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Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, on Thursday claimed he now operates as a “freelance politician,” stating he is no longer firmly aligned with any political party.

He made this known while receiving an African Democratic Congress, ADC, chieftain, Peter Obi, alongside stakeholders from the South-East at the Government House in Bauchi.

According to the governor, the meeting focused on fostering national unity and cooperation, emphasizing that it was not rooted in partisan agendas.

“Neither the PDP nor the ADC is standing alone. I consider myself a freelance politician now, and even his party is facing uncertainty. We are all awaiting judicial clarity.

“Clearly, we belong to the opposition, which is why this remains a political engagement. However, we will not reveal all the details of our discussions,” he said.

Mohammed further explained that ongoing consultations among political players are aimed at exploring potential alliances and collaboration ahead of upcoming elections.

He described Obi’s visit as significant, saying it underscores efforts to strengthen ties across different regions of the country.

“He is advocating unity, bridge-building, and a better future for Nigeria. These are values we share as a government and as a people, and we are truly honoured by his visit,” Mohammed added.

‘Not aligned with any party, I’m freelance politician’ – Bala Mohammed

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has validated Algeria’s elimination of trachoma as a public health problem, making it the 10th country in Africa and the 29th globally to achieve the milestone.

Disclosing this on X on Thursday, WHO’s Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, described the achievement as a historic public health milestone.

“Algeria’s elimination of trachoma is a historic triumph rooted in a century-long commitment. It proves that with sustained political will and strong leadership, neglected tropical diseases can be eliminated,” he said.

According to WHO, trachoma, a highly infectious eye disease, remains the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide, affecting about 1.9 million people with visual impairment.

The disease, caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, spreads through contact with infected eye discharge, and repeated infections can lead to blindness.

The global health body further stated that Algeria’s efforts date back to the early 20th century, with the establishment of the Pasteur Institute of Algeria in 1909.

Following independence, local health experts, including Mohamed Aouchiche, advanced the campaign, supported by a national healthcare system that began offering free services in 1974.

It also noted that over the years, the country implemented WHO’s SAFE strategy, which includes surgery for advanced cases, antibiotic treatment, improved hygiene practices and enhanced access to water and sanitation.

To accelerate progress, Algeria introduced a targeted strategy between 2013 and 2015, focusing on affected southern regions, with coordinated interventions and surveillance.

WHO-compliant surveys conducted in 2022 confirmed that elimination thresholds were achieved, while additional measures, including door-to-door screening, were implemented in areas that required further intervention.

WHO noted that in December 2025, Algeria’s Ministry of Health submitted documentation confirming that the country met WHO criteria for elimination, citing strong health systems, improved sanitation and widespread access to eye care services.

WHO Regional Director for Africa, Mohamed Janabi, said the achievement demonstrated that sustained and coordinated efforts can successfully combat neglected tropical diseases. He noted that the elimination would significantly improve the quality of life for affected populations, particularly vulnerable groups.

Also, Algeria’s Minister of Health, Mohamed Seddik Ait Messaoudene, described the validation as a collective national success built on decades of commitment and collaboration.

The global health body, however, advised that surveillance must continue to prevent a resurgence, noting that it is supporting Algerian health authorities to sustain the gains.

Trachoma No Longer Public Health Threat In Algeria — WHO is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Nigerian singer, BNXN has hit hard at American rapper Fat Joe over his controversial claim that Afrobeats originated from Jamaica.

DAILY POST reports that Fat Joe made several controversial claims on a recent podcast including Afrobeats originating from Jamaica and forcing BNXN to change his former stage name Buju because of Jamaican dance hall crooner, Buju Banton.

Reacting via his X page on Thursday, BNXN urged the American rapper to educate himself about African music.

BNXN also mocked Fat Joe, claiming that his hate for African music and its artists was affecting his looks.

He wrote, “The hate in your heart and your misinformation about African music and its artists is why your chromosomes are all f**ked up.

“Educate yourself bozo @fatjoe.”

‘Educate yourself’ – BNXN tackles Fat Joe over claims Jamaica started Afrobeats

Suspected terrorists have killed the leader of the Butchers Association of Nigeria, Ruwan Godiya branch, in an attack in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 2 under Operation FANSAN YAMMA responded to the incident at about 1:25 pm on April 21, following reports of terrorist activity on the outskirts of Ruwan Godiya village.

