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•Party will win 2027 election —Atiku •We need viable candidate to defeat Tinubu —Amaechi •Nigeria heading to disaster with huge debts —Obi •Renewed Hope is a scam —Aregbesola NATIONAL Chairman of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, on Tuesday, said the party would not surrender to attempts being made to silence the […]

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, on Tuesday hosted his Adamawa State counterpart, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, in Gombe for project commissioning in Balanga Local Government Area. The engagement commenced with the commissioning of the 33-kilometre Ture–Sabon Layi Awak–Dogon Ruwa–Gelengu–Balanga Gari road, including a spur to Bakasi–Balansani–Dasan Buzu, as well as the Talasse–Degri–Bembelem road, which was […]

The Nigerian stock market sustained its bullish run on Tuesday, with investors recording a gain of N884 billion.

Market capitalization rose by 0.67 percent, climbing from N131.608 trillion to N132.492 trillion.

Similarly, the All-Share Index advanced by 1,372.52 points, or 0.67 percent, to close at 205,831.38, up from 204,458.86 recorded in the previous session.

As a result, the year-to-date return increased to 32.27 percent, while market breadth closed positive with 42 gainers against 21 losers.

On the gainers’ chart, Stanbic IBTC and Ecobank Transnational Corporation led with a 10 percent appreciation each, closing at N161.70 and N50.60 per share, respectively. NGX Group followed with a 9.97 per cent gain to settle at N168.75, while Cornerstone Insurance rose by 9.94 per cent to N5.64. Also, Mecure Industries advanced by 9.92 percent to close at N67.60 per share.

On the flip side, Fortis Global Insurance topped the losers’ table, shedding 8.20 percent to close at N1.12. McNichols Plc declined by 8.17 per cent to N6.52, while Academy Press dropped by 6.96 per cent to N7.35 per share. International Energy Insurance lost 6.88 per cent to close at N3.25, and Guinea Insurance fell by 5.83 per cent to N1.13 per share.

Analysis of trading activity showed a 21 per cent increase in volume, alongside a 0.62 per cent decline in value and a 25 per cent drop in the number of deals.

A total of 569.3 million shares worth N32.25 billion were traded in 45,777 transactions, compared to 470.01 million shares valued at N32.45 billion exchanged in 60,793 deals on Monday.

Meanwhile, Access Corporation led the activity chart by volume with 67.53 million shares worth N1.75 billion.

Zenith Bank followed with 39.74 million shares valued at N4.5 billion, while VFD Group traded 37.61 million shares worth N422.99 million.

Guaranty Trust Holding Company recorded 30.57 million shares valued at N3.79 billion, and Lasaco Assurance traded 26.31 million shares worth N52.61 million.

Nigerian stock market extends rally as investors record N884bn gain

The Abia State Deputy Governor Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, has inaugurated an 18-member Planning Committee for the 3rd Aba International Trade Fair 2026.

This action underscores the administration’s steadfast commitment to economic revitalization, industrial growth, and the promotion of local enterprises.

According to the Chief Press Secretary, the Deputy Governor who also chairs the committee emphasized during the inauguration that the trade fair is a strategic platform to showcase the ingenuity, resilience, and entrepreneurial strength of businesses in Aba and across Abia State.

He expressed confidence that the committee, carefully selected for its expertise and dedication, will deliver a world-class event.

“This year’s International Trade Fair should be one that will be felt. We have sufficient time to prepare and to engage meaningfully with all participating unions and stakeholders.

“This committee has a unique opportunity to serve the state government and to prove a point by delivering a trade fair that will make Abia proud,” Engr. Emetu stated, as reported by his Chief Press Secretary.

The Honourable Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Dr. Mrs. Salome Nkemakolam Obiukwu, described the Deputy Governor as the “chief shepherd” of the initiative and expressed confidence in the committee’s ability to deliver a successful event.

Barr. Agbonma Ukaobasi, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Ease of Doing Business, commended the Deputy Governor’s unwavering support for economic development, noting that the committee’s diverse composition will ensure synergy and national recognition.

Delivering the vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade and Commerce, Chief Cyril Nwaigwe, lauded the Deputy Governor’s leadership and prayed for continued success in his efforts to reposition Abia State as a leading hub for commerce and industry.

As conveyed by Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, this inauguration reflects Engr. Emetu’s steadfast commitment to the vision of Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, and his determination to ensure that Abia State remains a beacon of trade, innovation, and industrial excellence.

Emetu Inaugurates 18-Member Committee For 3rd Aba Int’l Trade Fair is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Troops of the Nigerian Army have launched coordinated operations in Enugu State, striking suspected hideouts of IPOB/ESN elements, recovering explosives, and intercepting ransom funds linked to kidnapping activities.

The operation, conducted under Operation EASTERN SANITY, targeted Ajali Forest in Ezeagu Local Government Area, where troops carried out a precision strike and clearance mission.

Joint forces from Sector 1, supported by the Air Component of Operation UDO KA, advanced into the forest, forcing suspected IPOB/ESN members to retreat and abandon key assets.

