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About 17 African Democratic Congress, ADC, lawmakers in the House of Representatives have defected to the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC.

This was disclosed by Speaker Abass Tajudeen on the floor of the House on Tuesday.

Tajudeen also announced the defection of Leke Abejide from the ADC to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Lawmakers who defected to the NDC include Yusuf Datti, Uchenna Okonkwo, Adamu Wakili, Thaddeus Attah, George Ozodinobi, Lilian Orogbu, Oluwaseyi Sowunmi, Peter Aniekwe, Mukhtar Zakari, George Oluwande and Munachim Umezuruike.

Others are Emeka Idu, Jesse Onuakalusi, Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Afam Ogene and Abdulhakeem Ado.

This comes barely a day after former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso defected from the ADC to the NDC.

Obi and Kwankwaso have pledged to continue their pursuit for a better Nigeria in the NDC.

BREAKING: 17 ADC Reps follow Peter Obi, Kwankwaso to NDC

An aspirant for the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency in the FCT, Hon. Sarah Ivie Adidi, has formally submitted her Expression of Interest and Nomination forms under the All Progressives Congress (APC), amid renewed assurances of support from residents of the nation’s capital.

Sarah, while addressing a large crowd of supporters and party faithful who accompanied her to the venue of the exercise, said she remained committed and focused on making the AMAC/Bwari constituency a model in Nigeria through redevelopment and empowerment projects.

She reaffirmed her commitment to building a constituency that works for everyone, emphasizing her focus on infrastructure development, youth empowerment, and improved security. She also expressed deep gratitude to residents for the overwhelming show of love and support so far.

“This journey is not mine alone,” she said. “It belongs to every young person who believes in a better future, every woman who dares to lead, and every citizen who wants effective representation. Together, we will make our voices heard and turn our dreams into reality,” she added.

The atmosphere at the venue of the submission was carnival-like, as youth groups and well-wishers who accompanied her created a vibrant and celebratory scene. Chanting slogans, waving banners, and dressed in coordinated campaign colours, supporters turned the occasion into a powerful demonstration of grassroots backing.

Particularly notable was the strong presence of women’s groups from across the constituency, who came out in solidarity and excitement.

Speaking at the event, several women group leaders from across the constituency described Hon. Adidi as the preferred choice and the hope of the constituency.

The women praised her track record in youth empowerment, women’s advocacy, and community development, expressing confidence in her ability to deliver inclusive and people-centred representation.

FCT Residents Reaffirm Support For Adidi Following APC Form Submission is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Amid ongoing legal battle and controversy over the introduction of the Blue Silks rank of Senior Counsel of Nigeria, SCN, as an alternative to the title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, for Nigerian lawyers, the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners, ALDRAP, has asserted that authorities in the legal sector gave “tacit” approval to the development.

The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, had rejected the Blue Silks rank, describing it as illegal, and the NBA’s Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee, LPPC, which confers the SAN title on lawyers adjudged to have merited the honour, warned that lawyers parading the Blue Silks rank risk being sanctioned for professional misconduct.

Following the threat, ALDRAP, which introduced the Blue Silks rank for non-litigation lawyers, approached an Abuja Federal High Court to protect its members’ fundamental rights, and also stop the NBA and others from interfering in matters concerning the Blue Silks rank.

ALDRAP is relying on a judgment delivered by Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Abuja Federal High Court, dated 27th January 2026, to justify its argument that the NBA and LPPC have no authority over the Blue Silks rank. The judgment stated that the NBA cannot regulate items that were not included in the Legal Practitioners Act, 1962. Based on the pronouncement, ALDRAP argued that since the Blue Silks rank was not mentioned in the Legal Practitioners Act, 1962, neither the NBA nor the LPPC can regulate or penalise the lawyers taking the Blue Silks rank.

The suit over the Blue Silks rank is pending before the Abuja Federal High Court, with proceedings at the judgment stage.

Meanwhile, ALDRAP has revealed that documents and notifications pertaining to the introduction of the Blue Silks rank were submitted to relevant authorities such as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, NBA, the Senate, House of Representatives, Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Chairman of the LPPC, and Federal Ministry of Justice, among others.

