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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed deep sorrow over the killing of Brigadier-General Braimah Oseni, Commander of the 29 Task Force Brigade, alongside several soldiers and the brigade’s Imam during a Boko Haram attack in Benisheikh, Borno State.

In a statement posted on his X handle on Friday, Atiku described the incident as heartbreaking, extending his condolences to the family of the late officer and other victims of the assault.

“My heart is heavy at the news of the killing of Brigadier-General O. Braimah, Commander of the 29 Task Force Brigade, alongside gallant soldiers and the brigade’s Imam, in the Boko Haram attack on Benisheikh,” he said.

THE WHISTLER had earlier reported the death of Brigadier General Braimoh Oseni, an incident that has sparked both grief and sharp criticism, with many Nigerians pointing to what they describe as lapses in operational effectiveness and leadership oversight.

Oseni was killed on Thursday alongside troops under the 29 Task Force Brigade of Operation HADIN KAI when insurgents launched an attack on their camp in Benisheikh, located in Borno State.

The latest attack adds to a growing list of high-profile casualties within Nigeria’s military hierarchy amid the protracted insurgency in the North-East.

His death comes barely five months after another senior officer, Brigadier General M. Uba, was killed by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Uba, who commanded the 25 Task Force Brigade in Damboa, was reportedly ambushed and killed along the Damboa–Biu axis.

Atiku, in his message, also sympathised with the immediate family of the deceased officer.

“To his dear wife, his brother Alhassan, and the entire Braimah family, I extend my deepest condolences,” he added.

He paid tribute to the fallen personnel, describing their deaths as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made daily by members of the armed forces in defence of the nation.

“We honour his supreme sacrifice, and the daily sacrifices of all the brave men and women who stand on the frontlines to keep our nation safe. May their service not be in vain,” he stated.

He further offered prayers for the repose of their souls and comfort for the bereaved families.

“May Allah grant them Aljannah Firdaus, and comfort the families they leave behind,” he said.

Atiku Mourns Slain Brigade Commander, Soldiers In Borno Attack is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed a viral video circulating on social media alleging an ongoing terrorist attack in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, describing it as false and misleading.

In a statement released on Friday, April 10, the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, said preliminary investigations confirmed that no such incident occurred in the nation’s capital.

He explained that the video was deliberately manipulated using footage sourced from online platforms to create panic and spread misinformation.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the video was deliberately curated using misleading footage sourced from online platforms to construct a false narrative aimed at causing panic, inciting public fear, and undermining public confidence in the security architecture of the nation’s capital,” the statement read

The police further disclosed that operatives have arrested one Pam Joseph in connection with the creation and circulation of the fake video. According to the Force, the arrest followed credible intelligence and digital forensic investigations that linked the suspect to the origin and dissemination of the content.

The statement added that while citizens are entitled to freedom of expression, such rights do not extend to the spread of misinformation capable of causing public fear or threatening national security.

“The Force reiterates that while citizens have the right to freedom of expression, such rights do not extend to the deliberate spread of misinformation capable of threatening public peace and national security. Members of the public are therefore advised to verify information before sharing and to refrain from engaging in activities that may incite fear or disorder,” the statement added.

Placid mentioned that the suspect is currently in custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

France has chosen Ghana as the inaugural recipient of its new National Health Platform, a comprehensive digital system designed to transform healthcare delivery across the country.

The announcement was made by French President Emmanuel Macron during bilateral talks with Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama at the Élysée Palace in Paris.

The meeting followed President Mahama’s participation in the 2026 One Health Summit in Lyon, which he co-chaired with President Macron.

The National Health Platform aims to establish secure, patient-centred digital medical records, enhance communication among healthcare providers, and expand access to telemedicine services.

French officials described the initiative as a key tool to modernise health systems, improve efficiency, and prepare for future health challenges through better data management and innovation.

President Mahama welcomed the partnership, describing it as a major advancement that will strengthen healthcare accessibility and quality for Ghanaians.

The selection underscores growing international confidence in Ghana’s ongoing health sector reforms and its capacity to adopt and implement advanced digital solutions effectively.

Beyond healthcare, the leaders discussed broader cooperation on infrastructure and economic reforms. Key among these was France’s support for the proposed Accra-Kumasi Expressway, a major transportation project expected to significantly improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and stimulate economic activity between Ghana’s two largest cities.

