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Controversial Islamic scholar, Ahmad Gumi, has called the peace talk between the United States, US, and Iran as one between enemies.

Gumi said Iran sees the US as the biggest devil while America sees the Islamic Republic as the “axis of evil.”

The Islamic scholar made the remarks while commenting on relations between the United States and Iran, noting that despite deep hostility, both sides are still engaging in talks.

“Peace talks between enemies. Iran sees the USA as the Biggest Devil. The USA sees Iran as part of the Axis of Evil.

“All parties see the other as terrorists. Yet they are over a round table. So don’t tell me the crap: ‘we don’t dialogue with terrorists’,” he said.

‘Iran sees US as biggest devils, Islamic Republic sees America as evil’ – Gumi

Rangers manager, Danny Röhl, has explained why he didn’t feature Emmanuel Fernandez in his side’s recent 4-2 win over Dundee after he played for Nigeria during the March international break.

Recall that Fernandez was an unused substitute as Rangers defeated Dundee in the Scottish top-flight league last weekend.

Röhl opted to play John Souttar and Nasser Djiga in the defence, leaving Fernandez among the substitutes.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Rangers’ clash with Falkirk this weekend, Röhl was asked whether Fernandez is back in contention for Sunday’s match after missing out against Dundee.

He said, “Manny, it was a decision from my side. Manny travelled a lot. It was his first experience with the national team.

“We have John, as well as a centre-back, available. Derek is back in the training group, and we have a competition for this position. And it is good for us and Manny to push and not to be comfortable in a position. We won 4-2, and then my choice was not too wrong.”

Why I didn’t feature Fernandez after he played for Nigeria – Rangers manager Röhl

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Dr. Amina Mohammed, has called for strengthened peacebuilding efforts, inclusive development, and deeper collaboration between global partners and subnational governments during an official visit to Benue State.

Speaking at the Government House in Makurdi on Friday, Dr. Mohammed described Benue as “a State of enormous importance to Nigeria’s food security, economic vitality and social stability,” while commending the resilience of its people despite mounting challenges.

“I am pleased to be here in Benue and to see first-hand the priorities of the State and the resilience and beauty of its people,” she said.

She began her remarks by extending condolences to families affected by recent violent attacks in parts of the state, including Mbalom in Gwer East Local Government Area, LGA, and Yelewata in Guma LGA.

“Let me begin by extending my heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed and express my solidarity with all affected communities, including those newly displaced,” she stated.

Dr. Mohammed noted that Benue’s challenges reflect broader global pressures, including conflict, climate shocks, and economic strain, warning that such forces were increasingly converging to test the resilience of vulnerable communities.

“In Nigeria and in Benue in particular, these wider pressures are felt in very immediate ways, shaping the context in which communities are pursuing peace, recovery and resilience,” she added.

Despite the challenges, the UN Deputy Chief praised the Benue State Government’s development direction, highlighting the 2026 budget focused on rural development and sustained growth, as well as innovations such as Nigeria’s first fully digital e-Parliament system.

“The direction your hovernment is setting deserves recognition, it sends an important signal of commitment to improving lives and expanding opportunity,” she said.

She emphasized that Benue’s status as Nigeria’s “food basket” places it at the heart of national prosperity, urging sustained investment in agriculture, livelihoods, and value chains.“Benue holds enormous potential, not only in feeding the country, but in generating livelihoods, enterprise and broader prosperity,” she noted.

On insecurity, Dr. Mohammed stressed that military responses alone would not suffice, calling instead for grassroots peacebuilding, justice, and reconciliation.
“What is required is not only a security response, but a broader commitment to peacebuilding that starts at the grassroots, rebuilding trust across communities,” she said, warning that oversimplified narratives could inflame tensions and strain the social fabric.

She also underscored the importance of education, particularly for children affected by conflict and displacement, describing it as essential for long-term peace and recovery.

“A resilient education system is not only a social priority, it is a foundation for long-term peace, inclusion and recovery,” she said, while commending the state’s BRACE-UP initiative aimed at returning out-of-school children to classrooms.

Dr. Mohammed who earlier visited Yelewata community in Guma LGA, expressed solidarity with victims of the violence, particularly women and children.

“My visit here today is one to be in solidarity with those who loss the most in conflict, it is the women and the children,” she said, urging communities to embrace unity and rebuild trust.

