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Former Real Madrid star, James Rodriguez, has backed Bayern Munich winger, Luis Diaz to win the Ballon d’Or this year.

Rodriguez believes his fellow Colombian teammate Diaz can win the individual prize if his country reaches the final of the 2026 World Cup this summer.

He also insisted that the former Liverpool man is currently among the top five best players in the world.

“Luis Diaz as Ballon d’Or, why not? For me, he is top 5 in the world right now already,” Rodriguez said as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.

“If we get to the final, he can win the Ballon d’Or.”

Diaz has been impressive for Bayern Munich since joining the club from Liverpool. He helped them to win the Bundesliga title last season.

Ballon d’Or 2026: ‘He’s top five currently’ – James Rodriguez names player to win award

The Labour Party candidate for the June 20 Nasarawa North Senatorial District bye-election, Labaran Maku, has raised concerns over what he described as an alleged plan to compromise the electoral process in parts of the district.

Speaking during a press conference in Akpata, Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, on Wednesday, the former Minister of Information claimed that nine wards in Nasarawa Eggon had been identified as targets for electoral manipulation due to their high voter population and perceived support for the Labour Party.

Maku alleged that certain political interests were becoming uneasy over the growing popularity of his candidacy across the senatorial district and were therefore exploring measures to influence the outcome of the poll.

According to him, the Labour Party enjoys widespread grassroots support, particularly in Nasarawa Eggon, Akwanga and Wamba local government areas, which he said has strengthened the party’s confidence ahead of the election.

“We have credible information suggesting that there are moves to interfere with the electoral process because some people have realized that the people are determined to vote for change,” Maku stated.

He further alleged that plans were underway to deploy political thugs to disrupt voting in strategic locations, warning that any attempt to undermine the will of the electorate could trigger political tension and undermine public confidence in democracy.

The Labour Party candidate also called on federal authorities and security agencies to ensure neutrality during the election, urging them to resist any form of political pressure that could compromise the credibility of the exercise.

He expressed concern over what he described as the redeployment of some senior security officers within the state, alleging that the move mirrored developments witnessed during previous political contests.

Labaran Maku further claimed that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had not conducted a transparent primary election for the bye-election, insisting that an unpopular candidate had been imposed on party members.

Despite his concerns, Maku expressed optimism about his chances at the poll, maintaining that voters in Nasarawa North have consistently demonstrated political maturity by supporting candidates based on competence, credibility and track record rather than party affiliation.

The former minister urged residents to remain peaceful, vigilant and committed to the democratic process as preparations for the bye-election enter the final stages.

Nasarawa North bye-election: Maku alleges plot to manipulate result, names nine vulnerable wards

Vice presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Rabiu Kwankwaso, hosted a delegation of the Igbo Elders Consultative Forum at his Abuja residence.

Kwankwaso disclosed this in a post on X on Wednesday, saying the group pledged support for the proposed Peter Obi/Kwankwaso ticket under the Nigeria Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to Kwankwaso, the delegation was led by Dr. S. N. Okeke, Chairman of the Ohanaeze Council of Elders for the 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and former Enugu State Governor, Okwesilieze Nwodo.

He said the elders commended the growing relationship between him and Peter Obi within the NDC and assured the movement of electoral support across the South-East and other parts of the South.

According to him, he expressed satisfaction with his working relationship with Obi and reiterated his commitment to the OK Movement and the NDC.

The former governor said the party remained determined to secure victory in the 2027 elections.

2027: Kwankwaso hosts Igbo elders [Photos]

There was panic in Ijebu-Jesa, Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State, on Wednesday when a stage hosting Governor Ademola Adeleke and other dignitaries collapsed during a political rally organised in support of the governor.

The incident occurred during the launch of the Imole Canvassers initiative organised by Accord candidate for the Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, Pelumi Olajengbesi.

Witnesses said the stage gave way shortly after Governor Adeleke rose to address supporters gathered at the venue.

A video of the incident circulated on social media, showing the moment the structure collapsed and prompting a brief commotion among attendees.

The event was organised to inaugurate about 10,000 Imole Canvassers tasked with promoting the administration’s programmes and policies across the Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency and the wider Osun East Senatorial District.

