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The United Kingdom has raised its national terrorism threat level from “substantial” to “severe” following a knife attack on two Jewish men in Golders Green, north London, which police are treating as a terrorist incident.

The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) announced the change, stating that the “severe” level means a terrorist attack is considered highly likely in the coming months.

The decision follows the stabbing of two Jewish men, Shloime Rand, 34, and Moshe Shine, 76, on Highfield Avenue in Golders Green. Both men suffered serious injuries but are reported to be in stable condition. Rand has since been discharged from hospital, describing his survival as “a miracle” and saying, “God gave me back my life.” Shine remains hospitalised.

A 45 year old man was arrested at the scene after being detained by local Jewish security volunteers known as Shomrim and has been charged in connection with the attack. Police have formally declared the stabbing a terrorist incident motivated by antisemitism.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the increase in the threat level reflects a broader rise in security risks and not solely the Golders Green attack.

“Today, the national threat level has increased to ‘severe’, which means a terrorist attack is considered highly likely,” she said. “I know this will be a source of concern to many, particularly amongst our Jewish community, who have suffered so much.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Golders Green and met with community leaders, describing antisemitism as an “emergency” and warning that many Jewish people in Britain are living in fear.

“People are scared, scared to show who they are in their community, scared to go to synagogue, scared to send their children to school as a Jew,” Starmer said.

He pledged increased funding for Jewish community security, more police presence in Jewish neighbourhoods, and fast tracked legislation aimed at tackling state sponsored threats, including from Iran.

Counter Terrorism Policing head Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said authorities have seen a gradual rise in threats linked to both Islamist and extreme right wing terrorism, with an elevated threat toward Jewish and Israeli individuals and institutions.

The government has also announced additional funding reportedly worth between £25 million and £34 million to strengthen security at Jewish schools, synagogues, and community centres.

The latest incident comes amid growing concern over rising antisemitic attacks across the United Kingdom since the outbreak of the Israel Hamas war in Gaza.

Jewish organisations and security groups have reported a sharp increase in threats, vandalism, harassment, and violent incidents targeting Jewish communities, prompting repeated calls for stronger protection measures and tougher action against hate crimes.

UK Raises Terrorism Threat Level To ‘Severe’ Following Antisemitic Attacks is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

A sitting member of the House of Representatives has lost his bid for re-election after party stakeholders in Katsina Central Federal Constituency settled on the son of billionaire businessman Dahiru Mangal as the All Progressives Congress consensus candidate for the 2027 polls.

Hon. Sani Aliyu Danlami, currently serving his second term in the Green Chamber, was edged out of contention following two days of intense negotiations that stretched from Tuesday to Thursday, involving multiple rounds of deliberations among aspirants and their backers.

The stakeholders chose Abba Mangal, a legal practitioner and one of Dahiru Mangal’s sons, as the party’s flag bearer — a decision that caught many observers off guard, given that the younger Mangal had not publicly declared interest in the race.

The outcome represents a notable political shift in the constituency, where Danlami had built a considerable incumbency advantage and grassroots presence over two terms. It also marks the first time a member of the Mangal family has emerged as a frontline candidate for elective office, despite the patriarch’s outsized influence on Katsina’s political landscape spanning more than two decades.

Dahiru Mangal is widely credited with playing a pivotal role in shaping electoral outcomes across the state, including his support for the late former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s re-election as governor in 2003.

Since then, he has remained a key figure in determining appointments and elective positions in the state.

Among the other aspirants who contested the ticket were Lawal Amadu Joka, a former Aide-de-Camp to ex-governor Aminu Bello Masari; Haruna Maiwada; Ibrahim Ali Guguwa; and Hon. Abdurashid Abba.

Danlami has since accepted the outcome and urged his supporters to remain calm.

In a statement, he called on party faithful to shun violence and prioritise peace and unity, stressing the importance of maintaining stability within the party and the state.

With the ticket now settled, attention turns to how aggrieved aspirants and their supporters will respond to the party’s decision, and whether the APC can hold together ahead of the 2027 general elections in Katsina.

Mangal’s Son Emerges APC Candidate As Rep Loses Return Ticket in Katsina is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Thursday’s Supreme Court judgment is not yet a win for the African Democratic Party “but only provided a narrow relief on one specific procedural issue”.

