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Concerned stakeholders and victims of the ongoing Jukun-Tiv conflict in Taraba State have pushed back against recent claims that meaningful progress is being made toward peace, describing such assertions as misleading and unsupported by realities on the ground.

In a statement released on Friday, the group said it does not share the growing optimism being projected by officials and mediators. According to them, what is often presented as “peace efforts” has failed to translate into tangible improvements, particularly for displaced Tiv communities.

They noted that while meetings continue to be held and public statements issued, there is little evidence of concrete action or sustained commitment from the Taraba State Government.

“Beyond these optics, the situation remains largely unchanged for those directly affected,” the statement said.

The stakeholders identified what they described as a central issue: an apparent reluctance by authorities in Taraba State to take full ownership of the crisis.

They argued that the conflict, being internal and involving long-established communities, should be addressed decisively within the state rather than relying heavily on external mediation efforts that have yet to yield lasting results.

They also raised concerns about the role of security forces, alleging that deployments, particularly involving the military, have restricted displaced Tiv persons from returning to their ancestral homes. This, they said, creates the perception that force is being used in ways that may reinforce displacement rather than facilitate peacebuilding.

“Peace cannot be built on exclusion or enforced through restriction,” the statement emphasised, adding that any genuine reconciliation process must begin with the safe and unconditional return of displaced persons, alongside guarantees of protection and justice.

The group further questioned the timing of renewed peace engagements, suggesting a link between increased political activity and heightened publicity surrounding interventions.

Signed by Vincent T. Tortsugh on behalf of concerned citizens and victims of the crisis, the statement warned that such efforts have historically faded once political pressures ease, leaving communities vulnerable and deepening mistrust.

Among their key demands, the stakeholders called for peace initiatives driven by clear political will within the state, an end to restrictions on displaced persons, and the introduction of enforceable measures, timelines, and accountability mechanisms.

Reiterating that the Tiv people are not opposed to peace, they noted that previous processes have failed to address underlying injustices.

Taraba Crisis: Tiv stakeholders dismiss peace claims, demand return of displaced persons

Football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, has revealed that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez will decide the club’s next manager in the coming days following reports linking Jose Mourinho with a return to the Los Blancos.

This comes amid growing speculation that Mourinho could be heading back to the Spanish capital.

Providing an update on the current situation, Romano, in a post on Facebook, stated that Perez shares an “absolutely excellent” relationship with Mourinho, who is very much in the running.

However, the former Chelsea and Manchester United boss isn’t the only name on the list, as three other candidates are being considered to replace current manager Alvaro Arbeloa.

Arbeloa is expected to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season, and as a result, the club is accelerating its search for a permanent successor.

“Florentino Perez is going to decide personally who is going to be Real Madrid’s next coach.

“The relationship between Mourinho and Perez is absolutely excellent. So Mourinho is for sure a candidate. He is not the only one; there are three more candidates.”

LaLiga: Perez to decide Real Madrid’s next coach, relationship with Mourinho excellent – Romano

The Kano State Hisbah Board is set to conduct mandatory medical screening for 3,000 prospective couples ahead of a government-sponsored mass wedding, the board’s Deputy Commander-General, Sheikh Mujahedeen Aminudeen, has said.

Aminudeen told THE WHISTLER on Friday that the exercise would cover 1,500 men and 1,500 women selected for the programme, with screening tests to include HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, genotype and drug checks.

He warned that any prospective couple who fails to undergo the screening would be disqualified from participating.

“Each bride is expected to receive a set of beds with mattresses and pillows, as well as N100,000 cash to start up a business of her own after collecting N100,000 dowry from the government,” he said.

The initiative, organised by the Kano State Government under Governor Abba Yusuf, targets less-privileged women including widows, divorcees and spinsters.

Beyond the medical screening, the state government will provide support covering dowry payments and other essential items for the couples.

The mass wedding programme was originally introduced during the administration of former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as part of efforts to support vulnerable women and address social challenges in the state.

HIV, Genotype Tests Mandatory As Kano Plans Mass Wedding For 3,000 is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

David Ozoh is pushing to be cleared by the England Football Association to feature for Nigeria, DAILY POST reports.

Ozoh has made five appearances for England at the U-18 level.

The five matches were all friendlies and so he does not need to get a FIFA clearance.

