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The Committee on Works, Transport and Aviation of the Federal Character Commission, FCC, has reiterated the need for fairness, inclusiveness and balanced representation in Nigeria’s public service system.

The committee, chaired by Hon. Peter Eze, stated this during an interactive session with the Surveyors Council of Nigeria, SURCON, and the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology, NITT, held at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

The meeting formed part of the committee’s oversight activities aimed at assessing compliance with the Federal Character Principle among government institutions and agencies.

Speaking during the session, Hon. Eze said the committee remained committed to ensuring transparency, accountability, and equitable representation across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, MDAs.

According to him, the engagement was necessary to strengthen adherence to constitutional provisions guiding federal character, especially in appointments, recruitment, staff development, and distribution of opportunities in public institutions.

He stressed the importance of collaboration between the FCC and regulatory agencies in promoting national cohesion and administrative fairness.

The SURCON delegation was led by the Surveyor-General and Registrar, Surveyor Olugbemiro Kunle, while Dr. Bayero Salih Farah headed the delegation from NITT.

During the discussions, participants examined issues relating to institutional efficiency, compliance mechanisms, inter-agency cooperation, and ways of improving communication among government agencies.

The leadership of SURCON and NITT also reaffirmed their commitment to professionalism, accountability, and compliance with government regulations guiding public service administration.

The committee further stated that stronger oversight and institutional cooperation remain necessary for effective service delivery and improved implementation of federal character principles across sectors.

Members of the committee present at the session included Hon. Halima Ahmadu Jabiru, Hon. Eludayo Eluyemi, Rt. Hon. Victor Sabor Edoror, Hon. Engr. Modu Mustapha, and Hon. Sani General Garba.

FCC committee advocates fairness, inclusiveness in public service

Former Chief of Air Staff and 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State, Air Marshal Sadiq Baba Abubakar (Rtd), has announced his exit from partisan politics.

Abubakar disclosed this in a video message circulated on social media, saying the decision followed recent developments and internal crises affecting political parties in the country.

The retired Air Force officer, who was recently linked with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition in Bauchi State, described his withdrawal from politics as a painful but necessary decision.

Speaking in Hausa, he thanked his supporters for their loyalty and understanding since he ventured into politics after retiring from service in 2021.

“With a heavy heart, I have decided to step away from politics for personal reasons,” he said in the emotional message.

He noted that the support and encouragement he received from the people of Bauchi State and Nigeria made the decision difficult.

Abubakar apologised to his supporters over the development and prayed for God’s blessings upon them.

The former governorship aspirant, however, said he would continue rendering humanitarian services through his Marshal Care Foundation, with focus on healthcare and education.

“Leaving politics does not mean I will stop serving humanity. Through the Marshal Care Foundation, I will continue supporting people, especially in education and healthcare,” he stated.

He also prayed for lasting peace, unity and progress in Bauchi State and Nigeria.

Abubakar contested the 2023 governorship election on the platform of the APC but lost to the incumbent governor, Senator Bala Mohammed of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Prior to his announcement, political observers had speculated that he might seek the governorship seat again in 2027, particularly after his association with the ADC coalition movement in the state.

His decision to quit politics has, however, generated reactions among supporters and political associates across Bauchi State.

Ex-NAF Chief, Air Marshal Abubakar, resigns from active politics

A former member of the House of Representatives, Hon Abdul Oroh, has called for a holistic reform of Nigeria’s electoral process, insisting that only the people should nominate and elect those who represent them at all levels of government, rather than political executives.

DAILY POST reports that the former human rights activist and journalist made the call on Saturday, May 16, 2026, ahead of the nationwide All Progressives Congress, APC, House of Representatives primaries.

Oroh, who contested the APC primary for the Owan Federal Constituency seat, said the challenges associated with election management, particularly intra-party primaries, are not peculiar to the APC alone.

He noted that the issue remains one of the major challenges confronting political leadership and electoral processes in the country.

