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Ambassador-designate to South Africa, Fani-Kayode, and Ambassador-designate to Mexico, Omokri, have said power can’t return to the North in 2027.

In a statement on Saturday, both ambassador-desigantes said the North enjoyed two full uninterrupted terms under former President Muhammadu Buhari, with southern support, hence the South South be allowed to continue till 2031.

They said the South’s stay in power is not incidental but deliberate.

The statement reads partly: “We further affirm that, having completed and made full and unfettered use of two terms of four years, under the Muhammadu Buhari administration, Northern Nigeria, with the support of patriots from Southern Nigeria, had its full, uninterrupted, and undisturbed tenure in this power rotation arrangement.

“We view it as unpatriotic and inimical to the unity, equilibrium, and progress of Nigeria for anyone to even conceive of power returning to Northern Nigeria after only one term of four years, during which it was domiciled in Southern Nigeria.

“Not just in Southern Nigeria, but in the specific hands of the man who was the chief architect for the return of power to the North in 2015.”

Backing the second term of Tinubu, they said: “In view of recent political events, it has become necessary and expedient for us, Ambassadors Designate Chief Femi Fani-Kayode and Bemigho Reno Omokri, to state categorically that we believe it is in the best interest of the stability, unity, and prosperity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and in keeping with the Gentleman’s Agreement, which ushered in our Fourth Republic in 1999, after sixteen years of turbulence and political instability, for there to be a balanced and orderly rotation of power in Nigeria, between the North and the South.”

Tinubu: Fani-Kayode, Omokri reject power return to North in 2027

Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, met with United States Vice President J.D. Vance and the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio in Washington.

The meeting was held at the residence of Vance.

According to a statement by Secure Nigeria, a social media platform focused on security issues, the discussions centered on strengthening cooperation between both countries in the fight against terrorism in West Africa, including threats by Boko Haram and ISIS amid ongoing attacks.

“This week, Nigeria’s National Security Advisor, Nuhu Ribadu (@NuhuRibadu), met with Vice President J.D. Vance (@JDVance) and Secretary of State Marco Rubio (@SecRubio), reinforcing a decisive U.S.-Nigeria partnership to confront terrorism in West Africa.

“@officiaLABAT is grateful for @realDonaldTrump’s partnership and continued U.S. training and intelligence support as Nigerian forces intensify operations to dismantle terrorist networks, protect Nigerian Christians, and defend all vulnerable communities.

“Africa’s largest democracy isn’t wavering. Nigeria stands as a frontline U.S. partner against ISIS, Boko Haram, and rising terror threats across the Sahel.

“This fight is winnable and together the U.S. and Nigeria intend to finish it,” it reads.

NSA Ribadu meets United States VP Vance, Rubio in Washington

Former President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on Friday received the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential aspirant, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen in Abuja, where both men discussed the state of the nation and the outlook for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

The meeting, according to a statement issued by Mohammed Hayatu-Deen Media Office on Saturday, reflected the longstanding relationship between the two men, who previously worked together during Jonathan’s administration.

Hayatu-Deen had served as a member of the National Council on Privatization and chaired the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) when Jonathan was Vice President. He also later served on the Presidential Advisory Committee during Jonathan’s tenure as Acting President and subsequently as President.

The statement noted that Hayatu-Deen recently obtained his ADC presidential nomination form from the party’s national secretariat and formally informed Jonathan of his decision to seek the presidency in 2027.

During the visit, Hayatu-Deen praised Jonathan’s contributions to democratic governance and electoral integrity across Africa, describing the former president as a respected statesman on the continent.

Jonathan, in response, warmly welcomed the ADC aspirant and wished him success in his political journey.

Hayatu-Deen’s media office described the economist and banker as a seasoned public and private sector professional whose four-decade career has contributed to job creation and institutional reforms across the country.

The statement added that Hayatu-Deen intends to leverage his experience to address insecurity, reduce the rising cost of living and create employment opportunities for Nigerians if elected president.

Jonathan receives ADC presidential aspirant, Hayatu-Deen

African champions, Super Falcons of Nigeria will embark on a training tour in the United Kingdom later this month, DAILY POST reports.

The training tour will serve as part of the Super Falcons preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The 10-time African champions will engage in one friendly during the camping exercise which will hold from May 23 to 28, according to Savid News.

Head coach Justine Madugu will use the opportunity to assess new players, with majority of the key stars expected to miss out due to club commitments.

The Super Falcons were due to face Cape Verde in double header friendlies at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne last month.

The fixtures were, however, called off after Cape Verde announced they would not honour them.

Madugu’s side are expected to engage in friendlies during the next FIFA international window scheduled for June 7 to 14.

WAFCON 2026: Super Falcons to embark on UK tour 

The Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, has enforced the suspension of Wikki Tourists defender, Abubakar Aliyu.

Aliyu has accumulated five yellow cards the season, the latest was in the 3-1 defeat against Ikorodu City on Tuesday.

The defender will now miss the Bauchi Elephants matchday 37 encounter against Rivers United on Sunday.

The league body backed the center referee Joseph Ogabor for his decision despite criticism from Wikki Tourists.

The punishment was communicated to Wikki Tourists in a statement signed for the Chief Operating Officer by x Stanley Ike-Richard.

The league body reminded Wikki Tourists that the referee has full authority to enforcing the laws of the game in connection with the match appointed for.

NPFL: Wikki Tourists’ Aliyu suspended for Rivers United clash 

 Nigeria National League, NNL, Chairman, George Aluo has commended the organization and quality of the 2025-26 Super Four playoff.

 Aluo said the event marked a significant upgrade for the second-tier league.

DAILY POST reports that the tournament took place at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.