Parts of a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee, LPPC, through the Chief Registrar, Supreme Court of Nigeria, dated 17th November 2025, read, “We write to notify that our Governing Council has approved the introduction of two ranks for our members and others namely: (1) Senior Counsel of Nigeria and (2) Senior Legislative Counsel of Nigeria.”

ALDRAP in the letter noted that the Blue Silks could become an alternative to the SAN rank.

However, shedding more light on the development, ALDRAP Executive Secretary, Dr Tonye Clinton Jaja, disclosed that the CJN, NBA, LPPC and others failed to respond to letters and notifications sent to them concerning the introduction of the Blue Silks rank.

Jaja stressed that the silence of the CJN, NBA and LPPC had given tacit approval to the introduction of the Blue Silks rank. He cited a pronouncement by the Court of Appeal, which held that silence can be interpreted as acquiescence (implied consent or waiver of rights), to justify ALDRAP’s position.

“Beginning in the year 2021, long before the formal launch of the Blue Silks rank of Senior Counsel of Nigeria (SCN), the Incorporated Trustees of the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP) took pains to write to notify the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and all the statutory authorities of the intention to launch the Blue Silks rank for its members in exercise of their rights under Section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.

“None of them deemed it necessary to respond to all of ALDRAP’s written correspondences.

“In accordance with the position of the law as laid down by the Court of Appeal of Nigeria in Lambe v. Aremu [2013] Vol. 7 WRN (and other case law), wherein it was held that silence can be interpreted as acquiescence (implied consent or waiver of rights). The maxim that “equity aids the vigilant, not those who slumber on their rights,” a statement signed by Jaja on behalf of ALDRAP, on Tuesday, said.

The statement disclosed that the Blue Silks rank of Senior Counsel of Nigeria, SCN, is set to receive legislative backing through a proposed legislation titled, ‘A Register of Nigerian Legislative Counsel and Allied Practitioners (Establishment) Regulations, 2025’, which is awaiting signing by the Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission, NASC.

Blue Silks rank controversy: ‘How CJN, NBA, LPPC silence conferred tacit approval’

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has ordered a non-governmental organization, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, to pay N100 million as damaged to two operatives of the Department of the State Services, DSS, for unjustly defaming them in some publications.

The court also ordered SERAP to tender public apologies to the defamed officers,
Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, in two national newspapers, two television stations and its website.

Besides, the organization was also ordered to pay the two operatives N1 million as cost of litigation and 10 percent post-judgment interest annually on the judgment sum until it’s fully liquidated.

Justice Yusuf Halilu of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory gave the order on Tuesday while delivering judgment in a N5.5 billion defamation suit instituted against SERAP by the DSS operatives.

The judge found SERAP liable for unjustly defaming the two DSS operatives with allegations that they unlawfully invaded its Abuja office, harassed and intimidated its staff, in September 2024.

In the offending publication on its website and Twitter handle, SERAP alleged that the two operatives unlawfully invaded and occupied its office with sinister motives.

The judge held that the publication was in bad taste especially from an organization established to promote transparency and accountability, as nothing in the publication was found to be truthful.

The DSS staff had listed SERAP as 1st defendant in the suit marked CV/4547/2024. SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, was listed as the 2nd defendant.

In the suit, the claimants – Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele – accused the two defendants of making false claims that they invaded SERAP’s Abuja office on September 9, 2024..

Counsel to the DSS, Oluwagbemileke Samuel Kehinde, had while adopting his final address in the mater urged the judge to grant all the reliefs sought by his client in the interest of justice.

He admitted that although the names of the two claimants were not mentioned in the defamation materials, they had however established substantial circumstances that they are the ones referred to in the published defamation article by SERAP on its website.

The counsel submitted that all ingredients of defamation have been clearly established and the offending publication referred to the two officials of the secret police.

However, SERAP, through its counsel, Victoria Bassey from Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, law firm, asked the court to dismiss the suit on the ground that the two claimants did not establish that they were the ones referred to in the alleged defamation materials.

She said that SERAP used “DSS officials” in the alleged offending publication, adding that the two claimants must establish that they are the ones referred to before their case can succeed.

Similar arguments were canvassed by Oluwatosin Adefioye who stood for the second defendant, adding that there was no dispute in the September 9, 2024 operation of DSS in SERAP’s office.