The versatile midfielder was born in Spain to Nigerian parents.

His parents relocated to England when he was young, making him eligible to represent all three countries.

The Super Eagles are gearing up the Unity Cup tournament later this month, and he could be named in the squad by head coach, Éric Chelle.

Ozoh could also be included in the squad for next month’s friendlies against Poland, and Portugal.

The 20-year-old is on a season-long loan at Derby County from Crystal Palace

He has netted twice in 32 league outings for the Rams.

Super Eagles: Ozoh awaits clearance to feature for Super Eagles

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Oba Maduabuchi, says the Supreme Court decision on the African Democratic Congress, ADC, should not warrant celebration.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Morning Show’, Maduabuchi said nothing has been decided.

He was reacting to the April 30 decision of the apex court, which vacated the order of the Court of Appeal that barred the recognition of David Mark as the National Chairman of the ADC.

DAILY POST reports that in a unanimous judgment of the Supreme Court, Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba held that the Court of Appeal ought not to have made such an order because it was not sought by any of the parties in the matter.

Airing his own opinion, Maduabuchi said, “The ADC had no business at the Supreme Court. There was no appealable decision by the Federal High Court.

“The Court of Appeal overstepped its bounds by making an order no one sought. In reaching the proper decision that there was no valid appeal by the David Mark faction, the Court of Appeal went a step further and ordered that the status quo be maintained.

“That was wrong. When INEC, acting on the Court of Appeal’s order, removed David Mark, it was on solid ground. The Appellate Court’s order was to maintain status quo ante bellum, not status quo.”

ADC: Supreme Court decision should not warrant elebration – SAN, Maduabuchi

The Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, NCPC, has promised to subsidise travel cost for intending Christian Pilgrims
Federal Commissioner of NCPC, representing the North-Central, Simon Dolly, disclosed this when he visited the Plateau Pilgrims Board in Jos.

He said the Federal Government would augment the cost of travel as a subsidy to pilgrims.

Dolly noted that the move is aimed at providing succour for intending pilgrims, particularly those on self sponsorship.
“The good news is that the federal government will also give another intervention for travel.

“What you people are paying is almost half, while the federal government pays the other part of it.

“Our own money that was given is almost gone, but we are expecting another intervention for this year’s pilgrimage.

“If Plateau can also get good numbers to enjoy the subsidy, instead of paying N7 million per pilgrim, it will be N3.5 million,” he said.

Dolly urged the board to expand its sponsorship to individuals, businessmen, and other political representatives to reduce dependency on government.

Speaking, Bishop Jwan Zhumbes, Chairman of the board, appreciated NCPC for all its support to Plateau.

“We want to thank you for the support to Plateau at all times.

“I want to assure you that the board is working hard to better serve the pilgrims on the Plateau,” he said.

Other dignitaries at the meeting included, Rev. Yusuf Bagu, the board’s Executive Secretary and Mr Gayi Timothy, the representative of the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, among others

Nigerian govt promises subsidy for Christian pilgrims

Commuters along the Karu–Nyanya Expressway in Abuja have decried the growing gridlock caused by the persistent occupation of the road by petty traders, warning that the situation poses a serious risk of accidents.

Speaking exclusively to THE WHISTLER, road users said traders who displayed goods such as trousers and shoes have taken over designated parking spaces meant for commercial vehicles to pick up and drop off passengers.

This development, they noted, has significantly narrowed the usable portion of the road, forcing vehicles to stop on the main carriageway and worsening congestion.

Ismail Dango, who plies the Zuba–Nyanya route, expressed frustration over the situation to THE WHISTLER, noting that the road, already notorious for accidents involving tankers and trailers, continues to face new challenges despite regulatory efforts.

“The road has always been dangerous, with accidents caused by tankers and trailers failing brakes. Even after authorities restricted trailers from plying this route, we expected relief.

“But now traders have taken over a large portion of the road, creating another form of constraint that should be urgently addressed,” he said.

Dango further lamented the rise in indiscriminate parking, stating that drivers have abandoned designated parks.

“Commuters no longer use the proper parks to offload passengers. Everyone now stops on the main road, which has made the situation worse,” he added.

Another commuter, Israel Adegoke, corroborated the concerns, calling on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to intervene before the situation escalates.

