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In a major intervention aimed at guaranteeing a steady power supply to the people of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos, the council has

…It’s Desperate Attempt To Gag Journalists, Media – Amnesty International

…Tinubu More Interested In Controlling Narratives Than Credible Elections—Atiku

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), demanding the immediate withdrawal of its controversial directive to broadcasters or face legal action.

SERAP also called on President Bola Tinubu to instruct the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, alongside the NBC, to retract the “Formal Notice” issued on April 17, 2026.

The directive, which targets broadcast stations and presenters, warns of sanctions over what the NBC described as violations of the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, particularly in political, news, and current affairs programming. The commission cited concerns over the expression of “personal opinions,” alleged intimidation of guests, and failure by presenters to maintain neutrality, classifying such infractions as “Class B breaches.”

However, SERAP, in a letter dated April 18, 2026 and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, described the notice as unlawful, vague, and repressive. The organisation argued that the directive amounts to a “dangerous attempt” to introduce prior censorship and suppress legitimate journalism.

According to SERAP, Section 1.10.3 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code—relied upon by the NBC—imposes a blanket restriction on broadcasters by prohibiting presenters from expressing opinions. The group maintained that such a provision is inconsistent with constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and fails to meet internationally recognised legal standards of necessity, legality, and proportionality.

“The blanket prohibition imposed by Section 1.10.3 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, which prohibits presenters from expressing opinions. This amounts to prior restraint that impermissibly excludes commentary, analysis, and value judgments—the core of journalism and democratic discourse,” the letter stated.

SERAP emphasised that value judgments and opinions, unlike statements of fact, cannot be proven true or false in the same manner and therefore deserve a higher level of protection under both domestic and international law. It added that the ability of journalists to analyse, critique, and interpret events is fundamental to a functioning democracy.

The organisation warned that the NBC’s reliance on what it described as “multiple vague provisions” to penalise a wide range of presenter conduct creates uncertainty and opens the door to arbitrary enforcement.

“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 48 hours of the receipt and/or publication of this letter,” SERAP said.

“If we have not heard from your government and the NBC by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel compliance with our request in the public interest.”

SERAP further urged the Federal Government to ensure that the NBC and the Ministry of Information refrain from imposing any form of prior censorship on journalists and media organisations. It also called for urgent amendments to sections of the broadcasting code cited by the commission to ensure alignment with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.

Backing SERAP’s stance, Amnesty International issued a strongly worded condemnation of the NBC directive, describing it as an “outrageous and desperate attempt” to gag journalists and the media.

The organisation said the notice imposes “unduly restrictive and invasive controls” on political broadcasts and current affairs programmes, warning that it could pressure journalists and media organisations into self-censorship.

“The commission has no power or right to tell journalists how to do their job,” Amnesty International stated, adding that Nigeria’s vibrant broadcast media play a critical role in enabling citizens to freely seek, debate, receive, and impart information.

It stressed that media independence is central to democratic governance and warned that any attempt to undermine it would erode citizens’ right to information as guaranteed under international frameworks such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Amnesty further accused Nigerian authorities of using regulatory institutions like the NBC in a sustained effort to silence dissenting voices and shrink the civic space.

“The Nigerian authorities must to stop using the NBC in an unrelenting quest to silence journalists and the media organisations that are crucial to ensuring independent and diverse media space that fulfill people’s right to information,” the organization said.

“The latest threat issued by NBC is authoritarian and unconstitutional.

“Broadcasters must continue doing their job fiercely and independently without fear.”

Adding a political dimension to the growing backlash, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the directive as “creeping censorship” and warned of its implications for Nigeria’s democratic process.

Atiku said the NBC’s advisory represents a troubling pattern of attempts to muzzle the media, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections. He noted that Nigeria’s media industry has earned global recognition for its resilience and professionalism, making the timing and tone of the directive particularly concerning.

“Our media industry has grown into a formidable institution, respected globally for its resilience and professionalism. It is therefore alarming that, each time elections approach, the NBC resorts to heavy-handed directives that do more to silence dissent than to uphold ethical journalism,” he said.

