningi, who made the call during the Senate plenary on Wednesday, said the suspension of political activities would allow the federal government to focus on the fight against the rising cases of attacks.

The senator spoke during a debate on the 416 persons being held captive in a Borno forest by Boko Haram terrorists.

The captives, mostly women and children, were captured when terrorists overran a military base in Ngoshe, in Gwoza local government area in Borno State on March 3, 2026.

A top military General and many soldiers, as well as a significant number of residents were killed during the attacks.

In his contribution, the senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, urged the federal government to effect the rescue of the 416 captives without further delay.

Ndume told the Senate that the captors have issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the federal government to pay N5 billion ransom for the release of the captives, threatening to execute them if the ransom was not paid.

In a video footage released by the terrorists a few weeks ago, the captives were seen pleading with President Bola Tinubu and the Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum to rescue them.

Many of the senators who contributed to the debate lamented the ravages of the terrorists in states across the Northeast and bandits across states in the Northwest and the North Central.

They called on the federal government to strengthen security in the affected states and prioritise the security of lives and property of the people.

The Senate also called for relief materials and extension of humanitarian services to the affected states, cutting across Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Plateau, Benue, Kwara and Nasarawa states.

The lawmakers called for adequate funding and equipping of the armed forces and other security agencies to enable them tackle the growing menace of terrorism and banditry in the country.

Terrorism: Senator Calls For Suspension Of Political Activities is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Nigerian music star and former P-Square member, Peter Okoye, known as Mr P, has denied suggestions that a woman was behind the fresh rift in the Okoye family, saying the disagreement stems from years of internal disputes over loyalty, trust, and control of their music business.

In a series of posts shared on Wednesday via his X handle, Mr P pushed back against public speculation linking women to the family’s breakdown.

“Before you drag any woman into this! No woman directed or advised anyone to steal from what I worked for over the years. Stop pushing that narrative to suit your agenda.”

He maintained that the conflict began long before any of the brothers got married.

“None of us were even married 20-something years ago when this whole betrayal and stealing started! I said what I said.”

Mr P, who has repeatedly spoken about distancing himself from family members over alleged betrayal, said he has prioritised his mental health despite public criticism.

“Yes, it’s painful. And yes, it’s my loss. But no one should keep reminding me that I was betrayed and used by my own blood for over 20 years plus.”

He added that setting boundaries became necessary for his well-being.

“Even if my parents were alive and supported this kind of betrayal, I’d still choose to step back, cut them off, and protect my peace. Boundaries are necessary! Blood isn’t thicker than my peace of mind.”

The singer further confirmed that the dispute remains unresolved and is now before the courts.

“Now that I’ve uncovered the betrayal that has been going on for over 20 years plus, suddenly we’re blood? No… it doesn’t work like that. We are still in court!”

The comments come amid renewed attention on the long-running crisis within the Okoye family involving Peter and Paul Okoye, as well as their elder brother, Jude Okoye, which has seen multiple breakups, reconciliations, and fresh disputes over the years.

Mr P Denies Women Behind Okoye Family Rift, Cites Betrayal is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Nigerian Afrobeats star Ayra Starr has opened up about how her 2024 meeting with global music icon Rihanna in Barbados marked a significant turning point in her journey toward self-confidence and personal growth.

In a recent interview with W Magazine, the 23-year-old singer revealed that she had been battling low self-esteem at the time of the encounter. However, Rihanna’s warmth and genuine interest in her work helped her regain confidence and reconnect with her sense of self.

Recounting the experience, Starr described one of her most memorable moments as sitting with Rihanna while they watched her music videos together. She said the Barbadian superstar pointing out her favourite scenes felt surreal and deeply affirming during a period when she was struggling with her self-image.

According to Starr, the meeting was “one of the most amazing feelings,” adding that she believed the moment was divinely orchestrated, as it came at a time when she needed encouragement the most.