“We have to go back to our unity as a Nigerian people who are rich in our diversity, it is not impossible,” she added.
She further stressed the importance of peace for agricultural recovery and national growth, noting that “we need peace if we are trying to go back to our farms, we must not stop farming.”

At the Mega Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Mbayongo, Makurdi-Gbajimba Road, where she also visited, the UN Deputy Chief encouraged children to remain committed to education.

“Education is what no one can take from you and it will transform your lives,” she told them, expressing hope that displaced persons would soon return to their communities.

Dr. Mohammed assured that the United Nations would continue to work closely with Benue State to promote peace, resilience, and sustainable development.
“The United Nations will continue to stand in solidarity with Benue State to support a more peaceful and resilient future for all,” she said.

In his remarks, Governor Hyacinth Alia described Benue as a critical hub for food security in Nigeria and West Africa but lamented the impact of insecurity and displacement, revealing that over 500,000 people were currently internally displaced in the state.

“Benue stands today as a critical intersection of global priorities, food security, climate resilience, and human dignity,” the governor said.

He outlined key achievements of his administration, including the rehabilitation of over 375 public schools, recruitment of 9,700 teachers, improvements in healthcare facilities, and major investments in infrastructure and agriculture.

The Governor also highlighted efforts to support displaced persons, including housing construction, provision of farmlands, and livelihood restoration initiatives. “These are not just interventions; they are pathways from displacement to dignity,” he stated.

Governor Alia called for deeper collaboration with the United Nations in areas such as climate resilience, agro-industrial development, human capital development, and community security.
“What we seek is not charity, but collaboration, not temporary relief, but lasting transformation,” he added.

Also speaking, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed described the visit as a demonstration of strong partnership between the United Nations and the Benue State Government.

“It is about partnership, bringing hope and sustainable development to drive change,” she said, reaffirming the UN’s commitment to supporting the state.

The post UN Deputy Chief visits Benue, urges peace, resilience, partnerships appeared first on Vanguard News.

Justice Musa Suleiman Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed April 13 for judgment in a suit filed by a House of Representatives member, Leke Abejide, seeking an order restraining Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from parading themselves as African Democratic Congress (ADC)’s Chairman and Secretary respectively.

The Judge fixed the date on Friday after Abejide’s counsel, Ibrahim Idris, SAN, and lawyers to the defence adopted their processes and presented their arguments for and against the suit.

Abejide, a member of the House of Representatives on the platform of the ADC, had instituted the suit through his lawyer.

In the originating summons, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1637/2025 filed on February. 15, 2026 by Idris, the lawmaker sued ADC, Ralph Nwosu, Mark, Aregbesola and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as 1st to 5th defendants respectively.

Nwosu was the former national chairman of ADC who stepped down for Mark, the former Senate President to take over the leadership of the party.

Abejide, among the eight reliefs, sought an order nullifying Nwosu’s handover or transfer of ADC’s leadership to Mark and Aregbesola as interim national Chairman and intenm national Secretary respectively on July 2, 2025, at Shehu Musa Yar’adua Centre, Abuja for being illegal, unlawful, null and void.

He sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining Mark and Aregbesola from parading themselves as leaders of the party “as thelr purported appointment, selection or election was unlawful, illegal, null and void.”

He also sought perpetual injunction, restraining INEC from recognising Mark and Aregbesola as ADC’s interim national chairman and interim national secretary “as their appomtment. selection or election did not meet the requirements of Section 82 of the Electoral Act, 2022,” among other prayers.

But ADC, represented by Shaibu Aruwa, SAN; Nwosu, represented by P. I. Oyewole; Rilwan Okpanachi who appeared for Mark; Aregbesola’s lawyer, I. R. Abdullahi, and counsel who appeared for INEC, Anthony Onyeri, all prayed the court to dismiss the suit for lacking in merit.

ADC, Nwosu, Mark and Aregbesola, in their arguments, submitted that Abejide lacked the legal right to institute the suit.

In their separate preliminary objections, they argued that the subject matter of the suit borders on the internal affairs of a political party which is non-justiciable.

They added that the court lacked the jurisdiction to delve into such matters.

The defendants also stated that contrary to Abejide’s submission, the Mark-led leadership was elected on July 29, 2025, at the National Executive Committee meeting of the party, and not July 2, 2025.

