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Leader of the United Kingdom Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, has again lashed out at Nigeria’s governance record, describing the country’s long-standing electricity challenges as a consequence of poor public policy.

Badenoch, speaking on how her upbringing shaped her political beliefs, stated Nigeria’s vast natural resources had not translated into prosperity for its citizens.

“Nigeria is an oil-producing country that has never had electricity. It is very easy to have resources under the ground, but stupid public policy means that you can’t use them,” she said.

She also drew parallels between policies she opposes in the United Kingdom and the approach of past Nigerian military governments.

According to her, excessive government control and wealth redistribution policies often lead to economic decline.

Reflecting on her childhood in Nigeria, Badenoch said her experiences in a developing country continue to influence her views on governance and economic management.

Nigeria produces oil but never had electricity — Kemi Badenoch

Operatives attached to the Idiroko Division of the Ogun State Police Command have foiled a cross-border vehicle trafficking attempt, arrested two suspects and recovered a stolen 28-seater Toyota Coaster bus belonging to a company.

The suspects, Seun Lawal, 46, and Ademola Oriyomi, 38, were arrested on Friday.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the bus was declared stolen from Lagos.

He noted that Seun, the company’s driver, and his guarantor, Ademola, conspired to steal and smuggle the bus into the Benin Republic.

The statement reads: “The operation was based on credible intelligence received at about 11:00 p.m. on June 12, 2026, indicating that the suspects had positioned the said vehicle at the Babaloke area of Idiroko and were preparing to move it across the international border under false pretence.

“Acting swiftly on the information, CSP Adejuwon Ariyo mobilised and led a surveillance team to the location, where operatives intercepted the suspects in the course of executing the cross-border movement.”

According to the police spokesperson, the operatives demobilised the vehicle by shooting one of its tyres, effectively immobilising it and preventing its escape across the border.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that Seun Lawal, a driver, conspired with Ademola Oriyomi, his guarantor, to steal and sell the vehicle in the Benin Republic. The suspects admitted that the proceeds were intended to facilitate their relocation after the illegal transaction,” he added.

Babaseyi stated that the suspects are currently in custody while investigations continue to uncover possible links to broader cross-border vehicle theft syndicates.

Reacting, the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the professionalism, vigilance and tactical precision of CSP Adejuwon Ariyo and the operatives of the Idiroko Division.

The CP reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to proactive policing, strengthened border security operations and sustained efforts aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action within Ogun State and its border corridors.

Meanwhile, he urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies.

Ogun police arrest driver, guarantor for vehicle theft, foil smuggling attempt 

Germany legend, Miroslav Klose, has tipped Argentina captain Lionel Messi to break his goalscoring record at the ongoing World Cup tournament.

Speaking to Süddeutsche Zeitung, the 48-year-old hailed Messi as a genius.

Klose has scored 16 goals from 24 matches at the World Cup, while Messi has 13 goals from 26 matches.

The Inter Miami forward needed four goals to surpass Klose’s record.

“I expect my record to be broken in this tournament. With more teams, there are more matches and therefore more opportunities to score goals,” Klose said.

“And I expect Argentina and France to go far. That is perfectly fine, the record will be broken eventually anyway, Messi is welcome to do it.

“I’m a huge Messi fan, always have been. Messi is a genius.”

World Cup 2026: Germany legend Klose names player to break his goals record

Former Imo State Governor, Chief Achike Udenwa, has threatened legal action against actor-turned-politician, Kenneth Okonkwo, demanding a retraction, public apology and N5bn in damages over alleged defamatory remarks.

Okonkwo who’s a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and was spokesman for Peter Obi campaign organisation in the 2023 presidential election had accused Udenwa of bribery while appearing on Channels TV.

The development comes days after former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, also initiated legal proceedings against Okonkwo over comments he allegedly made during the same interview.

In a letter made available to journalists on Saturday dated June 11, 2026, and signed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Soronnadi Njoku, counsel to Udenwa accused Okonkwo of making false and malicious statements during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on June 8, 2026.

According to the letter, Okonkwo had alleged during the interview that leaders of the South-East caucus of a political party, including Udenwa, Peter Obi and former Abia State Governor, Okey Udeh Ugochukwu, were involved in extorting aspirants.

The specific statement cited in the letter reads, “That is why the NDC has released a statement that it’s only the South-East caucus of the party that was involved in such problems. Okey Ugochukwu, Achike Udenwa, Peter Obi and other leaders of the South-East caucus were busy extorting the South-East aspirants.”

Udenwa’s legal team argued that the allegation amounted to accusing the former governor of the crime of extortion and portrayed him as someone who used his position to unlawfully obtain money from political aspirants.

The lawyers maintained that the claim was false, defamatory and damaging to the reputation of their client, who served two terms as governor of Imo State and later as a minister in the Federal Government.

