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The outgoing Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve in the Federal Executive Council, FEC, and contribute to the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Dangiwa made the remarks in response to the recent cabinet reshuffle that led to his exit from office alongside the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun. The development was confirmed on Tuesday.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Strategy, Mark Chieshe, the former minister described his tenure as both an honour and a responsibility in national service.

He said he was privileged to have been entrusted with the leadership of reforms in Nigeria’s housing and urban development sector, noting that the experience was deeply fulfilling.

Dangiwa also extended gratitude to members of the FEC, his colleagues in government, heads of housing agencies, development partners, and ministry staff for their cooperation and support throughout his stay in office.

“I wish to sincerely thank Mr President for the confidence he reposed in me to serve as Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development. It has been a rare privilege to contribute to the advancement of policies and programmes aimed at expanding access to affordable housing for Nigerians,” he said.

He noted that under President Tinubu’s leadership, the ministry recorded notable progress in repositioning the housing sector as a key contributor to economic growth, job creation, and social inclusion.

While acknowledging the directive to complete handover procedures in line with the presidential decision, Dangiwa assured that the transition process would be smooth and well-coordinated.

He reaffirmed his continued support for the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda and expressed confidence in the capacity of the incoming leadership to build on existing progress and further accelerate delivery in the sector.

The former minister highlighted key achievements during his tenure, including the rollout of the Renewed Hope Housing Programme, strengthened public-private partnerships in housing delivery, and reforms in land administration and housing finance.

“I am grateful to my colleagues in the Federal Executive Council, stakeholders across the housing value chain, and the dedicated staff members of the Ministry and its agencies for their commitment and hard work. Together, we laid strong foundations for a more structured and sustainable housing delivery system in Nigeria,” he added.

He further pledged continued dedication to national development and support for initiatives aimed at advancing housing, infrastructure, and economic growth in the country.

Dangiwa sends message to Tinubu, FEC members after exit as Housing Minister

The New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) has threatened to initiate contempt action against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) if it fails to comply with court orders within the next seven days.

The party said it will pursue justice and equity to the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

A statement signed by its National Secretary, Mr. Ogini Olaposi, explained that INEC’s persistent disobedience to court orders will likely have a negative effect on the election timetable if parties decide to sue the commission.

Olaposi further explained that INEC risks adjustment of the 2027 general elections timetable if it fails to resolve issues around leadership of political parties in accordance with court judgments.

The statement lamented, “INEC’s disobedience to court orders is avoidable. It is disturbing that INEC—an institution led by a Professor of Law and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria—should refuse to obey court orders.”

The party’s National Secretary noted that the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory recently delivered a judgment compelling INEC, within 72 hours, to update its records, recognise the Dr. Agbo Major-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the NNPP, and file an affidavit of compliance.

He lamented that three weeks after, the commission has yet to comply, without any credible explanation, saying that what is evident is that time has been running against INEC from the day Honourable Justice Bello Kawu delivered the judgment and the commission was duly served by the court bailiff, and proof of service is properly entered in the court record.

“It, therefore, stands to reason that INEC must accord the NNPP adequate and equal time, like other political parties, to prepare for and participate in the 2027 elections,” the statement observed.

The party called on the attention of the federal government and other critical stakeholders to urgently call INEC to order, so as to prevent any further distortion of the 2027 election timetable.

The party specifically called on the Attorney-General, the Chief Justice of the Federation, and the President of the Nigerian Bar Association to investigate what is going on in INEC.

It noted that the judiciary and the courts must be seen to protect and guide their jurisdiction jealously, to preserve the integrity and authority of the courts, and to ensure that lawful orders are neither ignored nor undermined.

According to him, INEC’s present conduct may constitute a threat to democracy, saying the party is joining other well-meaning Nigerians in calling on the commission to retrace its steps.

He also called for a comprehensive overhaul of the commission, particularly its legal department, to restore credibility and safeguard the nation’s democracy.

Olaposi added that the conduct of the commission at the moment seemed to be against the spirit and letter of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.

INEC endangering Nigeria’s democracy – NNPP raises alarm over court order disobedience

Iranian leadership has threatened to open the Strait of Hormuz forcefully, an action that could spell doom for the critical shipping route.