“The FRSC should look into this to prevent accidents. Vehicles can spend over an hour trying to navigate through traffic caused by wrong parking and roadside trading,” he said.

Findings by THE WHISTLER revealed that traders typically occupy the affected section of the road between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m., further compounding the traffic situation during peak hours.

The spaces originally designated for parking have effectively been converted into makeshift marketplaces.

A road user, Jemima, described her daily ordeal, noting that traffic delays have become routine.

“Anytime I’m returning from work during that period, I already prepare my mind to spend at least an hour in traffic that could have been avoided,” she said.

Further observations showed the presence of a police post within the vicinity, although officials of the FRSC were notably absent during peak periods of congestion.

The Nyanya–Karu corridor has recorded multiple fatal accidents over the years, including a tragic incident in February 2025.

In several cases, heavy-duty vehicles such as trailers have either overturned near the mini-bridge or crashed along the stretch between Abacha Barracks and the NAF Valley Estate in the area.

Although authorities have restricted trailers from plying the expressway and directed them to designated parking areas, including opposite the NAF Valley, commuters say the road has yet to serve its intended purpose due to the encroachment by traders.

Commuters Lament As Traders Block Karu–Nyanya Expressway is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Imo State Chapter of Action Peoples Party, APP, has accused the State Government of being responsible for an alleged attack on supporters of Ikenga Ugochinyere, member representing Ideato North and South at the National Assembly.
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The attack, according to the party, took place at Christ Anglican Church, Itueke, Ideato South LGA, during a constituency briefing and official unveiling of the Federal Constituency office.

In a press statement issued through the desk of its spokesperson, Steve Nnadi, the party alleged that the State Government deployed security personnel and masked men suspected to be thugs to the venue of the event and unleashed terror on the constituents and supporters of the lawmaker.

“In what appears to be a deliberate attempt to disrupt, harass, and intimidate Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, the Honourable Member representing the good and enterprising people of Ideato North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State allegedly deployed security operatives and masked thugs to the venue of a constituency briefing attended by men, women, youths, and guests from all walks of life.

“The attendees were reportedly subjected to humiliation, molestation, brutality, and tear gas, an incident that reflects a recurring pattern by the State Government.

“This trend, if left unchecked, risks establishing a dangerous and draconian precedent against opposition figures in the State,” the party alleged.

The party recalled that the incident had become a recurring decimal since the inception of the present administration on January 15, 2020.

“It is on record that Governor Uzodinma has remained unrelenting in actions perceived as targeted attacks against Hon. Ugochinyere.

“The reported use of live ammunition and tear gas on unarmed constituents is considered not only barbaric but wholly unacceptable, and deserving of widespread condemnation.

“It could be recalled that a similar incident allegedly occurred at the country home of the lawmaker, where lives were lost and properties worth millions of naira were destroyed in a fire incident reportedly linked to agents of the State,” it added.

APP strongly condemned the development and called on the citizens of the State both at home and in the diaspora, to lend their voices in condemning the act which the party maintained was capable of causing perpetual social unrest.

The party also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the State Elders Council, and the State House of Assembly, to call Governor Uzodinma to order.

All efforts made to reach the lmo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mbadiwe Emeluba was unsuccessful as he did not respond to call, text message and WhatsApp message put across to him.

Mayhem averted in lmo as thugs disrupt Ugochinyere’s constituency briefing

The Senate Leader of the 10th National Assembly, Opeyemi Bamidele, has cautioned members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ekiti State against disloyalty, saying alliances with opposition parties are akin to giving them ammunition to exploit them for recruitment.

Speaking with journalists in Ado-Ekiti during a meeting with critical stakeholders of the party in Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Bamidele said opposition parties such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is a relatively new political party actively seeking to expand its membership base nationwide.

The representative of the District explained that internal dissatisfaction among members can create opportunities for opposition parties to make inroads, warning that opposition groups are keenly observing for any signs of division that could be exploited for recruitment.

He urged party members to remain steadfast and committed, emphasizing the need for effective internal management to prevent any form of implosion within the APC.

Addressing the upcoming party primaries, Bamidele explained that all aspirants would participate in the process, regardless of whether they emerge through consensus or direct primaries.

The Senate Leader noted that Nigeria’s electoral framework provides for two modes of candidate selection, consensus and direct primaries and clarified that even candidates who secure consensus endorsements like himself must undergo a formal affirmation process.