They stated that Abejide had not demonstrated any reasonable cause why the suit should be filed.

The defendants, who urged the court to dismiss the suit with subtantial cost in line with Section 83(5) of the Electiral Act, 2026, argued that the matter is academic.

Also in his argument, A. O. Onyeri, who appeared for INEC, prayed the court to dimiss the suit.

Another suit seeking David Mark, Aregbesola’s sack as ADC leaders for judgment April 13

A moment of chaos unfolded in Bayelsa State on Friday after a fight broke out between military personnel, sparking fear and confusion among residents.

In a viral video obtained by DAILY POST, the personnel were seen engaged in a heated altercation, exchanging blows in full public display.

The confrontation quickly drew attention, with residents expressing concern over the situation escalating further.

The incident caused panic in the area, as many feared the clash could spiral out of control and potentially lead to gunfire.

Residents kept their distance, watching while some were trying to separate the duo.

Watch full video

Panic in Bayelsa as military personnel clash with each other [VIDEO]

Stakeholders from Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal constituency have promised to deliver 60 percent of the total votes cast in the entire Abia State to the Abia State Governor Alex Otti in the 2027 general election.

They made the declaration on Friday in Umuahia during a grand civic reception in the honour of the Governor held at the Umuahia Township Stadium Umuahia, Abia State.

Speaking at the event the Commissioner for Budget and Planning and Chairman of the Planning Committee, Hon. Kingsley Anosike, expressed gratitude to the governor for transforming Umuahia from what was once seen as a “glorified village” into one of the fastest-growing state capitals in Nigeria.
He noted that Governor Otti’s leadership has restored dignity to Abians through visible and impactful governance.

Anosike further assured the governor of the unwavering support of the Umuahia–Ikwuano people, pledging their commitment to ensuring his return to Government House in 2027.

Also speaking, the deputy speaker and member representing Umuahia East State Constituency Hon. Augustine Nmeregini commended the governor for fostering synergy between the executive and legislative arms, noting that such collaboration has made governance more effective and responsive to the needs of the people.

Barr Monday Ubani, a senior advocate of Nigeria lauded Gov. Otti for bringing joy and renewed hope to Abians.

He highlighted key infrastructure projects, including the award for the reconstruction of the Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene road, as evidence of the governor’s commitment to development without political excuses.

Ambassador Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi, son of Nigeria first military head of state and High Chief Victor Ikeji, the state’s representative at the federal character commission also praised the administration’s achievements, particularly in education and healthcare, noting that the narrative of governance in Abia has significantly improved.

The speakers collectively described Gov. Otti as one of the most impactful governors in Nigeria today, emphasizing that ongoing projects including plans for a 250-room five-star hotel in Umuahia and the completion of key infrastructure will further transform Umuahia to a befitting capital.

In his remarks, Governor Otti reiterated that governance should be rooted in service rather than self-interest.

He assured the people that his administration remains committed to delivering quality projects across all sectors, adding that every project initiated will be completed.

2027: Umuahia/Ikwuano Constituency Assures Otti Of 60% Votes In Abia is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez has recommended the immediate establishment of an European army to bolster the continent’s security posture.

Sánchez made the call on Friday at the European Pulse Forum 2026 in Barcelona, where he advised allied nations to close ranks to deal with the current and emerging realities.

“We (Spain) are ready to move forward with a common European army,” he told the gathering. “Not in ten years or two—as soon as tomorrow.”

Sánchez repeated his condemnation of Israel’s military operation in the Gaza Strip, urging the international community not to allow “a new Gaza in Lebanon.”

The prime minister added that in the face of violations of international law, Europe must act consistently if it wants the support of the rest of the world.

Sánchez earlier condemned this week’s Israeli strikes in Lebanon, which resulted in over 250 casualties and injured more than 1,100, according to Lebanon’s Civil Defence and Health Ministry.

The Spanish leader accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of “contempt for life and international law,” and asked the European Union to suspend its Association Agreement with Israel.

On Friday, Netanyahu stated that Spain was engaging in a diplomatic war against Israel and removed the country from the coordination center overseeing the Gaza ceasefire.

Netanyahu said Spain defamed IDF service members, whom he described as “the soldiers of the most moral army in the world,” vowing that Israel will not “remain silent in the face of those who attack us.”