According to him, “I am a scholar on election issues. I know how elections are won and lost in Nigeria, as well as the factors that make it possible for someone to win or lose an election.

“I also know the problems with election management in Nigeria, especially as it affects intra-party elections, which are the primary elections.

“It is one of those issues that we need to address in the process of leadership elections, either by reviewing the legal framework or finding better ways to conduct the process. What we are seeing now is not peculiar to the APC,” he said.

Oroh alleged that aspirants are often pressured to commit huge financial resources, compromise their principles, or engage in practices they ordinarily would not consider if the electoral process were free, fair, and transparent.

“There are also enormous pressures from the executives. How can the executive determine who becomes a legislator? It is the people who should choose those who will oversee the executive, but in Nigeria, it is the other way round.

“These realities have complicated the process and made it difficult to have an electoral system that satisfies the majority of the people. We still need to reform the process,” he added.

APC Primaries: Oroh calls for electoral Reforms to restore public confidence

Stakeholders at a dissemination meeting on the outcome of the 2026 World Hepatitis Summit in Bangkok have called for urgent scale-up of treatment for people living with hepatitis B and C, alongside improved coverage of hepatitis B birth-dose vaccination, to help achieve global elimination targets by 2030.

The targets, set under the World Health Organization’s Global Health Sector Strategy on Viral Hepatitis, aim to reduce hepatitis incidence by 95 per cent by 2030, significantly cut new hepatitis B and C infections, and achieve a 65 per cent reduction in hepatitis-related deaths. 

The strategy also seeks to ensure that 90 per cent of people living with hepatitis B and C are diagnosed, while 80 per cent of those eligible receive treatment.

The dissemination meeting was convened over the weekend in Jalingo by the Centre for Initiative Development (CFID) and brought together stakeholders from the health, education, and professional sectors across Taraba state.

Officials from the Taraba State Ministry of Health commended CFID for its sustained public health interventions, noting that its awareness campaigns and support services had improved hepatitis testing and increased public awareness of personal health status.

The ministry called for continued collaboration with development partners to further strengthen hepatitis response efforts in the state.

A representative of the World Health Organization also underscored the dangers posed by hepatitis and stressed the need for coordinated global and local action to meet the 2030 elimination target.

The official commended CFID’s efforts in reducing hepatitis prevalence in Taraba State and emphasised the importance of continuous capacity building for health workers using updated global data.

Health institutions, including the College of Nursing and Midwifery, Taraba State University, and Muwanshat College of Health and Technology, pledged to intensify awareness campaigns within their institutions and deepen collaboration with CFID to boost testing and treatment uptake in communities.

The Nigerian Medical Association, Taraba State chapter, called for wider dissemination of updated global hepatitis reports across health facilities, saying improved access to current data would strengthen clinical response and disease management.

Similarly, the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to promoting routine hepatitis testing and counselling, stressing that early diagnosis remains critical to reducing transmission and long-term complications.

Reeling out her lived experience, a legal practitioner, Barrister Gloria highlighted widespread misconceptions about hepatitis transmission, clarifying that the disease is not spread through sweat. She called for increased investment in hepatitis prevention and treatment, noting that stigma continues to hinder testing and access to care.

Presenting global data, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of CFID, Prince (Dr.) Danjuma Adda, said about 237 million people are living with hepatitis B worldwide, with two deaths recorded every minute. He added that about 46 million people are infected with hepatitis C globally, resulting in one death every two minutes.

Adda noted that 2.9 per cent of the global population is living with chronic hepatitis B, while 58 per cent of the global hepatitis C burden in 2024 was concentrated in ten countries, including Nigeria. He further stated that hepatitis B and C account for more than 95 per cent of viral hepatitis-related deaths worldwide.

According to him, about 1.8 million new hepatitis B and C infections were recorded in 2024, while approximately 1.3 million deaths occurred within the same period, mainly from liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.