Human rights lawyer Aloy Ejimakor stated this on Friday via a post while reacting to the judgement. According to him, the ruling “leaves the core disputes unresolved and even opened the door to continued litigation”.

According to Ejimakor, what the Supreme Court decided was to set aside the Court of Appeal’s ‘status quo ante bellum’ order that had directed INEC to maintain the pre-crisis leadership position. He said the apex court voided the removal of Mr David Mark and Mr Rauf Aregbesola as ADC National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively, from INEC portal, adding that “the David Mark-led faction’s leadership is therefore restored but only on an interim basis”.

He wrote, “The court did not decide who the authentic national leadership of the ADC is. It ordered the parties back to the Federal High Court for an accelerated hearing of the originating suit on its merits. The ruling is procedural and interim. It temporarily removes a major roadblock that had paralysed the Mark faction, but it does not grant the ADC a clean bill of legal health.”

He stated that the substantive leadership dispute remains alive and pending at the Federal High Court, noting however that whichever side that loses at the High Court can still appeal up to the Court of Appeal/Supreme Court again.

Recall that a Federal High Court ruling, delivered on April 29, 2026 by Justice Abdulmalik, restrained INEC from recognising or participating in any state congresses organised by the Mark-led committee. She also barred Mark and his team from interfering with the tenure of elected state executives and ruled that only those elected state structures can lawfully organise congresses.

Ejimakor said, “This order stands independently of yesterday’s Supreme Court ruling and creates fresh operational hurdles even after the status quo order was lifted. While yesterday’s judgment restores the faction’s names to INEC portal, the Commission’s final recognition for 2027 ballot access still depends on the outcome of the remitted High Court trial and compliance with the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act. Any further delay or adverse ruling could still lead to exclusion.”

He said the PDP leadership battles over the years had illustrated “how a Supreme Court ‘win’ on one narrow issue often leaves other fronts open for fresh or continued litigation”.

“Until the Federal High Court (and any subsequent appeals) finally determines the authentic leadership and the party complies fully with electoral laws, the ADC remains entangled in legal uncertainty. The party is freer to operate today than it was yesterday but myriad legal minefields remain,” Ejimakor wrote.

S’Court Judgment Not Uhuru For ADC, Ejimakor is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

A faction within the labour movement in Osun State held a May Day rally on Friday, urging political leaders at the local government level to prioritise workers’ welfare.

The group, identified as the Association of Concerned Local Government Workers, also declared support for the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Oyebamiji.

The rally took place at the premises of Olorunda Local Government Council secretariat in Igbona, Osogbo, where workers gathered in various uniformed groups.

A factional chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, in the state, Samuel Idowu, received the salute during the parade.

In his address, the coordinator of the group, Adedayo Adekunle, called for an end to casualisation of workers in government establishments.

“It is our demand that permanent job offers should be prioritised over offering graduates casual or temporary employment,” he said.

Adekunle described casualisation as “barbaric, enslaving and unattractive to the best brains.”

He also stressed the importance of workplace safety, stating, “Safety at the workplace is not negotiable. All that is required to ensure the safety of employees should be given adequate attention.”

The coordinator added that improved engagement between employers and workers could help prevent industrial disputes.

“Social dialogue prevents strikes, and strikes hurt us all. We advise that you listen more and act faster on workers’ demands,” he said.

On the forthcoming governorship election, Adekunle said the group had assessed the APC candidate and found him suitable.

“After thorough assessment of the APC candidate… our association has found him to be a worthy leader. We therefore direct all our members to support him,” he stated.

Addressing the gathering, Idowu assured workers that their welfare remained a priority for local government administrations.

He said council chairmen would focus on prompt payment of salaries, improved working conditions and capacity development.

“Since we assumed office, we have paid salary arrears owed to traditional rulers in the state,” Idowu said.

He added that local governments had also implemented empowerment initiatives and infrastructure projects, including road rehabilitation and support for security agencies.

Participants included both formal and informal sector workers who made presentations during the event.

Members of the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme, OYES, also took part in a ceremonial march past.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, held a separate May Day celebration at the Fakunle Government Comprehensive High School, Osogbo.

Osun workers union faction holds May Day rally

The APC National Leadership of the All Progressives Congress APC has directed the immediate reversal of the zoning arrangement earlier issued by the State Working Committee.

