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Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara, has cleared the air on his purported defection from the All Progressives Congress, APC, to the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC.

Speaking with journalists on Wednesday, Fubara said he is still a member of the APC, stressing that nothing has changed.

He called on the members of the public to disregard any rumour in the social media suggesting that he has left the APC.

“I’m a member of the APC, and nothing has changed. Whatever happens, what is important is supporting the overall interest of the party,” he said.

I’m a member of the APC, and nothing has changed. Whatever happens, what is important is supporting the overall interest of the party.

– Governor Fubara speaks after fake rumours of his defection to the NDC circulated in the media pic.twitter.com/jiGzNxNu2G

— Nigerian Affairs Journal (@NigAffairs) May 13, 2026

2027: Fubara clears air on ‘defection’ to NDC

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has canvassed the seizure of buildings used for criminal activities and converting them to police bases or residences, instead of demolishing them.

The Commissioner stated this Wednesday during a press briefing to update members of the public on recent groundbreaking breakthroughs by the command.

Orutugu, among other breakthr,oughs mentioned the recent rescue of three kidnap suspects from Nkpor, including a medical doctor, which led to the burning down of a duplex where they were kept, which was owned by the kingpin, whose name was given as Fabulous.

Anambra operates 2025 Homeland Security Law, which empowers the state government to demolish any property used for or suspected of being proceeds of crime. Many such buildings have been pulled down previously, and the empty land taken over as government property.

But CP Orutugu, while addressing journalists said it was not the best thing to do, insisting that the government should rather acquire such buildings and designate them as police posts or residences of police personnel.

He said: “In the case of the kidnappers of the Medical Director of Crown Hospital, Onitsha, the doctor was rescued alongside two other persons, but unfortunately, one of our police operatives paid the supreme price.

“We also restored peace in the area by stationing operatives there, when we heard that some indigenes mobilized to the home of the kidnapper and set it ablaze.

“We want to appeal to the government to stop demolishing or destroying such buildings. They should rather designate them as police post or even residences of police operatives. Some of these operatives you see here are not living in very comfortable places, so they need such buildings.”

Meanwhile, Orutugu gave a rundown of the successes registered by the command. They include: arrest of kidnappers, cultists, armed robbers, child traffickers, sexual predators, separatist agitators and other criminal elements.

Another major breakthrough was a strategic clearance operation on 7th May 2026 in Owerre-Ezukala, Orumba South Local Government Area.

He said: Recall that the camp was earlier destroyed by a Joint Security Team. Before the confession, one Nnamdi Nkemdilim Ogbonna, male, aged 37 years, allegedly one of the top commanders of the proscribed secessionists group, is in custody as well as intelligence received over time points on how some escaped gang members were attempting to regroup. 

“The offensive operation led to the recovery of one General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) with about 2,000 rounds of live chain ammunition, two fabricated rocket launchers with 25 propellers, 10 locally made Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), one locally made Beretta pistol, two pump-action guns, three hand grenades, 10 rounds of K2 live ammunition, one gas cylinder and one black Ecolac box. 

“The operatives also dislodged the armed criminals and sustained operational dominance in the area to prevent any regrouping,” he said.

The Commissioner stated that the command remains committed to sustaining ongoing operations against all forms of criminality and ensuring the safety and security of Anambra people.

“We urge residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and continue to support security agencies with credible and timely information. The Command also appreciates the support of the Inspector- General of Police, the Anambra State Government, sister security agencies, community leaders, and the good people of the State for their cooperation and partnership in the fight against crime.”

Anambra CP canvasses seizure of buildings used for crime, instead of demolition

A coalition of civic organisations, development advocates, and grassroots movements has called on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kwara State to present a credible governorship candidate in the 2027 general elections for improved development. The coalition, according to its coordinator, Abubakar Abdulhamid, and the Assistant Women’s Leader, Tajudeen Shifau, comprises organisations such as the […]

The post Kwara 2027: Coalitions call on ADC to present credible guber candidate appeared first on Tribune Online.

