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Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has said he prays daily for Nigeria to overcome its challenges, describing the country’s stability as critical to Ghana and the wider West African region.

Mahama made the remarks while speaking at the African Heritage Awards 2026 in Accra, where he highlighted the deep historical, cultural and economic ties between Ghana and Nigeria, referring to both countries as “twins of the same mother.”

“Nigeria is of keen security interest to us,” he said. “If Nigeria does well, Ghana does well. When you have cousins, 250 million of them, you want them to do well so that one million of them don’t come drifting towards a small country like Ghana. So every day I wake up, I pray for Nigeria, I say God let Nigeria get their act together.”

The comments underscore concerns about the potential regional impact of instability in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation.

Mahama noted that Nigeria’s size and influence make its economic and security situation a matter of importance beyond its borders, particularly for neighbouring countries such as Ghana.

Nigeria, with a population estimated at over 250 million people, plays a central role in West Africa’s economy and regional security framework, including within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Both Ghana and Nigeria have in recent years faced economic pressures and security challenges, while continuing to cooperate on regional stability and integration efforts.

Mahama’s remarks add to ongoing discussions about the interconnected nature of West African economies and the broader implications of Nigeria’s domestic challenges for the subregion.

Mahama: I Pray Daily for Nigeria is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and Convener of the Alternative, Otunba Segun Showunmi, has urged Ogun state residents to reject what he termed “state capture” disguised as political consensus.

Recall that Governor Dapo Abiodun, alongside other leaders of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) on Monday, unanimously adopted the Senator representing Ogun West, Solomon Adeola (Yayi) as the consensus governorship candidate ahead of next election.

The decision was announced at the APC strategic caucus meeting held at the party secretariat in Abeokuta.

Showunmi on Tuesday, in a piece titled, “From Magbon to Now: We Will Not Be Conquered. Ogun’s Line in the Sand: Resistance to State Capture” warned that the state’s long-standing reputation for independent thought is being eroded by a crude instrument of control.

He challenged the legitimacy of the political arrangement, arguing that while “consensus” is a valid internal party mechanism, it becomes an act of imposition when it lacks the foundation of integrity.

Showunmi described the unfolding political process as a “humiliation” for the electorate, asserting that the arrogance of those seeking to impose their will must be met with a renewed resolve from the grassroots.

The Odofin Keesi expressed concern that those currently attempting to dictate the state’s direction lacked a demonstrable record of public service or private conduct.

He said, “Yes, a political party has the right to choose its internal mechanisms, even if that means adopting “consensus” as its preferred pathway. But across every serious political system where consensus has credibility, it rests on one indispensable foundation: integrity. Without that, consensus degenerates into imposition.

“That is precisely the issue before us. Those now attempting to foist this arrangement on Ogun State bring with them no demonstrable record of integrity neither in private conduct, nor in public service, nor in any coherent understanding of the responsibilities of governance. In such circumstances, what is being presented as consensus is, in reality, a crude instrument of control.

“This is how state capture begins. And it must be resisted. We are therefore confronted with a defining test: not just of the arrogance of those seeking to impose their will, but of the resolve or complicity of a people once known for their independence.”

The PDP chieftain maintained that the history of Ogun State is defined by its ability to challenge entrenched systems, from the fall of the Oyo Empire to the modern era.

“We cannot, in this generation, especially within the framework of a democracy, accept the status of a conquered people.

“No justification political convenience, party loyalty, or manufactured inevitability is sufficient to compel a free people to return to servitude,” he asserted.

Showunmi slams Ogun APC consensus, brands it ‘state capture, crude imposition’

A former head of NATO warned Tuesday that Britain’s national security is “in peril”, as he launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s record on defence.

George Robertson, an ex-defence secretary from Starmer’s Labour party, was to use a speech to accuse ministers of “corrosive complacency”, according to excerpts reported by the Financial Times and BBC.

“We are underprepared. We are underinsured. We are under attack. We are not safe,” Robertson was to say, calling the Iran war a “rude wake-up call”.

Robertson, NATO secretary general between 1999 and 2004, was commissioned by Starmer’s government to lead a review of the UK’s defence capabilities, which was published last year.

A 10-year defence investment plan following the review was meant to be published late last year but has not yet been produced.

Robertson, 80, told the Financial Times there was a gap between Starmer’s rhetoric on defence and the action he had delivered, saying the prime minister was “not willing to make the necessary investment”.

In his speech in Salisbury, southern England on Tuesday night, Robertson was to accuse “non-military experts” in Britain’s treasury of “vandalism”, according to the reports.

“Lip service is paid to the risks, the threats, the bright red signals of danger — but even a promised national conversation about defence can’t be started,” he was to say.

Starmer has pledged to raise defence spending to 2.5 percent of gross domestic product from next year, increasing to three percent in the next parliament.

