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Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has described himself as a “freelance politician” with no firm ties to any political party, making the declaration on Thursday while hosting Labour Party’s Peter Obi and South-East stakeholders in Bauchi.

Mohammed said the meeting centred on national unity and cross-regional collaboration, insisting the discussions were not driven by partisan interests.

“Neither PDP nor ADC is standing alone. I am a freelance politician now, and his party is also in limbo. We are looking up to the judiciary.

“Certainly, we are all in the opposition, and that is why I say this is a political discussion,” Mohammed said, adding that the finer details of their deliberations would remain confidential for now.

The governor said ongoing engagements among political actors were focused on possible realignments and cooperation ahead of future elections, expressing optimism that the current political climate could serve as a unifying force for opposition figures.

“We cannot operate without a platform. At the end of the day, the current political situation may even help unify us and strengthen our chances of winning elections,” he said.

Mohammed described Obi’s visit as symbolic of broader efforts to build bridges across Nigeria’s regions, saying it aligned with his state’s values of inclusivity and national cohesion.

Obi, for his part, said the visit was aimed at fostering unity and soliciting collaboration across geopolitical zones, pushing back against speculation that the engagement was about political defections or party recruitment.

“We are not inviting each other into political parties; we are inviting ourselves to build a better Nigeria,” he said.

The meeting was attended by several South-East stakeholders, including former Imo State Governor Achike Udenwa and Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe and Victor Umeh.

The development is the latest in a series of cross-party consultations by Mohammed, who has in recent months hosted leaders from the African Democratic Congress and the All Progressives Congress as political realignments gather pace ahead of the 2027 elections.

Gov Bala Declares Himself ‘Freelance Politician’ As Obi Visits is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Police Service Commission has announced that the written examination for applicants seeking enlistment into the Nigeria Police will be held from April 28 to 30, 2026, across designated centres nationwide.

In a statement issued and signed by the Head of Protocol and Public Affairs, Torty Njoku Kalu, on behalf of the Commission on Thursday.

The Commission said the exercise is being conducted in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and will cover candidates applying for positions as Police Constables under both General Duty and Specialist categories.

According to the PSC, only applicants who successfully passed the earlier physical and credentials screening will be eligible to sit for the examination.

He stated that qualified candidates have been advised to visit the official recruitment portal beginning Friday, April 24, 2026, to print their Examination Invitation Cards, which will specify their examination date, time, and venue.

The Commission outlined mandatory items for the examination, including a pen, a National Identification Number (NIN) slip issued by the National Identity Management Commission bearing a clear photograph, and a printed copy of the invitation card. Candidates are also required to appear in a prescribed dress code of white shorts, white T-shirt, and white canvas shoes.

Reiterating its commitment to a transparent recruitment process, the PSC emphasized that the exercise is entirely free of charge. It warned applicants to beware of fraudsters, stressing that any involvement in job racketeering, scams, or financial inducements would attract strict legal consequences.

PSC To Conduct Police Exams Nationwide is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The industrial action by primary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) may linger despite fresh intervention of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, at a meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) on Thursday.

Wike expressed concern over procedural lapses that excluded area council chairmen from earlier discussions, insisting their involvement is crucial to resolving the dispute.

“It would not be proper to hold such a crucial meeting without those directly affected,” the minister said, adding that he had chaired multiple engagements on teachers’ allowances and emoluments.

Wike revealed that a committee had already been set up to address the lingering issues and that he took the unusual step of intercepting internally generated revenue (IGR) allocations from area councils to ensure direct payment of teachers’ entitlements.

“I directed the treasury to ensure that the money is paid directly to address these concerns,” he stated.

The minister, however, expressed surprise at reports of a planned strike despite prior agreements, describing it as counterproductive.

“I have repeatedly emphasized that education is vital, and continuous strikes will only negatively affect our children,” Wike said.

He reiterated that the payment of primary school teachers’ salaries and allowances remains the statutory responsibility of the area councils, noting that the FCT Administration’s intervention was aimed solely at resolving the impasse.

Chairman of the NUT FCT Wing, Comrade Abdullahi Mohammed Shafa, who briefed journalists after the meeting, described the engagement as “very fruitful”.

He said the meeting addressed critical challenges affecting teachers across primary, junior secondary, and senior secondary schools in the territory.

Shafa acknowledged ongoing improvements in school infrastructure and commended the minister’s efforts in renovating learning facilities and tackling issues related to teachers’ welfare.