According to the letter, Udenwa has never been accused or convicted of corruption, extortion or any related offence throughout his years in public service.

The legal team stated that the remarks, made during a live television broadcast and subsequently circulated by several media platforms, had injured the former governor’s reputation and lowered him in the estimation of members of the public.

The lawyers further argued that, as a legal practitioner, Okonkwo ought to understand the meaning and legal implications of alleging that someone engaged in extortion.

“Your publication has greatly lowered his image in the eyes of right-thinking members of the Nigerian society,” the letter stated, adding that accusing an individual of extortion is actionable without proof of specific damage because it imputes criminal conduct.

As part of its demands, Udenwa’s legal team gave Okonkwo seven days from the date of the letter to issue what it described as a strongly worded apology and retraction.

The apology, according to the lawyers, must be published in five national newspapers and aired during prime time on Channels Television. The letter also demanded an undertaking from Okonkwo that he would refrain from making any further defamatory statements against the former governor.

In addition, Udenwa is seeking N5bn in compensation for the alleged injury caused by the publication.

The letter warned that failure to comply with the demands within the stipulated period would result in legal proceedings being commenced against Okonkwo at the appropriate High Court in Imo State.

“Take notice that if the above demands are not strictly met within the stipulated time frame, we have his instructions to commence legal proceedings against you in the appropriate High Court in Imo State to claim the said sum of N5bn as damages against you, as well as the appropriate injunctive reliefs against you,” the lawyers stated.

The threat of litigation comes amid a growing legal dispute involving Okonkwo and some prominent political figures from the South-East.

Like Obi, Udenwa Threatens N5bn Suit Against Okonkwo Over ‘Defamation’ is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Funeral prayers for retired Major General Rabe Abubakar were held in Katsina on Saturday, days after he died in captivity following his abduction by terrorists.

The development was disclosed by journalist Bakatsine, who reports on conflict and insecurity in Nigeria’s North-West region, in a post on X.

According to him, the late general’s wife, who had been held alongside him by the kidnappers, was released together with his body.

Family members, military officers, government officials and residents attended the funeral prayers to pay their final respects to the retired senior military officer.

He wrote: “Funeral prayers for retired General Rabe Abubakar were held in Katsina this evening. His wife, who had been held alongside him, was released by their captors together with his body. Family members, military officers, government officials, and residents gathered to pay their final respects.”

The funeral comes after the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed Abubakar’s death and expressed condolences to his family, colleagues and Nigerians.

In a statement signed by Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, the DHQ described the late officer as a distinguished soldier who served the nation in several key capacities, including as spokesman for various military formations and Director of Defence Information.

The military noted that Abubakar made significant contributions to counter-insurgency operations, the professional development of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other national assignments during his career.

According to the DHQ, it had refrained from making public comments on his abduction while rescue efforts were ongoing, adding that all available operational resources had been deployed in an attempt to secure his release.

The Defence Headquarters also stated that security operations against terrorists and kidnappers had been intensified following a series of abductions across the country, including that of the retired general.

It reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces to restoring peace and security and bringing those responsible for terrorist activities to justice.

Funeral prayers held for General Rabe Abubakar in Katsina [Photos]

The National Business and Technical Examinations Board, NABTEB, has said that a total of 15,281 candidates enrolled for admission into technical colleges across the country in 2026.

DAILY POST reports that Dr. Mohammed Aminu Mohammed, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the board, disclosed this on Saturday, June 13, 2026, during the monitoring of the National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) into technical colleges in Nigeria at Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.

Mohammed said the figure for 2026 was over 8,000 lower than the 2025 figure of over 24,000 candidates.

He said that out of the 15,281 candidates, 10,626 were males, while 4,655 were females.

He also disclosed that Enugu State recorded the highest number of candidates with 1,506, while Zamfara State had the lowest number, with only 14 candidates.

The NABTEB boss added that the examination, which took place simultaneously in 203 centres nationwide, marked another milestone in the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

He further stated that TVET remains a strategic pathway for national development, youth empowerment, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and economic self-reliance.

According to him, “We are at the Federal Technical College, Uromi, Edo State, for the monitoring of the 2026 National Common Entrance Examination into all technical colleges in Nigeria, which is taking place today across the nation in 203 centres.

“The Federal Technical College, Uromi, happens to be one of the colleges. The assessment in this examination is far better than what we had last year. Last year, this venue was crowded with people who had nothing to do with the examination. They were inside the school premises.

“For this year, we have jointly agreed with the Federal Ministry of Education, NABTEB and the principals of all the Federal Technical Colleges in Nigeria that anyone who has nothing to do with this examination will not be allowed access to the school premises. That is the level of sanity you are witnessing in the examination today.