He further advised aspirants, especially for House of Reps in the Senatorial District who may not emerge victorious to remain committed to the party, urging them not to interpret electoral setbacks as personal failures.

His words, “It’s nothing unusual that ADC is a new party that is looking for membership. It’s also a fact that, you know, in every situation, every institution, there are people that could be disgruntled, you know.

“And ADC has been making overtures to people. It’s not peculiar to Ekiti, it’s across Nigeria. What’s important to us and what we’re happy about is that ADC is not making any progress in their overtures.

“But it’s important that we continue to emphasize to our people the need to continue to be straightforward on the need to continue to be steadfast and to manage the affairs of APC in a way that there is no implosion.

“Because that is exactly what ADC and some other opposition parties are waiting for, so that they could have the benefit or the opportunity of membership recruitment from aggrieved members of APC.

“The electoral law has prescribed two modes of primaries. Everybody will face primaries, everybody, including myself.

“The only thing is that there are two modes of primaries. One is through consensus, the other one is through direct primaries.

“Even those of us that would emerge through consensus, we still have to go through the primaries, because I would still need people in all the 57 wards of Ekiti Central Central District to vote for me by affirmation.

“You still have to go there, be ready to conduct elections, until it’s obvious that there is no other person who is contesting. And then you still have to pull the question, to be sure that there is no one who is opposed to that consensus. If you have one person, just one person, being opposed to it, you still have to go through it. You still have to go through direct primaries.

“So, everyone will participate, but the point is, those who don’t have a consensus endorsement will have to participate in the direct primaries only. And for those who, for whatever reason, may not appear victorious at the end of the primary election, my advice always is that they would not see themselves as failures.

“Because if you have a position and you have more than one person who is aspiring to occupy that position, then definitely only one person will get in there. So the other people should just not see themselves as having failed.

“It could be that it’s not their timing yet. It could also be that certain circumstances or geopolitical considerations, might not favour them at the particular time. But what’s important is to remain consistent, to remain relevant within the party, knowing that by God’s grace, their own time will also come”.

On his part, Ekiti APC Chairman, Sola Eleshin commended party members for maintaining a peaceful atmosphere, describing Ekiti Central as a model of political stability.

Eleshin expressed confidence that the opposition would struggle to make inroads in the district, attributing this to the performance of the party’s representatives at the national level.

Addressing those vying for House of Representatives seats within the District, the chairman assured that while consensus arrangements may be explored, the party would provide a fair and level playing field where necessary.

“We are here to remind ourselves why our party in the Central must cooperate. We are the ones holding the Senate Leader title; that is very important to us, and we are very proud of it.

“We do not want anything to disrupt the peace we have been building in the district. For those contesting, there will be a level playing ground where consensus is not possible.

“Let us go to our units. We are targeting nothing less than 500,000 votes for Governor Biodun Oyebanji. For those opposing us, let us engage them and encourage them to join the moving train,” he stated.

The Secretary to the Ekiti State Government (SSG), Professor Habibat Adubiaro emphasised unity among party faithful, insisting that there was no division within the district.

“We in the district are one, and we should see ourselves as one. There is no division and we are going to tell the whole world that we are brothers and sisters. We will go wherever our leaders ask us to go,” she said.

2027 poll: Senate Leader warns APC members against alliance with opposition

Adesua Etomi-Wellington, wife of Nigerian singer, politician and clergyman, Banky W, has reflected on her marriage, revealing that their love is still waxing stronger nearly a decade into their union.

Speaking in a recent interview hosted by Teju Babyface along with her husband, Mrs Wellington explained that initially Banky W wasn’t her ideal man due to his career paths but she settled for him because of divine instruction.

“Before I met my husband, I told God I didn’t want to marry a musician, a pastor or a politician, but God gave me all three,” she said.

On his part, Banky W revealed that Adesua confirmed he was her husband after several rejections.

He explained that he had known that she was his wife for a year and half but was waiting for her to be on the same page.

He said, “Adesua called me on the phone one day and said, ‘Banky, you know you’re my husband right?”

The singer said Adesua’s confirmation further strengthened his own conviction and they got married.

The couple wedded in 2017. Their marriage has produced two children.

‘I didn’t want to marry artiste, pastor, politician’ – Banky W’s wife, Adesua