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House of Representatives aspirant for AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency, Hon. Sarah Ivie Adidi, on Thursday commenced her grassroots ward tour across Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory ( FCT) with strategic visits to Kawu, Shere, and Igu wards, where she met extensively with ward executives and community stakeholders.

The tour, which marks the beginning of direct consultations at the ward level, was warmly received by party leaders and grassroots stakeholders who commended the aspirant for personally visiting them in their local communities rather than summoning them to town meetings.

In Kawu Ward, Hon. Adidi first paid a respectful visit to representatives of the Chief before proceeding to hold aSarah meeting with the ward executives. The ward leaders praised her humility, sincerity, and commitment to grassroots politics, noting that she was the only aspirant who deemed it important to come directly to their locality to engage them personally.

The same sentiments were echoed in Shere Ward, where party executives openly declared their support for her aspiration. They commended her accessibility and described her consultation style as a refreshing departure from the norm, emphasizing that her willingness to meet them on their home ground demonstrated genuine respect for the people.

At Igu Ward, executives noted that Hon. Sarah Ivie Adidi is the first female aspirant to personally visit and engage with them at the ward level. They applauded her courage, determination, and people-centered approach, assuring her of their readiness to mobilize support for her across the ward.

Across all three wards visited, stakeholders consistently described Hon. Adidi as sincere, grassroots-oriented, and deeply committed to inclusive representation. They pledged to rally behind her aspiration and work collectively toward ensuring her success in the forthcoming elections.

Speaking during the engagements, Hon. Adidi reiterated her commitment to servant leadership, inclusive governance, and sustained grassroots engagement. She emphasized that meaningful representation begins with listening directly to the people and understanding their needs firsthand.

The ward tour is expected to continue across other wards in Bwari Area Council in the coming days as consultations intensify ahead of the elections.

Adidi Begins Bwari Grassroots Tour, Gains Massive Ward-Level Support is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has hit back at critics regarding the allocation of land to diplomatic personnel, accusing them of hypocrisy for questioning policies from which they had previously benefited.

In a response to recent criticisms that the government is prioritizing foreign diplomats over “ordinary” Nigerians, the minister argued that land allocation is a standard government procedure designed to drive investment and urban development.

Addressing journalists during a project inspection on Thursday, Wike emphasised that media houses operate as profit-driven businesses rather than charitable organizations.

He noted that these organizations charge for adverts, live coverage and commercial news to fund their operations and salaries.

The minister specifically named major media outlets such as Channels TV and AIT, stating that they currently operate from headquarters built on land allocated by the FCT government rather than purchased from the open market.

“When you are living in a glass house, don’t throw stones.

“You were given land, and you are not among the poor, so why are you complaining now?” he stated.

The minister sought to dispel misconceptions regarding the “sale” of land in the FCT, clarifying that the government allocates land based on developmental agreements.

He said: “The FCT does not sell land; it allocates it based on specific conditions and investment proposals.

“All allottees, including diplomats, are required to pay procedural fees for the processing of their Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).”

Wike noted that many of the allocations being questioned were made by previous administrations, as government is a continuous entity.

The minister warned that land allocated for development must be used as agreed.

He cited the case of Jabi Lake, where land allocated 20 years ago for entertainment and tourism hubs remained undeveloped and was reclaimed by the government for new investors.

Wike dismissed the “emotional” arguments that land should only go to the poor, stating that high-value areas require significant investment to transform into world-class facilities and tourist attractions.

He vowed to “always stand by the truth,” maintaining that his administration would prioritize realistic urban development and investment over playing to the gallery.

Critics are hypocritical – Wike clarifies FCT land allocation policy

Israeli health authorities have confirmed the country’s first diagnosed case of hantavirus after a patient who recently traveled to Eastern Europe tested positive for the rodent-borne disease.

According to reports, the patient initially showed symptoms that prompted antibody screening, which indicated exposure to hantavirus. A follow-up PCR test confirmed the active infection.

The patient is reported to be in stable condition and is under medical observation. They have not required intensive care or strict isolation measures.

Health officials have clarified that this case involves a European strain of hantavirus, typically transmitted through contact with infected rodent droppings, urine, or saliva.

Human-to-human transmission is not a significant concern with this strain.

Authorities emphasized that the infection is unrelated to the ongoing hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean.

That outbreak involves the rarer Andes strain, which has been associated with limited human-to-human transmission.

The case has been formally reported to Israel’s Ministry of Health, and officials continue to monitor the situation closely while reassuring the public that the risk of wider spread remains low.

This marks Israel’s first confirmed hantavirus diagnosis, highlighting the importance of awareness for travelers returning from areas where the virus is present in rodent populations.