Following the postponement of peace talks slated for Wednesday in Islamabad, President Donald Trump extended the ceasefire but ordered continued restrictions at Iranian ports.

Tehran reacted by calling the siege by U.S. forces a “continued hostility,” accusing Washington of unilateral action despite a temporary armistice.

According to Tasnim news agency, which quoted state officials, Iran will not give up the Strait of Hormuz and will “break the blockade by force if necessary.”

Mahdi Mohammadi, Iranian national security analyst and an adviser to Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has urged Tehran to remain resilient.

“Trump’s ceasefire extension means nothing,” he declared in a post on X on Tuesday. “The losing side cannot dictate terms.”

Mohammadi argued that the continuation of the blockade is no different from bombardment and “must be met with a military response.”

The analyst considers the ceasefire extension “a ploy to buy time for a surprise strike,” and believes the time for Iran to “take the initiative” has come.

Iran threatens to break US blockade of Hormuz Strait

APPREHENSION in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Action Democratic Congress (ADC) as the Supreme Court, today, hears appeals over the leadership crisis rocking the two opposition parties. The apex court had, on April 14, adjourned till today for definate hearing of the cases having granted accelerated hearing in the two appeals. The appeal […]

The post Leadership crisis: Apprehension as S’ Court hears PDP, ADC appeals today appeared first on Tribune Online.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s removal of Wale Edun as minister of finance and his replacement with Taiwo Oyedele on Tuesday sent mixed signals across different segments of the Nigerian economy.

DAILY POST reports that Edun’s sack, alongside his counterpart in Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Muda Dangiwa, was announced by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, in a memo.

Edun was directed to hand over to Oyedele, while Dangiwa was to hand over to Muttaqha Rabe Darma, who was nominated as minister-designate.

DAILY POST reports that the Presidency did not state why Edun and Dangiwa were relieved of their duties but stressed that the cabinet reshuffle was in line with the President’s constitutional powers under Sections 147 and 148 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The former finance minister spearheaded Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate liberalization, and other monetary and fiscal policies. According to Edun, these measures helped Nigeria’s economy grow to 4.07 percent in the fourth quarter of 2025, up from 2 percent in 2023. Similarly, inflation dropped to 15 percent from 22.04 percent, based on his previous remarks.

However, DAILY POST reports that despite improving economic indicators, many Nigerians are yet to feel relief, as the cost of living, transportation, and food prices remain high.

Edun’s removal comes at a time the International Monetary Fund downgraded Nigeria’s growth forecast to 4.1 percent from 4.3 percent, warning of increased pressures from global shocks linked to the Middle East crisis.

Edun had only recently returned from the World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings in Washington, where he stated in an interview on Friday that Nigeria would not seek an IMF bailout despite external shocks.

He also assured stable domestic economic policies.

However, his sudden exit on Tuesday has raised fresh concerns among investors.

DAILY POST reports that the naira weakened against the dollar to close at N1,350.74/$, while stocks on the Nigerian Exchange Limited recorded an N88 billion gain, down from N609 billion the previous day.

Policy clarity, not Personalities will shape investor confidence — Oyedokun

Speaking on the development in an exclusive interview, a professor of accounting and finance at Lead City University, Godwin Oyedokun, said the situation should be viewed from both strategic and economic stability perspectives.

He noted that such changes could signal a government’s willingness to reassess its economic direction and inject renewed energy into policy implementation.

Oyedokun explained that, in some cases, leadership changes are necessary to address emerging challenges and improve economic management.

However, he cautioned that abrupt or poorly explained decisions could have unintended consequences, particularly for investors.

According to him, any perception of inconsistency or lack of clear justification may introduce uncertainty into the market and weaken investor confidence.

“Cabinet reshuffling, in this context, should be viewed through a dual lens.

“On one hand, it can signal responsiveness, a willingness by the government to recalibrate strategy and inject new energy into economic management.

“On the other hand, if perceived as abrupt or lacking clear justification, it risks undermining investor confidence by introducing uncertainty about policy continuity,” he said.

Oyedokun stressed that investors were generally less concerned about individual officeholders and more focused on the broader policy environment.