He said that since SERAP in the publication did not name any particular person, the claimants must plead special circumstances that they were the ones referred to as the DSS officials.

Besides, he said that there is no organization by name Department of State Services in law, hence, DSS cannot claim being defamed adding that the only entity known to law is National Security Agency.

The claimants had in the suit stated that the alleged false claim by SERAP has negatively impacted on their reputation.

The DSS also stated, in the statement of claim, that, in line with the agency’s practice of engaging with officials of non-governmental organisations operating in the FCT to establish a relationship with their new leadership, it directed the two officials – John and Ogunleye – to visit SERAP’s office and invite them for a familiarization meeting.

The claimants added that in carrying out the directive, John and Ogunleye paid a friendly visit to SERAP’s office at 18 Bamako Street, Wuse Zone 1, Abuja on September 9 and met with one Ruth, who upon being informed about the purpose of the visit, claimed that none of SERAP’s management staff was in the country and advised that a formal letter of invitation be written by the DSS.

John and Ogundele, who claimed that their interactions with Ruth were recorded, said before they immediately exited SERAP’s office, Ruth promised to inform her organisation’s management about the visit and volunteered a phone number – 08160537202.

They said it was surprising that, shortly after their visit, SERAP posted on its X (Twitter) handle – @SERAPNigeria – that officers of the DSS are presently unlawfully occupying its office.

The claimant added, “On the same day, the defendants also published a statement on SERAP’s website, which was widely reported by several media outfits, falsely alleging that some officers from the DSS, described as “a tall, large, dark-skinned woman” and “a slim, dark skinned man,” invaded their Abuja office and interrogated the staff of the first defendant (SERAP).

John and Ogundele stated that “due to the false statements published by the defendants, the DSS has been ridiculed and criticised by international agencies such as the Amnesty International and prominent members of the Nigerian society, such as Femi Falana (SAN)”.

“Due to the false statements published by the defendants, members of the public and the international community formed the opinion that the Federal Government is using the DSS to harass the defendants.”

They added that the defendants’ statements caused harm to their reputation because the staff and management of the DSS have formed the opinion that the claimants did not follow orders and carried out an unsanctioned operation and are therefore, incompetent and unprofessional.

The claimants therefore prayed the court for the following reliefs: “An order directing the defendants to tender an apology to the claimants via the first defendant’s (SERAP’s) website, X (twitter) handle, two national daily newspapers (Punch and Vanguard) and two national news television stations (Arise Television and Channels Television) for falsely accusing the claimants of unlawfully invading the first defendant’s office and interrogating the first defendant’s staff.

“An order directing the defendants to pay the claimants the sum of N5 billion as damages for the libellous statements published about the claimants.

“Interest on the sum of N5b at the rate of 10 percent per annum from the date of judgment until the judgment sum is realised or liquidated.

“An order directing the defendants to pay the claimants the sum of N50 million as costs of this action.”

BREAKING: Court orders SERAP to pay DSS operatives N100m for defamation

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday discharged and acquitted Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, former Head of Service (HoS) of the Federation, of alleged money laundering offences, six years after the trial began.

Justice James Omotosho, in a ruling on the separate no-case submissions filed by Oyo-Ita and her co-defendants, held that their applications were meritorious.

The former HoS, her Personal Assistant, Ubong Effiok, and seven others had been facing alleged money laundering charge to the tune of N570 million.

Justice Omotosho, in the ruling, held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s case “was built on the quicksand of speculations, suspicions and shoddy investigation.”

According to the judge, I must say here that the case presented by the prosecution has no weight whatsoever.

“Crucial elements of money laundering offences which are the establishment of a predicate offence were glaringly absent in this case presented by the prosecution,” Justice Omotosho said.

The judge held that Oyo-Ita, who was the 1st defendant in the 18-count charge, was not a shareholder or director in the companies allegedly linked to her.

Justice Omotosho also held that the monies allegedly given to the ex-HoS by the 3rd prosecution witness (PW-3) and PW-5 had not been shown to be proceeds of illegal activity.

“Those contracts were duly approved and executed as confirmed by PW-7 and PW-8.

