Author: Daily Post Nigeria

Members of the Jigawa State House of Assembly have unanimously passed a vote of confidence in Governor Malam Umar Namadi, endorsing him as their sole candidate for the 2027 governorship election.

The resolution was reached during plenary on Wednesday, citing developmental projects executed across the 30 constituencies of the state as the basis for his endorsement and to ensure continuity of ongoing programmes and projects.

Speaker of the House, Alhaji Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin, said the administration’s achievements over the past three years had positively impacted the lives of the people of Jigawa State.

Other members of the Assembly also praised the governor’s performance, describing his leadership as focused on growth and public welfare.

They listed major improvements in education, healthcare, agriculture, job creation, and youth empowerment as reasons for their endorsement of Governor Namadi for another term in office.

The lawmakers noted that several communities across the state had benefited from road construction, school rehabilitation, healthcare expansion, and support for farmers under the present administration.

They expressed confidence that sustaining the current pace of development would bring more economic opportunities, improved living standards, and greater prosperity for the people of Jigawa State.

Jigawa Assembly endorses Gov Namadi’s re-election

The Bauchi State Civil Service Commission has terminated the appointment of Aminu Abdullahi, a clerical assistant in the state service, over misconduct involving reckless driving that led to the death of two journalists, while others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

DAILY POST reports that the crash involving 13 journalists occurred along the Yashi–Yelwan Duguri Road in Alkaleri Local Government Area shortly after the NEDC delegation, led by the Minister of State for Regional Development, Alhaji Uba Maigari Ahmadu, accompanied by Bauchi State Deputy Governor Auwal Jatau, handed over the Government Secondary School project in Yelwan Duguri to the Bauchi State Government.

The convoy was heading to inaugurate the Bara Bridge between Bauchi and Gombe states when the accident happened minutes after the ceremony.

In the aftermath, a cameraman with Channels Television, Kani Ben, and another cameraman with the Bauchi State Television Authority, Kabiru Ahmed Ilelah, died from injuries sustained in the accident.

The decision to dismiss Abdullahi was part of resolutions reached during the Commission’s 13th plenary session held yesterday at its conference hall.

The meeting also considered promotions and approved the conversion of 10 officers to other cadres.

According to the Commission, Abdullahi, a Grade Level 03 clerical assistant with the Ministry of Higher Education, was found negligent while carrying out an assigned duty of driving, an action said to contravene Rules 0312 and 0327 of the Bauchi State Public Service Regulations.

He was reportedly directed under “Any Other Duty” to convey a team of journalists covering the commissioning of projects by the North East Development Commission in Alkaleri Local Government Area.

The Commission said the termination followed recommendations from the Ministry of Higher Education and the resolutions of the State Executive Council on the disciplinary matter. It also queried the management of the ministry to explain why a clerical assistant was assigned the duties of a driver.

Bauchi Civil Service Commission dismisses clerk over fatal accident involving journalists

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology, Kebbi State branch, has threatened to embark on industrial action over unresolved welfare issues.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the union’s chairman, Dr Musa Isah Fakai.

The union said agreed remuneration packages between the Federal Government and ASUU had yet to be implemented, despite several communications with the university management and the Kebbi State Ministry for Higher Education.

It also listed non-payment of academic earned allowances, wage awards, and delays in promotions and payment of promotion arrears as part of its grievances.

According to the union, annual salary increments have not been implemented for several years, further worsening the welfare of academic staff.

ASUU said it had engaged the university management and relevant authorities without positive response, warning that it may be forced to down tools if the issues remain unresolved.

The union, however, expressed confidence in Governor Nasir Idris to address the concerns, noting that the issues may not have been brought to his attention.

Kebbi university lecturers threaten industrial action over unpaid benefits

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has begun the screening of 243 PhD applicants from Nigeria’s South-South region in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, under its 2026/2027 Overseas Scholarship Scheme, in a move aimed at strengthening local capacity and curbing capital flight in the oil and gas sector.