“The examination is credible to me because you saw what happened. Every candidate was allowed to write the examination, which consists of two parts: the paper-based component and the CBT aspect. That is what we are witnessing now.”

He said the candidates were being examined in 28 trades, including electrical installation and maintenance practice, tiling and cladding, computer hardware and GSM repairs, catering craft practice, fashion design and garment making.

Others include welding and fabrication, woodwork, carpentry and joinery, electronics system maintenance, and bricklaying, blocklaying and concreting.

Mohammed assured that the board remains resolute in its determination to uphold the integrity and credibility of all its examinations.

He, however, stated that any act capable of compromising the examination process, including impersonation, examination malpractice, unauthorised possession of examination materials or any form of misconduct, would be dealt with in accordance with extant regulations.

“The National Common Entrance Examination for Technical Colleges provides a unique opportunity for young Nigerians to pursue quality technical and vocational education that equips them with employable skills and competencies required in today’s rapidly evolving world of work.

“The federal government’s renewed emphasis on skills development underscores the strategic importance of technical colleges in producing the skilled workforce necessary for industrial growth and national prosperity,” he added.

In separate interviews, some of the candidates, including Ali Miracle, James Philip and Njika Grace, expressed optimism that they would pass the examination.

The candidates enrolled for mechanical trades, computer hardware repairs and maintenance, and fashion design and garment making, respectively.

15,281 candidates register for 2026 technical colleges’ entrance examination — NABTEB

Abia State Government has inaugurated a 35-man enforcement team to drive the relocation of commercial buses into the new Umuahia Central Bus Terminal, with a warning that no driver, conductor or alleged “agbero” should be brutalised during the enforcement exercise.

Inaugurating the team in Umuahia, the Abia State Commissioner for Transport, Chimezie Ukaegbu, said the team was established to enforce compliance and ensure the relocation of all commercial vehicle operators into the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal.

Ukaegbu, who announced that the enforcement exercise commenced on June 13, 2026, reiterated that the Abia State Government was committed to sanitising transport operations and restoring order, safety and compliance across all motor parks in the state.

He urged the enforcement team to be humane and respectful to drivers, conductors and other transport operators, ensuring that no one is intimidated or injured during the relocation exercise.

“I did not ask any of you to intimidate or hurt anyone. We don’t want a situation where some will stay in the terminal while others stay outside. We want to work in uniformity,” the Commissioner for Transport, Ukaegbu, stated.

He urged transport operators in Umuahia to comply with the relocation directive, saying it was designed in their best interest.

Responding, the Chairman of the team, Uchenna Umekwe, thanked the state government for finding them worthy to serve and also commended the commissioner for his wise approach to issues concerning transport operators.

Umekwe assured that the team would remain law-abiding and would not disappoint the government or the people, but would operate in line with the policies guiding the team.

Relocation: Abia government warns enforcement team against brutalizing drivers, conductors 

Ijaw and Itsekiri stakeholders have agreed a power-sharing deal on Warri Federal Constituency II of Delta State after President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in the dispute over INEC’s ward delineation exercise.

The two Delta ethnic groups sealed the agreement during a high-level meeting chaired by the National Security Adviser, NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, and attended by representatives of the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic groups.

In the terms of the agreement, the House of Representatives seat in the proposed Warri Federal Constituency II will rotate between the Ijaw and Itsekiri nationalities.

According to the agreement, the Ijaw will occupy the seat for the first two consecutive terms, after which it will rotate to the Itsekiri ethnic group for the next two terms.

This came after President Tinubu’s meeting with Delta stakeholders at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

At the meeting, Tinubu directed that two representatives from each of the three ethnic nationalities involved in the dispute meet under the NSA’s supervision to develop a mutually acceptable political framework.

Signatories to the agreement include former Deputy Governor of Delta State, Kingsley Otuaro, and Dr. Eric Omare for the Ijaw nationality.

The Itsekiri delegation was represented by Sir A.S. Mene and Chief Robinson Ariyo.

The agreement was endorsed on behalf of the Federal Government by the NSA, while Olorogun Victor Okumagba and Chief Westham Adehor signed as witnesses.

Ijaw, Itsekiri agree power-sharing deal over Warri Federal Constituency

George Russell bounced back from the disappointments of the past few races to take pole position for the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.

Russell edged out Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari by just 0.064 seconds as runaway championship leader Kimi Antonelli could manage only third place in the other Mercedes.

McLaren’s Lando Norris took fourth from Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar, while Hamilton’s team-mate Charles Leclerc crashed on his first lap in the final session and will start 10th.

Norris’ team-mate Oscar Piastri was seventh, from Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson and Audi’s Nico Hulkenberg.

Russell said it was “nice to feel the groove again”, having failed to score points in the past two grands prix.