A former Minority Leader at the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Maria Nwachi, has declared interest in the 2027 National Assembly polls to represent Ebonyi South Senatorial District.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, she said the delay in her declaration was due to ongoing consultations to ascertain the most suitable platform to actualise her ambition of representing her people.

The former female lawmaker, who represented Afikpo North-East between 2015 and 2019, said she would run on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

She said she was motivated to join the race in order to deliver effective representation for her people.

She added that she would adopt a community-based approach in the discharge of her legislative duties if elected.

She further said her decision was driven by the need to strengthen federal representation for the zone and ensure that the voices of her constituents are adequately heard in national discourse.

She said, “This is to inform the people of Ebonyi South District and my supporters that I am contesting to represent them at the Red Chambers of the National Assembly and the objective is to make laws that will change the narratives.

“As a community-driven person, I have all it takes to offer the people a special kind of representation in the National Assembly that will impact their lives positively.”

“I possess the competence, credibility, and capacity to deliver results. I am of the opinion that leadership must be measured by its impact on the people.

“I am contesting this election to touch lives. I am contesting to further liberate my people and unify them. I am running to restore transparency and accountability in the zone. And I can’t do it alone without their support. This is why I am seeking their support. In the next couple of days, we will further engage and inform our people of the party we are going to use in this election,” she added.

Ex-Ebonyi Female Lawmaker Seeks PDP Ticket For Senate Race is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Plateau State University (PLASU) Branch has threatened to go on strike over the non-implementation of the new salary scheme for lecturers.

ASUU, PLASU Branch, had earlier submitted to the state government for immediate implementation the agreement signed in January 2026, between its national body and the Federal Government.

The union is, therefore, demanding an immediate implementation of the agreement.

Chairman of the Union, Dr. Vincent Choji, in a statement on Wednesday in Jos, called on the Plateau government to shun all “bureaucratic red tape” and immediately implement the new salary scheme, which reflected the new salary template.

“Sadly, we remain on the old salary scheme despite the harsh economic realities lecturers face daily,” Choji said.

He expressed concern that while the government and the university management were taking credit for the institution’s growth and expansion, the workload on the lecturers was being ignored.

“Our members are working harder than ever to teach and mould the character of these students, yet their well-being is not being addressed.

“Tragically, in recent months, the union has lost over four committed lecturers to stress and heart-related complications,” he stated.

According to him, the state government has entirely abandoned the agreement it entered with the union in 2024.

“Critical concerns are regarding campus security, high transportation costs, and the lack of staff accommodation, along with other outstanding issues,” he noted.

He urged the state government to immediately implement the new salary scheme and pay all the arrears from Jan. 1, 2026.

“Release funds to cater for pension and gratuity and address all other pending issues in the signed agreement to avert a looming, total, comprehensive, and indefinite strike,” Choji warned.

Plateau ASUU Threatens Fresh Strike is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Rwanda for the annual Africa CEO Forum.

The President touched down at Kigali Airport on Wednesday after attending the Africa-France Summit 2026 in Kenya.

During the event in Rwanda, the Nigerian leader will hold high-level meetings with top global and African business leaders.

Recall that Tinubu on Monday arrived in Nairobi, Kenya, ahead of the high-level Africa-France Summit co-hosted by Kenyan President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Watch video:

BREAKING: President Tinubu arrives in Kigali, Rwanda, for the annual Africa CEO Forum, after attending the Africa-France summit 2026 in Kenya.

The president is expected to hold high-level meetings with top-tier global and African business leaders. pic.twitter.com/btLLc6JgTX

— Nigerian Affairs Journal (@NigAffairs) May 13, 2026

Tinubu arrives Rwanda for Africa CEO Forum [VIDEO]

The British government signalled a fresh push to strengthen economic ties with the European Union and reaffirmed its commitment to NATO as King Charles III delivered a speech at the State Opening of Parliament on Wednesday.

In a wide-ranging address that outlined the government’s legislative programme, the King highlighted the challenges posed by an unstable global environment.