He added that ten countries, including Nigeria, account for 69 per cent of chronic hepatitis B-related deaths, while another ten countries account for 58 per cent of hepatitis C-related deaths globally.

However, Adda noted progress, disclosing that 85 countries have already met the 2030 target of reducing chronic hepatitis B prevalence among children under five to below 0.1 per cent.

“With all hands on deck, the dream of attaining the global elimination target of the virus can be achieved,” he said.

Stakeholders call for expanded hepatitis B, C response to meet 2030 elimination goal

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has expressed regrets over the death of the Permanent Secretary, Special Services, Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Shehu Yahaya Jalam, who died in Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, during the 2026 Hajj exercise.

Jalam, who held the traditional title of Turakin Dawakin Misau, reportedly died in the early hours of Saturday after a brief illness while participating in the pilgrimage.

In a statement issued  by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, the governor described the deceased as a dedicated and hardworking public servant who contributed immensely to the development of the state.

Mohammed said the late permanent secretary played significant roles in the successful coordination of previous Hajj operations and other government assignments entrusted to him.

He said the death of Jalam was a huge loss to the Bauchi State Government, his family, colleagues and the wider community.

According to the statement, funeral prayers for the deceased would be held later in the day  after the Zuhur prayer at the Holy Mosque of the Ka’aba in Makkah.

The governor extended condolences to the family of the deceased, the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, the Office of the Head of Civil Service, as well as the Misau and Dambam Emirate Councils.

Mohammed prayed to Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the deceased and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.

Bauchi Perm Sec dies during 2026 Hajj in Saudi Arabia

A former Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari, has urged Northerners to support the re-election of Bola Tinubu come 2027, insisting that the region must now “pay back” the support extended to Buhari between 2015 and 2023 by Southern Nigeria.

Yari made the call during a meeting on Saturday with Islamic clerics in Talata-Mafara, where he also urged religious leaders to intensify prayers for lasting peace and security across the country.

According to the senator representing Zamfara West Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Southern Nigeria should be allowed to complete its eight-year tenure in the interest of national unity and political balance.

He insisted that the alliance between Northern Nigeria and the Southwest remains critical to national politics and electoral success.

Speaking on the need for political cooperation ahead of the next election cycle, the former governor described the partnership between both regions as a strategic and longstanding relationship that should be sustained.

“The election is around the corner, and this is the time that we need prayers, and this collaboration between Northern Nigeria and the Southwest is something that the Southwest have done its own bit between 2015 and 2023,” Yari said.

According to him, the Southwest stood firmly behind Buhari throughout his presidency, making it necessary for the North-West to reciprocate the gesture by backing Tinubu’s re-election bid.

“So we in this part of the country, especially we in the North-West, we have no reasons after Bola Tinubu and the Southwest gave Muhammadu Buhari all the support between 2015 to 2019 and 2019 to 2023 to his victory and his leadership.

“I think for us, it is time for us to pay back,” he added.

Yari also stressed the importance of regional balance in Nigeria’s leadership structure, arguing that power-sharing between the North and South remains essential for political stability and national unity.

“We need to understand that in this country, we have North and South, and there is no way the leadership will remain in Northern Nigeria,” he stated.

The former governor further pointed to the religious and cultural alignment between the North and Southwest as part of the factors strengthening the current political alliance under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“From the Southwest, we are having the same culture of religion, which is why today we are having a Muslim-Muslim ticket,” he said.

Yari also urged continued support for Tinubu, saying the President deserves a second term in office.

“We have to support President Bola Tinubu for the second term in office, I think it has become obvious for us to do so,” he said.

Yari Backs Tinubu’s 2027 Re-Election Bid is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed that discussions are ongoing over a possible return to Real Madrid, following weeks of speculation linking him with the Spanish giants.

Speaking after Benfica’s latest outing, Mourinho admitted there has been contact between Real Madrid and his representatives, although no formal offer has been made directly to him.