During the operation, troops recovered an anti-tank Improvised Explosive Device (IED), which was subsequently secured by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, preventing potential casualties.

The Army stated, “On 14 April 2026, joint troops of Sector 1, supported by the Air Component of Operation UDO KA, launched a precision strike and clearance operation in Ajali Forest, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

“The offensive forced IPOB/ESN elements into a chaotic retreat, abandoning critical assets, including an anti-tank Improvised Explosive Device (IED). The failed attempt to deploy the device underscores the group’s desperation and declining operational competence.

“Troops have since established firm dominance over the general area, sustaining aggressive clearance operations and systematically dismantling all terrorist infrastructure.

“The deliberate destruction of hideouts using chainsaws and bulldozers has stripped the criminals of cover, leaving them exposed, scattered and unable to regroup or mount any meaningful resistance.”

In a separate but related operation, troops of the 82 Division Garrison deployed in Adani, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, acted on intelligence provided by the Department of State Services to track financial activities linked to a kidnapping syndicate.

The troops intercepted ransom proceeds and arrested a suspected kidnapper during the raid. A search of the suspect’s residence led to the recovery of a pump-action rifle and N2m, believed to be ransom payments.

The statement added, “ The suspect and recovered items have been handed over to the appropriate authorities, for a thorough investigation to track other members of the criminal gang.

“The operation further degraded the IPOB/ESN’s operational and financial capacity. These outcomes further demonstrate that IPOB/ESN elements are steadily losing ground, resources and cohesion under sustained military pressure.”

The Nigerian Army said ongoing operations have continued to weaken armed groups operating in the region, with troops maintaining pressure through clearance missions and intelligence-led raids.

The military reiterated its resolve to sustain operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and maintaining security across the South-East, while urging residents to support ongoing efforts.

Army Raids Enugu Forest, Recovers Explosives is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Despite Nigeria’s ongoing electricity supply challenges, three West African countries—Benin, Togo, and Niger—failed to fully settle payments for power supplied in the fourth quarter of 2025, accumulating a combined debt of $9.55 million, equivalent of N13.07 billion.

This was revealed in the fourth quarter 2025 report released by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

According to the report, Nigeria’s market operator issued invoices totaling $20.44 million to international bilateral customers across the three countries during the period. However, only $10.89 million was remitted, representing a payment performance of 53.28 percent.

“The three international bilateral customers being supplied by GenCos in the Nigerian electricity supply industry made a payment of $10.89 m against the cumulative invoice of $20.44 m issued by the MO for services rendered in 2025/Q4, translating to a remittance performance of 53.28 percent,” the report stated.

This indicates that for every $100 billed, just $53.28 was paid, leaving an outstanding balance of $46.72—equivalent to the $9.55 million deficit.

A breakdown of payments showed mixed performance among the companies involved. Paras-SBEE in Benin paid $1.67 million out of its $2.45 million invoice (68.16 per cent), while Paras-CEET in Togo settled $1.46 million from a $2.18 million bill (64.97 per cent).

Transcorp-SBEE (Ughelli) in Benin recorded one of the lowest remittances, paying only $0.46 million out of $3.74 million, representing 12.30 percent. In contrast, Transcorp-SBEE (Afam 3), also in Benin, showed stronger compliance by remitting $3.21 million of its $3.90 million invoice (82.31 percent).

In Niger, Mainstream-NIGELEC paid $4.09 million out of the $5.96 million billed (68.63 per cent), while Odukpani-CEET in Togo made no payment on its $2.18 million invoice, recording a zero per cent remittance.

The report noted that the figures were based on reconciled market settlements submitted to the commission as of April 2, 2026.

“The three international bilateral customers being supplied by GenCos in the Nigerian electricity supply industry made a payment of $10.89m against the cumulative invoice of $20.44m issued by the MO for services rendered in 2025/Q4, translating to a remittance performance of 53.28 per cent”, NERC report stated.

The disclosure underscores Nigeria’s ongoing difficulty in recovering payments for electricity exports to neighboring countries, even as domestic power supply remains inadequate.

The unpaid $9.55 million for a single quarter highlights a growing revenue concern for the country’s power generation companies.

Benin, Togo, Niger owe Nigeria over N13bn electricity debt

Barcelona forward, Raphinha has criticized the match officials following his team’s exit from the Champions League against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night.

The Brazilian winger condemned the officiating, questioning the outcome and igniting further controversy surrounding the Champions League elimination.

Despite not participating in the match, Raphinha emerged as one of the most vocal detractors after FC Barcelona’s Champions League exit against Atlético Madrid, launching a fierce critique of the refereeing issues.

The Brazilian, who was sidelined due to injury, made the trip to the capital to witness the Blaugrana’s defeat at the Cívitas Metropolitano in the Champions League quarterfinals. Barcelona was eliminated with a 3-2 aggregate score, even after winning the second leg 2-1.

Hansi Flick’s team displayed resilience with goals from Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres, which equalized the tie, but a crucial goal from Ademola Lookman secured Atlético Madrid’s advancement to the Champions League semifinals.