President Macron also expressed strong interest in the Accra Reset Initiative, an economic and governance reform programme championed by President Mahama.

The French leader reportedly described the initiative as “very important” and noted that it served as a valuable reference point during discussions at the One Health Summit.

Additional areas of collaboration highlighted during the talks included agriculture (with emphasis on food security and year-round farming), artificial intelligence, maternal health, trade, investment, and regional security, particularly efforts to combat terrorism.

President Mahama was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, National Security Advisor Prosper Bani, and other senior officials.

During the visit, he also held separate discussions with Gérard Larcher, President of the French Senate, focusing on expanding ties in security and commercial relations.

This development comes at a time when Ghana is intensifying efforts to leverage international partnerships for digital transformation and sustainable development.

The National Health Platform is expected to play a pivotal role in building a more resilient and inclusive health system, ultimately benefiting ordinary citizens through improved service delivery.

As Ghana continues to position itself as a hub for innovation and reform in the sub-region, the France-Ghana partnership signals stronger South-South and North-South collaboration in addressing pressing global challenges like health security and infrastructure gaps.

Ghana Selected As First Beneficiary Of France’s National Health Platform is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Ogun State All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Leader, Hon. Aremu Babatunde has thrown his weight behind the Adetomiwa Adetilewa to run for the exalted office of Ijebu Central Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

The youth leader disclosed on Thursday this during an engagement meeting with the aspirant in Ijebu Ode.

Babatunde revealed that youths across the constituency, under his leadership, have unanimously agreed that Adetilewa remains the most credible and dependable candidate to represent their interests at the National Assembly.

He emphasized that the decision was reached after careful consideration of the aspirant’s track record, vision, and commitment to youth development.

According to him, Adetilewa’s candidacy continues to gain widespread acceptance, noting that he enjoys strong backing from party leadership at all levels national, state, and local.

This, he said, further reinforces confidence in his ability to emerge victorious and deliver effective representation.

Babatunde also used the opportunity to call on other youths in the constituency who are yet to align with the movement to join the campaign. He urged them to rally support and work collectively towards ensuring Adetilewa’s emergence at the polls and eventual representation at the National Assembly.

In his response, Adetilewa described the endorsement as a strong vote of confidence in his vision, capacity, and commitment to delivering quality representation for the people of Ijebu Central.

“I am truly honoured and humbled by this endorsement from the youth leadership of our great party. It is a clear indication that our message of inclusive development, youth empowerment, and responsive leadership is resonating with the grassroots,” he said.

He noted that young people remain a critical pillar in the political and socio-economic development of Ogun State, promising to prioritize policies and initiatives that would create opportunities for them.

The aspirant further emphasized that the support from party stakeholders, especially the youth wing, reinforces his resolve to run an issue-based campaign anchored on unity, progress, and service delivery.

“This endorsement is not just about me; it is about the collective aspiration of our people for better representation. I assure you that I will not take this support for granted. Together, we will build a constituency that works for everyone,” he added.

He also called on other party faithful and constituents to join hands in strengthening the APC’s chances in the forthcoming elections, stressing the importance of cohesion and shared purpose.

APC Youth Leader Endorses Adetilewa For Ijebu Central Federal Constituency is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has suspended the controllers in charge of commands along the Lagos–Seme border corridor following allegations of extortion involving its personnel.

In a statement on Friday by the NIS Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, the Comptroller-General of Immigration, KN Nandap, described the alleged conduct as unacceptable and a clear breach of the NIS ethics, values, and operational standards.

Nandap said the comptrollers were suspended pending the outcome of a comprehensive investigation. According to the NIS, the probe is aimed at identifying all officers involved and ensuring that appropriate disciplinary measures are applied without delay.

“Consequently, the CGI has temporarily relieved the Comptrollers in charge of the affected Commands of their duties and has directed a thorough investigation surrounding these incidents, in order to identify all officers involved, and ensure that appropriate disciplinary measures are applied with immediate effect,” Nandap said.

The NIS further reassured the public of its commitment to professionalism, transparency, and efficient service delivery at all entry and exit points across the country, stressing that it will not tolerate any act capable of undermining public trust or tarnishing its institutional integrity.

