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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

Suspected gunmen have killed a woman and her daughter at the poultry farm in Igushi community, near Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The incident, which occurred on Thursday, also led to the abduction of three other workers at the farm.

According to community sources, the assailants reportedly gained access to the premises by scaling the fence before attempting to kidnap workers. In the process, they shot and killed the poultry farm owner and her daughter.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said about five armed men carried out the attack and subsequently took three individuals away.

“The gunmen came through the fence. They were about five and took three people away. Later, we found the woman who owns the poultry and her daughter dead,” the source said.

He added that security operatives, including the police and Amotekun Corps, were immediately alerted and responded to the scene. Two of the abducted victims were later rescued during a coordinated operation.

Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Command described the attack as “heinous” and condemned the killings.

Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, said efforts were ongoing to apprehend those responsible.

“The Ondo State Police Command strongly condemns the violent incident at Igushin via Ala, Akure, which led to the tragic loss of two innocent lives. While two victims were successfully rescued, the Command expresses deep sorrow over the unfortunate deaths recorded,” he said.

Jimoh assured residents that security measures had been reinforced to protect lives and property, adding that perpetrators of the crime would be brought to justice.

He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and support security agencies with credible information.

The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents in parts of Ondo State, particularly around Akure and nearby communities, where residents have repeatedly called for increased security presence in rural areas.

Two Killed, Three Abducted As Gunmen Strike Ondo Farm is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

A female aspirant for the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Sarah Ivie Adidi, has assured women in the FCT that she will do everything possible to ensure their voices are heard at the National Assembly.

She made this statement during an interactive meeting with women leaders and supporters across the constituency on Thursday in Abuja.

She stressed that her ambition is rooted in service, not personal gain, noting that women leaders tend to prioritize family and community welfare.

“I am running because Nigerian women have been neglected for too long,” she said. “We face numerous challenges daily, yet we are underrepresented in government. This is why our needs are not adequately addressed. I want to ensure that every woman in the FCT is heard.”

“When women lead, we carry everyone along. I am not going there for myself, but for the many women and families who need support and representation,” she added.

Ivie urged the women to come together and form a formidable alliance that would project a positive image of women, uphold honor, and showcase their leadership potential.

The women’s group, while expressing support for the aspirant, emphasized the urgent need for greater inclusion of women in governance at all levels.

AMAC women’s leader who spoke on behalf of the group, Lucy Nwosu, commended the aspirant for her courage in running for the exalted office. She also assured her of their continued support while urging her to remain accessible and accountable.

However, the leaders expressed concerns over past experiences in which elected representatives allegedly distanced themselves from their supporters after securing office.

“We have seen situations where women we supported abandoned us after gaining office. We appeal to you to be different and stay connected to the people,” the women’s leader said.

She emphasized the importance of unity, noting that internal divisions among women often weaken their political influence.

The leader further noted that young women are often underestimated despite their potential. “Many people question what young women can offer, but they fail to recognize their innovation, creativity, and talent. We are proud that someone like you has stepped forward,” she said

FCT Female Rep Aspirant Rallies Women, Pledges People-Centered Representation is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has raised a fresh alarm over escalating violence in Kebbi State, revealing that 24 people were killed in a deadly Easter Sunday attack on Debe village in Shanga Local Government Area.

The attack was the latest in a series of violent incidents in the border communities between Kebbi and Niger states.

Days earlier, suspected bandits had launched a coordinated night assault on multiple villages in the same Shanga Local Government Area, including Gebe, Kawara, and Kalkami, razing homes and forcing residents to flee.

Security sources said the attackers were believed to have emerged from hideouts in the Wawa Forest in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed that tactical units, the military, marine police and local vigilantes were deployed to restore order.

According to a statement issued in Yauri, Kebbi State on Thursday, the Diocese said suspected terrorists stormed the community around 5 pm on April 5, unleashing hours of violence that left dozens dead and properties in ruins.

“We want Nigeria and the international community to know what transpired in Debe,” the Diocese said. “The confirmed number of fatalities is 24, contrary to earlier police reports of four.”

The victims, according to the Church, cut across religious lines Christians, Muslims, and traditional worshippers underscoring what it described as a “tragedy against humanity, not a particular faith.”

The attackers reportedly set ablaze St. Mary’s Catholic Church, a mosque, is a mosque, residential homes and shops, while targeting mostly men and youth.

“The terrorists invaded the village and killed 24 people. Properties were destroyed, including a church and a mosque. This is a devastating blow to the entire community,” the statement added.

The violence spilt into neighbouring communities, with reports of widespread destruction in Binuwa and Kalkame. Markets and even the emir’s residence were not spared.

In the aftermath, hundreds of residents fled their homes, seeking safety. The Diocese disclosed that 491 internally displaced persons are currently taking refuge at St. Dominic Parish in Yauri.

“These displaced persons are in urgent need of food, clean water, medical care and adequate shelter,” it said, warning that existing support efforts are overstretched.

While providing emergency assistance, the Church called for urgent intervention from the Federal Government and Kebbi State authorities.

“We call on President Bola Tinubu and Governor Mohammed Idris to take decisive action to restore security and enable displaced persons to return home safely,” the Diocese urged.

It warned that communities across the state are now gripped by fear, with residents unable to bury their dead or rebuild their lives in peace.

“People are being killed on a daily basis in Nigeria. Communities in Kebbi State are now living in fear,” the statement said.

The Diocese also appealed to humanitarian organisations and the international community to step in urgently to prevent a worsening crisis while calling for long-term solutions to insecurity in the region.

