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Former Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo Agege, and Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, have continued to trade words over the 2023 governorship election.

While in Lagos days ago during a lecture on ‘Inclusive Governance and National Unity: Lessons from Delta State for a United Nigeria’, the governor celebrated his victory over Omo-Agege.

He recollected that his closeness to the grassroots informed the abysmal performance of Omo-Agege in the 2023 governorship election in Delta State.

Oborevwori stated openly that he defeated Omo-Agege, despite the senator having them.

“He was able to struggle to get four local government areas but I won in 21 local government areas because I am with the people. I listen to them, I hear them, I call them, they call me,” Oborevwori said.

Provoked, Omo-Agege responded that re-litigating the matter in the media or at public events serves no useful purpose.

He pleaded for peace, healing and reconciliation, rather than promoting vendetta.

“My attention has been drawn to comments reportedly made by His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, during his lecture yesterday in Lagos on _“Inclusive Governance and National Unity: Lessons from Delta State for a United Nigeria,”_ where he referenced the 2023 Delta State Governorship Election.

“If we were still in different political parties, I would feel compelled to respond in full measure, as an adversary would. But that is no longer the case. We are now one family under the All Progressives Congress (APC). What Delta APC needs today is not division, but unity.

“As a frontline leader in our party, my goal is clear: to secure victory for every APC candidate, from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu down to our House of Assembly candidates. That commitment remains sacrosanct.

“The 2023 Governorship Election has come and gone and is now behind us. The Supreme Court has spoken, and its decision is final. And I respect the judgment fully. As a democrat, I congratulated Mr. Governor then for the now-famous 360,000 votes that won him the election in 21 local government areas, and I do so again now.

“Let us choose unity over division. Let us choose victory over vendetta. In Delta APC, unity must be more than talk. It must be our strength. The past is in the rearview mirror. Our focus must now be on 2027. Let us look forward.

“I am however proud of the over 240,000 votes that gave us victory in four Delta Central LGAs. To every Deltan who supported me in 2023, and to everyone who believed in our vision: I am forever grateful. You have my assurance: I owe you, and indeed all our people, an even greater level of service.

“Since May 29, 2023, I have pursued one mission: strengthening the unity of our party. I will not relent. I respectfully urge His Excellency, the Governor of Delta State and Leader of the APC in Delta State, to join me in fostering healing, reconciliation, and inclusion. We must silence every voice and action that seeks to divide us. Only a united APC can deliver Delta State for President Tinubu and win every seat in 2027,” Omo-Agege stated.

Again, Omo-Agege, Oborevwori trade words over 2023 Delta guber election

The Eastern Union, Sunday, berated the alleged clampdown on opposition political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

EU’s National President, Charles Anike, in a chat with THE WHISTLER claimed that “while former President Goodluck Jonathan’s government tolerated opposition, the All Progressives Congress leadership under both Buhari and Tinubu has no room for any form of opposition”.

Anike said Nigerians should learn lessons from the nation’s prevailing political situation. He told former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amechi, among others who spearheaded the formation of APC, “to tell Nigerians what they have learnt”.

Anike, who was reacting to the seeming grounding of the main opposition African Democratic Congress, said, “The truth remains that there is really no crisis in ADC from within; what we are witnessing is an autocracy towards redirecting the country to a one-party state. The purported crisis in ADC is engineered from the outside, especially when Mr Peter Obi decamped to the party. The APC leadership believes that the only way forward for them is to plant and fuel crisis in the parties, the same way they used Lamidi Apapa and Julius Abure to disorganize the Labour Party, which informed Obi’s decamping to ADC.”

He said the sole goal of APC was to ensure that LP’s presidential candidate in 2023, Mr Peter Obi, does not appear on ballot papers. Quoting him, “APC knows that Peter Obi is the red card in hands of the suffering masses of Nigeria.”

He supported Obi’s defection to another political party. “Our advice to Obi is move to any other party that will give him ticket to contest the general election. Nigerians believe in him and would follow him to wherever he goes. Though there are moles in most political parties, nevertheless, Obi is still standing. We assure him that Nigerians will go with him.”

Group Compares Opposition Under Tinubu With Jonathan; Mocks Amechi, Atiku is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has confirmed plans for another visit to the United States ahead of the 2027 election cycle.

According to him, the trip will focus on Nigeria’s worsening security, governance and economic conditions.