The rise comes amid demands from US President Donald Trump that NATO allies spend more on defence, and as Europe faces continued Russian aggression.

“We are delivering on the Strategic Defence Review to meet the threats we face,” a government spokesman said, adding the defence investment plan will be published “as soon as possible”.

The post Ex-NATO chief says UK ‘not safe’: reports appeared first on Vanguard News.

Plateau United head coach, Gbenga Ogunbote says the poor quality of Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium’s pitch contributed to his side’s defeat to Rivers United.

Ogunbote also claimed his team paid for their lack of attention in the game.

The Jos club fell 1-0 to Rivers United in Port Harcourt on Sunday.

While Rivers United reclaimed top spot on the table following the hard-earned win, the visitors remain in the middle half, still battling to avoid relegation.

“I think the pitch was used by the two sides, they have been used to it.But having said that , i think the game was more physical than technical,” Ogunbote said in a short video posted on Plateau United’s X account.

“Unfortunately, we lost the game to some carelessness. That was the only real chance of the game. The boys didn’t do badly. It wasn’t just our day.

“I know my players, and know when they will perform best. You have some players that can be very soft in this kind of game when the pitch is not good. So many things worked against us.”

Ogunbote also challenged the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, board to ensure only stadiums with quality pitches host games in the top-flight.

“The game was not easy. The pitch was not good enough, because it rained. This is one of the things that we need to work on because it does not project the league positively,” added Ogunbote.

“The rain disorganised our pattern of play. If you watched the second half, it was better. We were able to put the ball on the floor, and play.

“First half because of the rain, it disorganised us, which was an advantage to the team. Other wise, it would have been a more interesting game if the field was not wet.”

Plateau United will be up against Kun Khalifat FC in their next game.

“I think that is another challenge. At this point in time, we have four games to go. Two at home, two away. Every game is important.

“We want to go back to winning ways at home so that we can be comfortable a bit on the log We will do our very best to ensure that we pick our points,” he added.

NPFL: Ogunbote explains Plateau United defeat to Rivers United

Radiography students at Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi,(MOAUM) have staged a protest over a deepening academic crisis threatening their graduation and professional progression.

The students say the lack of programme accreditation and severe lecturer shortage have stalled critical examinations, leaving their future uncertain.

The institution, formerly known as Benue State University, runs a radiography programme under its College of Health Sciences.

However, the programme is yet to secure accreditation from the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria (RRBN), raising concerns about its academic standing.

Students report that the department currently operates with only two key academic staff, the Head of Department and an Examination Officer handling core courses across multiple levels.

As a result, students in 300 to 500 levels who are eligible for the First Professional Examination have not been assessed.

Final year students are the worst affected, as they have been unable to complete required professional exams, effectively delaying graduation and entry into the workforce.

Protesting students say they have explored internal resolution channels without success.

They are now calling on government authorities, regulatory bodies, and the media to urgently intervene.

Some students expressed fears that prolonged delays could permanently disrupt their career paths.

The situation raises critical questions about regulatory oversight and institutional readiness. Stakeholders are yet to issue an official response, but pressure is mounting for swift action to safeguard the academic future of affected students.

Benue varsity students protest accreditation crisis, delayed exams

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has raised concerns over what it described as repeated and “shameful” denial of venues for its national convention in Abuja.

Chairman of the party’s media and publicity sub-committee for the convention, Kola Ologbondiyan, made the remark while speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Tuesday.

Ologbondiyan said the party encountered several obstacles in securing a venue, recounting an incident in which party officials were invited to inspect an event centre in Mabushi, Abuja, only to be turned back upon arrival.

Describing the situation as unusual, Ologbondiyan suggested that political pressure may be behind the repeated denials, despite the fact that the country is not yet in an election period.

Ologbondiyan said: “Let me tell you what the ADC has passed through in the last few days in respect of venue is shameful. That’s just how to put it: very shameful.

“I give you one example where I was personally involved. We were in Garki when they called that, ‘oh, there is an event center around Mabushi, and they have invited us to come and inspect the place whether it will be suitable for us’.

“I don’t know how much of Abuja, you know, but before we moved from Garki to Mabushi, a journey of about 10 to 15 minutes. When we got to the Mabushi Event Center, they made another call to say that, Oh, they were sorry.

“They had an event that will be holding, and they needed two days to plan for that event, and this one that we are asking for fell within those two days. That’s how we were denied.

“I don’t want to be listing names of event centers, hotels that the party engage on the use for the convention. And were denied.

“And to me, it’s strange, because it’s not election yet, and people who say they are in government, people who have 36 governors plus FCT Minister, people who have all the money in this world are so panicky.”

Convention: ADC passing through ‘shameful ordeal’ – Kola Ologbondiyan

…Makinde loyalists speak out amid rising tensions

By Adeola Badru

Tension is mounting sharply in Oyo State as what began as quiet speculation about an impeachment plot has rapidly evolved into a full-blown political crisis within the State House of Assembly.

