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The Kano State House of Assembly has confirmed Murtala Garo as the new deputy governor of Kano State following a successful screening exercise.

The confirmation came during plenary on Monday, presided over by the Speaker, Jibril Falgore, after lawmakers considered and adopted the report of an ad hoc committee set up to review the nomination.

Presenting the report, Deputy Speaker Muhammad Bello said Garo’s nomination followed the resignation of the former deputy governor, Aminu Gwarzo.

He noted that the screening was conducted in accordance with Section 191(3)(c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates legislative approval in the event of a vacancy in the office of deputy governor.

According to the committee, Garo was thoroughly assessed on his educational qualifications, professional experience, knowledge of governance, and plans for the state. Lawmakers said he demonstrated a solid understanding of the responsibilities of the office and outlined a clear vision to support Governor Abba Yusuf in delivering his administration’s agenda.

Based on its findings, the committee recommended his confirmation, which received unanimous approval from the Assembly.

The House also reiterated its commitment to collaborating with the executive arm to strengthen good governance, ensure accountability, and drive development across the state.

Kano Assembly Confirms Garo As Dep Gov is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The criminal case involving cryptocurrency entrepreneur Linus “Blord” Ifejirika and social media activist Martins “VeryDarkMan” (VDM) Otse stalled on Monday after the presiding judge recused herself from the matter, leading to an adjournment of proceedings to May 19, 2026, for mention.

Both parties appeared before Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court in Abuja for continuation of the trial, just days after Blord was granted bail on self-recognition and released from the Kuje Correctional Centre.

However, proceedings were unexpectedly halted when the judge, on her own volition and without any formal application from either party, announced her decision to withdraw from the case. She said the case file would be forwarded to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment.

The decision, according to proceedings, was aimed at preserving public confidence in the judiciary amid heightened social media commentary, criticism, and online attacks linked to the case.

Speaking with journalists after the court sitting, lawyer Chikezie Elijah described the development as unusual, noting that it was not prompted by any formal request from either side.

“However, the judge, in a most unusual event, decided to state to the courts that she will be recusing herself from this case and will be sending the file to the Honourable Chief Judge for reassignment of this case. And it was a most unexpected event, as far as I know, there was no formal application,” he said.

He added that such a step is typically taken where there is a concern that the integrity of the judicial process could be questioned.

The case, filed by the Nigeria Police Force, borders on allegations of criminal conspiracy, impersonation, and unauthorised use of VDM’s identity. Blord had previously been remanded in Kuje prison before securing bail.

All parties, including the prosecution and defence, had indicated readiness to proceed with the trial before the sudden recusal halted proceedings.

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore was also present in court. He had previously criticised Blord’s remand and vowed to secure his release, alleging irregularities in the process, a development that had triggered a public disagreement with VDM.

Notably, Blord and VDM met briefly within the court premises and were seen exchanging pleasantries and shaking hands in the presence of their legal representatives before leaving the court.

VDM, however, shifted attention in his remarks, stating that the matter had moved beyond Blord and had become a matter of pride involving Sowore.

“It’s not about Blord anymore, it’s a thing of pride now, it’s about Sowore. I want to show Sowore that he cannot do anything, I want him to know,” he said.

He also warned that any unauthorised use of his identity would attract a firm response, while alleging that Sowore had long held grievances against him.

The case has continued to attract public attention due to the prominence of the individuals involved and the intense discussions it has generated across social media platforms.

Blord, VDM Case Stalled As Judge Steps Down is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Popular Nigerian actor Vitalis Ndubuisi has advised people to be more cautious about sharing their personal problems, warning that constant openness about struggles may not always bring the relief many expect.

In a video online, the actor shared what he described as one of the most important lessons he has learned in life avoiding the habit of telling others everything that is going wrong.

According to him, while many individuals believe that opening up about their challenges will lead to comfort or solutions, the reality is often different.

Ndubuisi explained that sharing personal struggles does not always provide the emotional support people seek, as others may not fully grasp the depth of such experiences.