Twenty Four Christians, Muslims, Others Killed In Kebbi Attack- Report is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said on Friday that he had urged his Iranian counterpart to engage in “good faith” during upcoming talks with the United States in Islamabad.

“I encourage Iran — this is what I conveyed to the Iranian foreign minister, to take part in those negotiations and to participate in good faith,” Albares told reporters.

He said he spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi “the day before yesterday” and used the call to press Tehran to halt “all missile and drone launches.”

The remarks come as Iran and the United States prepare to hold direct negotiations in the Pakistani capital, following a fragile two-week ceasefire in the recent Iran conflict.

Albares also sharply criticised Israel for continuing its military operations in Lebanon against the Iran-backed group Hezbollah.

“Lebanon is a disgrace on the conscience of humanity,” the Spanish minister said. “The level of violence, the violation of international law and international humanitarian law by Israel is unacceptable.”

His comments reflect Spain’s longstanding position calling for de-escalation across the region, full respect for international law, and the inclusion of Lebanon in broader diplomatic efforts.

Spain Urges Iran To Negotiate In ‘Good Faith’ is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Abia State chapter, is once again in the spotlight. This time, it has embarked on a strike over the alleged non-payment of leave allowance, a development that has disrupted judicial activities and raised fresh concerns among stakeholders. The action, driven by the union’s leadership in the state, brings to the fore critical questions about accountability, transparency and the shared responsibility required to sustain progress in the public service.

At a press briefing held at Government House, Umuahia, the Abia State Government, through the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Ikechukwu Uwanna SAN, laid out its position with remarkable clarity. The government explained that upon receiving the union’s demand for leave allowance, it requested details of how the claims were computed and, crucially, evidence that such allowance was not already embedded in the consolidated salary structure of judiciary workers. According to the government, findings from the Office of the Accountant General indicate that what is described as “leave bonus” is already a component of the consolidated salary paid to judiciary staff. Yet, despite repeated requests, the union has not furnished any verifiable documentation to prove otherwise. Instead, it issued a strike notice, proceeding with industrial action without addressing the government’s inquiry.

What stands out in the government’s response is its openness and readiness to act swiftly once clarity is established. The assurance that payment will be made within 48 hours if the union provides credible evidence of non-inclusion of leave bonus in their salaries reflects a posture of responsibility rather than confrontation. It shifts the burden of proof appropriately to the union, especially given that the judiciary manages its own payroll. In a matter as sensitive as public finance, such documentation is not only necessary but fundamental. The question then arises: why has the union found it difficult to provide evidence that should ordinarily be within its reach?

This development must also be situated within the broader context of workers welfare in Abia State under the leadership of Governor Alex Chioma Otti OFR. Since assuming office, the administration has made prompt payment of salaries and pensions a defining feature of governance. Within a relatively short period, the era of salary arrears and pension backlogs has been effectively consigned to history. Workers now receive their entitlements on or before the twenty eighth of every month, while retirees, long neglected in previous years, have regained a measure of financial dignity. More importantly, the government has signalled that arrangements are nearing completion for the commencement of gratuity payments, a milestone that will further consolidate its pro-worker credentials. These are not mere promises but verifiable outcomes that have reshaped public sector confidence in the state.

Against this backdrop, the posture of Abia JUSUN raises legitimate concerns. The union has, on several occasions, appeared resistant to policies aimed at strengthening institutional integrity. A notable example is its stance on the verification of judiciary staff. While other arms of government have successfully undergone verification exercises designed to cleanse the payroll and eliminate irregularities, the judiciary has remained an exception, largely due to the union’s resistance. This reluctance invites uncomfortable but necessary questions. What is the basis for opposing a process that promotes accountability? Why should an exercise intended to eliminate fraud and ensure accurate data be seen as a threat?

The consequences of this resistance are far reaching. One of the most painful outcomes is the delay in the payment of pensions to retirees from the judiciary. Without proper verification, the government is constrained from making payments, as it must first ascertain the authenticity and number of beneficiaries. In effect, the continued refusal to embrace verification has inadvertently subjected elderly retirees to avoidable hardship. It is difficult to reconcile this reality with the union’s professed commitment to the welfare of its members, past and present.

At this critical juncture, the path forward is neither complicated nor contentious. Abia JUSUN must rise to the occasion by embracing transparency, sincerity and patriotism. The union prepares its payroll and therefore possesses the necessary records to clarify whether the leave bonus is included in its salary structure. Providing these details should not be an ordeal but a routine administrative step. As clearly stated by the Accountant General, Deaconess Njum Onyemanam, her office does not manage the judiciary payroll and can only act on properly documented submissions. The responsibility, therefore, rests squarely with the union to present verifiable evidence and facilitate resolution.

Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, deserves commendation for sustaining a governance model that prioritises the welfare of workers and pensioners while insisting on accountability in public finance. His administration has demonstrated that fiscal discipline and compassion can co-exist, creating a system where obligations are met promptly without compromising transparency. It is a model that requires cooperation from all stakeholders to function effectively.

For Abia JUSUN, this is a defining moment. The union must align its actions with the broader interests of justice, fairness and development. Rather than resisting processes designed to strengthen the system, it should actively support them. By promptly providing the required payment details and embracing verification, the union cannot only secure its entitlements but also contribute meaningfully to the ongoing transformation of the state. In the end, transparency and patriotism are not abstract ideals; they are practical necessities for building a public service that truly serves the people.

Dr. Ebere Uzoukwa is the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Abia State on Public Affairs.

Abia JUSUN And Need To Imbibe Spirit Of Transparency, Patriotism is first published on The Whistler Newspaper