What initially appeared to be mere whispers has now crystallised into a serious and potentially destabilising issue, drawing discreet but keen attention from the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), which is closely monitoring developments.

At the centre of the unfolding drama is a crucial meeting reportedly held at the residence of Governor Seyi Makinde.

Lawmakers were said to convene amid growing concerns over an alleged attempt to create a rift between the legislative and executive arms of government.

In the aftermath of said meeting, members of the Assembly have begun to publicly declare their positions.

While some lawmakers, including the Deputy Speaker, have openly denied any involvement in an impeachment plot, others have remained conspicuously silent, further deepening uncertainty and fuelling speculation of internal divisions.

The chief whip, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, has emerged as one of the most outspoken figures. In a detailed statement on his verified Facebook account, he firmly denied taking part in any move capable of undermining the peace of the state, stating unequivocally that he was neither invited to nor aware of any such plan.

Oyekola also referenced discussions from the governor’s meeting, disclosing claims that the Speaker had been approached by influential political and traditional figures regarding his future ambitions.

These approaches, he noted, reportedly included financial inducements, offers the Speaker is said to have rejected outright.

Reaffirming his stance, Oyekola pledged unwavering loyalty to Governor Makinde, emphasising his commitment to the administration and to sustaining peace, stability and progress across the state.

His declaration reflected a broader pattern, as several lawmakers have begun publicly aligning themselves with the governor.

Despite these assurances, critical questions remain unresolved. Will these expressions of loyalty be sufficient to calm tensions and shield the speaker, Adebo Ogundoyin, from mounting pressure, or do they merely mask deeper fractures within the assembly?

Observers suggested that the silence of some lawmakers may be as significant as the statements already made, hinting at underlying divisions that have yet to fully surface.

Adding further intrigue is the renewed focus on earlier warnings attributed to former governor Ayodele Fayose.

His caution about potential political instability is now being revisited, raising the possibility that his predictions could ultimately prove accurate.

For the APC, the situation presents a delicate moment. As events continue to unfold, the party appears to be weighing both the risks and potential political advantages inherent in the crisis.

With additional lawmakers expected to declare their positions in the coming days, attention remained firmly fixed on Oyo State.

The coming statements may prove decisive in clarifying the true depth of divisions within the Assembly. Whether the crisis ultimately gives way to unity or descends into deeper conflict remains uncertain.

What is beyond doubt, however, is that the political stakes are rising rapidly, and the eventual outcome is poised to significantly influence the state’s direction in the near future, even as earlier warnings by Ayodele Fayose continue to cast a long shadow over unfolding events.

The post Impeachment saga rocks Oyo Assembly as lawmakers split appeared first on Vanguard News.

Benue South senatorial aspirant under the platform of the African Democratic Congress ( ADC) Dr David Olofu has expressed strong anger and frustration over the continuous killing of people of Ankpali Edikwu 2 community in Apa Local Government Area of Benue state by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

Olofu in a press statement in Otukpo on Monday described as barbaric and unacceptable the recent killings in the community.

He condemned the killing of innocent citizens who are farmers in the state and appealed to security agencies to redouble their efforts in curbing the menace.

Dr.Olofu said, “These barbaric acts have become footprints across communities in Benue South. From Apa, Agatu to communities in Otukpo, Ohimini, Ado-Okpokwu, Ogbadibo, Oju and Obi, our people have been subjected to a continuous and alarming level of insecurity. This is unacceptable.

“Our people deserve to live in peace and dignity. They deserve to return to their homes, go about their daily livelihoods, and sleep without fear.

“The primary and constitutional responsibility of government is the protection of lives and property.

“I, therefore, urge all levels of government; federal, state, local governments and ward leadership to take immediate and decisive action to prevent further escalation and reoccurrence of these attacks.

“No society can experience growth and development in the absence of peace and security. Government must rise to its responsibility and ensure that our communities are safe, peaceful and stable.

“At this difficult time, I call on all community members to remain calm and united, while we continue to work for a sustainable solution, demand accountability and action from our governments.

“I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the victims and pray that the souls of the departed find eternal rest.”

Olofu decries terror attack on Benue community

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has revealed plans to deploy artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen revenue generation, improve remittance processes, and reduce audit queries.

He disclosed at the opening of a three-day training on AI-powered revenue generation, remittance, and reconciliation in Abuja.

Adeniyi said the initiative reflects a strategic shift in the Service’s operations as it moves from a reactive system driven by legislative summons to a more proactive and collaborative framework.

He explained that the new approach strengthens engagement with the National Assembly, focusing on partnership, transparency, and shared responsibility in fiscal management.