On arrival, troops found that Sa’adu Amadu, identified as the local chairman of the butchers’ association, had been shot dead at his residence.

According to the sources, the attack was allegedly carried out by a suspected terrorist kingpin known as Dogo Musa, who fled the scene immediately after the killing.

“The troops swiftly moved to the location and confirmed the victim had been killed in his compound,” a source said. “The assailants escaped before the arrival of security forces.”

Troops were said to have pursued the attackers along their escape route, but no contact was made.

Security authorities have since intensified search operations and patrols across the area in a bid to track down the perpetrators and prevent further attacks.

Suspected terrorists kill butchers’ leader in Katsina attack

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has used a high-profile gathering of traditional rulers in Port Harcourt to signal clear political alignment with President Bola Tinubu, urging support for the president’s second term while framing continuity as critical to national stability.

Speaking on Thursday at the opening of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council meeting, Fubara positioned his endorsement within a broader argument about governance consistency, warning against abrupt leadership changes amid ongoing reforms.

He told the gathering that Nigeria is “in capable hands,” emphasizing that the current administration’s economic and infrastructure initiatives require time and sustained backing to yield full results.

The event, held in Port Harcourt, brought together monarchs from across the 17 southern states, creating a politically significant platform that blends cultural authority with contemporary policy conversations.

The meeting was primarily convened to address regional concerns such as security, unity, and economic cooperation.

He pointed to ongoing federal projects, including coastal road development, as evidence of progress, and argued that policy continuity would help consolidate such gains.

Drawing on a sports analogy, the governor cautioned that “it is not ideal to change the goalpost in the middle of the game,” reinforcing his stance against political disruption.

Beyond national politics, Fubara also used the occasion to call for stronger regional cohesion.

He urged stakeholders in the South to pursue collective goals, noting that unity remains essential for long-term development and stability.

His comments come at a time when inter-state collaboration is increasingly seen as vital in addressing cross-border security challenges and economic disparities.

Chairman of the council and the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, framed the gathering as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen peace and shared identity across the southern region.

He described the council as a reflection of Nigeria’s diversity, highlighting that over 400 dialects are spoken across the South.

According to the monarch, the Port Harcourt meeting marks the fourth in a series previously hosted in Imo, Ogun, and Lagos states, underscoring a growing institutional effort among traditional rulers to engage more actively in national discourse.

He added that the forum provides a platform to explore shared values and coordinate responses to pressing challenges.

The Ooni also indicated that discussions would include ways traditional institutions can support government efforts in tackling insecurity and economic pressures. Participation, he noted, remains voluntary but carries significant importance for shaping regional and national outcomes.

The meeting drew prominent traditional rulers from the South-South, South-East, and South-West, including co-chairman Eze Cletus Illomuanya and the Olubadan of Ibadan, Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
While the gathering officially centers on unity and development, Fubara’s remarks highlight how such cultural platforms are increasingly intersecting with political signaling ahead of future electoral cycles—blurring the line between traditional consensus-building and contemporary power dynamics.

Fubara Urges Support For Tinubu At Meeting With Southern Monarchs is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Senator Ibrahim Lamido, representing Sokoto East Senatorial District, says worsening insecurity in his constituency informed his decision to defect to the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

Speaking with journalists in Sokoto on Thursday, the lawmaker said the move was driven by the concerns of his constituents, who he said face persistent attacks by bandits.

He said residents of the district are regularly exposed to killings, kidnappings and displacement, adding that the situation has disrupted livelihoods and economic activities.

Lamido accused the All Progressives Congress, APC-led government at both state and federal levels of not doing enough to address the security challenges.

According to him, his constituents believe a new political platform could provide a different approach to tackling the crisis.

The senator acknowledged ongoing legal disputes within the ADC but said they would not affect his decision to join the party.

He also disagreed with recent claims by Governor Ahmed Aliyu that security efforts in parts of the state were yielding results, stating that the situation in Sokoto East remains dire.