He fell 68 points behind Antonelli after a difficult race in Monaco was ruined by an unjust penalty for speeding in the pit lane but has looked the man to beat all weekend in Spain.

But Hamilton came oh so close to doing so as Ferrari’s upgrades for this race paid off, allowing him to take his first grand prix front-row start since the 2024 British Grand Prix.

Briton Russell said: “The last few races haven’t been on our side but I came into the race with a clean slate and job done.

“It’s going to be an interesting race tomorrow, Lewis did an amazing job to get up there, we thought the fight was with ourselves and McLaren and Lewis was very fast in that session.”

Hamilton had been on the back foot all weekend after missing the first practice session to allow development driver Dino Beganovic a run.

“I was easily 0.4-0.5secs off in final practice,” he said. “I was thinking: ‘Where am I going to get that pace?’ I left the track between P3 and Q1, went back to my motorhome, and then Q1 I was first.

“These guys did a great lap, congrats for George but we’re in a good position to fight for tomorrow so we have a race.”

Antonelli said: “It has been a little bit of a difficult weekend for me, didn’t really have the feeling in the car.”

Norris was 0.322secs off the pace, and only 0.02secs quicker than Verstappen, who himself was just 0.056secs ahead of Hadjar.

Norris’ session, like Hamilton’s, was compromised by losing his first run because he was on a lap on his first set of tyres when Leclerc crashed to cause a red-flag stoppage.

“Can’t expect a lot more,” Norris said. “Second lap was my only chance to put a lap time on the board and I couldn’t take as many risks. Have to be happy.”

Meanwhile, Leclerc repeatedly told Sky Sports he was “ashamed” after crashing in qualifying for the second consecutive grand prix.

He also crashed out of his home race in Monaco but blamed his Ferrari’s brakes on that occasion. In Barcelona, it was a different story.

“The car was great, the car was amazing and I didn’t deliver. And I think it’s a lot worse than that – I put it into the wall,” he said.

“No excuses. I just feel ashamed. It’s part of our job to come out after a session and speak in front of the camera but I just feel ashamed.

“The only positive I can take is the feeling that I have in the car back, and for tomorrow I feel optimistic we can have a good race. But I need to show that.

“I just need to do the perfect race. It’s the least I can do. But yeah, ashamed.”

At the back of the grid, Lance Stroll out-qualified his Aston Martin team-mate Fernando Alonso for the first time in 42 grands prix.

Canadian Stroll will start 21st with Spanish two-time world champion Alonso 22nd.

Top 10

1. George Russell (Mercedes) 1:14.679
2. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) +0.064
3. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) +0.319
4. Lando Norris (McLaren) +0.322
5. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) +0.342
6. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) +0.398
7. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) +0.411
8. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) +1.863
9. Nico Hulkenberg (Audi) +1.978
10. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) No time set

Russell Beats Hamilton To Pole In Barcelona Grand Prix is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has described the death of former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd), in the custody of his abductors as a national tragedy and a stark reminder of the worsening insecurity across the country.

Mark, a retired Brigadier General of the Nigerian Army, expressed deep sadness over the development, lamenting that Nigerians have increasingly become vulnerable in their own country due to persistent threats posed by terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

He said the death of a distinguished military officer who dedicated his life to the service of the nation highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s security architecture.

According to him, “The death of Major General Rabe Abubakar in captivity is not only a personal loss to his family and the military community but also a national tragedy. It raises serious concerns about the safety and security of every Nigerian citizen.”

The former Senate President noted that insecurity has continued to escalate for more than a decade, affecting all segments of society, and called on Nigerians to unite against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality threatening the nation’s peace and stability.

He queried: “What next for the ordinary citizen if pupils and teachers are unsafe in schools, homes are invaded by criminals, places of worship are no longer secure, and our roads have become dangerous corridors?”

Mark lamented that Nigeria, once regarded as the pride of Africa, is steadily losing its standing due to the inability to adequately safeguard lives and property.

He stressed the need for the country to return to the drawing board, identify the root causes of insecurity and implement practical, lasting solutions capable of restoring public confidence and strengthening national cohesion.

Despite the challenges, the ADC chairman expressed optimism that Nigeria could overcome its security crisis through determination, sincerity of purpose and collective commitment.

He extended his condolences to the family of the late Major General Abubakar, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and victims of banditry and kidnapping across the country.

Mark, in a statement on Saturday by his media adviser, Kola Ologbondiyan, also urged governments at all levels to rise to the challenge by mobilising the resources needed to tackle insecurity and protect citizens.

“The security and welfare of the people remain the primary responsibility of the government. We must act decisively now before more innocent lives are lost,” he stated.

Ex Army General’s Death In Captivity Exposes Deepening Insecurity – Mark is first published on The Whistler Newspaper