Author: The Whistler Newspaper

Tottenham manager Roberto de Zerbi says he is “not better” than predecessors Thomas Frank or Igor Tudor as he prepares to take charge of his first game at the Premier League strugglers.

Sunderland will be Spurs’ first opponents under the Italian, who was appointed on 31 March with the club one point outside the relegation zone with seven games remaining.

De Zerbi is Tottenham’s third manager of the season after Frank and Tudor – the latter only lasting 44 days and seven matches in the role.

“I am proud and happy to be here and I have to say thank you to Vinai [Venkatesham] and Johan [Lange] because they showed me a big, big confidence,” said De Zerbi on Friday.

“I’m sure about the level of the players because I was very, very close to bringing many of these players to my former teams in the past.

“I think I am not better than Frank or Tudor because I consider them very good coaches.

“I try to bring my style, my character, my personality and my strengths to achieve our target, which is the most important part now.”

Tottenham have not won a domestic league game in 2026 and only two since 26 October 2025.

They were also knocked out of the Champions League in the last 16 by Atletico Madrid 7-5 on aggregate.

Since 1950, Spurs have only spent one season outside the top flight, which was back in 1977-78.

“For me, it was a big opportunity because Tottenham are a very important club in the Premier League and the Premier League is the best league in the world,” said De Zerbi, who previously managed Brighton between 2022 and 2024.

“I love the qualities of the players and the crucial part that there was 12 days before the first game and for me it was important to have more than one week. I thought it would be important to understand the problems.

“The message for my staff and players is that we have to deserve the support because the fans are suffering like us. But for the fans, there is just one club. The players can change but for the fans, their club is unique.

“We have to make them happy with the right spirit and the right behaviour on the pitch. Then it’s easier to make points.”

“I’m not speaking about titles, but to put Tottenham in a position in the Premier League because they are all parts to reach that level.”

Tottenham travel to the Stadium of Light to face 11th-placed Sunderland on Sunday (14:00 BST kick-off).

I Will Keep Tottenham In Premier League, Says New Coach is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has given an update on the injury situation within his squad, as they prepare to host Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday.

The Gunners are looking to extend their lead over Manchester City to 12 points with a win at the Emirates.

Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Piero Hincapie, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber all missed Thursday’s training session.

When asked about them, Arteta replied: “Yeah there have been changes there since yesterday.

“I don’t know. Some of them.”

On Eberechi Eze specificially, Arteta said: “He is available. My first conversation with him after felt that niggle he wanted to be available the next week. That was not possible.

“The recovery, the way he has shown to get back, the way he has pushed.

EPL: Arteta gives Arsenal injury updates ahead of Bournemouth clash

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State, Jonathan Vatsa, has cautioned the party leadership against imposing candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Vatsa warned that such action could undermine the party’s chances at the polls.

Speaking to journalists in Minna on Friday, Vatsa stressed the need for internal democracy to prevail, insisting that all aspirants must be given a fair and level playing field during the primaries.

He warned that granting automatic tickets or adopting consensus arrangements without broad acceptance could divide the party and weaken its electoral strength.

The former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism in Niger State maintained that only a transparent and open primary process would ensure unity within the party.

According to him, “Imposing unpopular candidates could trigger anti-party activities and create setbacks for the ruling party during the general elections.”

Vatsa also cautioned that the opposition remains a strong force capable of capitalising on any internal crisis within the APC.

He noted that allowing a widely accepted candidate to emerge would reduce the burden of campaigning, while undemocratic processes could have serious consequences for the party.

On the security situation in the country, he described the rising wave of banditry as a negative reflection on the government while drawing parallels with events leading up to the 2015 elections,

Vatsa warned that worsening insecurity and economic hardship could affect public perception of the administration, adding that much of the blame is being directed at President Bola Tinubu.

2027: Vatsa warns Niger APC against imposition of candidates

The Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) has filed a petitioned to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force, against social media influencer, Blessing ‘’CEO’ Okoro over alleged false cancer claims and obtaining donations from Nigerians to ‘’treat’’ herself. 

In a statement signed by its National Director of Publicity, Hon. Bashir Mohammed Ranccasu, the Society explained that the action followed growing public concern over the allegations, stressing the need to uphold accountability, transparency and integrity within cancer advocacy and patient support systems in the country.