Israel Confirms First Diagnosed Case Of Hantavirus is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Governor Dauda Lawal has nominated Professor Yahaya Zakari Abdullahi as a commissioner and member of the Zamfara State Executive Council.

The nomination was sent to the Zamfara State House of Assembly by the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Abubakar Mohammad Nakwada, for screening and approval in line with the Nigerian Constitution.

A statement issued by Suleman Ahmad Tudu, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Secretary to the State Government, said: “At its 177th sitting held on Thursday, May 7, 2026, the State Assembly swiftly screened and confirmed the appointment.”

Professor Zakari is known for his work in the education sector and public service. He has spent more than 20 years in academia, policy development and administration.

He also served as the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Zamfara State University.

Zamfara governor nominates ex-VC Prof Yahaya Abdullahi as commissioner

There is tension in the Real Madrid dressing room, amid different clashes between players in recent days.

According to Marca, Federico Valverde had to be taken to hospital, after a “very serious” confrontation with team-mate Aurelien Tchouameni.

This forced head coach Alvaro Arbeloa to summon an emergency meeting to address a dressing room that is spiralling out of control.

The bust-up between Valverde and Tchouameni is described as “much worse” than previous disagreements.

The fight broke out after a fiery exchange between the two midfielders over a foul during Wednesday’s training session.

Valverde suffered a cut from an accidental blow, which led to his decision to seek treatment in the emergency room.

This comes after Antonio Rudiger had to apologize for slapping Alvaro Carreras during another training session.

LaLiga: Real Madrid in disarray as Valverde lands in hospital after fight with Tchouameni

Kaduna State Government says it has strengthened its partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to tackle drug abuse, mental health challenges and insecurity across the state and the wider North-West region.

This was disclosed by Governor Uba Sani on X after a courtesy visit by the UNODC Country Representative in Nigeria, Mr Cheikh Touré.

According to him: “I was honoured to receive the Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Nigeria, Mr Cheikh Touré, on a courtesy visit of mutual goodwill and constructive engagement.”

He said both sides discussed ways to improve joint responses to substance abuse, mental health issues and insecurity, especially in affected parts of Northern Nigeria.

“Our discussions were anchored on the imperative of strengthening collaborative responses to the intersecting challenges of substance abuse, mental health conditions, and insecurity, with particular attention to the North-West region and other affected parts of the country”.

Governor Sani also reaffirmed Kaduna State’s commitment to a health-focused approach that prioritises prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration of affected persons into society.

“I reaffirmed Kaduna State’s steadfast commitment to a public health–centred and evidence-based approach, one that prioritises prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and social reintegration.”

He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting reforms in peacebuilding, healthcare and community security, as well as commending the UNODC for its technical support and partnership.

UNODC representative Mr Touré praised Kaduna State for its leadership in drug prevention and treatment, describing it as a model for other states in Nigeria.

He highlighted the state’s mental health law, its implementation of the Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI) programme and the Child Amplified Protection System.

Kaduna strengthens partnership with UNODC on drug abuse, mental health, insecurity

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday fixed June 15 for ruling on whether an EFCC’s witness statement sought to be tendered in the ongoing trial of former Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State is admissible in line with the Evidence Act.

Justice Emeka Nwite fixed the date after counsel for the EFCC, Kayode Enitan, SAN, and lawyer to the ex-governor, Adebayo Adedeji, SAN, made their submissions on the propriety of the application.

The development occured when Enitan sought to tender the statement made by the 14th prosecution witness (PW-14), Shehu Bello, in continuation of the evidence-in-chief.

Earlier, when the matter was called, the EFCC’s lead counsel, Kemi Pinheiro SAN, told the court that the matter was scheduled for continuation of the examination-in-chief of PW-14.

He said he would allow his colleague, Enitan, to lead the witness in evidence.

While being led in evidence, the witness told the court his involvement in the property located at Plot 1891, Dalla Hills, Maitama in Abuja.

“My friend, Ali Bello, approached me if I know any good construction company that can build a house for him.

“So I recommended a company, Metro Deck Construction Company limited. I brought them and he gave them the job to build the house for him.”

Asked on how the company was paid, the witness said that Ali Bello made transfers to them, and on some occasions, he paid them in cash.

When he was asked the currency in which the money was paid in cash, the witness said it was in naira.

The PW-14 also told the court that he knew the property located at Plot 1058, Cadastral Zone A08, Wuse II, Abuja.

He explained what he knew about the property.

“My friend, Ali Bello, asked me if I could get him a property around Wuse II, where he can build shops.

“After we spoke, I went out and got some people and spoke with some colleagues of mine.