This follows concerns raised by stakeholders and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State.

The Abia APC, in a statement on Friday, signed by Hon Uche Aguoru, publicity secretary, APC Abia State, said the National Leadership of the party has reviewed the concerns raised.

“Consequently the party has directed that all zoning arrangements earlier issued by the State Working Committee be jettisoned. The party will, therefore, maintain the status quo.

“By this directive, all aspirants interested in contesting for any position from the House of Assembly, Reps, Senate and Governorship, are hereby advised that they are free to approach the party and purchase their nomination forms before the stipulated deadline as outlined by the party”.

Recall that the Abia State APC on Thursday zoned its governorship ticket for the 2027 election to Abia Central Senatorial District.

The party announced the decision in a statement issued on Thursday by its Publicity Secretary, Uche Aguoru, saying the move was aimed at promoting equity, justice, and fairness within the party.

According to the statement, the zoning arrangement is intended to guide members and prospective aspirants in the purchase of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms.

The statement read, “This is to notify our esteemed members and the general public in Abia State that the All Progressives Congress in Abia State has zoned its governorship ticket for the forthcoming election to Abia Central Senatorial District.

“This notice serves to guide our members and intending aspirants in the purchase of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms”.

2027: APC Scraps Abia Governorship Zoning, Directs Open Contest is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested and detained singer Rolex Dee for allegedly defaming and cyberbullying Taye Currency on Agbaletu program.

The Oyo State Police Command made this known while reacting to a viral report that Rolex Dee was unlawfully arrested.

Speaking in a statement posted on X, the police tagged the news as “unverified reports capable of misleading the public”, explaining that operatives tracked Rolex to Lagos after receiving a petition from popular Ibadan based singer, Taye Currency.

Rolex was accused of defaming Currency’s character, cyberbullying and threat to life “across multiple social media platforms” after his interview on Agbaletu gained traction online.

“The suspect was alleged to have made defamatory utterances during a public programme known as Agbaletu, which subsequently gained widespread circulation online, thereby aggravating the impact of the alleged misconduct,” the command stated.

Police detain singer Rolex Dee for defaming Taye Currency on Agbaletu program

Workers under the Adamawa State Government have requested an upward review of the minimum wage they currently receive.

The workers, who have been earning the national monthly minimum wage of N70,000, said on Friday that they need the wage adjusted to reflect current realities.

The State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Emmanuel Fashe, who presented the workers’ position in his Workers’ Day speech, said the rising cost of food, transport, housing and other basic needs calls for higher wages.

“We request the reconvening of the state Minimum Wage Committee to negotiate a living wage that matches today’s economy,” Fashe said.

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, who was represented at the May Day celebration at Mahmud Ribadu Square, Yola, by his deputy, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, said the government is committed to meeting the needs of workers as resources permit.

On the issue of the minimum wage in particular, Fintiri said it would depend on what is decided at the national level.

“Whenever a national minimum wage is agreed on at the national level, Adamawa will lead the way in implementing it,” the governor assured, recalling how the state became the first in August 2024 to begin paying the N70,000 minimum wage.

Adamawa workers demand minimum wage review

…Amendment May Stop ADC From 2027 Election

…Bill May Be Transmitted To President Next Week

The House of Representatives has introduced a raft of amendments to the Electoral Act 2026, tightening rules on party membership and candidate eligibility amid growing concerns over potential defections within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The move comes against the backdrop of rising anxiety within the party following a wave of defections that has bolstered APC’s majority in the House as the election approaches.

The party has been on edge, especially as the President directed the 31 governors under the party’s platform to handle primary elections and control party tickets. Majority of the lawmakers are reportedly not being favoured to return to the House.

Already, a rep member, Hon. Sani Aliyu Danlami, who represents Katsina Central Federal Constituency, has lost his bid to return to the green chamber to a business mogul, Dahiru Mangal’s son, Mr Abba Mangal, who got the ticket of the APC via consensus.

With the president’s pronouncement effectively giving the governors the power, the governors are working to choose candidates through consensus arrangements, which will enable their anointed aspirants to emerge.

This development has sent shock waves across the National Assembly especially as the window to defect to contest on the platform of other parties would be shut in the coming days if the president signs the amendments.