“Nobody will understand the full weight of what you are going through, because they are not there with you,” he said.

He further noted that it can be emotionally exhausting to disclose deep personal issues only to receive responses that feel superficial, such as expressions of pity.

According to the actor, such reactions rarely address the root of the problem or significantly ease the burden.

Drawing on traditional wisdom, Ndubuisi said elders have long cautioned against excessive disclosure of personal difficulties, warning that it can sometimes have unintended social consequences.

He added that repeatedly discussing personal problems may cause others to withdraw or avoid such individuals over time.

The actor concluded his message by encouraging people to exercise restraint, noting that some challenges are better handled privately rather than expecting others to fully understand or resolve them.

Be Careful Who You Open Up To, Actor Ndubuisi Warns is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

A former member of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Chris Usulor, has declared his intention to contest the Ebonyi Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Usulor, a three-term lawmaker from Ezza South Local Government Area, made his intention known while addressing supporters and party stakeholders in his constituency.

He said his decision was informed by a sense of duty and the need to provide focused and result-oriented representation for the people of the zone.

“I hereby formally declare my intention to contest for the Senatorial position to represent Ebonyi Central Senatorial Zone on the platform of the APC.

“This decision is driven by a deep sense of duty and a firm belief that our people deserve focused, transparent, pragmatic and results-driven representation.

“Ebonyi Central is rich in potential as our farmers, traders, youths and professionals are resilient and hardworking.

“However, we must match that strength with leadership and policies that expand opportunities, strengthen infrastructure, improve education and healthcare, and drive sustainable economic growth for all,” Usulor said.

The APC aspirant said his experience as a three-term member of the State Assembly has equipped him with the requisite legislative knowledge and understanding of governance.

“This aspiration is not about personal ambition, but about service, accountability and inclusive progress. I am committed to listening to every community, engaging stakeholders and building consensus around practical solutions to our shared challenges,” he added.

Usulor, son of the late Senator Vincent Usulor, said he would prioritise job creation, youth empowerment and rural infrastructure development if elected.

He urged residents of the senatorial district to support his ambition, irrespective of political affiliation.

2027: Ex-lawmaker, Usulor joins Ebonyi Central senatorial race

Gunmen have killed a pastor of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), his wife and their two children in Gako village, Rim Ward, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The victims were identified as Rev. Ayuba Choji, his wife, Chundung Ayuba, and their two children, Cyril Ayuba and Endurance Ayuba.

Residents said the attackers invaded the community at about 11 p.m. on Sunday, April 26, 2026, shooting sporadically and forcing people to flee into surrounding bushes for safety.

A community member, Martha Dalyop, described the incident as part of a recurring wave of violence that has left residents in constant fear, preventing many from sleeping in their homes or working on their farms.

Confirming the attack, the publicity secretary of the Berom Youths Moulder Association, Rwang Tengwong, said the assailants appeared to operate in coordinated groups during such raids.

According to him, while one group attacks residents, others destroy farmlands or block escape routes to prevent intervention.

He also disclosed that large portions of farmland, including maize, cabbage and hot pepper crops, were destroyed in Kassa, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, within the past 48 hours, worsening food insecurity in the region.

Aisha Yesufu has condemned attacks on the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, by some politicians.

She was reacting to a recent statement by former federal lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani.

The former lawmaker had in a podcast interview, claimed that Obi’s supporters are tribal, stating that all those backing his presidential ambition are from his ethnic background.

Sani said, “The support for Peter Obi is tribal. Many of those supporting him are people who come from his ethnic background.

“If Peter Obi becomes President of Nigeria today, nothing will change, everything will be the same.”

Reacting, Aisha Yesufu in a post on her official X handle on Monday, described Shehu Sani’s comment as laughable.

She wrote, “The orchestrated attacks against Peter Obi @PeterObi is laughable at best and pathetic at worst! The lie that his support base is tribal died in 2022.

“We proved beyond reasonable doubt that the 4 people that were tweeting in the room in 2022 were from the 4 corners of the country!