However, he stressed that concerns remain unresolved, particularly those affecting primary school teachers.

According to him, “shortcomings” persist in the implementation of rights and entitlements for primary school teachers, a situation the union considers urgent.

He added that the union also tabled issues surrounding delayed promotions and unfilled vacancies, warning that stagnation within the system could undermine productivity and morale in schools.

The NUT chairman disclosed that the minister pledged to take “immediate action” on the concerns raised, admitting he was previously unaware of the full scale of some of the challenges.

Despite the assurances, Shafa stated that the ongoing strike has not been suspended.

He said the union’s leadership would reconvene to review the outcome of the meeting before taking a final position on the industrial action.

“We will return to our headquarters to deliberate on the discussions and determine the next line of action,” he said.

FCT Teachers’ Strike Continues Despite Wike’s Intervention is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Africa’s institutional capital pool rose sharply to more than $2trn in 2025, but the continent continues to struggle to channel these funds into critical infrastructure and industrial development, according to a new report by the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).

The findings, published in the AFC’s latest State of Africa’s Infrastructure Report released in Nairobi, highlight a widening disconnect between the rapid growth in financial assets held by African institutions and their limited deployment into productive sectors capable of driving economic growth and job creation.

According to the report, Africa’s total institutional capital pools expanded by 25 per cent from approximately $1.6trn in 2024 to over $2trn in 2025.

The assets are spread across a broad range of institutions, including more than $1trn in pension and insurance funds, about $275bn in public development banks, $164bn in sovereign wealth funds, and roughly $530bn in central bank reserves.

The growth in capital reserves was partly attributed to favourable global market conditions, particularly rising gold prices, which boosted the value of central bank holdings across the continent. The report noted that this trend has strengthened the case for leveraging domestic savings as a key source of development finance.

Despite this progress, the AFC stressed that the availability of capital is not the primary constraint. Instead, the challenge lies in how these resources are allocated.

A significant portion of institutional funds continues to be invested in low-risk instruments such as government bonds, limiting the flow of capital into infrastructure, manufacturing, and other productive sectors.

“Capital is accumulating across Africa, but it is not creating jobs at scale. That is the disconnect we must fix,” said Chief Executive Officer of the AFC, Samaila Zubairu.

The report described the situation as a “failure of alignment” between capital availability and development priorities, warning that conservative investment strategies are constraining economic transformation.

It added that without deliberate policy and regulatory reforms to incentivise long-term investments, Africa risks missing an opportunity to leverage its growing financial base to close its infrastructure gap.

Infrastructure deficits remain a major bottleneck to growth across the continent, affecting sectors such as energy, transport, and industrial production. Analysts estimate that Africa requires tens of billions of dollars annually to meet its infrastructure needs, yet funding shortfalls persist despite rising domestic capital.

The AFC called for stronger frameworks to mobilise institutional investors, deepen capital markets, and create bankable projects that can attract long-term financing. It also emphasised the importance of aligning investment strategies with national development goals to ensure that accumulated capital translates into tangible economic outcomes.

Africa’s $2trn Assets Yet To Boost Infrastructure Investment — Report is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a terrorist infiltration into Kanama town in Borno State, killing four suspected insurgents during a response operation.

This was disclosed in a post shared by security analyst and counter-insurgency expert in the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama via his X handle.

Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on April 22 when troops of the 159 Battalion, deployed in Kanama, responded to gunfire within the town.

On arrival, the troops discovered that suspected terrorists had infiltrated parts of the community and engaged them in a gun battle.

The attackers were overpowered and forced to retreat, while troops conducted follow-up operations in the area.

During the operation, four suspected insurgents were neutralised.

A member of the Civilian Joint Task Force, CJTF, was injured during the encounter and has been evacuated for medical treatment.

No military equipment was reported lost.

Items recovered from the suspects include two mobile phones and cash.

Security sources said the situation in the area remains under monitoring, with troops maintaining operations to prevent further attacks.

Troops repel terrorist infiltration in Borno, neutralise four insurgents

A former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said that democracy is the most viable system of governance, despite its inherent imperfections.

Mohammed made this assertion during a high-level interactive session at St John’s College, Cambridge, convened by the Cambridge University Nigeria Society.

A statement on the session was made available to newsmen on Thursday in Abuja by Mr Nnamdi Atupulazi, Head of Strategic Communications in the former Minister’s media office.