Worse affected are the decampees who were promised automatic tickets but now find themselves at the mercy of the governors who have other party members in mind.

The development is causing serious confusion and, in some instances, regret, with plans for mass defections being planned after the party’s primaries. The news of the defections, THE WHISTLER learnt, was responsible for the postponement of the APC party primaries twice.

Recall that the APC had released its timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Elections on April 20 in a statement signed by the Party’s National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu. The timetable outlined, among other activities, timelines for screening, appeals, and primary elections, as well as directives on the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms.

The party, however, released what it called a revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Elections on April 27, announcing, among others, Saturday 23rd May as the date for the conduct of its presidential primary. It had fixed Friday 15th as the date for its presidential primary.

It was gathered that the shift was to undertake further amendments and enable the President to sign the amendments into law, effectively ending any hope of defection by aggrieved aspirants.

Amid this backdrop, the House amended Section 77 of the Act by inserting new subsections (8) to (10), aimed at strengthening provisions on party membership.

Under the proposed amendment, Section 77(8) provides that “a person shall not be registered as a member of more than one political party at the same time.”

Section 77(9) states that where dual membership is established, such registration shall be void, and the individual shall cease to be recognised as a valid member of any political party pending regularisation in line with the provisions of this Act and the constitution of the political party concerned.

Also, Section 77(10) prescribes penalties, stipulating that any person who knowingly registers or maintains membership in more than one political party commits an offence and is liable, upon conviction, to a fine of N10 million or imprisonment for a term of two years, or both.

The intent of the amendments according to insider sources is to prevent politicians from maintaining parallel loyalties across parties, even if they fail to clinch tickets during primaries.

Also, some rep members were not present during plenary when the two separate amendments were undertaken. A rep member said those who were present during the last amendment did not have the copy of the bill to study and make input.

Further amendments also introduced stricter requirements for party membership registration and participation in primaries.

The revised provisions mandate that a membership card must be issued upon registration, while political parties are required to submit their membership registers to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) no later than 21 days before primaries, congresses, or conventions.

Only individuals whose names appear in the submitted register will be eligible to vote or be voted for in party primaries, congresses, and conventions, as stipulated in subsection (5).

In subsection (6), parties are barred from using any register other than the one submitted to INEC for their primaries, while subsection (7) warns that failure to submit the register within the stipulated timeframe will disqualify a party from fielding candidates in an election.

The stricter provisions could have wider implications for opposition parties, particularly those currently grappling with internal disputes. The African Democratic Congress (ADC), for instance, is currently embroiled in a leadership crisis with Court cases following the emergence of the David Mark-led group.

One of the cases which was referred back to the Federal High Court by the Supreme was instituted by the Nafiu Bala Gombe camp against the Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC). The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), relying on what it said was a court decision, delisted the Mark-led group, citing a court decision from the Bala Gombe camp. But following the apex Court judgement has, in the main, relisted the leadership.

Another case filed by the party’s former presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu forced the Court to bar INEC from recognising congresses and conventions organised by the Mark-led leadership.

However, if the President signs the amendments into law, the ADC may not meet up with the 21 days that parties are required to submit their register to INEC as a result of ongoing court cases. The window for submission of the register ends May 10.

Also, INEC’s schedule of activities provides that party primaries must be conducted between April 23 and May 30.

The new amendments have not yet been transmitted to the President for assent, as lawmakers are still harmonising them with additional changes introduced on Wednesday.

One of such amendments is contained in a separate bill titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Electoral Act 2026 to Provide for Jurisdiction for Pre-Election Matters and for Related Matters (HB.2760)”, co-sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and four committee chairmen — Adebayo Balogun (Electoral Matters), Babajimi Benson (Defence), Nnolim Nnaji (Ports and Harbour), and Makki Yalleman (Police).

The bill seeks to streamline the handling of pre-election disputes. Section 29A(1) provides that “notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, all pre-election matters arising from the nomination of candidates and other pre-election activities… shall be commenced, heard and determined” in line with the new provisions.

Additionally, the House amended Section 29(5) to allow aspirants to challenge false information submitted by candidates.

The provision states that an aspirant who participated in party primaries and has reasonable grounds to believe that any information submitted by a candidate is false may file a suit in a court within the Federal Capital Territory or the jurisdiction where the cause of action arose, seeking a declaration to that effect.

