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A Bayelsa State lawmaker, Fred Agbedi, has been announced as the House of Representatives Minority Leader.

The speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, made this announcement on Thursday moments after settling down for the day’s business.

Also appointed is Sokoto State lawmaker, Abdusamad Dasuki, who will serve as Deputy Minority Leader.

Meanwhile, Bauchi State representative, Mansur Manu Soro, has been named Minority Chief Whip.

DAILY POST reports that Fred Agbedi is from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, while Mansur Manu belongs to the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, and Abdusamad Dasuki represents the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

The announcement ends weeks of consultations and lobbying among opposition lawmakers over the composition of the minority leadership.

Recall that about 9 members, alongside the member representing Ideato North and South federal constituency of Imo State, Ikenga Ugochinyere, walked onto the floor of the House of Representatives’ chambers a while ago, chanting ‘No announcement, No Sitting’ over the minority leader position.

Among Ugochinyere’s supporters for the office of the Minority Leader are Jesse Okey-Joe from Lagos, Aliyu Mustapha from Kaduna, Afam Ogene from Anambra as well as Aliyu Misau from Bauchi.

House of Reps announces Agbedi as Minority Leader

Nigerian singer Michael Adebayo Olayinka, popularly known as Ruger, has been absent from the music scene due to an ongoing legal dispute involving a former romantic partner, his record label has revealed.

In a statement, the label disclosed that the singer’s hiatus was caused by personal challenges stemming from a lawsuit filed by an ex-girlfriend, who allegedly accused him of causing emotional distress and sought damages.

According to the statement, the legal battle significantly affected the artist’s activities and contributed to his prolonged absence from the spotlight.

“Ruger was caught up in a series of personal challenges after someone he dated decided to sue him for alleged ‘emotional distress’ and ‘damages,’” the statement read.

The label, however, assured fans that the singer is preparing for a return to the music industry and is expected to resume active engagements in August.

Ruger, known for hit songs including “Bounce,” rose to prominence with his unique sound and has remained one of Nigeria’s most successful Afrobeats artists.

The announcement has sparked reactions from fans, many of whom are excited about the singer’s anticipated return to music after months away from the public eye.

Legal Dispute With Ex-Girlfriend Stalls Ruger’s Music Career, Says Label is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The G-60 Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives on Thursday protested against the failure of the leadership of the House to address the controversy surrounding the position of Minority Leader.

This followed the move to shut out Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere from emerging as the Minority Leader of the House.

DAILY POST reports that the House Wednesday adopted a resolution barring first-time members from occupying principal officers’ positions.

The decision, however, did not go down well with members of the G-60, who stormed the Green chamber during plenary on Thursday, demanding that the leadership of the House address the issue.

According to them, the plenary proceedings are on hold if the House leadership fails to address the crisis.

Reports indicated that the group led by Ikenga Imo-Ugochinyere have thrown their weight behind members representing Sagbama-Ekeremor Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State, Fred Agbedi as Minority Leader and Abdusammad Dasuki as deputy.

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BREAKING: G-60 lawmakers protest in House of Reps over minority leadership [VIDEO]

The governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Bauchi State for the 2027 election, Barrister Ibrahim Kashim, has reacted to a bench warrant issued against him by a Chief Magistrate Court in Bauchi over an alleged defamation case.

DAILY POST reports that the bench warrant was issued on June 9, 2026, by Chief Magistrate Abdulmumini Adamu in Suit No. CMCBH/870/2026, following a complaint filed by Barrister Ahmed Sani and Barrister Hussaini Saraki.

According to court documents obtained by DAILY POST, the complainants accused Kashim of making defamatory remarks during a television interview.

They alleged that he claimed one of the lawyers had been accused of collecting money from a client without rendering the agreed legal service.

The complainants further alleged that Kashim suggested they may have been among those who supplied information about him to government officials.

They described the statements as false, malicious and damaging to their reputations, maintaining that they had never provided any information about Kashim to government officials.

According to the complainants, the remarks subjected them to public ridicule, tarnished their professional standing and cast doubt on their integrity and competence as legal practitioners.