The former vice president cautioned against the selective enforcement of ethical standards, stressing that such principles should remain constant and not be “weaponised” during political campaigns.

“The timing and tone of these regulations expose a deeper agenda. It signals a government more interested in controlling narratives than permitting a free, fair, and transparent electoral process,” Atiku added.

SERAP Gives NBC 48 Hours To Withdraw Controversial Directive is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

A former governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Shekarau, has announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.

Shekarau disclosed this on Sunday while addressing supporters at his residence in Kano, stating that the decision followed extensive consultations with members of his political group.

He said the move was informed by internal challenges within the PDP and the need to align with a platform he believes offers better political prospects. He also ruled out joining the African Democratic Congress, which he described as lacking cohesion.

The former governor urged his loyalists to begin the process of formally exiting the PDP at their respective ward levels and proceed to register with the APC in line with party guidelines.

He added that he would soon announce a date to lead his supporters to his Giginyu ward in Nassarawa Local Government Area for his official registration into the APC.

Shekarau’s defection comes weeks after the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, visited Kano to engage him on joining the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Shekarau Defects From PDP To APC is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

A former Group Managing Director of the New Nigeria Development Company NDDC, Mohammed Hayatudeen, has noted that a free and independent press is indispensable in a democracy like Nigeria.

Hayatudeen hailed as remarkable, the resilience and professionalism in Nigeria’s evolving media landscape.

In a statement signed by his media office on Sunday, Hayatudeen, who was guest of honour at the Independent Newspapers’ 25 year celebration, hailed the growth of media in Nigeria.

He outlined three critical pillars necessary for national greatness: the supremacy of strong institutions over strong men, the prioritisation of production over consumption and the building of trust as the foundation of governance and societal progress.

He stressed that strong institutions are essential for sustaining progress beyond personalities, while a productive economy driven by innovation and human capital development remains key to long-term prosperity.

Equally, he noted that trust, earned through consistency, accountability and fairness, is indispensable for functional governance, thriving markets and national cohesion.

Hayatudeen further underscored the central role of the media in building and sustaining this trust, describing journalism as the lifeblood of democracy and an indispensable mechanism for accountability.

He said, ”A free and Independent press serves as society’s early warning system. it shines light when there is darkness, asks questions where silence would be easier and speaks truth where power may prefer convenience.”

He concluded by affirming that Nigeria’s challenge is not a lack of potential but the need to consistently align its human and institutional resources toward a shared national purpose.

By strengthening institutions, deepening productivity and sustaining trust, he said, the country can unlock its full potential and make excellence the norm rather than the exception.

Free, independent press serves as society’s early warning system – Ex-NNPC boss, Hayatudeen

Former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper, Paul Robinson, has criticized winger Alejandro Garnacho, insisting that the 21-year-old is not good enough to be a regular starter for the Blues.

Robinson added that he was taken aback when the Argentina international opted to leave Manchester United for the Blues last year.

Since swapping Old Trafford for Stamford Bridge, Garnacho has struggled to make an impact, managing just a single Premier League goal for Liam Rosenior’s side this season.

Speaking to Stadium Astro, Robinson said: “He’s not good enough to be a regular starter for Chelsea and Manchester United might have done some good business.

“Looking back at the season he left United, I was surprised they let him go. If you look his stats (from that campaign), he was actually their most creative player.”

EPL: You’re not good enough to start at Chelsea – Robinson knocks Garnacho

Benue Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has urged the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to reschedule the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for

Five lawmakers of the All Progressives Congress, APC, representing Osun State in the National Assembly have rejected claims that President Bola Tinubu endorsed Governor Ademola Adeleke for a second term.

The legislators, operating under the G-5 caucus, said there was no agreement or assurance from the President to support Governor Adeleke in the forthcoming August 15 governorship election in Osun State.