The exercise, taking place at the PTDF Centre for Skills Development and Training, forms part of a nationwide selection process designed to identify qualified candidates for advanced studies in key areas of the petroleum industry.

Speaking during the screening, PTDF’s Deputy Manager, Internal Audit, Mr. Daddy Ogiri Obonin, said the initiative underscores the Fund’s commitment to developing the technical manpower required to drive Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

Obonin revealed that the scholarship programme has undergone strategic restructuring to discourage capital flight, with the introduction of a “split-site” model that allows beneficiaries to undertake a significant portion of their studies within Nigeria.

According to him, the new approach reduces the volume of funds spent abroad on tuition and living expenses, while also addressing the long-standing challenge of scholars remaining overseas after completing their programmes.

“I wish you have visited our centre in Kaduna. You will see that Kaduna Centre is a world-class institution that we have built. We have made it in such a way that it is better than what you have overseas,” he said.

He added, “As of today, the management of PTDF are drastically pursuing capital flight reduction. That is why we have come up with the programme of the split site.

Before now, we had more participants applying for fully-funded UK PhD programmes, but we discovered that many beneficiaries preferred to remain abroad after completion.”

Obonin noted that the revised structure has led to a reduction in applications for fully overseas programmes, as the Fund intensifies efforts to retain both investment and expertise within the country.

“With this programme, the knowledge gained will be retained in-country, and we are going to see more Nigerians participate actively in the oil and gas sector,” he said.

He further disclosed that candidates are being evaluated across a wide range of disciplines including engineering, geosciences, management, and other related fields.

He emphasized that all applications are processed online and that the selection process remains transparent, merit-based, and strictly adheres to the Federal Character principle to ensure equitable representation across states.

Also speaking, one of the panelists, Dr. Hafisat Lawal, commended the high quality of research proposals presented by the applicants, noting that candidates from diverse professional backgrounds demonstrated strong relevance to the oil and gas industry.

“These candidates are crafting PhD topics that are highly relevant to the industry. Some are lawyers, health workers or educators, yet they demonstrate clear connections to oil and gas challenges,” she said.

Dr. Lawal expressed confidence that the eventual beneficiaries of the scholarship scheme would make meaningful contributions toward addressing critical challenges in the sector.

One of the applicants, Alete Godwin, a chemical engineer researching the extraction of oil ethanol from solid waste, described the screening process as thorough and commendable.

He praised the professionalism of the panelists and expressed optimism about his chances of being shortlisted.

The PTDF Overseas Scholarship Scheme remains one of Nigeria’s flagship human capital development initiatives in the oil and gas sector, aimed at bridging skill gaps, promoting research, and enhancing indigenous participation in the industry.

PTDF Screens 243 South-South PhD Applicants In Rivers is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Clean water is essential for good health, yet many Nigerians cannot always trust tap water for drinking which is  ironically the most common form of water . 

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has reacted to the latest findings by the World Bank on Nigeria’s fiscal structure, describing the situation as deeply troubling and unacceptable.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku Abubakar said the World Bank’s revelation is alarming and unacceptable.

He noted that Nigeria is earning more revenue, yet citizens are receiving less benefits.

According to him, the report confirmed suspicions by Nigerians that the Tinubu government is operating an opaque financial structure that enables systemic corruption.

“What the World Bank has revealed is both alarming and unacceptable. Nigeria is earning more revenue today, yet the Nigerian people are receiving less benefit from it. This contradiction points not just to inefficiency, but to a system vulnerable to abuse, leakage, and the possible diversion of public funds.

“The report confirms what many Nigerians have long suspected: that the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu operates an opaque financial structure that enables systemic corruption.”

He noted that excessive deductions from national revenue, before distribution through the Federation Account, have significantly reduced what is available for governance and development across all tiers.

