Author: The Whistler Newspaper

  • ADC Taunts Tinubu, Says US Rejection Reflects Waning International Confidence

    ADC Taunts Tinubu, Says US Rejection Reflects Waning International Confidence

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused President Bola Tinubu of being distracted by political considerations amid worsening insecurity across the country, warning that a recent move by the United States government signals declining international confidence in Nigeria’s security under his administration.

    The party in a statement issued on Friday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the United States’ decision to authorize the departure of non-emergency embassy staff and their families from Abuja was “not merely procedural, but a clear and consequential signal of declining trust in Nigeria’s security architecture under the current leadership.”

    The ADC said the development came at a time when Nigeria is grappling with escalating attacks across several regions, including the North-East, North-West, North-Central and the Middle Belt, stressing that the Federal Government’s response has failed to produce meaningful results.

    While mourning the killing of Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah and other soldiers in a recent terrorist attack in Borno State, the party said the tragedy reflects a deeper crisis within the nation’s security framework.

    “The African Democratic Congress (ADC) mourns the tragic loss of Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah and the brave soldiers of the Nigerian Army who were killed in the recent terrorist attack in Borno State. We honour their courage and their service. Behind every fallen soldier is a family permanently altered, a future cut short, and a sacrifice that can never truly be repaid,” the statement read.

    The party, however, said, “But even as we mourn, we must confront a deeper and more troubling reality. As of April 9, 2026, the United States government authorized the departure of non-emergency staff and their families from its embassy in Abuja due to a deteriorating security situation. For a country like the United States to take such a step… it signals a clear loss of confidence in the ability of this administration to guarantee safety and stability,” Abdullahi stated.

    Describing the U.S. action as more than a routine administrative measure, the ADC added, “This is not a routine administrative decision. It is a verdict.”

    The opposition party further accused the President of focusing on political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 general elections instead of addressing the country’s pressing security challenges.

    “Yet, at a moment that demands urgency, focus, and leadership, the Nigerian Government appears preoccupied with political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 general elections. The President is so consumed by politics that he is increasingly losing sight of his primary responsibility, which is the protection of the lives of Nigerians,” the statement said.

    Highlighting the scale of insecurity, the ADC noted that attacks, “Across the North-West, North-Central, North-East, and the Middle Belt, attacks have become frequent, coordinated, and devastating. Communities are being overrun, lives are being lost, and citizens are being left to fend for themselves. These are not isolated incidents. They are part of a sustained pattern.”

    The party also alleged, “There are credible reports that, in some cases, warnings were issued ahead of attacks, but no effective preventive action was taken. What follows is now predictable: statements, condolences, and assurances that such incidents will not happen again. But they do.”

    While commending the efforts of security personnel, the party insisted that the, “The bravery of our soldiers is not in doubt… The problem lies not with those on the frontlines, but with the system that is meant to support them,” it stated, adding that “the death of a general in active service is not just a tragedy. It is a signal of deeper structural and leadership failures that must be urgently addressed.”

    The ADC maintained that, as Commander-in-Chief, President Tinubu bears ultimate responsibility for the country’s security outcomes.

    “This moment demands leadership that is focused, decisive, and accountable. But instead, we are witnessing a President who is so preoccupied with politics that he has reduced his role as Commander-in-Chief to merely issuing condolences and condemnations,” the party said.

    Calling for urgent action, “The ADC therefore calls on the President to refocus his administration on the primary responsibility of protecting lives and securing the country. This requires a clear reset of strategy, improved coordination, and measurable outcomes that Nigerians can see and trust.”

    It added, “Certainly, the current approach, whatever it is, is not delivering results. The President should have the humility to admit that he has failed, and every single life lost under his watch is evidence of this tragic failure.”

    The ADC warned that unless there is a clear shift in approach, both Nigerians and the international community will continue to question the government’s commitment to its core responsibility.

    “This is not about politics. It is about responsibility… Until there is a clear break from the current pattern, both Nigerians and the international community will continue to question the willingness of this government to meet its most basic obligation,” it said.

    ADC Taunts Tinubu, Says US Rejection Reflects Waning International Confidence is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

  • Kwara police intensify crackdown on banditry, hold high-level security meeting in Ilorin

    Kwara police intensify crackdown on banditry, hold high-level security meeting in Ilorin

    The Kwara State Police Command has stepped up operations across the state to tackle banditry and other violent crimes, while also convening a high level security meeting with other agencies to strengthen coordination.

    The development was disclosed in a statement shared on April 9 2026, on the official page of the Command.

    According to the statement, the renewed operations are part of intelligence-led strategies aimed at disrupting criminal networks and preventing security threats across the three senatorial districts.