Atupulazi said the event brought together Nigerian students and scholars in the diaspora for a candid discussion on the state of democracy, governance and development in Nigeria. He said participants at the sessionraised concerns about the effectiveness of democracy in Nigeria in the context of low educational penetration.

Atupulazi said, while responding to the concerns, Mohammed stressed that the real challenge was not in the principle of equal voting rights, but in the socio-economic conditions that shape voter behaviour. The former minister noted that improving access to education, healthcare and infrastructure, particularly in underserved regions, is critical to strengthening democratic outcomes.

Addressing the link between insecurity and social exclusion, Mohammed said insurgency and banditry were driven, in part, by poverty, lack of education and marginalisation. He emphasised that military action alone was insufficient and rather called for a balanced approach that integrates non-kinetic measures such as education and economic development.

Earlier in a presentation, Mohammed underscored the central role of communication in governance, describing it as the “lifeblood” that connects leadership to the people. He argued that governance in the modern era cannot succeed without deliberate, strategic and credible communication.

“Communication is not a supporting function of governance, it is central to it. It is the bridge between the state and its citizens, the system through which policies are explained, legitimacy is built and trust is sustained,” he said.

Drawing on his unique experience as both an opposition spokesman and government spokesperson, the former minister highlighted the transformation of political communication in the digital age.

“We have moved from top-down messaging to real-time public conversation. Citizens today do not just receive information, they interrogate it, challenge it and actively shape the narrative,” he said.

Mohammed warned that governments must adapt to this evolving reality by becoming more transparent, responsive and consistent in their communication strategies.

Reflecting on his time in office, Mohammed cited multi-platform communication as a defining achievement, shifting from one-way messaging to active engagement, integrating citizen feedback into governance and decision-making. He stressed communication’s central role, drawing from his book to show how it shaped narratives, managed crises, and defended national interests.

Mohammed recalled that during COVID-19, communication was Nigeria’s strongest tool, driving compliance with safety measures and significantly reducing the pandemic’s impact.

On the P&ID case, the former minister highlighted a dual approach of legal action and media engagement, stressing the need to influence both court proceedings and global public opinion.
He also recalled the many misinformation during EndSARS and justified the Twitter suspension on security grounds.

The former minister, who is on a three-day speaking engagement in the UK concluded that effective communication is indispensable in times of crisis.

Democracy Still Best System Despite Flaws — Lai Mohammed is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, in partnership with the Lagos State Safety Commission, has carried out a one-day safety sensitisation programme aimed at improving emergency response and crisis handling among its staff.

The Lagos State Government said in a statement that the training, held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the Ministry’s conference room, brought together management and staff, with a focus on building safety awareness, reducing workplace risks, and equipping participants with practical knowledge to prevent and respond to emergencies.

Welcoming participants, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, who was represented by the Director of Administration and Human Resource, Taoreed Dosunmu, stressed that safety should be treated as a daily duty.

“A strong safety culture is essential for preventing accidents, safeguarding lives, and improving workplace productivity,” Oyekan-Ismaila said.

She also highlighted the need for personal responsibility in safety management, adding that everyone has a role to play in ensuring a safe and secure environment.

In her presentation, the Director of Safety Training and Sensitisation at the Commission, Oluwatosin Sobola, explained the concept of safety and outlined the roles of key emergency response agencies in the state.

According to her, these agencies include the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Lagos State Ambulance Service, and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, noting the importance of contacting the right agency during emergencies.

She also provided practical safety tips covering the workplace, road use, and home environment, while identifying common risks such as physical hazards, electrical dangers, and emergency-related threats.

Sobola further listed preventive measures, including proper handling of equipment, avoiding overloaded electrical sockets, ensuring clear emergency exits, and maintaining good housekeeping to prevent slips and falls.

She urged staff to focus on early identification of hazards, report unsafe conditions without delay, and follow established safety rules.

Participants were also advised to stay alert, practice defensive driving, and adopt safety-conscious habits at home to reduce risks.

Lagos moves to reduce workplace hazards through Safety training

The Police Service Commission (PSC), in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), has fixed April 28–30, 2026, for the written examination for applicants seeking enlistment as Police Constables (General Duty and Specialist).

Torty Njoku Kalu, Head of Protocol and Public Affairs (Spokesman), Police Service Commission, Abuja, in a statement on Thursday, said the exercise will take place at designated centres across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The Commission stated that only candidates who successfully passed the physical and credential screening are eligible, adding that qualified applicants are to log on to www.npfapplication.psc.gov.ng from Friday, April 24, 2026, to print their Examination Invitation Card, which indicates the specific date, time and venue of their test.