The court granted the application for a bench warrant after counsel to the complainants, S.U. Sarki, Esq., urged the court to compel the defendant’s appearance.

Reacting to the development, Kashim said he remains committed to the rule of law and respects the judiciary.

He explained in a statement that the court summons was served on a Sunday after he had already made arrangements to travel to Abuja for previously scheduled engagements.

“We wish to clarify to the public that the court summons in question was served on Sunday, at a time when I had already completed my travel arrangements to Abuja for important engagements that had been scheduled earlier,” he said.

Kashim stated that upon becoming aware of the matter, he immediately directed his lawyer to appear before the court and seek an adjournment.

“It is therefore not right to interpret our absence as absconding or a refusal to accept the summons,” he added.

He reiterated his confidence in the judicial process and expressed readiness to defend himself in court.

“We have full respect for the courts and the legal system, and we are ready to defend ourselves according to the law. We have not insulted anyone, and we have not committed any crime that would prevent us from telling the truth in court.

“God willing, we will appear in court at the scheduled time for the continuation of the trial, and we are confident that the truth will come out,” Kashim said.

Bauchi NDC governorship candidate responds to bench warrant over alleged defamation

Afrobeats superstar Davido used his performance at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Countdown Concert in Los Angeles to draw global attention to the plight of abducted schoolchildren and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The singer appeared on stage wearing a custom-made jacket bearing the names of the 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers who were kidnapped in the area, alongside the inscription “Bring Them Home.”

Davido’s gesture came during the high-profile FIFA event held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, where he performed alongside other international acts as part of activities marking one year to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

By displaying the names of the victims on a global stage, the award-winning artist amplified calls for their safe return and renewed public awareness of the abduction, which has sparked widespread concern across Nigeria.

The symbolic act has drawn praise from many Nigerians, who described it as a powerful reminder that the victims’ story should not be forgotten and that efforts to secure their release must continue.

Davido Honours Abducted Oyo Pupils During FIFA Concert is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Taraba State Internal Revenue Board (TIRSB) has cautioned taxpayers across the state against paying taxes into private accounts, emphasizing that all tax payments must be made through approved government channels and authorized revenue officers.
The warning was issued on Thursday during a taxpayer sensitization and awareness campaign on the state’s new tax reform initiatives held in Jalingo, the Taraba state capital.

The programme, which covered major parts of the city, attracted traders’ associations, market women, bankers, and other stakeholders. According to the board, the exercise was aimed at educating residents on the new tax reforms and encouraging voluntary tax compliance.

Speaking during the campaign, the Chairman of the Board, Brigadier General (Rtd.) Jeremiah Aliyu Faransa, said the initiative was designed to engage taxpayers and strengthen public confidence in the state’s revenue collection system.

Faransa commended the cordial relationship between revenue officials and taxpayers, stressing that payment of taxes remains both a civic responsibility and a legal obligation for all eligible citizens.

He noted that the board considered it necessary to intensify public awareness to ensure residents understand that no individual is authorized to collect taxes illegally or divert government revenue into personal accounts.

The chairman warned that anyone found engaging in tax-related fraud or revenue diversion would face the full weight of the law.

He also appealed to residents to embrace the new tax reform laws, assuring them that the board, in collaboration with the state government, would ensure that revenues generated are judiciously utilized for the development of the state and the welfare of its citizens.

Some market women and members of traders’ associations who spoke with The Guardian expressed satisfaction with the awareness campaign and pledged to educate their members on the importance of complying with the new tax reforms.

They described the sensitization exercise as timely and beneficial, noting that it would help curb illegal tax collection and improve compliance among taxpayers across the state.

Illegal tax collection will attract full Legal consequences – Faransa

One of the biggest mistakes people make in their personal finance journey is keeping all their money in a savings account while inflation steadily erodes its value. While saving is important, building wealth requires investing. The challenge for many Nigerians, however, is knowing where to start.

Three of the most common investment options available to retail investors are stocks, Treasury Bills, and mutual funds. Each offers different levels of risk, returns, accessibility, and suitability depending on an individual’s financial goals.

So, which is best?