    The Command said suspected criminal hideouts and supply routes have been identified, with tactical teams deployed to deny criminal elements freedom of movement, especially in vulnerable areas and along state borders.

    It added that stop-and-search operations, covert surveillance, and enhanced patrols are ongoing to curb the influx of bandits from neighbouring states.

    “The Command has intensified intelligence-led and proactive security operations across the State to prevent and combat banditry and other violent crimes,” the statement read.

    The police further noted that collaboration with other security agencies, including local vigilante groups and hunters, has been strengthened through joint operations and intelligence sharing.

    In a related development, the Commissioner of Police Ojo Adekimi, also held a strategic security meeting in Ilorin with heads of security agencies in the state.

    The meeting, held at the Command Headquarters focused on improving inter-agency coordination and reinforcing ongoing operations in line with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.

    Security chiefs at the meeting reaffirmed their commitment to tackling criminal activities and maintaining peace across the state.

    “The meeting focused on strengthening inter-agency coordination and reinforcing ongoing operations to safeguard lives and property,” the statement added.

    The police reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to ensuring safety, urging members of the public to remain vigilant and provide useful information to security agencies.

    Kwara police intensify crackdown on banditry, hold high-level security meeting in Ilorin

  • EFCC drags suspect to court over alleged N4.3m rice deal fraud in Maiduguri

    EFCC drags suspect to court over alleged N4.3m rice deal fraud in Maiduguri

    The Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Thursday, arraigned one Abdullahi Aminu before Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court sitting in Maiduguri over an alleged fraud involving N4.3 million.

    A statement issued by EFCC said the defendant was brought before the court on a one-count charge of criminal misappropriation involving the sum of N4,305,000.00 (Four Million, Three Hundred and Five Thousand Naira).

    The charge reads: “That you, Abdullahi Aminu sometimes in 2025 at Maiduguri, Borno State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court dishonestly convert to your own use the aggregate sum of N4,305,000.00 (Four Million, Three Hundred and Five Thousand Naira), monies belonging to Jibrin Abdulrahman purportedly as payment for the supply of rice, thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 296 and punishable under Section 297 of the Borno State Penal Code Law and Other Matters Connected Therewith Law, 2023.”

    The defendant, however, pleaded “not guilty” to the charge when it was read to him.

    Following his plea, prosecution counsel A.D. Abdulmalik asked the court for a trial date and also urged that the defendant be remanded in a correctional facility.

    Justice Kumaliya thereafter adjourned the case until April 21, 2026, for commencement of trial and ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Maiduguri Maximum Correctional facility.

    According to EFCC, the suspect was arrested after he allegedly diverted the sum of N4,305,000.00 meant for the supply of rice for personal use.

    EFCC drags suspect to court over alleged N4.3m rice deal fraud in Maiduguri

  • Trump To Iran: ‘You Have No Cards Left — Just Negotiate’

    Trump To Iran: ‘You Have No Cards Left — Just Negotiate’

    President Donald J. Trump has escalated his rhetorical pressure on Iran, declaring that the Islamic Republic has virtually no leverage left in the ongoing conflict other than temporary disruption of global oil flows through international waterways.

    In a fresh Truth Social post circulating widely on Thursday, Trump wrote: “The Iranians don’t seem to realize they have no cards, other than a short term extortion of the World by using International Waterways. The only reason they are alive today is to negotiate!”

    The statement appears to reference Iran’s closure or threats to the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow chokepoint through which a significant portion of the world’s oil passes.

    The waterway has been a central flashpoint amid recent U.S.-Iran tensions, fragile ceasefire talks, and demands for its immediate reopening to international shipping.

    This latest comment comes amid a series of strong messages from the president in recent days. Earlier posts included blunt deadlines for Iran to reopen the strait, with warnings of severe consequences for non-compliance.

    A two-week ceasefire was announced earlier this week following intense diplomatic efforts, though Trump has continued to stress that the U.S. holds the upper hand.

    Analysts see the “no cards” framing as classic Trump negotiating style, projecting maximum U.S. strength while signaling that dialogue remains the path forward for Tehran.

    The post underscores Trump’s view that Iran’s actions amount to temporary economic blackmail rather than sustainable power.

    The statement has drawn attention online and in media, with some viewing it as a de-escalatory nudge toward talks even as military posturing continues in the region.

    Iran has not yet issued an official response to today’s specific remark.

    This development occurs against the backdrop of broader U.S. efforts to secure energy routes and prevent any resurgence of Iranian nuclear ambitions or regional disruption.