The Society recalled that it had earlier issued a statement condemning the alleged conduct, describing it as unethical and harmful to the fight against cancer in Nigeria.

It noted that the seriousness of the allegations and their potential to erode public trust necessitated escalation to security agencies for thorough investigation, in the interest of the general public and to prevent a negative precedent.

According to the NCS, cancer remains a life-threatening disease that demands sincerity, compassion and responsible handling, warning that any form of exploitation undermines the credibility of genuine patients and discourages support for those in need.

Few weeks ago, Blessing came out online to claim she had stage four cancer. She alleged she was diagnosed of the ailment in Enugu and needed funds for treatment. 

Following her plea for financial assistance, she received over N12 million from well-meaning Nigerians. 

It has now been discovered that she lied about the claim as the original owner of the result she paraded has come out to disclose how Blessing doctored her result just to back up her false claim of having cancer.

Voters in Djibouti are heading to the polls in a presidential election widely expected to extend the rule of long-serving leader Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, who is seeking a sixth term in office.

The 78-year-old incumbent faces a single challenger, Mohamed Farah Samatar of the Unified Democratic Centre (CDU), a party that currently holds no seats in parliament.

More than 256,000 registered voters are eligible to participate in Friday’s vote. However, early reports indicated low turnout in several areas, with only a small number of voters present at some polling stations when they opened. In parts of the capital, Djibouti City, voting also began later than scheduled.

The election follows a controversial decision by lawmakers last year to remove the presidential age limit, allowing Guelleh to run again despite previously being ineligible. The move has drawn criticism from observers who argue it weakens democratic processes in the country.

Human rights organisations have also accused authorities of restricting political freedoms and limiting opposition activity—claims the government has consistently denied. Notably, two major opposition parties have boycotted elections since 2016.

Polling stations are expected to close at 6:00 p.m. local time, with provisional results likely to be announced shortly afterward or by Saturday morning, according to electoral officials.

International observers, including the African Union, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and the League of Arab States, are monitoring the process.

Guelleh has ruled Djibouti since 1999, when he succeeded the country’s founding president. He secured re-election in 2021 with an overwhelming majority, winning 98 percent of the vote.

Despite concerns over democratic standards, the government has emphasised stability as a key achievement. Djibouti occupies a strategic position in the Horn of Africa and hosts military bases belonging to several global powers, including the United States, France, and China.

The country also serves as a vital port for landlocked neighbours such as Ethiopia and has played a growing role in regional maritime activity, particularly amid ongoing tensions affecting shipping routes in the Red Sea.

Djibouti Votes As Incumbent President Seeks Sixth Term is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed sorrow over the bandit attack on Bagna and Erena communities in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, which claimed the lives of dozens of civilians and security personnel.

Atiku reacted to the incident in a statement shared via his official X handle on Friday.

“The tragic attacks on the Bagna and Erena communities, which claimed many lives including numerous security personnel, are profoundly heartbreaking.

“I extend my sincere condolences to the bereaved families, especially those of the fallen heroes, and urge the government to take more decisive action to protect civilians, facilitate swift relief efforts, and bolster support for frontline forces. May the departed rest in peace, and may enduring peace return to our land.”

It was reported that no fewer than 61 bodies of security operatives and civilians killed in the attack had been recovered.

Residents in the area stated that the corpses were retrieved from surrounding bushes days after the incident.

Atiku mourns victims of Niger bandit attack

Former Nigeria internationals Joy Jegede-Idakwo, and Aighewi Omodiaghe have been appointed assistant coaches for the Flamingos, DAILY POST reports.

Another Nigeria international, Kola Ige will take up the position of goalkeepers’ trainer.

The trio’s appointment was announced by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, on Friday.

Jegede-Idakwo, Omodiaghe, and Ige will assist newly appointed head coach, Akeem Busari.

Busari takes over from former handler of the team, Bankole Olowoookere last week.

He has already invited 36 players for Flamingos’ 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup second round qualifying fixture against either Niger Republic or Guinea.

NFF appoints Jegede-Idakwo, Omodiaghe to Flamingos coaching crew

Public affairs commentator Mahdi Shehu has attributed the growing wave of killings across Nigeria to what he describes as the government’s continued engagement with, and concessions to, criminal groups.