The honest answer is that there is no one-size-fits-all investment. The best choice depends largely on your financial objectives, risk tolerance, investment horizon, and understanding of the market.

Understanding Treasury Bills

Treasury Bills, commonly known as T-Bills, are short-term debt instruments issued by the Federal Government through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). They are essentially loans investors give to the government in exchange for interest payments.

Treasury Bills are generally regarded as one of the safest investments because they are backed by the full faith and credit of the government.

For conservative investors, retirees, or individuals looking to preserve capital, Treasury Bills offer several advantages.

First, they provide predictable returns. Investors know in advance how much they are likely to earn at maturity.

Second, they carry relatively low risk. Unlike stocks, their value does not fluctuate significantly based on market sentiment.

Third, they are highly liquid. Investors can buy and sell them in the secondary market if necessary.

However, Treasury Bills have limitations. Their returns may not always outpace inflation, especially during periods of rising prices. If inflation stands at 25 percent while Treasury Bills yield 18 percent, investors are effectively losing purchasing power despite earning interest.

For this reason, Treasury Bills are more suitable for short-term goals such as building an emergency fund, preserving capital, or parking money temporarily.

The Case For Stocks

Stocks represent ownership in a company. When investors buy shares, they become part owners of that business and may benefit from its growth through capital appreciation and dividends.

Historically, stocks have provided some of the highest long-term returns among major asset classes. Investors who bought shares in fundamentally strong companies and held them for many years have often generated substantial wealth.

The biggest advantage of stocks is their growth potential. Unlike Treasury Bills, where returns are fixed, stocks offer unlimited upside. As companies expand, increase profitability, and improve performance, their share prices may appreciate significantly.

Dividend-paying companies also provide investors with an additional income stream. However, stocks come with higher risks.

Prices can fluctuate dramatically due to economic conditions, company performance, political developments, and investor sentiment. Market downturns can lead to substantial short-term losses.

This volatility makes stocks more suitable for individuals with longer investment horizons and a higher tolerance for risk.

Successful stock investing also requires research, patience, and emotional discipline. Investors who panic during market declines often lock in losses by selling prematurely.

For young professionals saving for retirement or long-term financial goals, stocks can be a powerful wealth-building tool.

Understanding Mutual Funds

Mutual funds offer a middle ground between Treasury Bills and direct stock investing.

A mutual fund pools money from multiple investors and invests it in a diversified portfolio of assets managed by professional fund managers.

Depending on their objectives, mutual funds may invest in stocks, bonds, Treasury Bills, money market instruments, or a combination of these assets.

One of the greatest advantages of mutual funds is diversification.

Instead of relying on the performance of a single stock or investment, investors spread risk across multiple assets. This reduces the impact of poor performance from any individual security.

Mutual funds are also professionally managed. For individuals who lack the time, knowledge, or confidence to select investments themselves, professional managers make investment decisions on their behalf.

Accessibility is another major benefit. Many mutual funds allow investors to start with relatively small amounts, making them ideal for beginners.

However, mutual funds are not without drawbacks.

Management fees can reduce overall returns over time. Additionally, investors surrender direct control over investment decisions to fund managers.

Performance also varies significantly depending on the expertise of the managers and prevailing market conditions.

Nonetheless, mutual funds remain an attractive option for investors seeking simplicity and diversification.

Which Investment Is Best?

The answer depends on who you are and what you hope to achieve. If preserving your capital is your primary concern, Treasury Bills may be the most appropriate choice. They offer stability, predictability, and lower risk.

If your objective is long-term wealth creation and you can tolerate market fluctuations, stocks may provide the highest growth potential.

If you prefer professional management and diversification without having to monitor individual investments constantly, mutual funds could be the ideal solution.

Importantly, investors do not have to choose only one option. In fact, many financial advisers recommend diversification across different asset classes.

A balanced investment portfolio may include Treasury Bills for stability, mutual funds for diversification, and stocks for growth.

This approach helps reduce risk while improving the potential for long-term returns.

Factors to Consider Before Investing

Before choosing any investment vehicle, investors should ask themselves several important questions.

