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A former Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Alabo Dakorinama George Kelly, has been endorsed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, as his preferred candidate for the Rivers State governorship.

George is expected to contest the seat under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), signaling a crucial political move ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Sources told DAILY POST that Wike settled for George after a closed-door meeting with key political stakeholders in Port Harcourt on Monday. The meeting reportedly reviewed the political situation in the state and strategies for consolidating influence ahead of the next election cycle.

At the meeting were ex-militant leaders, including Asari Dokubo and Ateke Tom.

Our source said their attendance underscored the high-level consultations that preceded the endorsement.

George, a seasoned political figure in Rivers State, previously served as Commissioner for Works and is considered a loyalist within Wike’s political structure.

The source who witnessed the meeting said the development was part of efforts to maintain Wike’s political dominance in the state despite his current role at the federal level.

This comes against the backdrop of a protracted political crisis in Rivers State, driven by a bitter power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his estranged political godfather, Nyesom Wike.

Since assuming office, Fubara has gradually distanced himself from Wike’s influence, leading to deep divisions within the state’s political structure, including the State House of Assembly and local government leadership.

The rift has triggered a series of political confrontations, alignments, and realignments, with both camps battling for control of the party machinery and governance structures in the state.

Efforts by President Bola Tinubu to broker peace between the two camps have so far yielded limited results, as tensions continue to simmer.

According to the source, “Wike’s endorsement of George is a strategic move to reassert control and shape the political future of Rivers State ahead of 2027,” he said.

As of press time, there has been no official confirmation on the latest endorsement.

BREAKING: Wike picks Alabo George for Rivers Governorship

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed May 28, 2026, to hear a suit filed by a non-governmental organisation demanding that the Nigeria Police Force conduct a fresh, thorough investigation into the death of singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, better known as Mohbad.

Justice James Omotosho set the date after counsel to the applicant confirmed that all respondents had been properly served with the court documents.

The suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/636/2026) was brought by the Registered Trustees of Break the Silence Foundation. The respondents include the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command.

The NGO is praying the court for an order of mandamus to compel the police to perform their statutory duties under Section 4 of the Police Act 2020.

This includes inviting and questioning all persons last seen with the deceased, particularly his wife, Omowumi Cynthia Aloba, his close associates, and his father, Joseph Aloba of Ikorodu, Lagos, who reportedly buried him hurriedly without obtaining police clearance.

The court had on April 15, 2026, granted the NGO leave to file the application and approved substituted service on the respondents.

Mohbad’s death in September 2023 sparked widespread public outrage, protests, and the #JusticeForMohbad campaign both in Nigeria and abroad, with many alleging foul play and criticising the handling of the initial investigation.

Nearly three years later, the matter remains unresolved in the eyes of many.

Court Fixes Hearing On Fresh Probe Into Mohbad’s Death is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Real Madrid icon Karim Benzema seems to have endorsed Vinicius Jr as the most crucial player for the team following their 2-0 victory over Espanyol.

The Brazilian forward netted two goals, nearly single-handedly guiding his team to triumph at the RCDE Stadium.

Vinicius Jr shared images from the match against Espanyol on Instagram, which prompted Benzema to comment on the post.

The French striker referred to him as the no. 1, indicating that he ranks him above his fellow countryman Kylian Mbappe at the club.

“N1🔥🔥,” he commented.

Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr have been engaged in an unspoken rivalry since the French player joined Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2024.

His transfer followed a prolonged pursuit by Los Blancos after the Brazilian had just led the team to the UEFA Champions League title and narrowly missed out on the Ballon d’Or.

The former Flamengo player has had to accept sharing the limelight with his teammate at the club, but this has coincided with a dry spell at the Bernabeu.

His two goals against Espanyol marked only the fourth occasion this season that he has scored more than once in a match for Los Blancos, bringing his league total to 15 goals. In contrast, Mbappe has found the net 24 times in the league this season, despite facing injury challenges.

Benzema experienced considerable success alongside Vinicius Jr at the Bernabeu, including winning the Champions League together in 2022. He has also played with Mbappe for the French national team, but their bond does not seem to be as strong.

LaLiga: Benzema snubs Mbappe as he names Real Madrid’s most important player

A former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Michael Aondoakaa, has been selected as the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, consensus governorship candidate in Benue State for the 2027 elections.

Aondoakaa emerged in Makurdi after a consensus arrangement that saw 10 other aspirants step down and unanimously endorse his candidacy.

Party insiders disclosed that the agreement followed several weeks of consultations and strategic meetings among leaders and stakeholders.

Key figures who played roles in the process include former Benue governor, Samuel Ortom, and Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro.

Others involved are the PDP State Chairman, Ezekiel Adaji, members of the state executive committee, the PDP state assembly caucus, and influential blocs such as the G-14 and G-9.

The outcome was formally endorsed by all aspirants, who affirmed confidence in the process and pledged support for Mr Aondoakaa.

Although a former Commissioner for Education, Dennis Ityavyar, expressed concerns about zoning, he still backed the decision, noting it was necessary for party unity.