“When large portions of national income are deducted at source, outside full legislative scrutiny, it creates fertile ground for opacity, unaccounted spending, and financial recklessness. That is how nations lose track of their own wealth,” Atiku stated

World Bank report exposes ‘possible diversion of public funds’ under Tinubu – Atiku

The Indigenes of Aye Kingdom, Okitipupa/Irene Federal Constituency of Ondo State, have made one demand from Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa ahead of the 2027 general election.

In a viral request sent to Gov. Aiyedatiwa recently, the Indigenes of the constituency said it is regrettable that since the state was created on 3 February 1976, it has never produced a senator nor a federal House of Representatives member.

Consequently, in a request made by the traditional council of Aye Community and stakeholders led by Oba Williams Akinlade and Chief G. A. Famodu, they urged Gov. Aiyedatiwa to support Bidemi Obayangban’s ambition to represent them in the House of Representatives in the 2027 election.

“We humbly urge Your Excellency to use your good office to support our position and ensure that the rightful place of Aye Kingdom is recognized.”

Aye Kingdom is one of the largest communities in the constituency, comprising two (2) wards out of the twenty-three (23) wards that make up the federal constituency. However, it is on record that Aye Kingdom has never produced a member of the House of Representatives or a senator since the creation of the constituency.

“This situation has led to growing concerns among our people, who feel marginalized despite their contributions to the political growth and electoral success of APC.

“We therefore humbly appeal to Your Excellency to use your good office to support our request.”

2027: We’ve never produced Senator or Rep member — Ondo indigenes to Gov Aiyedatiwa

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday released a list of 11 members expelled by the party’s national convention which was held in Abuja on Tuesday, April 14.

Those expelled, according to the party leadership are Mr. Leke Abejide, Nafiu Bala Gombe, Mr. Kingsley Temitope Ogga, Mr. Don Norman Obinna, Mr. Kennedy Odion, Mr. Clement Ehigiator, Mrs. Stella Chukwuma, Patrick Ambut, Johny Tovie Derek, Duke Dick, and Elias Adikwu.

In a statement signed by the ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, said the expulsion of the members followed resolutions reached at the convention.

The party said the decision was taken after the adoption of a disciplinary motion against members found to have acted contrary to its constitution and values.

“The affected individuals have ceased to be members of the party with immediate effect and are now free to explore other political platforms,” adding that any party willing to receive them is at liberty to do so.

The party reiterated its commitment to discipline, internal democracy, and the rule of law.

The statement emphasised that the decision followed the consideration and adoption of a motion on the discipline of erring members, duly presented and ratified by delegates at the convention.

“The ADC will continue to uphold the highest standards of accountability as it consolidates its position as a credible and viable alternative for Nigerians,” the statement said.

ADC Releases List Of Expelled Members is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

When Hajia Sofuratu Seghosime emerged as the 62nd President-Elect of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), the reactions from the Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS) were more personal than formal. Having spent 40 years of her career in tax and finance, her election was seen as a natural progression for one of the agency’s most seasoned veterans.

Seghosime spent 26 years in senior roles at the Federal Inland Revenue Service, now Nigerian Revenue Service, including as Coordinating Director for Compliance and Enforcement.

She currently runs Quebaan Professional Services as CEO and Head of Advisory Services. Her work covers finance, management, tax, governance, strategy, audits, and dispute resolution. She’s helped public and private organisations meet their tax obligation.

She joined ICAN’s Council in 2014 and climbed through various positions. She’s also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru.

Seghosime also sits as a Commissioner on the Tax Appeal Tribunal and once served on the Nigerian Accounting Standards Board, now the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, and has represented Nigeria at the OECD and the Commonwealth Association of Tax Administrators.

Otunba Tobi Abiola, the NRS Regional Administrator in charge of Ogun, Oyo, and Osun States, has lauded her election as a win for integrity.

Abiola described Seghosime as a “woman of high wisdom” and someone who “embodies immense talent and unwavering integrity, substance, and keen intelligence, whose benevolent leadership signals great potential to influence positive change in ICAN.”