“An increasingly dangerous and volatile world threatens the United Kingdom,” he said, citing the conflict in the Middle East as a recent example. “Every element of the nation’s energy, defence and economic security will be tested.”

Central to the government’s plans is a European Partnership Bill, which aims to rebuild closer economic and political cooperation with the EU.

The legislation is intended to capitalise on new trading opportunities and implement agreements reached as part of the government’s post-Brexit “reset” with Brussels.

On defence, the speech underlined the UK’s “unbreakable commitment to NATO and our NATO allies, including through a sustained increase in defence spending.” Additional measures will target threats from foreign state actors and strengthen cyber security.

Energy security featured prominently, with the government promising legislation to boost domestic clean energy production. “Increased production of clean British energy will help to ensure that enemies of the United Kingdom cannot attack the economic security of the British people,” the King said.

Plans include an Energy Independence Bill to expand renewables and a Nuclear Regulation Bill to support new nuclear capacity.

On the domestic front, the government said it would focus on raising living standards across the country through measures to tackle late payments to small businesses, reduce unnecessary regulation, and support economic growth.

Infrastructure priorities include airport expansion, road improvements and progress on Northern Powerhouse Rail.

Other legislation announced covers reform of policing, the NHS and the criminal justice system, a Clean Water Bill to address problems in the water industry, and housing measures including greater investment in social housing and reforms to the leasehold system.

On foreign policy, the King reiterated Britain’s strong support for Ukraine and the country’s intention to use its G20 presidency next year to promote global growth and stability.

King Charles Unveils EU Partnership, Defence Spending Plans is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Kaduna State has raised the alarm over worsening insecurity and surging fertiliser prices, warning that the twin challenges are threatening food production across the state ahead of the planting season.

AFAN’s Kaduna State Chairman, Nuhu Aminu, told journalists that farmers in several local government areas can no longer safely access their farmlands due to persistent attacks by bandits and kidnappers, with communities in parts of Giwa, Kauru, Kubau, Kudan, Kajuru, Sanga, and Kachia identified as the worst affected.

“Insecurity is seriously affecting farming activities. Some farmers cannot even go to their farms because of attacks and kidnappings in their communities,” Aminu said, adding that fear has gripped rural settlements as criminals continue to raid villages and farmlands, forcing some farmers to abandon cultivation altogether.

He warned that the sustained climate of violence had eroded farmers’ confidence and could significantly reduce food supply if authorities failed to urgently address security conditions in farming communities.

Beyond the security crisis, Aminu said the steep rise in chemical fertiliser prices had placed crop production further out of reach for smallholder farmers who make up the bulk of Kaduna’s agricultural workforce. The association, he said, was actively promoting organic fertiliser as a cheaper alternative, though he acknowledged that many farmers still lacked the means to procure sufficient quantities for their farms.

AFAN called on federal, state, and local governments to subsidise fertiliser and ensure farm inputs reach farmers before the planting season peaks. Aminu also urged the government to prioritise agriculture through targeted support and incentives, describing the sector as a critical pillar of the national economy.

Kaduna Farmers Warn Of Food Crisis As Fertiliser Costs Bite is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

A Lagos State governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Lanre Jim-Kamal, has said President Bola Tinubu did not endorse the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, as the party’s consensus governorship candidate ahead of the forthcoming APC primary election.

Jim-Kamal, a former governorship candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), made the clarification during an interview with THE WHISTLER.

On April 29, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Bayo Onanuga, announced in a social media post that Tinubu had endorsed Hamzat during a meeting with members of the Lagos Governance Advisory Council (GAC).

“President Tinubu formally endorses the Lagos APC consensus governorship candidate Obafemi Hamzat at a meeting with members of the Lagos Governance Advisory Council, led by the Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu,” Onanuga wrote.

However, Jim-Kamal insisted that Tinubu, as President and leader of the party, would naturally acknowledge anyone brought before him, but such a gesture should not be interpreted as an endorsement.

“He (President Tinubu) did not endorse anybody,” Jim-Kamal said.