The planned visit, which comes about 8 months to the 2027 presidential election, follows a similar pattern as his 2019 and 2022 U.S. trips.

Speaking through his media adviser, Paul Ibe, on Sunday, Atiku said the trip is “driven by one overriding concern: the alarming deterioration of security, governance, and economic stability in Nigeria.”

The 2027 presidential hopeful said Nigeria is facing “a full-blown internal crisis” that could no longer be “downplayed, politicized, or explained away.”

He mentioned violence in the North-West, North-East, and Middle Belt as evidence that Nigeria is experiencing “a pattern of systemic failure” rather than isolated incidents.

“Communities are being overrun, livelihoods destroyed, and citizens abandoned to their fate,” Ibe said, adding that “any government that cannot guarantee basic security forfeits the moral basis of its mandate.”

On Economy, Atiku said rising inflation, a weakened naira and declining purchasing power has left millions of Nigerians in distress.

“Nigerians are not just tired, they are being stretched to the limits of endurance,” the statement added.

He also warned that declining public confidence in governance and the country’s electoral process “poses a direct threat to national stability.”

The statement added, “As the country moves toward another election cycle, he insists that any attempt to undermine transparency or manipulate outcomes will carry serious consequences for both unity and legitimacy.

“Addressing the anticipated criticism of his international engagement, Atiku is unequivocal: telling the truth about Nigeria is not unpatriotic. He rejects the notion that engaging global partners amounts to inviting foreign interference, stressing that Nigeria does not exist in isolation and cannot pretend that its internal failures have no external implications. He maintains that the world already sees what is happening; the real question is whether Nigerian leaders are prepared to confront it honestly.

“He reiterates that only Nigerians will decide Nigeria’s leadership, but insists that international partners have a legitimate interest in the stability, governance standards, and democratic health of a country as strategically important as Nigeria.”

According to him, responsible leadership welcomes scrutiny as a pathway to improvement.

“In a direct message to the current administration, Atiku warns against complacency and deflection. He states that power is not an entitlement but a responsibility, and that Nigerians expect results, not explanations. He calls on the government to urgently reset its priorities, restore public confidence, and demonstrate a clear, credible strategy for addressing insecurity and economic decline.

“To Nigerians, he delivers a blunt reminder: no nation survives in silence. He urges citizens to remain vigilant, engaged, and unyielding in their demand for accountability, emphasizing that real change will not come from outside the country but from the collective will of its people….The choice, he says, is between confronting hard truths now or allowing the country to drift further into instability. For him, the moment demands courage, honesty, and decisive leadership, anything less would be a disservice to the nation and its future.”

Atiku’s last confirmed U.S. visit was in October 2022, when he travelled to Washington, D.C. during his campaign for the 2023 presidential election as candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

During the visit, he met U.S. officials, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, businessmen and members of the Nigerian diaspora.

In January 2019, he visited the U.S. ahead of Nigeria’s presidential election. It was his first trip in 13 years after a reported U.S. visa ban linked to a corruption probe into allegations of bribery during his time as vice president.

Atiku Begins Pre-Election Ritual, To Denounce Tinubu’s Performance In U.S. is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Kelechi Iheanacho netted the winning goal as Celtic secured a 2-1 win over Hibernian at the Easter Road on Sunday.

The win kept the Hoops Scottish Premiership title hopes alive.

Daizen Maeda gave Celtic the lead from a simple tap-in two minutes before the break.

The hosts levelled through Joe Newell in first half stoppage time.

Iheanacho was introduced in the 70th minute, replacing Yang Hyun-jun.

The Nigeria international fired home the winning goal two minutes later.

It was the forward’s seventh goal across all competitions for Celtic this season.

Martin O’Neill’s side remain second on the table level on points with league leaders Hearts, who have a game in hand.

Scotland: Iheanacho nets winner for Celtic against Hibernian

The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, ICRC, has said that respecting contractual agreements between parties is fundamental to building investor confidence in Nigeria.

The Director General of the Commission, Dr. Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Sunday, assuring stakeholders that their investments are protected within a stable and predictable regulatory environment.

This is as the government agency hailed the resolution of the long-standing public-private partnership concession dispute involving the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), Lagos.

He said such commitment sends a strong signal to both local and international investors that Nigeria remains a reliable and credible investment destination.

He further described the president’s intervention as a masterstroke, particularly as it successfully resolved a long-standing impasse across multiple administrations.