“We got a plot of land in that location, Durban street, Plot 1058, Cadastral Zone A08, Wuse II, Abuja,” he said.

He said the property was purchased from SFC Foods Limited.

When Enitan Asked him whether he could remember when he made a statement in the EFCC, the witness responded in affirmative.

He also confirmed his statement when he was asked to do so.

‘It’s my statement, it carries my signatures on all pages,” he said.

But when Enitan sought to tender the statement in evidence, Adedeji raised an objection.

Adedeji argued that the statement was inadmissible for a purpose the prosecution sought to tender the extra-judicial statement.

“Before I give my reasons as to why it is inadmissible at this stage, the same having been sought to be tendered by the prosecution, it is important for us to put it in context.

“Why do I say so, I’m referring my lord to the proceedings of yesterday.

“My lord, we submit with respect of the statement sought to be tendered this morning by the prosecution as though it constitute substantive evidence in support of the prosecution’s case is a misconception of the law and inadmissible at this stage.

“We submit that the same extra-judicial statement, my lord, is for the use of the defence under Section 223, 224, 225, 230, 232, 237 and 38 of the Evidence Act.

“My lord this category of statement is generally inadmissible except for the narrow purposes for the defence to impeach the credibility of the witness.

“My Lord, this position was not made by me but by the Supreme Court in 1989,” he said.

Adedeji argued that what was sought to be tendered by the prosecution was not a confessional statement, hence, it was inadmissible against the defendant.

“So my lord, the situation is different from what your lordship ruled on earlier that the prosecution could refresh the memory of the witness,” he said.

Responding, Enitan disagreed with Adedeji.

He said the submission of the defence was an extreme exercise of confidence in the absence of cogent legal authorities in the misapplication of the law and case law cited.

After taking their arguments, Justice Nwite adjourned the matter until June 15 and June 18 for ruling and continuation of trial.

It would be recalled that on Wednesday, the PW-13, Baba Bappa, told the court that he did not transact any property business with the ex-governor.

Bappa told Justice Nwite while being cross examined by the lead counsel for the defence, Joseph Daudu, SAN.

The witness, who said he is an estate surveyor and facility manager, admitted that he only knew the former governor as a public figure, not in relation to the property transaction before the court.

Court to rule on admissibility of EFCC witness’ statement in Yahaya Bello’s trial June 15.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Niger State, Jonathan Vatsa, has warned against attempts to weaken opposition parties and impose candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking to journalists in Minna, the former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism said any move to strangulate opposition parties or deny Nigerians a transparent democratic process could lead to unrest.

According to him, underperforming leaders should be allowed to face voters at the polls, stressing that “non-performing politicians must be voted out”.

Vatsa described calls for a one-party state as dangerous and unconstitutional, warning that it could trigger anarchy.

He also said Nigerians are unhappy with the current economic situation despite what he described as abundant government revenue.

“There is excess money but excess poverty in the land,” he said, urging the ruling party to win public support through performance rather than political manipulation.

The APC chieftain further cautioned against suppressing opposition voices, insisting that democracy can only thrive where citizens are free to choose their leaders.

2027: Vatsa warns APC against imposing candidates

The Senate has passed the 2026 Electoral Act Amendment bill, with a focus on providing jurisdiction of the court in handling pre-election matters.

The passage followed the presentation of a report by the Committee on INEC by its Chairman, Senator Simon Lalong (APC-Plateau) at plenary on Thursday.

The proposed amendment aims to address gaps, timelines and court jurisdiction in the resolution of pre-election disputes.

Lalong in his lead debate said the bill sought to address one of the most persistent procedural and constitutional challenges in the nation’s electoral jurisprudence.

According to him, it sought to address the uncertainty, multiplicity and inconsistency associated with the jurisdiction for the determination of pre-election matters.

He said democracy thrives not merely on the conduct of elections, but also on the credibility, certainty and predictability of the legal processes that precede the elections.

“The legitimacy of candidates and the integrity of party primaries are foundational pillars of representative democracy.

“Where the legal framework regulating pre-election disputes is uncertain or conflicting, the entire electoral architecture becomes vulnerable to confusion, forum shopping, contradictory judgments and unnecessary delays,” Lalong said.

He said the bill targets amendments to section 29 of the electoral act and introduces a new section 29A to clearly delineate jurisdictional competence in pre-election matters.

He said in spite provisions of section 285(14) of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 on pre- election matters, the legal system continued to witness conflicting interpretations, regarding appropriate court with jurisdiction to entertain disputes.

The uncertainty, Lalong noted results in conflicting decisions from courts of coordinate jurisdiction and abuse of judicial process.