“Even the Estacodes, Duty Tour Allowances (DTAs) and air tickets paid by PW-4 to 7th defendant (Ubong Effiok) for the benefit of 1st defendant (Oyo-Ita) have also been shown to have been duly approved and that the 1st defendant was not an approving authority.”

According to the judge, her alleged failure to fully disclose her assets was also not thoroughly investigated and the result is a case that is doomed to fail.

“In final analysis, the no-case submissions filed by the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants on the one hand, the 4th – 6th defendants and the 7th to 9th defendants are meritorious.

“Consequently, these no-case submissions are hereby upheld.

“Accordingly, the 1st – 9th defendants are hereby discharged and acquitted of the 18-count charge,” Justice Omotosho ruled.

NAN reports that the EFCC had, on Feb. 28, 2020, filed the 18.counts against Oyo-Ita, Frontline Ace Global Services Ltd and Asanaya Projects Ltd as 1st to 3rd defendants.

The commission, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/20/2020, also named Garba Umar, Slopes International Ltd, Gooddeal Investments Ltd, Ubong Okon Effiok and U & U Global Services Ltd as 4th to 9th defendants respectfully.

The defendants were being prosecuted for alleged fraud in relation to DTAs, Estacodes, conference fees fraud and receiving kick-backs on contracts to the tune of N570 million.

In count one, Oyo-Ita, while serving as a deputy director in the Federal Ministry of Power, and Frontline Ace Global Services Ltd, a company incorporated in Nigeria and of which she was alleged to be the sole signatory of its bank accounts at Zenith Bank, were alleged to have, sometime in April, 2010, committed the offence.

The ex-HoS and the company were alleged to have collaborated in disguising the genuine ownership of the sum of N20 million paid by the ministry into the Frontline Ace Zenith Bank account number: 1011518656 which sum was derived directly from an illegal act.

The offence is punishable under Section 14(1)b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2004, among other counts.

Oyo-Ita and her co-defendants, who were first arraigned on March 23, 2020, before Justice Taiwo Taiwo (rtd.), pleaded not guilty to the 18 counts.

The case was, however, reassigned to Justice Omotosho after Justice Taiwo’s retirement.

The EFCC, in the trial, called eight witnesses and tendered documentary evidence to establish its case.

After the prosecution closed its case, the defendants opt for a no-case submission.

The defendants, who argued that the prosecution had failed to establish any ingredient of the offences against them beyond reasonable doubt to warrant any defence whatsoever, submitted that the commission had not made out a prima facie case against them.

Delivering the ruling, Justice Omotosho observed that a no-case submission is a situation where there is no sufficient evidence adduced by the prosecution on which the court can convict a defendant or for him to enter his defence.

According to him, It can also mean a situation where it appears to the court that the prosecution has failed to establish a prima facie case.

“The law presumes an accused person to be innocent until the contrary is proved and as such asking him to enter his defence will amount to asking him to prove his innocence,” he said.

The judge, who listed what the court must look out for in upholding or dismissing a no-case submission in line with Section 303 of ACJA, held that the evidence led by the prosecution had not shown that the sums of monies in counts 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the charge were tainted with unlawful activities.

“The law is trite that to establish money laundering offences, the prosecution is expected to establish a predicate offence first before the issues of disguising, concealing the origin or conversion of properties comes in,” he said.

According to him, the allegation made by the prosecution is only that monies were paid into the account of Frontline Ace Global Resources Limited.

“The prosecution did not provide any shred of evidence to show that the monies are tainted with illegality.

“It is not enough to simply say that monies were paid into the accounts from the Federal Ministry of Power without an explanation of what the payments were for.

“Relying on the scanty evidence of the prosecution will be engaging in speculations.

“Criminal trials require credible proof and not speculations or suspicions.

“Besides there are no complaints from the Federal Ministry of Power alleging that monies were illegally paid into the accounts of 2nd defendant for which the 1st defendant is a signatory of the accounts,” he said.

The judge also observed that Oyo-Ita was neither a director nor shareholder in the 2nd and 3rd defendants.

“PW-7 and PW-8, who investigated this matter, admitted that she (Oyo-Ita) is not a shareholder or director of the companies.