“If Peter Obi was not a threat to their illegitimate occupation of the seat of power, APC and their supporters would not have made Peter Obi their fascination that they talk about all the time.”

2027: Your comment on Peter Obi laughable – Aisha Yesufu replies Shehu Sani

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has officially endorsed his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election in the state.

The endorsement was made on Monday at Lagos House, Marina.

In recent weeks, Hamzat has gained increasing support from political stakeholders and community leaders across Lagos during a series of consultative visits ahead of the upcoming election cycle.

JUST IN: Sanwo-Olu Backs Deputy Hamzat For 2027 Lagos Guber is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Former Barcelona manager, Xavi Hernández, has named five teams that can win the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking on Romario’s YouTube channel, Xavi named Brazil, Spain, France, Portugal and Argentina as the countries that can win the World Cup this year.

This year’s World Cup will begin in the summer, and Argentina is the defending champion after winning it in 2022.

“They [Brazil] can be champions. First, because Ancelotti is their coach who brings out the best in players and second, because Brazil dominates at the World Cup. They have good players. Ancelotti always competes,” Xavi said

“The other favorites are Spain, Argentina, France, and Portugal. I see Germany as less of a favorite. England could make a run as well,” he added.

World Cup 2026: Xavi names five favourites to win trophy

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has endorsed his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor for the 2027 governorship election in the state.

Sanwo-Olu announced the endorsement after a closed-door meeting at Lagos House, Marina, where Hamzat officially declared his intention to run for the governorship seat before members of the State Executive Council and key party leaders.

The meeting was attended by members of the Governor’s Advisory Council, including former Minister of State of Defense, Musiliu Obanikoro, and Ganiyu Solomon, among others.

Speaking with newsmen after the meeting, Sanwo-Olu said the endorsement was a unanimous decision reached by stakeholders present, describing Hamzat as prepared and capable of leading the state.

“We just received Mr Deputy, who had come with a very powerful delegation of our leaders in the state to inform us of his intention to contest for the seat of the governorship position of the state.

“It was unanimous with all of us to say that Mr Deputy Governor is a man who is fit and well-prepared for this job. He is a man who knows where all the rooms in the house are,” the governor said.

Sanwo-Olu expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, who, according to him, is instrumental to the discovery of himself and Hamzat, as well as their working relationship.

BREAKING: 2027: Sanwo-Olu endorses Hamzat as preferred successor

Former 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, (AAC), Omoyele Sowore on Monday confronted former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, in an exchange that has since sparked widespread reactions online.

The encounter, captured in a now-viral video, showed Sowore directly addressing Malami over his current legal battles, drawing parallels between the former minister’s present situation and his role during the administration of late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) are suing former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, on charges of money laundering, unlawful possession of firearms, and unlawful acquisition of assets.

He is then contesting an order for the temporary confiscation of his possessions, arguing that they were acquired lawfully.

In a pointed remark, Sowore said, “You see how it feels now to be persecuted. When you were with Buhari, you were bragging. We warned you then that there was failure in the justice system, but you didn’t listen, and now the system is dealing with you.”

The confrontation which, unfolded within the court premises, drew attention from lawyers, litigants, and observers, many of whom appeared to slightly laugh it off.

Sowore also urged the former Attorney General of the Federation to join his Revolution Now movement by offering him an orange beret, stating, “I want to give you my cap. This is a revolutionary cap.”

However, the activist acknowledged Malami’s composure amid the situation.

“At least I’m glad that you are strong. We are not all on the same side ; even the oppressors are oppressing you now. As far as the Nigerian project is concerned, no matter how powerful you people are, we will never support you. We are resilient till tomorrow”, he said.

In response, Malami offered a brief but composed defense of his situation, maintaining confidence in his legal standing.

“I can never be down. Well, I have been attending all my court sittings. I will keep attending. And I remain strong”, he responded.

‘You See How It Feels’, Sowore Mocks Malami Over Trial is first published on The Whistler Newspaper