According to him, the uncertainty also results in undue delay in the resolution of electoral disputes and avoidable constitutional tension between courts.

He said the amendment sought would bring clarity, order and constitutional harmony to the adjudication of pre-election matters.

He listed highlights of the amendment to include clause two of the bill which amends section 29 (5) of the principal act.

He said the clause provides that an aspirant may institute an action either in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) or in the jurisdiction where the cause of action arose.

“This amendment is both practical and equitable, it reduces hardship on litigants, improves access to justice.

“It aligns electoral adjudication with territorial realities surrounding political primaries and nomination processes.

“More fundamentally, clause three introduces a new section 29A, which is the substantive innovation of this bill.

“The proposed section 29A establishes a clear jurisdictional framework on pre-election matters relating to elections into the National Assembly, Governorship and State Houses of Assembly.

“It shall originate at the Federal High Court, with appeals lying to the Court of Appeal.”

He said pre-election matters relating to the offices of president and vice president shall originate at the Court of Appeal exercising original jurisdiction, with appeals lying to the Supreme Court.

Lalong said the proposal was not arbitrary, adding that it was rooted firmly in constitutional logic, judicial efficiency and the doctrine of hierarchy of courts.

“Presidential elections are national in character and constitutional significance.

“Given the sensitivity and urgency associated with such offices, vesting original jurisdiction in the Court of Appeal ensures expeditious determination by a superior court of record with nationwide competence and institutional capacity.

“Similarly, assigning jurisdiction over other pre-election matters to the Federal High Court promotes specialisation and consistency, especially given the federal nature of electoral administration through the INEC.”

Lalong said the bill also sought to eliminate the dangerous practice where litigants deliberately institute multiple suits in different judicial divisions in search of favourable orders.

According to him, such practices erode public confidence in the judiciary and undermine electoral stability.

“By expressly providing that no court shall entertain pre-election matters except in accordance with the proposed section 29A, this amendment introduces certainty and procedural discipline into electoral adjudication.”

He said the bill ultimately provides clear judicial pathway that would reduce delays and enhance judicial efficiency.

“The amendment before us is not merely procedural, it is institutional.

“It strengthens electoral justice, deepens democratic accountability and reinforces public confidence in our electoral process.”

Lalong said the bill was timely, necessary and in the national interest and urged lawmakers to support its passage.

Contributing, Sen. Mohammed Monguno (APC-Borno) after seconding the motion said the amendment sought was apt and germane.

According to him, it will lead to an improved experience in the nation’s electoral litigation and urged the lawmakers to support the passage of the bill.

President of Senate, Godswill Akpabio in his remarks after the bill was passed commended the Chairman and the committee members for their inputs on the bill.

He expressed believe that the bill would be assented to by President Bola Tinubu, saying that act would deepen democracy and governance in Nigeria.

Senate Passes 2026 Electoral Act Amendment Bill is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Adetomiwa Adetilewa has emerged as the All Progressives Congress, APC, consensus candidate for the House of Representatives seat for Ijebu Central Federal Constituency.

This development was announced by the Chairman Governor’s Advisory Council, GAC, Oluneye Okuboyejo, shortly after he handed over Adetilewa to the party following the consensus reached after a meeting on Wednesday.

Those present at the event include the Chairman of the Ogun East/Ijebu Political Structure of the APC, Arowolo Adebola, and other party stakeholders.

The Ogun East APC leaders described the decision as a reflection of confidence in Adetilewa’s leadership qualities, political experience and commitment to grassroots development across the constituency.

Reacting to his emergence, Adetilewa expressed gratitude to the leadership of the party, members and supporters for the confidence reposed in him. He equally commended fellow aspirants who had shown interest in contesting for the position, describing them as critical stakeholders in the growth and unity of the APC.

“This is a victory for all of us. In this consensus option by our party members, there is no victor and no vanquished — we are all winners.

“I sincerely invite my brothers and sisters who aspired for this same position to join hands with me as we work together for the progress of our constituency and our great party. I assure everyone that I will carry all stakeholders and party leaders along in this journey,” he said.

The aspirant appreciated President Bola Tinubu for what he described as exemplary leadership and commitment to national development.

In the same vein, Adetilewa thanked the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, APC leaders, party members and his supporters for their support and trust.

The APC consensus candidate assured party faithful that their confidence in him would not be misplaced, pledging to remain accessible and committed to delivering quality representation for the people of Ijebu Central Federal Constituency.

He added, “I will continue to listen to the wise counsel of our leaders, engage our people, and work tirelessly to justify the trust placed in me. Together, we will achieve greater progress for our constituency and our party.”

2027: Adetilewa emerges APC consensus candidate for Ijebu Central Reps seat