“The implication of this is that she cannot be said to be the owner of the accounts.

“The 2nd and 3rd defendants as corporate entities are distinct from the 1st defendant even if she is the sole signatory of the accounts.

“Not being a director or shareholder of the companies, she cannot bind the companies,” the judge said.

Justice Omotosho held that the evidence of PW-4, who testified on the issue of estacode and duty allowances, was materially deficient and failed to advance the prosecution’s case.

“Notably, PW-4 did not provide any evidence establishing that the 1st defendant failed to embark on the official journeys in question.

“There is no proof before the court that estacodes or duty allowances were approved and subsequently collected without the corresponding trips being undertaken.

“The prosecution has, in effect, invited the court to engage in speculation.

“Crucially, no documentary evidence was tendered to demonstrate the approval of any such journeys.

“There are no memos, travel authorisations, or official records identifying the specific trips allegedly approved, the dates of such approvals, or the amounts sanctioned as estacode or duty allowance.

“The evidence on record is completely silent on these essential particulars.

“Furthermore, this court takes judicial notice of the fact that under the Civil Service Rules and Regulations, failure by a public officer to embark on duly approved official travel would ordinarily trigger administrative consequences, including the issuance of an audit query.

“However, there is no evidence before this court that any such query was issued to the 1st defendant.”

According to the judge, this omission is significant and undermines the prosecution’s theory.

“In addition, this court takes judicial notice of the fact that estacodes and duty tour allowances are calculated based on distance, duration of stay, mode of travel and other connected factors.

“There is no document showing how the estacodes and duty tour allowances were calculated or how much exactly was given to the 1st defendant for any such trips.

“The case of the prosecution is merely assertion, conjecture and speculation without concrete evidence.”

The judge held that mere tendering of copies of Oyo-Ita’s international passports was not enough as there was no evidence of which particular country and dates of travel was brought before the court to determine that she did not actually embark on the journeys.

“In addition, apart from PW-4, no witness from the Civil Service Commission or any relevant administrative body was called to testify on the approval process, the existence of the alleged trips, or any disciplinary measures arising from a failure to undertake them.

“There is no evidence identifying the specific journeys approved, the sums involved or any official finding that the 1st defendant defaulted in carrying out those trips.

“This court also thinks that evidence of the dates for the said journeys, the dates the 1st defendant ought to return and approvals for such journeys ought to have been brought before the court by the prosecution.”

The judge said it was not the duty of the 1st defendant to furnish the court with these evidence.

“That burden is strictly that of the prosecution and it has failed to discharge its burden of proof.

“The cumulative effect of these evidentiary gaps is fatal to the prosecution’s case on this issue.

“The prosecution failed to lead the necessary evidence that would have enabled the court to determine whether or not the 1st defendant received estacodes for journeys not undertaken.

“In the absence of such evidence, the allegation remains unproven and the 1st defendant cannot be called to enter a defence,” Justice Omotosho said.

The judge said the offences in counts 5, 6, 7 and 13 are contrary to Section 15(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended).

Justice Omotosho equally described the evidence of the EFCC in other counts as watery.

The judge, therefore, found that from the evidence of the prosecution witnesses, all the alleged contracts, leading to some.of the counts, were duly awarded and executed.

Earlier, the judge ruled on the objections of Oyo-Ita, Umar and Effiok on the admissibility of their confessional statements which they argued were not obtained in compliance with Sections 15 and 17 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

The judge agreed with the defence that the objections raised by the 1st, 4th and 7th defendants touched on a mandatory statutory provision which had received judicial imprimatur by the Supreme Court.

He said that where a confessional statement is to be made, there must be a video recording session of the statement taking in the absence of the defendants’ lawyer.

“This court will toe the path of the Supreme Court by holding that these statements marked as Exhibits V – V3, Exhibits W-W1 and Exhibits PWXX-PWXX9 are hereby marked rejected and thus expunged from evidence,” he ruled.

Oyo-Ita, Umar and Effiok had alleged that their confessional statements were not made voluntarily.

The defendants, through their lawyers, argued that while the statements were being obtained, the defence lawyers were neither present nor had the prosecution been able to tender video recordings of the statement taking sessions.