Ewalefoh further noted the Presidency’s commitment to the rule of law in the resolution of the impasse, which followed a coordinated process involving the grantor, the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the concessionaire—Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited—and the ICRC, whose concurrence was obtained on the agreed framework in line with established PPP guidelines.

He stated that “with the removal of restrictive provisions and the restoration of clarity within the concession framework, Nigeria can now fully explore the development of new aviation infrastructure within Lagos State, including projects such as the proposed Lekki Airport, as well as complementary commercial and support facilities around existing terminals.”

He emphasized that the development reinforces investor confidence in a predictable regulatory environment, adding that “when investors see that a dispute of this magnitude can be resolved through a balanced and forward-looking approach, it sends a powerful message about policy stability, regulatory certainty, and respect for agreements. These are the foundations upon which successful PPPs are built”.

He also pointed out that the outcome delivers tangible benefits to the economy and the public, including improved infrastructure utilization, enhanced operational efficiency, and the potential for increased revenue generation, noting that “this resolution is in the interest of the government, the concessionaire, the investing community, and ultimately the Nigerian people who rely on efficient and modern infrastructure”.

Ewalefoh reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to ensuring that all PPP arrangements are implemented in line with established guidelines, with strong emphasis on value for money, transparency, and public interest.

“The ICRC will continue to provide the regulatory guidance required to sustain this momentum, ensuring that future concessions are better structured, better managed, and better aligned with national development priorities.”

Recall that the MMA2 dispute arose from a disagreement between the Federal Government, through the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited over the implementation of the PPP agreement, particularly clauses on exclusivity and the development of competing or complementary infrastructure within the same airport corridor.

MMA2 dispute: Respect for contractual agreements will boost investment in Nigeria — ICRC

Nollywood actress, Peggy Ovire, has reacted to her estranged husband, actor Frederick Leonard’s statement about being happier than ever before.

It all started on Friday when Frederick, in a birthday post on Instagram, said he recently discovered that every page of his life often comes with testimony.

The actor said, “I’m happier now than ever.”

His post which garnered more than 63,000 reactions on Instagram, also reignited controversy about the status of his marriage with Peggy, who has been severally reported to be violent.

Sharing a new picture of herself on Saturday, Peggy in an Instagram post, revealed that she chose herself over anyone else.

Peggy wrote, “God did it. I choose me!”

Also in response to one of her fans comment on the post, she said, “God restored my peace, my life. My brother God did it.”

DAILY POST reports that the celebration is the actor’s first birthday after separation from Peggy Ovire, his estranged wife,

Peggy had earlier in January removed his name from her social media page.

Peggy Ovire reacts after Frederick Leonard claims he’s ‘happier than ever before’

Iran has submitted a 14-point response to a U.S. proposal to end the conflict that began with U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency and state-owned Press TV.

Key points of the plan include a demand to resolve all issues and end the war within 30 days, instead of observing a two-month ceasefire as the U.S. had proposed.

Other demands include guarantees against future military aggression, the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iran’s periphery, an end to the naval blockade, the release of frozen Iranian assets, payment of reparations, the lifting of sanctions, an end to fighting in Lebanon, and a new mechanism governing the Strait of Hormuz.

A senior Iranian official said the proposal would open shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and end the U.S. blockade of Iran, while leaving talks on Iran’s nuclear program for a later stage, a move Tehran described as a significant shift aimed at facilitating an agreement.

Trump said he had been told about the concept of the deal and was waiting for the exact wording, but added he “can’t imagine that it would be acceptable,” while warning strikes could resume if Iran “misbehaves.”

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps separately announced a 30-day deadline for the U.S. military to end its blockade of ports, warning that Trump “must choose between an impossible military operation or a bad deal.”

The war has caused the biggest disruption ever to global energy supplies, roiled global markets, and raised worries about a wider global economic downturn.

Iran has been blocking nearly all shipping from the Gulf apart from its own for more than two months, while last month the U.S. imposed its own blockade of ships from Iranian ports.

Iran’s parliament is also poised to approve a law placing restrictions on which vessels are allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Under the proposed measure, Israeli vessels would never be allowed through, while ships from “hostile countries” would be required to pay war reparations to obtain a transit permit.

Diplomatic efforts continue through Pakistani mediators as both sides maintain military readiness in the region.