“There is something,” Mourinho told reporters.
“My future should be decided this week. I have a proposal from Benfica. I don’t have a proposal from Real Madrid. But at the same time, we cannot hide that there is something happening.”

The former Real Madrid coach explained that discussions have so far been handled by his long-time agent Jorge Mendes and officials of the Spanish club.

“So far, there have only been talks between Real Madrid and Jorge Mendes, not with me,” Mourinho clarified.

“But none of us are naive, and there are conversations between Jorge, the president, and the club’s management.”

The comments come amid reports of growing uncertainty at the Santiago Bernabeu after another difficult campaign for Real Madrid.

The club reportedly endured a turbulent season marked by dressing-room tensions, disappointing performances, and failure to secure major silverware, increasing pressure on the club hierarchy.

Spanish media reports suggest club president Florentino Perez now sees Mourinho as a leading candidate to take charge again, ahead of other reported contenders including Mauricio Pochettino and Didier Deschamps.

Despite the speculation, Mourinho insisted that no agreement has been reached.

“I will personally speak to Real Madrid next week, and I’ll make my decision then,” he said.

The 63-year-old also stressed that he remains content at Benfica, where he is said to have received an attractive contract renewal offer.

“I was happy every day at Benfica,” Mourinho said. “There’s a 99 percent chance I’ll stay because I have a contract and a renewal offer that my agent says is excellent.”

However, his latest remarks are expected to further intensify speculation over a possible return to the Spanish capital.

When asked directly about Real Madrid, Mourinho responded with a smile: “I want Real Madrid to win their game tomorrow. That’s all I have to say.”

Talks Underway For Real Madrid Return, Mourinho Confirms is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Son of President Bola Tinubu, Seyi Tinubu, has consoled celebrity businessman and socialite Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, following his defeat in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency seat in Imo State.

THE WHISTLER reports that Cubana Chief Priest, who serves as the Imo State Coordinator of the City Boys Movement, had declared his intention earlier this year to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives under the APC platform.

His entry into politics in February attracted significant public attention, as he positioned himself as a voice for cleaner politics and greater youth inclusion in governance.

However, his ambition suffered a setback at the party primary, where he polled 14 votes and lost the ticket to the incumbent lawmaker, Canice Nwachukwu.

Following the outcome, Seyi Tinubu took to Instagram on Sunday to send words of encouragement to the nightlife entrepreneur, in a post later shared by Cubana Chief Priest.

“Bro, sometimes by losing a battle, you find a new way to win the war. Keep your head up @cubana_chiefpriest. We know what you are capable of achieving,” he wrote.

Cubana Chief Priest had earlier reacted in a video circulating online, expressing disappointment over the result but insisting he had no regrets about his decision to contest.

“I’m a hustler, and I didn’t regret trying to contest for a position. My only regret was trusting the elders in the community.

“I know how much I gave them, but only 14 people voted for me in the primary,” he said.

The outcome has since generated reactions on social media, with some users mocking his inability to secure the APC ticket despite his public support for the President.

‘Keep Your Head Up’ — Seyi Tinubu Consoles Cubana Chief Priest is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

New Chelsea manager, Xabi Alonso, has expressed happiness after he was appointed as the club’s new manager.

Chelsea officially confirmed Alonso as the Blues’ new manager on Sunday morning.

The former Real Madrid coach will begin his role on July 1, 2026, having agreed a four‑year contract at Stamford Bridge.

Reacting, the Spaniard told the club’s website that he wants to build a team capable of winning trophies.

“Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football, and it fills me with immense pride to become manager of this great club,” Alonso said.

“From my conversations with the ownership group and sporting leadership, it is clear we share the same ambition. We want to build a team capable of competing consistently at the highest level and fighting for trophies.”

EPL: What Alonso said after becoming Chelsea’s new manager

Starting a local non-governmental organisation (NGO) in Nigeria typically begins with a clear purpose, such as supporting women, protecting vulnerable children,

The post How to register a Local NGO with the Ministry of Women Affairs appeared first on Tribune Online.