Justice Omotosho then ordered a trial-within-trial to ascertain the voluntariness of their claims and reserved the ruling until today.

Oyo-Ita was sacked by the late President Muhammadu Buhari government on Sept. 18, 2019 after allegations of corruption and replaced by Mrs Folashade Yemi-Esan, who was the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources at the time.

After 6 Years, Court Clears Oyo-Ita Of N570m Fraud is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Flight operations across Nigeria may face major disruption from Wednesday as the Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria issued a final three-day ultimatum to airline operators over unpaid debts totaling approximately N9bn.

Ground handling companies, which provide critical aviation services such as passenger check-in, baggage handling, refuelling coordination, and ramp operations, warned that services would be withdrawn from indebted airlines if outstanding obligations are not settled by May 6, 2026.

The affected service providers include Skyway Handling Company of Nigeria, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company, Butake Handling Company, Precision Handling Company Limited, and Swissport Handling Company.

In a letter dated April 30, 2026, addressed to the Airlines Operators of Nigeria and copied to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and the Department of State Services, AGHAN expressed frustration over what it described as prolonged silence and inaction from airline operators despite previous engagements.

“We refer to our letter dated 20th April 2026 and wish to bring to your attention that, as of the date of this correspondence, we are yet to receive any communication, commitment, or concrete action from your members regarding the outstanding indebtedness,” the letter stated.

The association said the unpaid debts have placed severe financial and operational pressure on its members despite repeated attempts to resolve the issue amicably.

“Consequently, we are constrained to issue a final notice of three (3) days for the settlement of all outstanding obligations, failing which our members shall proceed with the withdrawal of services to all indebted airlines, without further recourse,” the association said.

Although the initial deadline was expected to commence on May 1, AGHAN said it postponed enforcement in consideration of Workers’ Day celebrations and industrial harmony.

“Accordingly, the notice period shall now run from Monday, 4th May 2026 to Wednesday, 6th May 2026, after which the intended action will take effect should there be no satisfactory resolution,” the letter added.

The group, however, indicated its willingness to continue discussions to prevent disruptions.

“We remain open to immediate and constructive engagement aimed at resolving this matter amicably and avoiding any disruption to aviation operations and the travelling public.”

An airline operator, who spoke anonymously, said airline companies are currently engaging AGHAN individually in efforts to negotiate repayment plans and reduce their debt burden.

The development comes amid broader financial pressures in Nigeria’s aviation industry, despite recent federal government interventions, including the reported write-off of 30 percent of airline debts owed to aviation agencies.

Aviation Handlers Issue Ultimatum Over Airline Debts is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Executive Director, Development Specs Academy, Prof Okey Ikechukwu, has described the defection of Peter Obi from the African Democratic Congress, ADC, to the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, as running for his political life.

Ikechukwu made this remark on Tuesday in an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Morning Show’.

He described Obi’s defection alongside former presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party, NNPP, Rabi’u Kwankwaso as a result of “strategic porting”.

“Peter Obi simply ran for his political life. A woman who is running from a lion does not do catwalk. That is where Peter Obi has found himself.

“Peter Obi has moved to a platform no one anticipated, one that holds the prospect of giving us genuine elections in 2027.

“Now those who have to recalibrate are APC and the other parties. Scenarios can be examined because the argument is now on the table. The opposition is splitting itself thin,” he said.

Defection: Peter Obi ran for his political life – Prof Ikechukwu

Former Nigerian leader Umaru Musa Yar’Adua was on Tuesday remembered for his legacy of integrity, justice, and selfless leadership as tributes poured in 16 years after his passing.

In a commemorative message titled Legacy of the Servant Leader: H.E. Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, 16 Years On, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, paid glowing tribute to the late president, describing him as a national hero, patriot, and servant leader whose commitment to justice and democratic values left an enduring mark on Nigeria.

“Today marks 16 years since our nation lost a dear hero, an icon of integrity, a selfless patriot, and a man I was privileged to call not just my boss, but my brother and worthy partner in service.

“As I reflect on the passing of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, I am reminded of the shared passion we both held for a Nigeria where justice is not a slogan, but a lived reality for every citizen.