In a post shared on X on Friday, Shehu expressed concern over what he sees as a sharp rise in violent incidents nationwide, noting that the trend has become more pronounced in recent months.

“Since November 2025, and more significantly from February 2026 to date, there appears to be a geometric increase in the number of Nigerians killed daily across the country,” he said.

He noted that the attacks cut across both civilian and security populations, warning that the situation shows no clear signs of easing.

“These killings are deliberate and systematic, affecting both civilians and security personnel, with no end in sight,” he added.

According to him, the country’s security architecture is currently under immense pressure and lacks the capacity to respond effectively.

“All security agencies are overstretched, insufficient in number, and poorly equipped compared to the weaponry in the hands of criminal gangs,” he stated.

Shehu argued that the persistence of violence is being fuelled by policies that, in his view, reward criminality, particularly through negotiations and amnesty programmes.

“These senseless and orchestrated killings will only be curtailed when governments at all levels stop engaging in what amounts to appeasement and begin to treat criminal elements as such,” he said.

He also called for an end to granting amnesty and official recognition to individuals involved in criminal activities.

“When authorities stop offering amnesty to vandals, bandits, and murderers, and when traditional institutions and governments cease conferring titles and public roles on known criminals, both locally and internationally, meaningful progress can begin,” he added.

The commentator further criticised what he described as a broader culture of rewarding wrongdoing through honours and appointments.

“When governments stop bestowing national honours, political appointments, and recognition on individuals with records of criminality, including arson, drug abuse, and financial misconduct, the system can begin to correct itself,” he said.

Shehu also linked the worsening insecurity to structural weaknesses within the political system, including electoral malpractice and institutional failures.

“When political actors stop deploying thugs to manipulate elections, when votes truly count in real time, and when the judiciary refrains from legitimising outcomes that do not reflect the will of the people, we can begin to address the root causes,” he stated.

He emphasised the need for justice, fairness and equality before the law, warning against selective enforcement.

“When governments abandon selective prosecution and ensure visible, measurable justice, equity, and fairness for all regardless of status, gender, ethnicity, or belief, then real progress can be achieved,” he said.

Shehu also urged citizens to become more engaged and accountable in governance.

“When Nigerians move beyond apathy, fear, and complacency, and take an active role in shaping governance, meaningful change will follow,” he noted.

He concluded by stressing that genuine progress depends on a functioning democratic system grounded in clear rules and accountability.

“True progress will only come when democracy operates as it should, not as a private enterprise, authoritarian structure, or transactional system, but as one rooted in justice, equity, and fairness for all. Anything short of this will remain a futile exercise,” he said.

“Anything less will amount to a wild goose chase.”

Negotiating with criminals fuels violence – Mahdi Shehu

 The Nigerian Army 72 hours after the alleged murder of a General has neither denied or confirmed it

By Florencemary Nwabueze

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 31 suspected internet fraudsters during a raid on an alleged cybercrime training facility in the Federal Capital Territory.

The operation, carried out on Thursday, April 9, 2026, targeted a building located in Becki Estate, Karu, within Abuja. According to the anti-graft agency, the facility was being used as a so-called “Yahoo Academy,” where individuals were trained in internet fraud.

The suspects, said to include two alleged ringleaders and several trainees, were apprehended during an ongoing tutorial session.

Items recovered at the scene include multiple mobile phones, 18 laptop computers, and other electronic devices believed to have been used for fraudulent activities.

Preliminary investigations by the EFCC revealed that some of the trainees had been lured from Benue State with promises of legitimate employment.

However, upon arrival, they were reportedly provided with digital tools and software and enrolled in cybercrime training programs.

The agency further disclosed that the recruits were confined within the premises, with their movements strictly restricted. Their mobile phones were allegedly confiscated, effectively isolating them from the outside world.

In addition, authorities reported that strict disciplinary measures were enforced, including physical punishment for those who failed to comply with instructions or showed reluctance during training.

The EFCC stated that the suspects will be formally charged in court upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations.

The post EFCC busts ‘Yahoo Academy’ in Abuja, arrests 31 suspects appeared first on Vanguard News.