Lamido said many residents now live in fear, with movement restricted due to the threat of attacks.

He called for increased deployment of security personnel, improved intelligence gathering and better logistics to tackle insecurity in the area.

The lawmaker also stressed the need for humanitarian support for displaced persons and long-term measures to address underlying issues such as poverty and unemployment.

He reaffirmed his commitment to prioritising the safety and well-being of his constituents.

Worsening insecurity in Sokoto behind my defection to ADC — Lamido

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Peter Obi, has called for unity and national renewal in Nigeria.

He made the call during his meeting visit with the Bauchi Governor, Bala Mohammed on Thursday at the Presidential Lounge of the Government House, Bauchi.

Obi was accompanied by some Igbo elders, ADC senators from the South-East, and his political associates to the meeting with the governor.

Speaking at the meeting, Obi said “I am here to solicit the support and cooperation of his excellency and the stakeholders of Bauchi in our quest to unite this country,”

“We want to have a united country to build a future for our children. The country cannot continue the way it is today, we are headed in the wrong direction and we need to reverse that for everybody and that is why we are here to seek his support in building a new Nigeria, that’s for the benefit for all.

“We are building that Nigeria the way it used to be where child of nobody will learn to be somebody without knowing anybody thank you,” he said.

Obi calls for national unity, seeks support of Bauchi govt

Residents of Achida community in Wurno Local Government Area of Sokoto State have repelled a bandit attack, with one suspected assailant killed during the confrontation.

The development was disclosed in a post shared on Thursday by security analyst and counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama via his X handle.

Security and local sources said the incident occurred when armed bandits stormed the community but were met with resistance from residents and local vigilante groups.

The villagers reportedly confronted the attackers, forcing them to retreat after a brief exchange.

One of the suspected bandits was killed during the encounter, while others fled, some believed to have sustained injuries.

Sources said the response by residents and vigilante members helped repel the attack.

Security authorities are expected to sustain patrols and conduct follow-up operations in the area to prevent further incidents and track fleeing suspects.

Sokoto residents repel bandit attack, kill one suspect

In a decisive move to curb the cultivation of illicit substances, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has strengthened its Alternative Development (AD) initiative through a strategic partnership with the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB).

The agency also carried out a field assessment of Artemisia annua cultivation in Ibafo, Ogun State.

During a visit to the institution, the agency said it was moving beyond enforcement toward practical socio-economic solutions that address the root causes of drug production.

The National Coordinator, Alternative Development Project in Nigeria, CN Jonah Kolo, highlighted four critical pillars for the engagement, including transitioning farmers from illicit crops to legal agriculture, integrating youths into structured farming systems, scaling academic research into field programs, and fortifying food systems in vulnerable communities.

He reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to partnerships that deliver practical results, strengthen livelihoods, and support national development priorities.

Responding, the Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Professor Babatunde Kehinde, welcomed the initiative, offering the university’s extensive resources, including thousands of hectares of arable land to support the cause.

Kehinde noted that the promotion of legitimate farming provides steady income to alleviate poverty and acts as a preventive measure by reducing the vulnerability of youths to the lures of the drug trade.

The Vice-Chancellor also advocated for a holistic approach to drug control by strengthening rehabilitation efforts, pointing to an underutilized private rehabilitation center near the university as a potential site for synergy.

Kehinde called for the integration of vocational training into rehabilitation programs and ensuring that these individuals possess the entrepreneurial skills necessary for successful reintegration into society.

NDLEA, FUNAAB move against illegal drugs with Artemisia farming

36-year-old Chairman of Aguata Local Government Area (LGA), Chibueze Ofobuike, has declared his intention to contest the Aguata Federal Constituency in Anambra setting up a face-off with the incumbent Dominic Okafor.

Ofobuike declares for the seat under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) ahead of the party’s primaries on May 24, witnessing what party members described as “overwhelming support” across the wards.

As Transition Committee Chairman of the LGA, Ofobuike expressed confidence in his verifiable track record of public service, stating that it qualifies him to represent the constituency in the Green Chambers.

“The past four years rendering public services have given me the right pedestal and perspective to understand Aguata in and out, including the psychology of any community.