“The ambiance is excellent. This stadium is world-class outside of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, it’s the best in the country,” Aluo stated to the media.

“The pitch is fantastic, and the teams are playing good, competitive football.

“The referees have done a great job, officiating in a relaxed but professional atmosphere. Everything has come together well, and I’m really impressed.”

Sporting Lagos were crowned the champions of the competition.

NNL: Aluo praises standard of 2026 Super Four playoff

The equities market bounced back from its bearish trend on Friday, ending the week on a bullish note as investors raked in N3.24 trillion in gains. 

Accordingly, the All-Share Index (ASI) advanced by 5,041.22 points, or 2.10 percent, to settle at 244,775.83, up from 239,734.61 posted in the previous trading session.

Consequently, the year-to-date return rose to 57.30 percent, while market breadth closed positive as well, recording 45 gainers against 31 losers.

On the gainers chart, Dangote Cement, Cadbury, Mecure, Neimeth, and Livingtrust Mortgage led by 10 percent each, settling at N1,088, N72.60, N72.60, N9.90, and N3.52 per share, respectively.

On the flip side, UACN and Industrial and Medical Gases led the losers’ chart by 10 percent each, finishing at N171 and N42.30 per share, respectively.

In the same vein, Eterna fell by 9.93 percent, closing at N33.55; Learn Africa dipped by 9.89 percent, ending the session at N8.20; and Deap Capital Management shed 9.69 percent, settling at N5.50 per share.

Further analysis showed that market activity declined for the day, as total volume traded fell by 36.89 percent to 1.16 billion shares valued at N59.80 billion in 72,733 deals.

Access Corporation emerged as the most traded stock by volume, with 104.43 million shares exchanged, accounting for 9.04 percent of the day’s total volume.

MTN Nigeria led in value terms with transactions worth N7.39 billion, representing 12.35 percent of the total value traded. 

Nigerian stock market bounces back, investors record massive N3.24tn gains

Former Big Brother Naija All Stars winner, Ilebaye Odiniya, has sparked widespread concern among fans after appearing in an emotional live video in the early hours of Saturday, allegedly showing her being assaulted by unidentified men.

In the video, which has since circulated widely across social media platforms, the reality TV star was seen visibly distressed, crying, and repeatedly pleading for help while showing noticeable swelling on her face.

During the livestream, Ilebaye called on people around her to assist her as the disturbing situation unfolded.

“Come and open the door, I want to be going,” she was heard saying, while at other moments she screamed, “Please come and help me.”

As of the time of filing this report, the exact circumstances surrounding the alleged assault remain unclear, and it has not been officially confirmed whether the incident was reported to law enforcement authorities.

The viral footage has sparked widespread reactions online, with fans, supporters, and social media users expressing deep concern for her well-being while calling for a full investigation into the incident.

Neither Ilebaye nor her management team has issued an official statement clarifying the events or providing additional details regarding the situation.

BBNaija Star Goes Live Pleading For Help Over Alleged Attack is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Activist, Omoyele Sowore, has slammed Femi Fani-Kayode, describing the former Minister of Aviation as a liar.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently appointed Ita Solomon Enang as Nigeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Federal Republic of Germany. 

Femi Fani Kayode, who was deployed earlier to Germany as an ambassador, was redeployed to South Africa 

Fani-Kayode came on X to announce his redeployment and claimed he made the request himself, adding, among other claims, that he likes South Africa. 

In a post on X, Fani-Kayode said, “I am pleased to announce that Mr. President has graciously approved my appointment as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa.”

“This decision came just a few days after the initial announcement of my posting to Germany, and after I formally communicated to the then Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, my discomfort with Germany due to several personal reasons. 

“Given that I have spent most of my life in Europe, I expressed my preference for South Africa, a country I have never visited but have a strong interest in.

“I also conveyed my desire to serve in a nation that aligns with my beliefs, convictions, and values regarding global affairs, one that boasts the largest economy in Africa, maintains closer ties with Nigeria, and resonates more closely with my political perspectives on foreign relations and a pan-African vision.

“Consequently, I submitted a request for redeployment to South Africa two days after the initial announcement. I am delighted to report that after the then Foreign Minister (H.E. Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar) considered my reasons, he favorably relayed my request to Mr. President, who graciously approved it.”

In his reaction, Sowore wrote on X, “If you trust claims like those from @realFFK, you’re likely to believe almost anything. 

“Of course, he is lying, no sane country would accept an unstable character like Femi Fani-Kayode as a diplomat in their country.”

‘Liar, no sane country will accept you’ – Sowore slams Fani-Kayode over Germany claim

Lyon forward, Endrick, has insisted that Santos star Neymar will completely dedicate himself to the Brazilian team and to everyone in the Brazilian Football Confederation if he is selected by head coach Carlo Ancelotti to be part of the team’s World Cup squad.

Endrick spoke during a recent interview with PLACAR magazine while discussing whether Neymar should be selected for the Brazilian national team to go to the World Cup next month.

Ancelotti is expected to release his final squad list for the World Cup, and one of the major topics in the past few weeks has been whether the former Real Madrid manager would include Neymar’s name.

Speaking on the development, Kendrick, however, admitted that Ancelotti has the final decision.

The 19-year-old said of Neymar, “He is a great player, and we all know how amazing his potential is. May God bless him on the 18th, of course, first and foremost, according to God’s will, and then it will be Ancelotti’s decision.

“If he can be selected for the national team, I have no doubt that he will completely dedicate himself to the team, not only for the team, but also for everyone in the Brazilian Football Confederation.”

World Cup 2026: What Neymar will do if Brazil coach Ancelotti selects him – Endrick