Despite the incident, no injuries involving the governor or other prominent political figures were reported.

Senior government sources confirmed that Governor Adeleke and other officials present at the event were safe following the collapse.

The sources said security personnel and event organisers quickly responded to the situation and restored calm at the venue.

The lawmaker representing Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore, and Ejigbo Federal Constituency, Hon. Bamidele Salam, also confirmed the governor’s safety after the incident.

In a post on his Facebook page, Salam shared a photograph showing Governor Adeleke alongside Deputy Governor Prince Kola Adewusi, Osun Accord Chairman Pastor Victor Akande, the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, and other party officials.

Salam wrote, “With His Excellency Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, after a very successful rally in Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State, where Pelumi Olajengbesi launched a massive campaign in support of the Governor.”

The rally later continued after confirmation that the governor and other dignitaries were unharmed, while attendees dispersed peacefully following the brief disruption caused by the stage collapse.

Adeleke escapes harm as rally stage collapses in Ijebu-Jesa

National leader and founder of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Seriake Dickson, has admitted that there was crisis in the party’s primary election recently held across the country.

Fielding questions in an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ on Wednesday, Dickson said, it could have been worse for a young political party.

He, however, said everybody, including the aspirants are showing restraint and commitment to the party.

“The Electoral Act as stipulated has created crisis. Actually, the crisis could have been worse for a new and young party like the NDC if not for the way all our colleagues have shown restraint.

“Now, look at the All Progressives Congress, APC. It has been in federal power since 2015. As at today they have or 33 governors, yet they have their own primaries’ crisis.

“The ADC too, is not left out. You saw what played out during and after their own primary election,” Dickson said.

‘It could have been worse’ – Dickson admits crisis in NDC primaries

FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, has claimed they don’t have control over everything.

Infantino was speaking on the eve of the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday, while addressing issues around visas into the United States.

When asked if he felt the world football governing body had “lost control of the tournament”.

These accusations came up after Somali referee Omar Artan was turned away at the US border and members of Iran team’s support staff were refused visas.

“We try always to find solutions, but then we need to respect that we are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces, we are a sports organization,” Infantino said at a press conference.

The tournament kicks off on Thursday, with one of the co-hosts Mexico taking on South Africa.

2026 World Cup: FIFA breaks silence on visa issues

Former Liverpool star, Danny Murphy, has picked the player that could leave Chelsea between Alejandro Garnacho and Liam Delap.

Chelsea signed Garnacho and Delap Chelsea from Manchester United and Ipswich Town, respectively.

However, Murphy believes Garnacho is more likely to leave Chelsea than Delap because he has struggled at the club.

He pointed out that new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso will, however, give Delap ‘another crack’ next season.

“I think Alejandro Garnacho has struggled, and the fans have not taken to him. If you look at their front line, it’s only really Joao Pedro who has done well,” Murphy told Metro.

“If one were going to leave, I think it would more likely be Garnacho than Liam Delap.

“Delap brings some characteristics that Chelsea don’t have. He is different from Joao Pedro, so I think Xabi Alonso will give him a crack.”

EPL: He has struggled – Danny Murphy picks player to leave Chelsea between Delap, Garnacho

Counter-insurgency and security analyst in Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama, has identified two men he described as brothers of notorious bandit leader Bello Turji.

Makama stated that they have been involved in violent activities across parts of Sokoto and Zamfara states.

In a post shared on Wednesday, Makama published a photograph of the two men and claimed they were among individuals linked to ongoing insecurity in the North-West region.

“This are the two real brothers of Bello Turji. They are ruthless and have been terrorizing the peace loving people in Sokoto and Zamfara. They will soon meet their Waterloo,” Makama wrote.

DAILY POST reports that Bello Turji is one of Nigeria’s most wanted bandit leaders and has been linked to numerous attacks, kidnappings and killings across parts of the North-West, particularly in Zamfara, Sokoto and neighbouring states.

His criminal network has remained a major security challenge despite repeated military offensives in the region.

The Federal Government and security forces have intensified operations against armed groups operating in the North-West, with authorities reporting the neutralisation of several bandit commanders and the rescue of kidnapped victims in recent months.