What is my investment goal? Am I saving for a house, retirement, education, or short-term expenses? What is my risk tolerance? Can I withstand temporary losses without panicking? What is my investment timeline? Will I need this money in six months or twenty years? How much do I understand about the investment?

Investing in products you do not understand can lead to costly mistakes.

These questions help align investment decisions with personal financial circumstances.

The Bottom Line

There is no universally superior investment option among stocks, Treasury Bills, and mutual funds.

Treasury Bills provide safety and predictable returns. Stocks offer higher growth potential alongside greater risk. Mutual funds combine diversification with professional management.

The best investment is not necessarily the one generating the highest returns. It is the one that aligns with your financial goals, risk appetite, and investment horizon.

In an economy characterised by inflation and economic uncertainty, doing nothing may be the riskiest decision of all.

Building wealth requires moving beyond saving into thoughtful investing.

Whether through Treasury Bills, stocks, mutual funds, or a combination of all three, the important step is to start.

Because in personal finance, time in the market often matters more than trying to perfectly time the market.

Stocks, Treasury Bills, Or Mutual Funds: Which Is Best? is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

John Healey has stepped down as the United Kingdom’s Defence Secretary, citing concerns that the government’s defence spending plans are insufficient to meet growing security challenges.

His unexpected resignation follows increasing disagreements within Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration regarding a long-awaited Defence Investment Plan (DIP). 

The strategy is expected to outline funding arrangements for military equipment purchases and defence infrastructure projects over the next decade, following a review of Britain’s defence capabilities conducted last year.

In a resignation letter addressed to the prime minister, Healey said the decision was one he “never expected to write.” 

He criticized both Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves, accusing them of failing to provide the level of financial commitment needed to strengthen national security amid escalating global threats.

He wrote: “Your DIP financial settlement, which I was first given in full on Monday the afternoon this week, falls well short of what is required for defence and the country at this dangerous time.

“The extra support is backloaded when the pressure of operations and imperative to speed up readiness to fight is in the first two years, and it rises to just 2.68 per cent of GDP in 2030, when we will reach 2.6 per cent next year with the investment we are already making.”

Healey’s departure is expected to intensify debate over the government’s defence priorities and its commitment to boosting military preparedness at a time of heightened international uncertainty.

UK Defence Secretary John Healey resigns over military spending dispute

Serena Williams’ doubles campaign at Queen’s is over after her playing partner Victoria Mboko suffered a left knee injury at the HSBC Championships doubles tournament on Wednesday.

The wild cards got their campaign off to a winning start on Tuesday, defeating No. 3 seeds Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Erin Routliffe 7-6(2), 6-2 in Williams’s first professional match since the 2022 US Open. However, Mboko slipped on the grass while trailing Karolina Pliskova 6-2, 3-4 in her opening singles contest, and was forced to retire.

Leylah Fernandez
and Laura Siegemund
advance to the semifinals via walkover, where they will face either No. 2 seeds Gabriela Dabrowski and Luisa Stefani or Iva Jovic and McCartney Kessler.

Williams, 44, will continue her comeback at the doubles in Berlin next week with her partner has yet to be announced.

Williams won 23 Grand Slam singles titles — including seven at Wimbledon — before stepping away from the game, saying at the time she was “evolving” away from tennis rather than “retiring.”

Serena Williams’ Return Ends At Queen’s Club is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Imo State Government has apprehended a group of individuals allegedly impersonating officials of the Ministry of Transport and operating an illegal heavy-duty vehicle taskforce across major roads in the state.

The suspects were arrested in the early hours of today at about 4:20 a.m. by the Governor’s Monitoring and Compliance Team led by Nze Chinasa Nwaneri, following credible intelligence received by the government.

The operation was carried out simultaneously along the Onitsha-Owerri Road, Port Harcourt-Owerri Road, and Aba-Owerri Road, where the fake taskforce members were reportedly extorting motorists while falsely presenting themselves as government officials.

The impersonators were rounded up by the monitoring team and will be handed over to the relevant law enforcement agencies for further investigation and prosecution.

The Imo State Government has urged residents to continue providing actionable intelligence to the appropriate authorities, assuring that prompt action will always be taken to safeguard the public and protect the integrity of government institutions.