Foreign Minister Gideon Saar scolded Sánchez for criticizing Israel and its army, saying “Spain’s obsessive anti-Israel bias is so egregious that it has lost all capability” to remain in the Gaza peace process.

Sánchez has been vocal since Israel started its military action in Gaza after the Hamas attack in October 2023. Spain also recognizes the state of Palestine, and recently recalled its ambassador to Israel.

Spain’s Sánchez advocates European army, fears Gaza situation in Lebanon

The United States President, Donald Trump, has said Iran is in a weak negotiating position, claiming the country lacks leverage beyond Hormuz control in the ongoing tensions with the US.

Trump made the remarks in a post on Truth Social, where he criticised Iran’s strategy and accused it of relying on temporary pressure tactics.

“The Iranians don’t seem to realize they have no cards, other than a short term extortion of the World by using International Waterways.

“The only reason they are alive today is to negotiate!” he wrote.

The president also accused Iran of being more effective in media engagement than in military confrontation.

“The Iranians are better at handling the Fake News Media, and ‘Public Relations,’ than they are at fighting,” he added.

His comments come amid heightened tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route through which about one-fifth of the world’s crude supply passes.

The strategic waterway is expected to be a central issue in upcoming peace talks between the United States and Iran scheduled to take place in Pakistan on Saturday.

Although both countries have indicated that the channel would reopen following a two-week truce announced earlier, lingering threats from Tehran have reportedly continued to limit shipping activities in the area.

Iran lacks cards, only alive to negotiate – Trump

The Independent National Electoral Commission has denied that its chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, owns or has ever operated a personal account on X, formerly Twitter.

This followed the circulation of a tweet attributed to him in which he allegedly declared that “victory is sure” for the ruling All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2023 general elections.

THE WHISTLER reports that the post, dated March 18, 2023, was a reaction to a tweet by the APC national youth leader, Dayo Israel, in which Israel claimed to have swung votes for the APC in “Igbo dominated community” in Lagos.

An account bearing Amupitan’s name then commented “Victory is sure” under Israel tweet.

The old post has since garnered thousands of views and sparked reactions from Nigerians who questioned the impartiality of INEC.

But speaking through his Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser, Adedayo Oketola, on Friday, the INEC boss described the allegation as “entirely baseless, a total fabrication, and a figment of the imagination of its purveyors.”

The statement reads, “The INEC Chairman does not own or operate any personal account on X.

“He has at no time engaged in partisan commentary, nor has he ever associated himself with any political leaning or activity in his private or public capacity.”

INEC further described the post as “a desperate attempt to impugn the integrity and neutrality of the Chairman at a critical period when the Commission is focused on significant electoral reforms and preparations for upcoming polls.”

The commission said it was “working in close collaboration with relevant security agencies and cyber-intelligence units to track and identify the individuals or groups behind this identity theft and misinformation,” adding that those found responsible would be prosecuted under the Cybercrimes Act.

“Identity theft and the dissemination of deepfake or forged social media interactions are criminal offenses under the Cybercrimes Act,” the statement said.

“Those responsible for this mischief will be tracked and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others who believe the digital space is a safe haven for criminality.”

Oketola urged the public to disregard the post and seek information about the commission only through verified channels.

INEC Chairman Disowns 2023 Tweet Declaring ‘Victory Is Sure’ For APC is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Ex-Benue Local Government chairman, Moses Iorhen Shirsha, and his wife, Mercy Mngusonun Shirsha, have been laid to rest in a joint burial ceremony in Mbator, Mbatsen, Konshisha Local Government Area of Benue State.

The burial, which took place amid tears and tributes, drew sympathisers from across the state, as family members, friends, and associates gathered to honour the deceased couple.

The late Shirsha, a former Chairman of Konshisha LGA, also made history as the first Students’ Union President of Benue State University.

His wife, Mercy, served as a Senior Special Assistant to the Benue State Governor during her lifetime.

Sources said the former chairman died just days after the loss of his wife, compounding the grief surrounding the tragedy.

Speakers at the burial described the incident as deeply painful, noting that the couple, who shared their lives together, were also laid side by side in death.

Prayers were offered for the repose of their souls, while condolences poured in for the Shirsha Adeega family over the double loss.

Ex-Benue LG chairman, wife buried same day in Konshisha