“My service in diverse leadership platforms at the federal level has also broadened my capacity on how national politics can translate into grassroots development.

“My victory will position the LGA at the federal level in a way that has not been done before. However, this cannot be achieved without you. It is a holistic effort,” he told supporters.

Zoning Dynamics And Emerging Contest

Checks by THE WHISTLER on Ofobuike show a digital record of youth empowerment and education initiatives.

One of such initiatives is the recently concluded selection of 15 youths in Aguata LGA for a three-month training on auto mechanics and vehicle body building at the Innoson Kiara Academy.

Other efforts include infrastructure and community projects, as well as agricultural and digital development programmes, largely publicised through his official Facebook page.

The development sets up a potential contest between Ofobuike and the incumbent lawmaker, Dominic Okafor, 58, also of APGA, whose bid for re-election may stir an intra-party contest.

Although both politicians are from Aguata, the zoning arrangement in the LGA places Ofobuike in Aguata I and Okafor in Aguata II constituencies, both of which are represented at the State House of Assembly.

“It is because of this zoning arrangement in the LGA that many have said it is the turn of Chibueze Ofobuike to go to the House of Representatives.

“This has nothing to do with Dominic’s competence,” an APGA stakeholder, Chidiebele Obika, told THE WHISTLER.

Competence Debate And Internal Party Reforms

Competence is also emerging as a factor in the contest.

Since September 2025, when Okafor distributed 200 branded wheelbarrows and other agricultural equipment as part of his constituency project, some party members have referred to him as the “Honourable of Wheelbarrow,” a label some say undermines his public image.

Another party executive, Macdonald Ifeme, told THE WHISTLER that Ofobuike is gaining momentum over the incumbent.

“The truth is that he has worked very well as a local government chairman. I am not from Aguata, but I can say he has more edge than the incumbent,” he said.

Ifeme added that the likelihood of a party rift may be reduced due to the adoption of the ‘Option A4’ voting system by the party at its recent Southeast stakeholders meeting in Anambra.

The system, announced by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, eliminates the practice of handing out tickets to aspirants and promotes grassroots-based mobilisation.

Soludo said, “I want to see a political party where someone with an aspiration to work under the platform of the party does not need to know who the governor is, national chairman or an officer of the party.

“You can walk in, play by the rules, get the nomination and let the people vote for you. The era of handing tickets out is now over.

“If as a party leader, you hand out a nomination ticket to a candidate, then you are only wasting your money. Nobody will help you other than that ordinary party member.”

THE WHISTLER gathered from interactions with stakeholders that a process perceived as transparent could influence the emergence of the party’s candidate for the Green Chambers.

‘No Vacancy At Green Chambers’ — Okafor

On his part, Okafor appears to be asserting his position on returning to the House of Representatives.

On Thursday, his media team stated via his Facebook page that there is “no vacancy at the Green Chambers,” insisting that Aguata is already represented.

“Ndi Aguata, let us be clear, calm, and factual. There is NO vacancy at the Green Chambers.

“Not when a sitting member is sponsoring bills, moving motions of national relevance, attracting projects, empowering constituents and delivering visible development across communities,” he said.

Checks by THE WHISTLER also indicate Okafor’s involvement in solar energy projects across communities, as well as educational, agricultural and youth empowerment initiatives.

Responding to claims of absence, Okafor said he remains active in delivering representation.

“He is present, in action, in results, and in impact. Aguata is not guessing its way through representation; we are experiencing it,” the statement partly read.

He added that while new aspirations are part of democratic practice, experience remains critical.

“Legislative effectiveness is built over time, requiring mastery of parliamentary procedures, strategic relationships across political structures and a deep understanding of policy and committee systems.

“These are not acquired overnight. They are developed through active service and engagement,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ofobuike maintained that his ambition goes beyond lawmaking to delivering tangible value to constituents.

“You won’t have to wait for four years to see the outcome. Once we get there, we will leverage the contacts we have built and attract them to the LGA.

“Our manifesto is practical. Every detail will be clearly outlined for public monitoring, evaluation, transparency and accountability,” he pledged.

LG Chairman, Incumbent Face Off Over APGA Aguata Reps Ticket is first published on The Whistler Newspaper