Similarly, Dominic Ucha, a former member of the Benue House of Assembly, congratulated Mr Aondoakaa and pledged to work towards victory in 2027.

Other aspirants also threw their weight behind the candidate, promising to contribute to the party’s success.

Ortom praised the aspirants for their maturity and loyalty, describing the consensus as a strong step toward repositioning the PDP for electoral victory. He urged continued unity and called for efforts to reclaim power in 2027.

He also advised Aondoakaa to ensure inclusiveness by accommodating other aspirants in his campaign structure.

Moro described the consensus as a tough but necessary move, stressing the need for effective leadership in the state. He appealed to party members and Benue residents to support the PDP’s agenda.

In his acceptance speech, Aondoakaa pledged to immediately begin reconciliation efforts within the party and unite its structures ahead of the polls.

He thanked party leaders and supporters for their confidence, assuring them of his readiness to deliver responsive leadership if elected governor in 2027.

Other aspirants in the race included Reverend Tor Uja, Tersoo Loko, Professor Sebastine Hon, SAN, Oyije Ogbenjua, retired Naval Commander Ode Ojowu, Tor-Tiv Ato, Simon Ater, and Bemgba Iortyom.

(NAN)

2027: Ex-AGF Aondoakaa emerges Benue PDP consensus guber candidate

Former Chelsea midfielder, Craig Burley, has named the best manager ahead of Michael Carrick for the Manchester United permanent coaching job.

In an interview with ESPN FC, Burley advised United to consider appointing Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola as the Red Devils’ next permanent manager instead of Carrick.

Carrick is currently serving as a interim manager since United fired Ruben Amorim in January.

“Just because Michael Carrick has done a great job at United doesn’t make him the best man for the job,” Burley said.

“I think at the moment, if United were looking around, and none of these bigwigs are available in the summer, the best man for the job is Andoni, who has already announced his name in Bournemouth.”

EPL: Not Carrick – Ex-Chelsea midfielder, Burley names best manager for Man Utd

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, May 4, 2026, arraigned a former Chairman, Board of Directors of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, Tunde Ayeni before Justice Jude Onwuzuruike of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Apo, Abuja.

Ayeni was arraigned on a 17-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, misappropriation and conversion of investors’ funds to the tune N15,665,085,429 (Fifteen Billion, Six hundred and Sixty five Million, Eighty five thousand, Four Hundred and Twenty-nine Naira (N15,665,085,429).

Prosecution counsel E.E. Iheanacho, SAN, informed the court that the matter was slated for arraignment and prosecution ready for trial.

“We have before the court 17-count charge dated April 28, 2026, we humbly apply that the charge be read to the defendant”, he said. 

Count three of the charge reads: “That you, Tunde Ayeni, whilst being the Chairman, Board of Directors of the defunct Skye Bank Plc between 21st of October, 2014 and 19th November, 2014 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court and having dominion over depositors funds domiciled in the defunct Skye bank Plc’s Suspense Account, committed criminal breach of trust when you dishonestly misappropriated the aggregate sum of Three billion, Two hundred and One million, Five Hundred and Thirty Five Thousand, Four Hundred and Twenty Nine Naira, Forty two kobo(N3,201,535,429.42) by transferring same to Misa Limited’s account No: 1011295717 and 1011295718 domiciled with Zenith Bank in Violation of the Prudential Guidelines and other regulations and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 311 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 312 of the same Act.

Count five of the charge reads: “That you Tunde Ayeni, whilst being the Chairman, Board of Directors of the Defunct Skye Bank Plc on or about 27th November, 2014, at Abuja within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court and having dominion over depositors’ funds domiciled in the defunct Skye bank Plc’s Suspense Account, committed criminal breach of trust when you dishonestly misappropriated the sum of Five Billion, Seventy Eight million, Five hundred and Fifty thousand Naira(N5, 078,550,000) by transferring same to Union Registrar Limited’s Account No: 0003490559 domiciled with Union Bank in violation of the Prudential Guidelines and other Regulations and thereby Committed an offence contrary to Section 311 of the Penal Code and Punishable under Section 312 of same Act.”

Ayeni pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to him. 

In view of his “not guilty” plea, Iheanacho prayed the court for a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant in a Correctional Centre.  

 Defence counsel, Ahmed Raji Bashir, SAN, informed the court that the charge was given to the defendant on a public holiday adding that he considered it imperative to inform the court. He also prayed the court to release the defendant to him or return him to the custody of the EFCC.

 Justice Onwuzuruike adjourned the matter to May 13, 2026, for hearing of the bail application, while the defendant was remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending determination of bail application.

The Nigeria Immigration Service has dismissed claims of scam in its passport application and payment process.

In a statement on Monday, the NIS spokesperson, Akinsola Akinlabi, stressed that its passport system remains secure, transparent, and fully government-approved.

According to the statement, the only authorised platform for passport applications and payments is the official portal at passport.immigration.gov.ng, which serves Nigerians both within the country and in the diaspora.

“The NIS operates a secure, transparent, and government-approved passport application system… This remains the only authorised platform for all passport-related payments and processing activities,” the statement said.