“We all know that in a presidential system of government, the oversight power of the executive lies squarely with the parliament, and this is exercised through committees such as the Public Accounts Committee in both chambers. What we have been used to over the years are summons asking us to explain our revenue, our processes, and our operations,” he said.

He added that whether through summons or invitations, the goal remains unchanged ensuring transparency in public accounts and enforcing fiscal discipline.

“These summons are binding under the Constitution, and we have no option but to comply. But today, we are deliberately flipping that narrative. It is now the Customs that has invited the distinguished committees to engage with us,” he said.

Adeniyi noted that technology has long supported Customs operations, but said artificial intelligence would significantly enhance efficiency, accuracy, and compliance systems.

He explained that AI would improve trade classification, risk management, and scanning processes used to detect anomalies in imported goods.

According to him, these innovations are essential in addressing revenue leakages and improving operational transparency.

He also highlighted that revenue generation and reconciliation involve a wide chain of stakeholders, including banks, auditors, and key fiscal institutions such as the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission and the Federation Account Allocation Committee.

“These processes involve a long value chain, and while we are taking this leap forward, we encourage other stakeholders to adopt similar innovations so that collectively we can maximise the benefits of AI,” he added.

In his remarks, Chairman of the House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee, Bamidele Salam, said the engagement reflects improved collaboration between lawmakers and revenue-generating agencies.

He said parliamentary oversight is not intended to be punitive but to strengthen governance and ensure compliance with established laws.

Salam noted that reforms within Customs have contributed to a decline in audit-related infractions in recent years.

He added that the growing national budget requires stronger revenue performance from agencies like Customs to support fiscal sustainability.

Earlier, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Finance, Administration and Technical Services, Kikelomo Adeola, described the training as a major milestone in the Service’s reform agenda.

She said artificial intelligence presents significant opportunities to improve transparency, efficiency, and accountability in public revenue management.

A representative of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Ibrahim Mambo, commended the initiative, describing it as timely and essential for strengthening fiscal governance.

The Customs Service said the initiative comes amid increasing pressure on revenue-generating agencies to boost collections and block leakages as Nigeria grapples with rising fiscal demands.

The three-day training is expected to strengthen institutional capacity and deepen collaboration among stakeholders across Nigeria’s revenue ecosystem as efforts to improve fiscal discipline intensify.

Customs Deploys AI To Boost Revenue is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

A Paris court has convicted French cement maker Lafarge of financing terrorism after the company paid millions of euros to armed groups, including Islamic State and the al-Qaeda-affiliated Nusra Front, to keep its cement plant operating in northern Syria during the civil war.

The verdict was delivered on April 13, 2026, at the Paris Criminal Court.

Lafarge, now part of the Swiss conglomerate Holcim, made payments totalling €5.59m (approximately $6.5m) between 2013 and 2014 through its Syrian subsidiary, Lafarge Cement Syria.

The funds were used to secure safe passage for employees and trucks, purchase raw materials from quarries under militant control, and maintain overall operations in the conflict zone.

The presiding judge ruled that the payments created a commercial partnership with the terrorist groups, driven purely by economic motives to sustain the plant’s activities.

Lafarge was ordered to pay a fine of €1.125m, the maximum penalty available for the company. Former chief executive Bruno Lafont was sentenced to six years in prison and ordered to begin serving the term immediately. His lawyers plan to appeal the verdict.

Former deputy managing director Christian Herrault received a five-year jail term. Eight former employees in total were convicted, with sentences ranging up to seven years in one case delivered in absentia.

Lafarge had acquired the cement factory in Jalabiya, near Kobani in northern Syria, in 2008 for about $680m and started production in 2010, just before the Syrian civil war erupted in 2011.

While many multinational companies withdrew from Syria as the conflict intensified, Lafarge evacuated its expatriate staff but left local Syrian employees in place and continued operations until Islamic State seized the plant in September 2014.

Investigations revealed that the company negotiated deals with various armed factions, including monthly security payments and revenue-sharing arrangements that allowed it to generate tens of millions of dollars in sales revenue during the period.

The case first came to light through media investigations and a criminal complaint filed in 2016 by 11 former Syrian employees, together with non-governmental organisations Sherpa and the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights.

It led to years of legal proceedings, including rulings by France’s highest court that paved the way for the terrorism financing trial, which ran for six weeks from November to December 2025.

A separate investigation into possible complicity in crimes against humanity remains ongoing.

Lafarge has described the matter as a legacy issue from more than a decade ago that violated its own code of conduct.

The company noted the verdict as an important milestone in addressing past conduct responsibly.

The French ruling follows a 2022 guilty plea in the United States, where Lafarge admitted conspiring to provide material support to terrorist groups and paid a record $778 million in fines and forfeiture.

Lafarge Convicted Of Financing ISIS, Other Terror Groups is first published on The Whistler Newspaper