However, attacks by criminal gangs continue to pose a threat to communities across the region.

They’re ruthless – Security expert reveals two brothers of bandit kingpin Bello Turji [Photo]

The United States Department of State has intensified enforcement actions against what it describes as illegal “birth tourism” schemes aimed at securing American citizenship for children through visitor visas.

This was disclosed in a statement posted via the department’s official X handle on Wednesday.

“Under President Trump, the State Department is defending the integrity of U.S. citizenship by ending illegal birth tourism schemes.

“No foreigner is permitted to obtain a visitor visa for the primary purpose of acquiring U.S. citizenship for a child by giving birth in the U.S.

“A U.S. embassy in West Africa uncovered a sophisticated birth tourism network involving more than 100 foreign nationals using fraudulent documents and visa ‘fixers’ to obtain visas in order to secure U.S. citizenship for their children.

“We shut it down, revoked these foreign nationals’ visas, and are coordinating with local authorities to systematically identify and dismantle similar operations.

“In Europe, a U.S. embassy identified more than 400 suspected birth tourism cases since 2024. Investigators traced them to at least six companies that coached applicants on what to say during their visa interviews, arranged U.S. housing, and set up delivery plans.

“We shut it down, revoked their visas, and permanently banned several fraudsters from travelling to the United States.

“One U.S. embassy in North Africa revoked more than 100 visas issued to ‘birth tourist’ parents who came to the United States primarily to give birth so their children could obtain U.S. citizenship.

“Consular officers, working with law enforcement and using data analytics, identified several networks abusing the system and put a stop to them.

“A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right. The State Department is taking action around the world to stop this abuse, dismantle birth tourism networks, and hold accountable those who try to scam our system,” the statement said.

US launches global crackdown on illegal ‘birth tourism’, revokes visas in Africa

…Denies Dodging Probe, Pledges To Appear After Treatment

A former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has reacted to the Senate Committee on Public Accounts’ decision to issue an arrest warrant against him, describing the development as “deeply shocking.”

In a formal response seen by THE WHISTLER addressed to the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts at the National Assembly, Abuja, Kyari said he had earlier communicated with the committee regarding his inability to appear due to medical travel abroad.

“I refer to the news of the arrest warrant issued against me during the proceedings of your esteemed Committee today, 10th June, 2026. I am deeply shocked by the issuance of the warrant,” he wrote.

Kyari stated that his position was consistent with a letter previously sent to the committee on May 11, 2026, in which he reportedly informed lawmakers that he was outside the country on medical grounds.

According to him, the earlier correspondence also conveyed his willingness to honour the committee’s invitation upon his return to Nigeria, while requesting the option of providing written responses to any questions that may require urgent attention.

“I also expressed my willingness to honour the Committee’s invitation as soon as I return to Nigeria,” he noted, adding that he had further requested permission to respond in writing should his medical trip affect the committee’s schedule.

Reiterating his position, Kyari maintained that he had not sought to evade the Senate’s invitation and insisted he remained fully cooperative with the legislative inquiry.

“I wish to reiterate that I remain very willing and ready to honour the invitation of the Committee and to appear before it once I return to the country and at the convenience of the Committee,” he said.

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts had earlier issued an arrest warrant against Kyari following his absence during its sitting, where it is probing financial issues linked to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

In the May 11 letter issued by Kyari to th3 Committee’s Chairman, the immediate past NNPC Boss had denied deliberately avoiding the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, insisting that he never received any fresh invitation from the panel before it issued an arrest warrant against him.

Kyari, who is currently undergoing medical treatment outside Nigeria, said he remains willing to appear before the Senate committee immediately after concluding his medical care abroad.

The Senate committee had reportedly resolved to issue the warrant after expressing dissatisfaction with Kyari’s absence from its proceedings.

The motion seeking the issuance of the arrest warrant was moved by Senator Victor Umeh and seconded by Senator Adams Oshiomhole during one of the committee’s hearings.

The lawmakers are investigating issues relating to NNPC Limited’s financial records, including allegations involving over ₦210tn currently under legislative scrutiny.