Iran Submits 30-Day Proposal To End War With U.S. is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Nigeria’s ambassador to Mexico, Reno Omokri has urged northerners to reconsider placing their political hopes on Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 general Election, arguing that the former Anambra State governor’s history of party defections raises questions about his consistency.

Omokri spoke in a statement shared on his X handle on Sunday.

His comment follows Peter Obi’s resignation from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Sunday. Obi had while explaining his resignation noted that the same Nigerian state and its agents, who created what he described as unnecessary crises and hostility within the Labour Party which forced his exit, now appear to be finding their way into the ADC.

Reacting, Omokri alleged that parties Obi joined were relatively stable before his arrival but later became troubled by internal disputes.

“Every party Peter Obi has been in has been relatively crisis-free until Peter joined that party. And as soon as he comes in, peace goes out of that party and strife sets in,” Omokri wrote.

He added: “Once can be a mistake. Twice may be a coincidence. But after the third time, and then the fourth, it becomes a pattern. The parties are not the problem. Peter is the issue.”

According to Omokri, Obi’s repeated movement across political platforms should make northern voters cautious about trusting his political promises.

“Peter Obi has made four very public promises not to leave the four political parties that gave him four platforms to rise to power and prominence. And each time, Mr Obi has broken such promises, providing one flimsy reason after another,” he said.

Omokri further claimed that Obi may be preparing to leave yet another platform.

“In fact, he is gearing up to exit his fourth political party and enter his fifth,” he stated.

Questioning Obi’s promise of a single-term presidency, Omokri asked: “What gives the North any confidence that a serial promise breaker will keep his promise to them to do just one term?

“In carrying out a SWOT analysis of Northern Nigeria, Arewa will realise that out-of-school children, which are leading to a rise in insecurity, are its greatest challenge, while agriculture is its biggest strength.”

Omokri also questioned Obi’s record as governor of Anambra State.

“As such, it is prudent to ask if a man who, as Governor, did not build a single nursery, primary, or secondary school and university, and also did not develop even one small communal garden, talks more of mechanised agriculture, is in a position to add value to Northern Nigeria,” he said.

Throwing his support behind Tinubu, Omokri argued that the North would be better served backing the President in 2027.

“It makes no sense for Northern Nigeria to cast its lot with Peter Obi on the strength of a one-term promise when Arewa has the choice of a performing President Bola Tinubu, who, by law, can only serve one more term.

“Therefore, if Nigeria’s unity is important to you, the only option for 2027 is Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

Defection: Every party Peter Obi joins goes into crisis, he’s the problem – Reno Omokri

Prominent members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Federal Capital Territory, including former Senator Philip Aduda, House of Representatives aspirant for the AMAC/Bwari Seat, Sarah Ivie Adidi, and other chieftains, gathered in Abuja on Saturday for the wedding ceremony of the first son of the FCT chairman of the party, Alhaji Tanko Ishaku Yamawo.

The wedding ceremony, which featured a vibrant display of culture and music, created an atmosphere of unity and solidarity among the FCT APC faithful.

Sarah, in her remarks at the occasion, congratulated the FCT APC chairman and his family on the joyous event. She offered prayers for a happy and enduring union for the couple.

The aspirant equally urged the couple to build their home on the foundations of love, patience, understanding, and mutual respect.

She also used the occasion to network with Senator Aduda and other stakeholders regarding her political ambition to run for the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.

APC FCT members at the event commended the Yamawo family for hosting a well-organized and memorable ceremony, noting that such gatherings help reinforce the bonds of community and shared values.

Observers noted that the turnout of APC leaders and members from different wards across the nation’s capital at the event revealed the growing unity and momentum within the party in the FCT ahead of the 2027 elections.

Aduda, Sarah Adidi, other FCT APC chieftains gather for party chairman son’s wedding

Kano Pillars forward, Bernard Ovoke, has urged his teammates to show determination in the matchday 36 encounter against Kun Khalifat FC.

The Sai Masu Gida will trade tackles with Kun Khalifat at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri on Sunday (today).

Ovoke, who will miss the encounter due to injury, has wished his teammates luck in the game.

“Injury may have ruled me out, but my heart is with the boys,” Ovoke stated in his message to the team ahead of Kun Khalifat clash.

“All the best to my Kano Pillars family in the next game. Fight for the badge, fight for each other.”

Kano Pillars must avoid defeat to help their push to avoid relegation.

NPFL: Ovoke urges Kano Pillars to fight for victory against Kun Khalifat