In a statement issued in Osogbo on Sunday, the lawmakers urged members of the public to disregard what they described as misleading claims about a purported alliance between Tinubu and Adeleke.

The statement was jointly signed by Senators Adenigba Fadahunsi and Olubiyi Fadeyi and Representatives Oluwole Oke, Bimbo Ajilesoro, and Sanya Omirin, all of whom recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the APC.

They said, “Our attention has been drawn to the lies being peddled by some members of the Accord Party about President Bola Tinubu’s support for Governor Ademola Adeleke in the next governorship poll.

“We feel it is time to put an end to the lies and stop their further spread. The President did not at any time endorse or approve Governor Adeleke’s candidacy.”

According to them, President Tinubu never held any political meeting with Governor Adeleke, noting that the only encounter between both figures was a Sallah homage paid by the governor’s family in Lagos the previous year.

They stated that in their various meetings with the President, he had not expressed any interest in Adeleke’s re-election bid or indicated support for any candidate outside the APC.

The group maintained that the party already has a candidate in Bola Oyebamiji, who they said is actively contesting and enjoyed the backing of party stakeholders.

Questioning the credibility of the alleged endorsement, the lawmakers said it would be illogical for the President to support an opposition figure while his party fields a candidate in the same election.

They also criticised what they described as contradictory behaviour by Adeleke’s supporters, alleging that individuals linked to the governor had publicly criticised Tinubu despite claims of an alliance.

The lawmakers called on APC members and voters in Osun to remain committed to the party’s campaign and disregard what they termed false narratives from opposition elements.

They assured President Tinubu of continued political support from Osun APC, stating that the party would deliver significant votes in future elections.

They also urged residents to support Oyebamiji in the forthcoming poll.

President Tinubu never endorsed Gov Adeleke’s re-election — Osun NASS members

Ibrahim Shekarau, the former governor of Kano, has resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Shekarau announced his defection to the APC on Sunday at his residence in Kano.

Former Kogi lawmaker, Senator Dino Melaye, has declared that anyone contesting under a coalition platform including himself can defeat President Bola Tinubu in a free and fair election.

Melaye made the assertion during an interview on Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye and uploaded on Sunday, where he delivered a sweeping criticism of the current administration.

“My brother, anybody among those interested in presidency in African Democratic Congress would do one million times better than Tinubu. They can never be a worse president than Tinubu,” he said.

Projecting confidence in his own electoral strength, Melaye stated that he could personally unseat the President if the process is credible.

“Me, Dino Melaye. Let’s go on a free and fair election,” he said, adding, “I will beat him flat in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Despite his bold claim, the former senator clarified that his immediate focus is not necessarily personal ambition but the collective objective of removing the current administration from power.

“My own for now is that we must send Tinubu away. Whoever emerges from consensus or from a primary, I will support,” he said.

Melaye also alleged that the President may be reluctant to allow a transparent electoral process.

“Let him allow a free and fair contest. And if he doesn’t allow it, we will make him conduct our election. Because he doesn’t want election. He wants to be Kabiyesi. He wants to be Igwe,” he added.

On coalition dynamics, he dismissed speculations about joint tickets, insisting that the overriding concern is national interest.

“I am not interested in any joint ticket or non-joint ticket… we are only interested in rescuing this country,” he said.

The former lawmaker further raised concerns about governance, pointing to what he described as the influence of non-elected individuals, particularly the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu.

“My son will not interfere with governance. My son will not summon DGs of parastatals and agencies of government and ministers,” he said.

He also referenced public commentary by Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka while criticising the visibility of Seyi Tinubu in political activities.

“Even our respected Wole Soyinka complained about him. You have seen the City Boy Movement and what they are doing,” he said, questioning the role of non-elected actors in governance.

Melaye maintained that opposition figures are already aligning strategies ahead of future elections, stressing that unity remains central to their goal of unseating the current administration.

ADC Will Send Tinubu Out Of Aso Rock, Melaye Boasts is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The legal battle involving CitiTrust Financial Services Limited, the parent company of Osun-partly owned