    Trump To Iran: ‘You Have No Cards Left — Just Negotiate’ is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

  • Nigerian, other foreign students can now work with study permit in Canada

    Nigerian, other foreign students can now work with study permit in Canada

    Nigerian and other international students in Canada will no longer need a separate co-op work permit for internships, co-ops, and practicums under a new rule that took effect on April 1, 2026.

    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said a valid study permit is now enough for work placements that are part of a student’s course, as long as they make up 50% or less of the program. Secondary school students still need a co-op work permit.

    Students who already applied for a co-op work permit can withdraw their applications, and IRCC may also cancel some of them since the permit is no longer required.

    The change is the first step in wider immigration reforms being reviewed by the government. Other proposals include allowing students and graduates to work while waiting for study permit extensions or Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) decisions, and removing study permit rules for some foreign apprentices. These ideas are still under consultation.

    IRCC said the goal is to reduce paperwork and make the system easier by removing the need for multiple permits for one study program. It also hopes to reduce delays and confusion when students move between study and work status.

    If fully approved, the reforms could make it easier for international students to work during and after their studies, and reduce gaps when permits expire. However, no timeline has been set for the remaining changes.

    The government has already introduced other updates in its immigration plan, including fee increases for permanent residence, citizenship, and other services.

    At the same time, Canada is seeing fewer international students and foreign workers. New arrivals dropped sharply in 2026 compared to the previous year, continuing a broader downward trend.

    The federal government says it plans to further reduce temporary migration levels in the coming years as part of its immigration strategy.

    Vanguard News

    The post Nigerian, other foreign students can now work with study permit in Canada appeared first on Vanguard News.

  • US evacuation signals fading confidence in Nigeria — Peter Obi

    US evacuation signals fading confidence in Nigeria — Peter Obi

    By Luminous Jannamike

    ABUJA — Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has warned that the recent directive by the United States to evacuate its embassy staff from Nigeria over rising insecurity signals fading international confidence in the country’s security system and leadership.

    According to him, the move throws Nigeria’s worsening security crisis into sharp global focus, raising fresh concerns about its impact on investor confidence, diplomatic relations, and an already fragile economy.

    In a statement on Friday, Obi said the situation should be treated as a national emergency, stressing that the consequences go beyond security to Nigeria’s standing in the eyes of the world.

    “The recent directive by the United States to evacuate its embassy staff from Nigeria over rising insecurity is deeply troubling and ought to be treated as a national emergency, particularly for a country already struggling to attract investment.

    “Nigeria currently ranks fourth on the Global Terrorism Index, yet the security situation continues to deteriorate. Lives are being lost, and communities remain under constant threat.

    “There is a glaring absence of effective governance; instead, we are witnessing actions that undermine democratic processes, as though politics has taken precedence over the safety and welfare of citizens.

    “The U.S. directive is a stark signal of declining confidence in our national security architecture.

    “More troubling still are reports of the loss of yet another Army Brigadier General to terrorists in Borno earlier today.

    “A nation where citizens cannot live, work, worship, or travel safely cannot make progress or inspire investor confidence.

    “The primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property. In this regard, we as leaders have consistently fallen short. This failure continues to place immense strain on our armed forces, who bear the burden and make the ultimate sacrifices.

    “Regrettably, as the nation deteriorates, we as leaders appear preoccupied, like Nero, with political pursuits, forgetting that without security, there is no nation to govern and no future to contest,” Obi said.

    The post US evacuation signals fading confidence in Nigeria — Peter Obi appeared first on Vanguard News.

  • Biden’s son, Hunter set to take on Trump’s sons in cage fight

    Biden’s son, Hunter set to take on Trump’s sons in cage fight

    US politics already feels like a contact sport, but one of Washington’s most bitter political feuds may literally be headed to the mat after former president Joe Biden’s son challenged the two eldest Trump brothers to a cage fight.

    After years of verbal sparring, Hunter Biden said in a video posted online Thursday he would be “100 percent in” for a bout against President Donald Trump’s sons Don Jr and Eric, potentially turning the long-running grudge between the families into a pay‑per‑view spectacle.

    Channel 5, run by left-wing social media influencer Andrew Callaghan, posted a video to its Instagram Thursday featuring the younger Biden explaining that he would be appearing in several venues on the media company’s upcoming US tour.

    “I think he’s trying to organize a cage match, me versus Eric and Don Jr. I told him I’d do it — 100 percent in, if he can pull it off,” Biden said.

    Details of the proposed showdown remain hazy, including whether the elder Trump brothers would fight together or separately, and where such an event might take place.

    There has so far been no public response from Don Jr or Eric — who, at 48 and 42 respectively, have an age advantage over their 56-year-old putative opponent.