The “Rush” singer has consistently expressed admiration for Rihanna, whom she regards as her biggest inspiration and role model. During their meeting, Rihanna also indicated interest in collaborating with Starr and fellow Nigerian artist Tems, highlighting her continued support for emerging African talents on the global stage.

Rihanna Boosts My Confidence – Ayra Star is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

American rapper Fat Joe has sparked controversy after claiming that Afrobeats originated from Jamaica.

The rapper made the claim in a recent episode of the Joe And Jada podcast, which featured Jamaican dancehall crooner Buju Banton as a guest.

“Jamaica started Afrobeats. Even though everything comes from Africa,” he claimed.

Banton failed to correct Joe and instead chose to talk about how Panamanian rapper El General pioneered reggaeton and how it influenced other genres.

Contrary to Fat Joe’s claim, Afrobeats is widely regarded as originating from West Africa and heavily influenced by Afrobeat, which was pioneered by Nigerian music legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

Buju Banton had previously accused Afrobeats artistes of stealing from Jamaican reggae and dancehall music without crediting their source.

In an interview with the Drink Champs podcast in 2024, Banton claimed that afrobeats music has no substance and would fade with time.

‘Jamaica started Afrobeats’ – Fat Joe claims

The Nigerian military under Operation HADIN KAI has neutralised over 30 terrorists belonging to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in a series of precision air interdiction missions conducted in the Lake Chad region of Borno state.

This was made known in a post on X by Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency and security expert in Lake Chad region. State.

Makama, citing intelligence sources, disclosed that the operation was executed following credible Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) inputs indicating significant terrorist activity involving logistics movement via waterways around the Kaniram Island axis.

According to the report, an ISR platform, was deployed to the general area where it established overhead presence and confirmed the sighting of approximately 31 boats dispersed along the riverbank, with associated human activity consistent with ISWAP fighters.

He added that upon positive identification, the air component initiated precision strike operations in line with established Rules of Engagement and targeting protocols.

“The first strike effectively disrupted the hub of terrorists and degraded their logistics capability by damaging several of the boats used for movement and supply across the waterways.

Further ISR monitoring revealed attempts by the terrorists to regroup within nearby vegetation. Consequently, follow-on strikes were conducted.

A second precision strike targeted a cluster of about eight terrorists, neutralising them, while additional elements were observed withdrawing into concealed positions.

“Subsequently, a third strike was executed on another group of approximately 15 terrorists who had taken cover under tree foliage, resulting in their elimination. Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) confirmed significant attrition, with surviving elements seen dispersing from adjacent hideouts,” Makama said.

Military eliminates over 30 ISWAP terrorists in Borno

Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has declared that the All Progressives Congress remains the preferred political party of the state’s residents, as approximately 4,000 members from various opposition parties formally defected to the ruling party in Taura Local Government Area.

Namadi received the defectors at a grand reception held alongside the commissioning of a new APC secretariat in Taura.

The new entrants were led by former state party chairman and four-time House of Representatives member, Hon. Safiyanu Ubale Taura, a prominent figure in both the Peoples Democratic Party and the New Nigeria Peoples Party.

The governor described the mass defection as a clear indication of the APC’s growing popularity across the state, noting that those who crossed over represented the core of political mobilisation in Taura and Ringim local government areas.

“This development clearly shows that the APC remains the party of choice for the people of Jigawa.

“The calibre of individuals we have received today represents the core of political mobilisation in Taura and Ringim,” he said.

Namadi added that the number of new entrants far exceeded recent exits, stressing that the party continues to gain momentum across all 27 local government areas of the state.

He assured the defectors of equal treatment and inclusive leadership, pledging to justify the confidence placed in his administration.

APC State Chairman Ahmed Garba M.K. attributed the wave of defections to the governor’s leadership style and ongoing development projects across the state.

Ubale Taura, leading the defectors, pledged the loyalty of his supporters to the APC and vowed to work towards the party’s victory in future elections.

4,000 Defectors Flock To APC In Jigawa is first published on The Whistler Newspaper