“The Service wishes to reassure the general public, that it remains committed to delivering professional, transparent, and efficient services at all points of entry and exit. It will not condone any act that undermines public trust or tarnishes the integrity of the Service,” she stated.

The NIS also urged members of the public to report any form of misconduct through its official social media platforms and contact centre lines, as it strengthens internal mechanisms to ensure accountability.

NIS Suspends Border Comptrollers Over Alleged Extortion is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Chairman of the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State, Alhaji Bello Isyaku, has described the party’s ongoing congress as a deliberate effort to unite members across the state.

Isyaku stated this while speaking with journalists on Friday in Sokoto, following the successful conduct of the party’s ward congresses held on Thursday in all 244 wards of the state.

He said the exercise was hitch-free, reflecting the unity, discipline, and commitment of members to the party’s ideals.

According to him, the congresses have further strengthened internal cohesion and reaffirmed the collective resolve of members to move the party forward.

“Anyone who thinks the ADC belongs to him should come forward, purchase nomination forms, and seek the endorsement of members to lead the party.

“Creating factions to claim ownership of the party will not be accepted. Those who genuinely want the progress of the party will not engage in such actions,” he said.

The chairman added that the party leadership was aware of attempts by some individuals to destabilise it but expressed confidence that loyal members would resist such moves.

“We know where they are coming from, and the congresses, which represent the will of the real owners of the party, will firmly reject such tendencies,” he added.

Isyaku reiterated that the ADC remained committed to repositioning Nigeria in line with the aspirations of its citizens.

“The country must be safe, secure, united, and prosperous, with all regions enjoying equal opportunities,” he said.

He also emphasised that there was no faction within the party, insisting that the ADC remained united nationwide.

“There is only one true and legal ADC, and we are the bonafide members of the party,” he said.

On the conduct of the exercise, Isyaku stated that the congresses were peaceful and successful across the state, adding that they were supervised by Sen. Bashir Yar’adua, who was deployed by the party’s national headquarters.

He said monitoring teams covered Sokoto North, Sokoto South, Wamakko, Kware, Dange-Shuni, and Yabo Local Government Areas, where the process was conducted smoothly.

The chairman further disclosed that the party would hold its local government congresses on Saturday, while the state congress “is scheduled for April 14.”

He urged Nigerians to sustain their confidence in the ADC, assuring that the party remained committed to restoring the country’s lost glory.

ADC Warns Against Factions At Sokoto Congress is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Hope Alive Initiative (HAI) says President Bola Tinubu’s recent approval of about N3tn to settle debts owed to electricity companies will boost investor confidence in Nigeria’s troubled power sector.

The civil society organisation said the move will send a strong signal to both local and international investors that the administration is committed to reforms and ready to address long-standing structural challenges in the electricity market.

HAI, in a statement by Ernest Omo, director of press and communications, noted that Nigeria’s power sector has for decades struggled under the weight of mounting debt, operational inefficiencies, and low investor confidence.

These, Omo said, have limited its ability to deliver reliable electricity to homes and businesses.

“It (debt settlement) is a strategic intervention that removes a major obstacle to progress in the sector,” he said.

He added that reliable electricity remains critical to industrialisation, job creation, and innovation.

HAI expressed optimism that the development would reposition Nigeria’s energy sector to support broader economic ambitions and enhance competitiveness within Africa.

The group also urged Nigerians to view the debt settlement as a signal to both local and international investors that the country is serious about reforms and committed to creating a more transparent and viable electricity market.

It added that improved financial stability in the sector could unlock new partnerships and accelerate the modernisation of power infrastructure across the country.

The organisation further called on electricity companies to reciprocate the government’s efforts by improving service delivery.

Tinubu’s N3tn Electricity Debt Settlement Will Boost Investor Confidence — HAI is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Veteran Nollywood actor Zack Orji has criticised Nigerians who oppose President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing many of forming opinions based on unverified social media content rather than factual research.

Speaking on the KaaTruths podcast, Orji recounted an encounter in the United Kingdom in which some individuals challenged him for supporting Tinubu.

He said, “Why would I not support him? Is he the president of my country? Do you want me not to support the president of my country if I am convinced that he is doing things in the right way?”