He emphasized that coherence, predictability, and credibility of government policies remain the key drivers of investment decisions.

He further noted that maintaining a stable policy direction, ensuring clear communication, and strengthening institutions are more critical than any single appointment.

The expert urged the government to prioritize transparency and consistency in its economic policies following the transition, adding that those factors would ultimately determine how both local and foreign investors respond to the leadership change.

Tinubu’s sack of Finance Minister, Edun leaves Nigerian economy in shock

Following Chelsea’s humiliating Premier League 3-0 defeat to Brighton on Tuesday night, manager Liam Rosenior openly admitted that four of his players were not good enough.

In a candid interview with Chelsea TV after the Premier League loss at the Amex Stadium, Rosenior also offered a direct apology to the traveling Blues supporters.

He, however, conceded that only four members of his squad had given their full effort against the Seagulls.

Brighton’s goals came from Danny Welbeck, Jack Hinshelwood, and Ferdi Kadioglu, leaving the Blues in 7th position on the log.

“Honestly, to the fans, apologies— that wasn’t acceptable,” Rosenior said.

“I’ll defend my players when they deserve it. Three or four of them gave everything. I’m not going to name names, but three or four isn’t good enough.”

Rosenior will now look to rally his team for a swift response when they face Leeds United in the FA Cup semi-final this weekend.

EPL: Four Chelsea players not good enough – Liam Rosenior

Kwara State government on Tuesday announced the donation of the sum of N20million support for each of the families of the soldiers who died in a counter-terrorism operation in Kemanji, Kaiama Local Government Area of the state on Monday morning. In a statement on Tuesday by Governor AbdulRahmanAbdulRazaq after he paid a get-well-soon visit to […]

The post Terrorist attack: Abdulrazaq donates N90m to fallen, injured soldiers appeared first on Tribune Online.

Afrobeats singer, Ruger has recalled how he missed an opportunity to feature in one of Nollywood actress and producer, Funke Akindele’s blockbusters a few years ago, describing it as one of his biggest missed opportunities.

Speaking in an interview with VJ Adams, Ruger explained that he noticed that the actress vibes to his songs a lot and wanted to message her on social media to appreciate her but found out that she had previously messaged him asking if he was interesting in featuring in one of her movies but he didn’t see the message until it was too late.

The singer said he was so sad after he saw the message, stressing that it still hurts him till date.

“I am interested in acting and wouldn’t mind going into the movie industry. I once missed a DM from Funke Akindele for a movie role. I didn’t even see it on time. That one still pains me,” he said.

“However, I think acting would be difficult for me because I don’t like shooting. But I would get into character still. If my character is interesting, yeah,” he added.

How I missed opportunity to feature in Funke Akindele’s movie – Ruger

Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior said his team’s performance in their defeat by Brighton was both “indefensible” and “unacceptable” as he faced angry chants from his own supporters for the first time.

The chants began when Chelsea fell 1-0 behind at the Amex Stadium, with the visitors having barely registered an attempt on goal, and they eventually succumbed to a 3-0 defeat.

It was a worrying display and a further dip in performance given Chelsea did not have a shot on goal until the 40th minute and were error-prone defensively.

This was the Blues’ fifth consecutive defeats without scoring – their worst such sequence since 1912.

“It was unacceptable in every aspect of the game, unacceptable in our attitude. I keep coming out and defending of the players,” said Rosenior.

“That’s indefensible, that performance tonight. The manner of the goals we conceded, the amount of duels that we lost, the lack of intensity in the team. Something needs to change drastically right now.

“I think the players need to have a look in the mirror for what they put in. You can talk about tactics… tactics come after the basics. Having more courage to play, winning duels, winning headers, tackles, conceding terrible goals. That was an unacceptable performance tonight.”

Chelsea’s defeat played out in front of influential co-owner Behdad Eghbali and the club’s sporting directors on the south coast, where Rosenior began his coaching career.

Questions will grow over whether the Englishman can continue in the dugout in the long term, with a last chance to save the season to come in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley against Leeds on Sunday.

Seven points behind fifth-placed Liverpool, having played a game more, Chelsea’s Champions League hopes look in tatters and there are questions about whether the head coach, the players or the fans are on the same page.