“Our partnership was anchored on a common vision: to build an inclusive, united, and just nation. Yar’Adua was a man of quiet but profound conviction who believed that the strength of a country is measured by its commitment to the rule of law and the sanctity of the ballot.

“He did not just lead; he served with a humility that is rare in the corridors of power, often putting national stability above personal or political gain.

“His record in peace-building stands as an enduring legacy. He understood that true nation-building requires the courage to admit flaws and the sincerity to fix them.

“For leaders, the life of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua serves as an enduring lesson. His example teaches us that leadership is a sacred trust, and that progress is only sustainable when it is rooted in transparency, accountability, and a genuine love for the people.

“Sixteen years later, his strides continue to testify for him. As we remember this “Gentleman President,” let us rededicate ourselves to the worthy causes he pursued with such passion.

“I pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) continues to grant him eternal rest in Al-Jannah Firdau,” his message read.

Yar’Adua, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2007 until his death in 2010, is widely remembered for his commitment to the rule of law, electoral reform, and peace-building initiatives, particularly in the Niger Delta.

His leadership style, often defined by humility and transparency, continues to resonate in national discourse as political leaders and citizens reflect on his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development.

‘Yar’Adua Was ‘Servant Leader’ – Atiku Says In Tribute is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Zenith Bank has announced the retirement of its Founder and Group Chairman, Jim Ovia, following the expiration of his regulatory tenure.

In a corporate notice issued in Lagos on May 5, 2026, the bank said Ovia completed the mandatory 12-year tenure allowed under corporate governance guidelines for financial holding companies, non-interest banks, and payment service banks in Nigeria.

The Board praised Ovia for his pivotal role in the institution’s evolution, crediting him with strong leadership, strategic direction, and effective oversight that significantly strengthened Zenith Bank’s market position and reputation in Nigeria’s financial sector.

According to the bank, Ovia’s dedication to governance excellence and stakeholder value creation helped shape Zenith Bank into one of the country’s leading financial institutions.

To ensure continuity, the Board appointed Engr Mustafa Bello as the new Chairman of the Group.

Bello, who joined Zenith Bank’s Board on December 29, 2017, is currently its longest-serving director. The bank described him as an experienced leader with deep corporate governance expertise, strategic oversight capabilities, and a proven record of organisational growth.

Zenith Bank noted that Bello’s integrity, independence, and sound judgment during his years on the Board positioned him to guide the institution through its next phase of growth.

The appointment has received approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Under Ovia’s chairmanship, Zenith Bank consistently recorded strong financial performance despite economic and regulatory challenges.

For the 2025 full-year financial period, the Group posted a pre-tax profit of N1.26trn, representing a slight 4.78 percent decline, largely due to compliance with the CBN’s directive on the liquidation of COVID-19-related forbearance liabilities.

Interest income, however, surged significantly to N3.6trn from N2.7trn in 2024, supported by robust earnings from loans and advances, which generated N1.8trn, and treasury bills, which contributed N1.1trn.

After tax, profit stood at N1.04trn while earnings per share declined to N25.32 from N32.87.

Zenith Bank also began 2026 on a positive trajectory, reporting an unaudited pre-tax profit of N360.92bn for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, reflecting a 2.87 percent year-on-year increase from N350.82Bn recorded in Q1 2025.

Profit after tax rose by 0.69 percent to N314.02bn, demonstrating resilience despite higher loan impairments and continued cost pressures.

The leadership transition is expected to provide stability as Zenith Bank continues to pursue its strategic objectives amid evolving regulatory and market conditions.

Zenith Bank Founder Jim Ovia Retires As Chairman is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Founder and Group Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, has retired following the expiration of his tenure in line with regulatory requirements.

The bank announced the retirement in a corporate notice issued in Lagos on May 5, 2026.

According to the notice, Ovia completed the mandatory 12-year tenure permitted under corporate governance guidelines for financial holding companies, non-interest banks, and payment service banks in Nigeria.

The bank said that as its founder, Ovia has been a central figure in its growth trajectory and was credited by the Board for providing strong leadership, strategic direction, and effective oversight throughout his time as chairman.

It noted that his commitment to governance standards and stakeholder value creation significantly enhanced the Group’s positioning and reputation in the financial services sector.

Jim Ovia retires as Zenith Bank chairman