However, Kyari maintained that he had not been served with any subsequent invitation requiring his appearance before the committee.

“I am made to understand that your distinguished Committee directed that I appear before it in respect of matters relating to the account of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Limited) during my tenure as Group Managing Director/Group Chief Executive Officer,” he stated.

“However, I wish to respectfully state that I have neither received nor sighted the said invitation.”

The former NNPC chief stressed that had the invitation reached him, he would have willingly honoured it.

“Notwithstanding this, I would have gladly honoured the invitation and appeared before the Committee to provide any clarification required,” Kyari added.

His explanation appears aimed at dispelling suggestions that he deliberately ignored the Senate committee or sought to evade legislative oversight.

Kyari further disclosed that his current medical condition has prevented him from appearing physically before the committee.

According to him, he is presently outside the country receiving critical medical care, making it impossible to attend the hearing at this time.

“Unfortunately, I am presently outside the country undergoing critical medical care and, due to these circumstances, I am unable to attend physically at this time,” he explained.

Despite his inability to appear in person, the former NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer assured the Senate of his full cooperation with the investigation.

He urged the committee to channel any questions or requests for clarification through his legal representatives to facilitate prompt responses.

“In view of the foregoing, I humbly request that my Counsel be furnished with any questions or inquiries the Honourable Committee may wish to raise, to enable me promptly provide the necessary explanations and clarifications,” he stated.

The request, observers say demonstrates his willingness to engage with the investigative process even while receiving treatment abroad.

Kyari also assured the lawmakers that he remains committed to appearing before the committee personally as soon as his health condition permits.

“I wish to assure the distinguished Committee of my utmost respect and willingness to make myself available at the earliest possible opportunity,” he said.

The former NNPC boss used the opportunity to express appreciation to Nigeria for the privilege of serving in one of the country’s most strategic institutions.

“I remain deeply grateful to my country for the opportunity afforded me to serve with utmost diligence and commitment,” he stated.

Kyari also defended his stewardship of the national oil company, insisting that his administration recorded significant achievements during its tenure.

He maintained that under his leadership, NNPC Limited underwent major reforms that transformed it from a loss-making enterprise into a profitable commercial entity.

“I firmly believe that under my leadership, my team and I performed creditably in transforming the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited from a loss-making entity into a profitable organization,” he said.

The former NNPC Boss further reassured the Senate committee that all transactions conducted during his tenure were properly documented and remain available for scrutiny.

“Furthermore, proper records of all transactions undertaken during my tenure were duly maintained and remain available within the NNPC for verification and reference,” Kyari noted.

His clarification comes amid growing public interest in the Senate’s investigation into the financial affairs of NNPC Limited.

The Public Accounts Committee had repeatedly emphasized its commitment to transparency, accountability and effective legislative oversight in the management of public institutions.

Lawmakers have insisted that all individuals and agencies connected to issues under investigation must cooperate fully with the National Assembly to ensure public confidence in governance processes.

However, Kyari’s latest response suggests that his non-appearance before the committee may have been influenced by communication gaps regarding subsequent invitations, rather than an outright refusal to honour the Senate’s summons.

Sources familiar with the matter also maintained that the former NNPC boss has no intention of evading accountability and remains prepared to respond to all issues relating to his tenure.

The sources noted that Kyari believes engaging with the committee through his legal representatives while receiving medical treatment abroad represents a practical interim arrangement until he is fit enough to travel.

Observers noted that the former NNPC chief’s willingness to cooperate and his request for the committee to furnish his legal team with specific enquiries could provide an avenue for constructive engagement between both parties.

While the investigation continues, Kyari has maintained that he remains respectful of the Senate and its constitutional oversight responsibilities.

He insists that he has nothing to hide regarding his stewardship of NNPC Limited and remains committed to providing every clarification required by lawmakers.

With his assurance to appear immediately after concluding his medical treatment abroad, the former NNPC chief has sought to reinforce his readiness to cooperate with the ongoing investigation while addressing concerns arising from his absence before the Senate panel.

Kyari Reacts To Senate Arrest Warrant, Says He Notified Committee Of Medical Trip Abroad is first published on The Whistler Newspaper