The harmonisation process is expected to be concluded next week, after which the amended bill may be transmitted to the President for assent.

EXCLUSIVE: Reps Amend Electoral Act To Block APC Defection Over Primaries is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Owerri Catholic Archdiocese Ecclesiastical Province, has called for prayers over a missing Monstrance – a sacred vessel that contains the Holy Eucharist.

The incident occurred at St.Mulumba Catholic Parish, Owerri, where robbers broke into the church premises and made away with the item containing the blessed sacrament.

Speaking on the incident, the Priest incharge of the parish, Rev. Fr. Raymond Madu, disclosed that unidentified individuals gained unlawful access into the sacred space by tampering with sections of the chapel’s roofing structure before descending through the ceiling into the Adoration Chapel.

He said the unidentified suspects reportedly carted away the Monstrance, which contained the Blessed Sacrament.

The development according to him, has stirred widespread grief among the faithful, as the Blessed Sacrament represents the real presence of Christ in Catholic doctrine, making its desecration a deeply distressing violation of sacred tradition and belief.

Following the incident, the Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, has directed immediate spiritual measures aimed at retrieving the missing item.

A statement released by the Archdiocesan Chancellor, Rev.Fr. Patrick Mbara, said the archbishop mandated a one week period of reparation prayers among the Catholic community in the Parish.

The prayer, according to the directive, is scheduled to commence on May 1, 2026, and end on May 8, 2026, holding daily between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm.

The archdiocesan chancellor stated that the measure signifies the church’s emphasis on spiritual healing and response in the face of sacrilege.

Beyond the local parish, the archbishop also issued a strict directive to all priests within the archdiocese, urging them to comply with established liturgical norms guiding Eucharistic exposition and adoration.

“This is essential in preventing similar occurrences in future. Blessed Sacrament must never be left unattended during exposition.Such sacred moments demand both vigilance and reverence, in line with Canon Law provisions.

“Exposition of Blessed Sacrament should only take place when there is a reasonable expectation of sufficient attendance by the faithful, ensuring that the sacred presence is continuously honored and safeguarded,” the statement added.

The archdiocese used the medium to reaffirm its commitment to guiding the faithful with pastoral care and spiritual leadership, emphasizing that even in moments of desecration, faith remains unshaken.

Owerri Catholic Archdiocese declares one week prayer for reparation of stolen Monstrance

A profound sense of sorrow has enveloped the football community in both Nigeria and Italy following the untimely passing of Emmanuel King Okoye.

Okoye is a 25-year-old midfielder who collapsed during a match in his native country on Wednesday.

Born in 2000, Okoye was in Nigeria to visit family when the tragic event took place.

Reports from Notiziario del Calcio and the City of Canicattini Police Department indicate that the young footballer sustained a serious head injury due to a significant collision on the field, resulting in his abrupt collapse.

Emergency personnel responded promptly, administering immediate medical care before transporting him to the hospital; however, despite their best efforts, Okoye could not be revived.

The tragedy has resonated deeply in Italy, where Okoye spent a considerable portion of his playing career with various amateur clubs, including Acri, Palmese, Trebisacce, Tricarico Pozzo di Sicar, Campora, San Fili, and Promosport.

In a tribute to their former player, Canicattini Calcio stated, “The Pol.D. City of Canicattini is in mourning. Yesterday, April 29, while participating in a match in Nigeria – during what was meant to be a time of peace and family gathering – former Canary striker Emmanuel King Okoye tragically lost his life at the tender age of 25.

“A former player of Acri and Palmese, Emmanuel donned the Giallorossi jersey during the 2018-2019 season. He was known for his dedication, integrity, and love for the game.

“Now, only memories remain, from the outstanding goal he scored in Mazzarrone to the close bond he shared with Massimo Ficara, another angel—like him—who left us far too soon.

“The president, management, coaching staff, and all Canarian athletes extend their condolences to the Okoye family. Farewell, Emmanuel.”

Just last week, former Super Eagles and Esperance striker Michael Eneramo collapsed and passed away on the pitch in Ungwan Yelwa, Kaduna during a local friendly match.

Mourning in Nigeria, Italy as Okoye dies after sustaining head injury during football match