    The rivalry between the current White House occupant and his predecessor — sharpened when Biden beat Trump in the 2020 election — has been marked by unusually personal attacks and escalating rhetoric.

    Trump has repeatedly derided his Democratic foe with nicknames such as “Sleepy Joe” and accused his administration — without evidence — of fixing the 2020 election and “weaponizing” federal agencies against Republicans.

    Biden, for his part, has cast Trump as a threat to democratic norms and once said he would have wanted to “beat the hell” out of the billionaire Republican over his crude comments about women if they’d been at high school together.

    Any clash of the younger generation would echo a long history of personal feuds in US politics — from the 1804 duel between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton to the much-hyped but never-realized 2023 cage match between tech billionaires Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg.

    With mixed martial arts enjoying a surge in popularity — and even an Ultimate Fighting Championship event planned for the White House grounds later this year — the line between politics and spectacle in Washington appears blurrier than ever.

    Callaghan suggested the cage match may have been floated partly in jest, according to USA TODAY, but said he would be “more than happy” to arrange the contest if all sides were willing to step into the octagon.

    Vanguard News

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  • EPL: Three Chelsea players to miss Man City clash at Stamford Bridge

    EPL: Three Chelsea players to miss Man City clash at Stamford Bridge

    Three Chelsea players will miss Sunday’s Premier League clash against Manchester City.

    The Blues will face the Cityzens in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge this weekend.

    Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior confirmed that the likes of Trevoh Chalobah, Levi Colwill and Reece James will not feature against Pep Guardiola’s side as they are still recovering from injury.

    “Trevoh (Chalobah) is working really hard and is back on the pitch. Levi (Colwill) is training but still has some hurdles to overcome first, and Reece (James) has been running today.

    “None of them will be ready for Man City, but they are working well,” Rosenior said.

    Chelsea head to the Man City game after beating Port Vale in the FA Cup quarter-final in their last fixture.

    EPL: Three Chelsea players to miss Man City clash at Stamford Bridge

  • Federal High Court jails 386 terrorists in four days mass trial

    Federal High Court jails 386 terrorists in four days mass trial

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted a total of 386 terrorists, mainly Boko Haram members, put on trial by the federal government in the last four days.

    The convicted terrorists were sentenced to various jail terms ranging from five years to life imprisonment based on the gravity of the charges against them and their open Court confessions.

    The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, who confirmed this on Friday said that a total of 508 defendants were arraigned before ten courts between Tuesday and Friday.

    Briefing journalists at the conclusion of the mass trial, Fagbemi said that eight of the defendants were discharged while two were acquitted from the charges against them.

    The Minister of Justice further explained that a batch of 112 suspects whose cases could not be attended to would be arraigned along with others in the next phase of the mass trial slated for between June 15 and 18, 2026.

    He said that the mass trial and the imprisonment of the 386 terrorists will serve as a signal to criminals that Nigeria has no space for heinous crimes like terrorism.

    The Justice Minister praised the ten judges of the Federal High Court for sacrificing their Easter holiday to sit as special courts and in response to the clarion call of the federal government to them.

    Fagbemi also said that international organizations, especially Amnesty International, Nigerian Bar Association, National Human Rights Commission and other civil Societies witnessed the proceedings to ensure that due process of law and transparency took the lead in the trial of the terrorism.

    He equally thanked the media for the coverage of the proceedings.

    Federal High Court jails 386 terrorists in four days mass trial

  • Fire Destroys Nigeria Brewery Warehouse In Abia

    Fire Destroys Nigeria Brewery Warehouse In Abia

    Nigerian Breweries Plc says no casualties were recorded after a fire incident at an external warehouse facility in Aba, Abia State.

    The company said the fire occurred on Thursday at a leased warehouse opposite its Aba brewery, adding that the facility was used for storing empty plastic crates.

    In a corporate filing signed by its Company Secretary, Mr Uaboi Agbebaku, and released to the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. on Friday, the company said the fire was promptly contained.

    It said its emergency response team handled the situation with support from relevant government agencies.
    Nigerian Breweries also acknowledged assistance from Oris Group and members of the host community in bringing the fire under control.

    The company said the immediate impact of the incident was limited to empty crates stored in the facility.

    It added that investigations were ongoing to determine the cause of the fire.
    The firm, however, assured that operations at its Aba brewery, including production, logistics and sales, were not affected.

    “No injuries or fatalities were recorded.

    “Operations at Aba Brewery, including production, logistics and sales, remain stable and unaffected.

    “Nigerian Breweries Plc remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational excellence across its facilities,” it said

    Fire Destroys Nigeria Brewery Warehouse In Abia is first published on The Whistler Newspaper