The actor maintained that he sees no reason to withdraw his support, stressing the need to give the administration time to implement its policies.

Orji also highlighted the challenges of reforms, noting that they often require dismantling existing systems to build new ones.

He said, “Nigerians do not research, they run with the things they see on social media and I will tell you that three-quarters of what you see on social media is not true. But you know the saying about giving a dog a bad name so that you can kill it. That is what is happening, people are not researching.”

Recounting his experience abroad, he added, “I was in the UK sometime last year and I was accosted by some people, ‘Why are you supporting this man? Why are you supporting Tinubu?’. I said why would I not support him? He is the president of my country, do you want me not to support the president of my country if I am convinced that he is doing things in the right way?

And if I am willing to be patient and allow him time? Reforms are not easy because reforms come to change the old order and bring a new order. But a lot of Nigerians, they do not do any research, they just run away with what they hear or the negative information that has been peddled and they start talking without knowledge.”

Orji further argued that the reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration are beginning to yield results, claiming that the prices of food items are dropping significantly.

However, when the podcast host countered that many Nigerians are already experiencing economic hardship and hunger firsthand, the actor responded that “hunger is a universal issue and did not begin with the Tinubu administration”.

The Nollywood star had recently described Tinubu as the most qualified among those expected to contest Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.

Don’t Blame Tinubu, Hunger Is Universal, Says Zack Orji is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Gunmen on Thursday night invaded Mbwelle village in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State and killed at least eight persons.
Most of the victims were members of the same family, our correspondent gathered.

Those killed included Elder Iliya Mangut Dakus, Mr Luck Titus Dakus, Mr Habila Istifanu Dakus, Mr Hassan Istifanus Dakus, Mrs Hassan Moses Dakus, Biggie Lucky Dakus, Sunday Gideon Dakus and Mr Innocent Barnabas Makwin.

The Chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos LGA, Kefas Mallai, confirmed the killings in Jos on Friday.

He said the attack occurred around 11pm when the assailants invaded the community and opened fire indiscriminately on residents, leaving about three other persons injured while some community members were still missing.

Mallai said: “There was an attack last night at Mbwelle village. The village is very close to Bokkos town. So far eight persons have been confirmed dead this morning.”

“The people are saying they want to protest because the security men have not protected them and the attack lasted for hours and yet, no presence of security to repel the assailants until those people finished and left. No trace.”he stated

He added that “The attack lasted for several hours with no visible security presence to repel the attackers.”

Mallai further alleged that security forces did not respond despite the proximity of the area, and that personnel were currently deployed to protect a specific community suspected by natives of Bokkos to be the origin of the attackers.

Youth Leader of Bokkos, Christopher Luka, also confirmed the incident, describing it as “a sad and devastating assault on the people of Bokkos and Plateau State as a whole.”

“The gunmen came around 11pm and started shooting sporadically. They targeted one family mostly. We have eight confirmed dead, some seriously injured, and others still unaccounted for,” Luka said.

Efforts to get the reaction of the Plateau State Police Command spokesman, DSP Alfred Alabo, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

Bokkos and other neighbouring LGAs of Plateau State have been facing security challenges in recent years.

The situation escalated last week when the Berom Youth Moulders Association raised alarm over unrelenting ambushes and killings targeting residents in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Jos South LGAs, even with security operatives on the ground.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong, the group, led by National President Dalyop Mwantiri, described the attacks as a calculated campaign of terror allegedly aimed at grabbing ancestral lands.

According to the association, on Wednesday, gunmen ambushed travellers returning from mining activities around the Great Commission area along the Bokkos Road, heading to Nding in Fan District of Barkin Ladi LGA, at about 4:15pm.

The attackers opened fire on the victims, killing Mr Ayuba Pam of Nding Sesut. Two others, Mr Alfred Dung and Mr Nathaniel Bitrus, sustained serious injuries and were receiving treatment in the hospital.

In a separate incident the same evening, around 6:30pm, gunmen ambushed and killed Mr Christopher Joshua, a father of three from the Byei community in Riyom LGA, along the Gwolhoss–Byei road as he returned home from his daily activities.