The service denied allegations that a religious organisation is involved in its payment process, describing such claims as entirely false and inconsistent with its operational structure.

“At no time has the Service partnered with or authorised any religious organisation, private entity, or individual to act as an intermediary or receiving account on its behalf,” it stated.

The NIS warned that any third-party platforms or payment links claiming to process passport applications on its behalf are fraudulent and should be avoided.

“A simple review of our authorised payment portal confirms the transparency and authenticity of our platform. Any third-party payment links… are fraudulent and should be avoided at all costs,” the statement added.

The Service disclosed that it has commenced investigations into the origin of the claims, noting that preliminary findings point to the actions of individuals seeking to mislead the public or damage its reputation.

“Appropriate action will be taken against any individuals or groups found culpable,” it said.

Reiterating its compliance with government financial regulations, the NIS explained that it works strictly with licensed and accredited payment service providers integrated into its official system.

It warned that payments made outside its authorised channels are at the user’s risk, adding that the Service would not be liable for any losses arising from such transactions.

The agency urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and avoid dealings with unauthorised agents or platforms, emphasising that it does not recognise any third-party alternatives for passport processing.

“The public is strongly urged to exercise caution, access our services only via the official portal, and avoid any dealings with unauthorised agents,” the statement said.

The Service reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public trust, noting that it continues to strengthen its systems to prevent fraud and ensure efficient service delivery.

For further inquiries, the NIS advised members of the public to use its verified communication channels, including its social media platforms and 24-hour contact lines.

NIS Dismisses Passport Payment Scam Claims is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Chairman of United Bank of Africa, UBA, Tony Elumelu, has dismissed claims that he and his wife have parted ways.

UBA Group, in a statement at the weekend, said the claim against its chairman, which circulated in some sessions of the media, was false and malicious.

According to the firm, the police have already arrested three suspects linked to the alleged divorce claim.

“The attention of UBA Group has been drawn to a false, defamatory, and malicious publication currently circulating on social media platforms, falsely alleging that the group chairman, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, has divorced his wife.

“We confirm that three individuals directly connected to the creation and dissemination of these malicious falsehoods have been arrested,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, the family of one of the suspects linked to the claim, Kingsley Akunemeihe, begged Elumelu to temper justice with mercy.

Ngozi Akunemeihe, sister to the suspect, made the appeal to Elumelu in a now-viral video shared on Instagram.

Similarly, activist Omoyele Sowore also called for the release of Akunemeihe.

DAILY POST reports that several unverified claims, which happened to be false, have been circulated on social media regarding Elumelu.

They’ve been arrested — Tony Elumelu speaks on alleged divorce with wife

Man United forward Matheus Cunha has said the Champions League “is not the same” without Manchester United, underlining the club’s importance to European football as they secured qualification for next season.

As reported by BBC Sport on Monday, the forward made the remarks after scoring in United’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Liverpool F.C. at Old Trafford, a result that guaranteed their return to the competition with games to spare.

Cunha was emotional about the club’s resurgence and insisted United belong at the highest level.

“The Champions League without this club is not the same competition, and this club without Champions League is not same club,” he said.

He also stressed that qualification should not be seen as the end goal for the team, but rather a foundation for bigger ambitions. “But it is not only the Champions League. We need to fight for the titles. This is the first one [step],” he added.

United’s improved form has come under interim manager Michael Carrick, who has overseen a strong run since taking charge. Cunha praised his influence and leadership within the squad.

“It’s one of the biggest privileges I have to play at this club.

“The Champions League without this club is not the same competition,” he said.

The Brazilian forward has been a key figure in United’s campaign, delivering important goals in decisive matches, including against Arsenal and Chelsea, helping push the team back into contention among Europe’s elite.

As the season enters its final stretch, Cunha insisted United must build on their progress and aim higher. “We could come much stronger for next season,” he said, reflecting the growing belief inside the squad.

Champions League ‘Not The Same’ Without Man United – Cunha is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The immediate past governor of Cross River State, Prof Ben Ayade, has lamented being sidelined without appointment for three years by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, despite his contributions to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ayade, who decamped from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, made the disclosure in a statement reacting to a presidential directive ordering him to step down his senatorial ambition for the Cross River North district.

His words:” I dare not question his authority, but I challenge his conscience.

“According to 1 Timothy 5:18, the labourer deserves his wages. Therefore, I am worthy of a reward,” Ayade stated.

The former governor recalled being the first APC governor in South-South Nigeria, donating generously to the party’s national convention, providing vehicles and motorbikes, and currently running a free transportation scheme for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election.

Ayade said he was the first APC governor to propose Tinubu as the 2023 presidential candidate with “right of first refusal” and originated the mantra: “If Tinubu can fix Lagos, Tinubu can fix Nigeria.”

“For over three years, I have been sidelined without appointment,” he lamented.

On the senatorial ticket, Ayade alleged the presidential order favours those who “fought against the party,” including individuals armed with guns and machetes at collation centres during the election —citing available police records.

“Mr President may not be aware that the beneficiaries of his order are people armed against us, yielding a ticket to a newcomer from the opposition just under five months is a spiritual murder,” he bemoaned