Rosenior’s remarkable interview – the best quotes
“I don’t feel there’s a disconnect between me and the players.

“We work very closely with them in training, in individual meetings and team meetings. We are giving everything to the players.

“There is a lack of spirit and a lack of belief, which can create that perception. I can’t argue with that at the moment because the run we’re on is unacceptable and that performance definitely was as well.

“It’s very soon after the game and I’m an emotional person, but that was unacceptable – unacceptable. We lost 80% of duels and didn’t win a single header.

“Tonight was not [about] tactical. This was about desire, spirit, courage and I did not see enough of that tonight.

“It is accountability. I have defended the players at times when it was the correct thing but I can’t defend that performance. It doesn’t represent this football club, it doesn’t represent anything I ask from the group and that has to change.

“I feel numb I’m so angry. Something needs to change drastically right now. The professionalism wasn’t there

“We need to look in the mirror. I need to look in the mirror. The general attitude, spirit, determination was lacking a part from maybe three or four of the 11. That is nowhere near enough for this club.

“Whether you’re playing at this elite football club or any football club, to even be accused of throwing the towel in is unacceptable. That’s all I’m going to say. I’m hurting.

“We need to make the right decisions for the team ahead of a massive game on Sunday and we’ll do everything we can to turn it around.”

Furious Rosenior Bemoans Chelsea’s 3-0 Loss At Brighton is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Tuesday, urged public relations practitioners to communicate government reforms and policies clearly to build public trust.

Shettima gave the charge in Kaduna during the third Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Week 2026 hosted by Governor Uba Sani.

The Vice President said policies and reforms of the Bola Tinubu administration would only succeed if citizens understand their benefits. According to him, public relations plays a critical role in governance, especially in explaining policies and addressing public concerns.

“As a government, we regard public relations as a strategic function of governance. It is integral to building trust, managing uncertainty, and sustaining reform. We must communicate not only what we are doing, but why we are doing it, how it serves the public good, and what place the citizen occupies in the success of that effort.” he said.

He added that policies must be properly explained in simple terms for citizens to understand their relevance and impact.

Speaking on food security, Shettima said the Tinubu administration has placed feeding the nation at the centre of its economic agenda. He further listed measures taken to address food insecurity, including mechanisation, agricultural funding, dry-season farming and input subsidies.

The Vice President said the success of the policies would be measured by their impact on farmers, markets and households. He also urged the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations to uphold professionalism and ethical standards.

In his remarks, the Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, described the Vice President as a strong supporter of the administration and said the state would continue to invest in agriculture.

On his part, President of African Public Relations Association (APRA), Arik Kirani, urged Nigerians to always tell their stories confidently because the country has greatly improved in all facets.

Kirani praised Nigeria’s new visa processing process, which he said has greatly improved, adding that the airport procedures for foreign visitors are also seamless.

The keynote speaker, Dr Brahim Chisunge from South Africa, commended Nigeria’s progress in food security, maintaining that it is a matter of national security and economic stability.

Chisunge noted that while Nigeria has a lot of agricultural potential that must be harnessed, policy implementation gaps must be addressed to achieve food security.

In his welcome address, NIPR President, Dr Ike Neliaku, said the NIPR Week was part of the Institute’s intervention to contribute to good governance, noting that the idea is to partner with the government to build Nigeria.

Neliaku revealed that Nigeria will be hosting the global summit on public relations in November this year, where 160 nations will converge, expressing optimism that Nigeria will continue to rise.

Highlight of the event was the inauguration of a newly built banquet hall at the Kaduna Government House, by the Vice President, who also described the achievement as a step towards strengthening governance and infrastructure in the state.

He further commended Sani, saying. “And so we must applaud His Excellency, Governor Uba Sani, for matching words with works, for giving visible expression to his convictions, and for proving through steady action that leadership is validated by delivery.”

Also, the state governor said the construction of the world class edifice was a deliberate effort towards strengthening institutions and governance in the state, stressing that the building would be used for high level diplomatic interactions that will further showcase the state to the world.

Shettima Urges Clear Communication Of Govt Policies is first published on The Whistler Newspaper