The BYM described the incidents as part of sustained aggression against Berom communities and expressed concern that such ambushes continued on busy rural roads used by farmers, miners, and travellers, despite security agencies knowing the flashpoints and hideouts of the attackers.

The association called on security agencies to immediately step up surveillance and patrols along critical corridors, including the Great Commission–Bokkos road, Great Commission–Gashish axis, Rahoss–Rim road, Kwi–Farin Lamba road, Gwolhoss–Jol–Sho road, and Rim–Bachi road.

Gunmen Strike Plateau, Kill Eight In Fresh Attack is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned what it described as increasing judicial interference in the internal affairs of political parties, warning that such actions threaten Nigeria’s constitutional democracy as the country moves toward the 2027 general elections.

The NBA in a statement signed by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN) on Friday expressed concern over what it called the “disturbing involvement by lawyers and courts” in intra-party disputes despite clear restrictions under the Electoral Act 2026.

The NBA specifically faulted recent court decisions involving disputes within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing them as part of a wider trend of “forum shopping” and abuse of judicial processes aimed at securing political advantage.

Citing Section 83 of the Electoral Act 2026, the NBA reiterated that Nigerian courts lack jurisdiction over matters concerning the internal affairs of political parties. The association further noted that the law also prohibits courts from granting interim or interlocutory injunctions in such cases, insisting that where such matters are filed, courts are expected to suspend rulings until final judgment and give accelerated hearing.

Despite these provisions, the NBA lamented that litigants continue to file suits in violation of the law while some courts have proceeded to grant interim orders, a development it described as dangerous for democratic stability.

According to the association, “this emerging trend of subverting the clear letters of the Electoral Act and dragging courts into the internal affairs of political parties through disingenuous litigation, forum shopping, and malafide applications designed to secure undemocratic political advantage, bodes no good for our democracy.”

The NBA warned that such practices risk turning the judiciary into a platform for political manipulation and electoral interference, stressing that the provisions of the Electoral Act were intended to prevent abuse of court processes and discourage politically motivated litigation.

The association also cautioned members of the legal profession, reminding them that they are “Ministers in the Temple of Justice and not political agents seeking judicial endorsement of partisan objectives.”

It warned that any lawyer found to be engaging in actions designed to draw courts into intra-party disputes risks disciplinary action before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC).

“The filing of actions intended to draw courts into internal political party disputes, particularly where jurisdiction is expressly excluded, constitutes an abuse of court process and a violation of professional responsibility,” the NBA stated.

It further warned: “The NBA will take firm steps to deter such conduct. Lawyers who deliberately file actions aimed at procuring judicial interference in intra-party affairs, or who seek ex parte or interlocutory orders in clear violation of statutory provisions, risk facing disciplinary proceedings.”

On the judiciary, the association urged courts to exercise restraint and strictly adhere to the law, stressing that judges must avoid being drawn into political controversies.

“The Nigerian judiciary must stay vigilant and resist being drawn into political theatrics,” it said. “Courts should firmly decline invitations, no matter how artfully crafted, to intervene in matters the law explicitly bars them from.”

The NBA also called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to sanction judges who assume jurisdiction in violation of statutory provisions or issue orders in intra-party disputes contrary to the law. It warned that it would not hesitate to bring such matters to the attention of the NJC.

In addition, the association urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain strict neutrality and avoid any perception of political bias or interference in party politics.

“The Commission must not, under any circumstances, be perceived as a participant in political engineering or as an institution whose regulatory authority is deployed in a manner that weakens political pluralism,” the statement said.

The NBA added that the credibility of INEC under its current leadership would be closely watched, stressing the importance of maintaining public confidence in the electoral process ahead of 2027.

Reaffirming its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s democracy, the association said it would deploy all lawful mechanisms, including disciplinary action, engagement, advisory opinions, and strategic litigation, to ensure the sanctity of the judicial process.

“Lawyers must remain officers of the court, not architects of procedural manipulation. Nigeria’s democracy must not be weakened by legal maneuvering, institutional capture, or the misuse of judicial authority,” it warned.

The statement added that the courts must remain arbiters of justice while electoral institutions must function strictly within constitutional limits as neutral referees in the democratic process.

NBA Faults Court Rulings On ADC, Decries ‘Forum Shopping’ Against Opposition is first published on The Whistler Newspaper