He further argued that while party leaders and political blocs are free to support aspirants of their choice, such support does not automatically translate into the allocation of the party’s governorship ticket.

The governorship aspirant maintained that the APC candidate for the 2027 election would ultimately emerge through the party’s primary process in line with the Electoral Act as amended.

“Anything anybody is doing, we must go for primary. Everybody. So on the primary day, if all the aspirants say, “Oh, we are satisfied one person should go and represent the party.” Period,” he stated.

Jim-Kamal also dismissed claims that Hamzat currently enjoys unanimous support among influential stakeholders in the Lagos APC, insisting that opinions within the party remain divided.

Hamzat had earlier been endorsed as the APC’s consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 election by the GAC during a meeting held on April 28.

The GAC, regarded as the apex advisory body of the Lagos APC, announced the decision through its Chairman, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, who described the endorsement as unanimous.

“We have adopted, we have all agreed, that Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, the current deputy governor of our state, is the consensus candidate of our party. And we have all pledged to stand by him,” Olusi said.

However, THE WHISTLER gathered that the endorsement may not have enjoyed full backing within the council, as only about five members of the 30-member body were openly supportive of the decision, while several others are said to still be engaging with different aspirants.

Speaking further on his ambition, Jim-Kamal unveiled a five-point agenda centred on free education at all levels, accessible healthcare services, and the decongestion of Lagos through the development of the state’s outskirts, particularly Badagry, Ikorodu, and Epe.

He also disclosed plans to unveil his running mate, Abiola Okoya-Johnson, in Onikan, Lagos, later in the week.

Jim-Kamal described himself as a long-standing political actor who has participated in elective politics since 1988 across different political parties, including the NNPP.

According to him, his political structure, known as the Dynamic Group, has remained loyal to him through multiple political transitions into the APC.

“When I was moving to APC in 2023, I moved with all my Dynamic People into APC, just as I moved them from PDP to NNPP, and now APC. They are there. So, let’s go for the election.

“The result will justify who is popular and who is not,” he said.

The APC aspirant stressed that his ambition is not driven by hostility toward any party leader or stakeholder.

“I’m not against any leader. I’m not fighting anybody. I am just going for the primary. We are people of one family in Lagos (APC),” he added.

As the APC governorship primary approaches, political observers expect a keen contest among the three aspirants seeking the party’s ticket.

Apart from Jim-Kamal and Hamzat, businessman Samuel Ajose is also considered a strong contender in the race.

A source within the APC, who spoke to THE WHISTLER on condition of anonymity, said the Mandate Group, a major political subgroup within the party founded by Tinubu, has not formally endorsed Hamzat.

The source argued that if Tinubu had indeed publicly endorsed the deputy governor, the Mandate Group would likely have openly aligned with him.

According to the source, both Jim-Kamal and Ajose currently enjoy significant grassroots support, although support for Hamzat is also said to be growing steadily.

Meanwhile, ethnic and regional considerations have continued to shape conversations around the 2027 Lagos governorship contest.

A socio-political group, Lagos State Prominent Indigenes, recently called on the APC to reserve the governorship position for indigenous Lagosian in the interest of equity, identity preservation, and broader stakeholder inclusion.

Similarly, stakeholders, traditional rulers, and residents from the Badagry Division have continued to argue that theirs remains the only one of Lagos State’s five traditional divisions yet to produce a governor since the creation of the state in 1967.

The APC source warned that internal discontent could arise if the party’s primary does not align with the expectations of a significant section of members and stakeholders.

“It’s a kind of conundrum,” the source said.

Tinubu Didn’t Endorse Hamzat As Consensus Lagos APC Candidate – Guber Aspirant is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Lagos State Government has announced plans for the third edition of the Invest Lagos Summit, with about 1,000 delegates from 50 countries expected at the event slated for 8 and 9 June at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island. The summit, themed “Lagos: Business Gateway to Africa,” is being organised in partnership with the […]

The post Lagos unveils third Invest Lagos Summit, to host 1,000 delegates appeared first on Tribune Online.