He added, “In recognizing her nomination, we acknowledge a character marked by honesty, ethical steadfastness, and an enduring commitment to the public good. She demonstrates principled decision-making, respectfully engaging diverse perspectives while upholding core values, and maintains transparency and accountability in all endeavors.

“Her professional excellence is evident in competence, diligence, and strategic vision; she applies deep expertise to guide informed choices, balances tradition with innovative approaches, and commits to lifelong learning and mentorship.

“As a leader and servant, she leads with empathy and inclusivity, prioritizes community welfare and sustainable outcomes, and fosters collaboration across sectors and generations.

“Her impact and potential are poised to drive meaningful progress and lasting benefit, as she builds networks that empower communities, advocates for equitable opportunities and integrity in governance, and serves as a role model for aspiring leaders through decisive action and sustained service.”

ICAN’s President-Elect Seghosime Hailed As Woman Of Wisdom, Integrity is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says Nigeria is recording a rising Lassa fever fatality rate.

This is in spite of a decline in weekly confirmed cases, raising fresh concerns over disease management nationwide.

The agency disclosed on Wednesday in its Epidemiological Week 14 report for 2026 that confirmed cases dropped from 26 in the previous week to 22, while the case fatality rate rose significantly.

It said the Case Fatality Rate increased to 24.8 per cent, compared to 18.8 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025, indicating worsening outcomes in spite of fewer infections. It said cumulatively, Nigeria had recorded 170 deaths from Lassa fever in 2026, underscoring persistent challenges related to early detection, timely treatment, and health-seeking behaviour across affected communities nationwide.

The report showed that 22 states and 94 Local Government Areas had reported confirmed cases in 2026, with five states accounting for about 84 per cent of total infections recorded.

It said the states included Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Edo, and Benue, which continued to bear the highest burden of the disease, reflecting regional concentration of infections and transmission patterns.

The agency said Bauchi recorded the highest burden with 27 per cent of confirmed cases, followed by Ondo with 22 per cent, Taraba with 18 per cent, Edo with nine per cent, and Benue.

Other affected states included Plateau, Ebonyi, and Kogi, among others, highlighting the continued geographic spread of Lassa fever across multiple regions in spite of ongoing surveillance and response efforts nationwide.

The NCDC said that the predominant age group affected was between 21 and 30 years, with cases ranging from one to 90 years and a median age of 30 years.

It added that the male-to-female ratio among confirmed cases stood at 1:0.9, indicating relatively similar infection rates between genders, although slightly higher among males in the current reporting period.

The report also confirmed infections among healthcare workers during the reporting week, raising concerns about infection prevention and control compliance in treatment centres and frontline health facilities managing cases.

According to the agency, while suspected cases have declined, confirmed cases remain higher compared to the same period in 2025, suggesting sustained community transmission and gaps in containment measures.

The NCDC, in collaboration with partners including World Health Organization, UNICEF, Médecins Sans Frontières, and the US CDC, had activated a national response framework.

It said a multi-sectoral Incident Management System had been deployed to coordinate response efforts, improve surveillance, and strengthen interventions aimed at reducing transmission and fatalities across affected states.

The agency said interventions included infection prevention training for health workers, distribution of personal protective equipment, active case search, contact tracing, and community sensitisation campaigns in high-burden areas nationwide.

The agency added that rapid response teams had been deployed to seven high-burden states, while treatment centres continued receiving essential medical supplies including Ribavirin and protective equipment for case management.

In spite of these efforts, the NCDC highlighted ongoing challenges such as late presentation of cases, poor health-seeking behaviour due to high treatment costs, inadequate sanitation, and low public awareness in affected communities.

It urged state governments to strengthen community engagement, while advising healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion for Lassa fever and strictly adhere to infection prevention protocols.

The agency emphasised that sustained multi-sectoral collaboration remained critical to reducing transmission, improving treatment outcomes, and lowering the number of deaths associated with Lassa fever across the country.

Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents.

Nigeria’s Lassa Fever Cases Fall But Fatality Rises is first published on The Whistler Newspaper