Required items for the examination include a pen, National Identification Number (NIN) slip from NIMC (with clear photograph), printed Examination Invitation Card, and a dress code comprising white shorts, a white T-shirt and white canvas shoes.

According to the statement, the Police Service Commission reiterated that the recruitment process is entirely free and warned that any form of job racketeering, scams or financial inducement will be met with the full force of the law.

Police constable recruitment exam to begin April 28

McLaren have made 11-year-old Harry Williams their youngest ever signing.

Williams is two years younger than F1 great Lewis Hamilton was when he joined the team in 1998.

Ella Hakkinen – daughter of double F1 world champion Mika – was previously the youngest driver currently on the McLaren driver development programme, having joined last year aged 14.

Seven-time world champion Hamilton joined the programme aged 13, going on to make his F1 debut in 2007.

Reigning champion and McLaren driver Lando Norris also came through the programme, joining aged 17.

“Our goal is to build a consistent pipeline, laddering into our race programmes in F1, IndyCar and the World Endurance Championship for many years to come, and adding Harry as a talented young karter demonstrates this,” said Alessandro Aluni Bravi, McLaren’s chief business affairs officer.

“For this driver, I think there is no target, no pressure other than enjoy karting to get maximum experience, but also to understand what does it mean to be a McLaren driver.”

Williams, from Cheshire, first started karting in 2021 and was the 2025 British Open Champion, O plate winner in the Italian Waterswift Series and was fifth in the European Waterswift Championship.

“I am really excited to join the McLaren driver development programme. They’re known for developing talent, so it’s great to join the team as I continue to progress in karting and into single-seater racing in the future,” he said.

McLaren Sign 11-Year-Old To Young Driver Programme is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Activist, Omoyele Sowore, has questioned the effectiveness of the federal government’s fuel subsidy removal, arguing that the policy has deepened economic hardship rather than alleviated the sufferings of Nigerians.

He stated that the reform has not translated into improved living conditions, insisting that ordinary citizens have borne the brunt of the policy shift.

Sowore spoke on Thursday, during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese Ijebu, and monitored by our correspondent in Abeokuta.

He criticised the current administration’s economic direction, maintaining that the value of the naira has collapsed and is an evidence of economic mismanagement.

According to him, inflation, borrowing, and wage stagnation have worsened under the policy framework introduced by the administration.

His words, “Well, the economic situation in the country is transparent to all of you. It’s not something that you need an expert analyst to tell you. Like the government from day one of its inception mismanaged the Nigerian economy. And how do you know?

“The strength of your currency is one of the ways you judge your economic relevance and your purchasing power. It went from 400 Naira that Tinubu met in Naira, to a dollar. And now we are now at 1,400 or 450, as the case may be, or 1,500.”

Sowore further argued that the removal of subsidy was accompanied by promises that have not been fulfilled, stressing that citizens have not seen any improvement in infrastructure or social services.

“He removed what he called subsidy and lied to all of you that the removal of subsidy will lead to more prosperity, that he will invest the money in building roads and securing your neighborhoods and securing your schools, and he will somehow give you more money in your pocket. Ask yourself, has that happened? So all of you are vanquished economically.

“We have engaged, or he has engaged in borrowing money that has never been done before. They are borrowing money to pay salaries. They are borrowing money to do everything. The Nigerian economy can’t even fulfill its obligations to its lawful budget. So you have several ministries that get zero capital revenues for their ministries. So what economy are you talking about?”

“There is no economy here anymore. People are just living from hand to mouth. A lot of people can’t even lift their hand to mouth anymore. That’s where we are. So there’s nothing to evaluate economically about this Tinubu regime.

“Nigeria has gone bankrupt since removal of subsidy. How do you know you’re bankrupt? Because you can’t even fulfill basic obligations” he added.

He argued that the removal has benefitted only a small elite group while worsening inflation and insecurity.

“I ask again, who has benefited from the removal of subsidy? If you know anybody, please point them to me. Apart from the 1% people who dominate the political and economic stage.”

Sowore insisted that economic policy must be judged by its impact on ordinary citizens rather than macroeconomic indicators alone, arguing that Nigeria’s current direction reflects elite protection rather than public welfare.

Sowore questions Tinubu’s reform, says Nigerian govt mismanaged economy