The final setback occurred with the red card issued to Eric García following a harsh challenge on Alexander Sørloth, an event that provoked Raphinha’s outrage.

“It was a complete robbery. The referee faced numerous issues. There were astonishing decisions. I cannot comprehend how many fouls Atlético Madrid committed without receiving a card,” he said.

Barcelona also sought a penalty for Dani Olmo in the first half, another incident that intensified the refereeing controversy, although the Brazilian refrained from concentrating on any particular event.

The Blaugrana’s frustration is not an isolated case. This marks the second consecutive match in which the club has raised concerns about the Champions League officiating, following UEFA’s recent dismissal of a formal complaint regarding decisions in the prior game.

“It is human to err, but for it to occur again. We played exceptionally well, yet they deprived us of the tie. It appears we must exert three times the effort to secure a victory”, Raphinha emphasized.

UCL: ‘Total robbery’ – Raphinha rejects Atletico Madrid’s win against Barça

About 50 unapproved structures, comprising of shops, shanties, containers and projections have been demolished by the Umuahia Capital Development Authority, UCDA, in the Abia State capital.

The demolitions were carried out on Saturday, Monday and Tuesday at the ShopRite area by railway line and around Post Office Junction by Bende Road Tower.

The demolition is coming about two months after the UCDA announced its determination to remove all illegal structures defacing the beauty of Umuahia, the state capital.

DAILY POST gathered that the demolition exercise was approved by the Abia State government and aimed at sanitizing the city of unapproved structures.

Among the structures affected were car wash, Tticycle parts shops, canteen, mechanic work shop, boutique, among others.

A visit to the scenes of the demolition on Tuesday evening showed that structures at Railway line had been levelled down, even though most of the traders occupying the shops were able to salvage their goods before the structures were crushed by the UCDA machines.

Some other traders were also seen discussing their fate in hushed tones.

It could be recalled that the General Manager of Umuahia Capital Development Authority, UCDA Kingsley Agomoh had two months ago said that the grace period given to owners and occupiers of unapproved structures by his agency had expired.

UCDA demolishes illegal structures in Umuahia

A former Governor of Anambra State and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi, has accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of deepening divisions among Nigerians.

Obi, who spoke during the ADC national convention, warned that the trend could worsen the country’s challenges if not urgently addressed.

He called for greater unity among citizens, stressing that national cohesion was essential to rescue Nigeria from its current socio-economic difficulties.

According to him, the country has become dangerously polarised under the present administration, which he alleged has encouraged divisions as a means of diverting attention from worsening national conditions.

“We need to work as a united Nigeria for the sake of Nigeria,” Obi said. “The country is so divided; we need unity. The present government has ensured that it remains more divided. Your unity is important. Your country is collapsing, and if you allow it to go further, it will be worse.”

The former presidential candidate cited worsening security and poverty indicators as evidence of what he described as national decline.

“If you check the indices today, when this government came into being, Nigeria ranked number eight in terrorism; today we are number four. In the next four years, we may even become number one if nothing is done,” he said.

On poverty levels, Obi claimed that the situation had deteriorated significantly since the current administration assumed office.

“When this government came in, according to World Bank records, the poverty rate was 41.6 percent, about 88 million people. Today it is about 63 percent, about 140 million people. That means the number has almost doubled,” he stated.

He warned that failure to address the country’s economic and social challenges could have long-term consequences for future generations.

“If we don’t do anything, what is going down will take revenge on us and our children,” Obi cautioned.

Also speaking during the event, a former Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi, also criticised the administration, describing it as insensitive to public concerns.

Amaechi took a swipe at claims that President Tinubu, a prominent member of the pro-democracy movement during military rule, remains uncommitted to democratic ideals.

“How can a man who said he is a democrat, who claimed he was fighting on the side of NADECO, now be seen stopping democracy?” he asked.

According to him, the government appears indifferent to public criticism.

“You call them thieves, they say they are thieves; they won’t even deny it. You call them land grabbers, they say yes, we grab land. So what are you going to tell them?” Amaechi said.

He also criticised the government’s economic policies, particularly the tax regime, which he argued has placed additional burdens on businesses.

“Company tax is now 30 percent. If a company has N100 million, they take N30 million. What are they doing with the money?” he queried.

Amaechi further expressed concern over the growing insecurity and displacement of villagers from their communities across the country.

“I watched yesterday, in Nasarawa, people were running away from their community like in a civil war”.

He advised members of the ADC to be dispassionate in choosing the candidate that will make it easier for the party to defeat the APC in 2027.

Obi, Amaechi Blame Tinubu, APC For Nation’s Woes is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The United States military has announced the successful enforcement of a naval blockade targeting Iran, effectively disrupting maritime trade to and from the country.

Commander of United States Central Command, Brad Cooper, disclosed in a statement shared on X late Tuesday that the blockade of Iranian ports had been fully established.

According to him, U.S. forces have maintained control of key maritime routes in the Middle East, bringing seaborne trade involving Iran to a halt within 36 hours of initiating the operation.

CENTCOM, in a separate update, confirmed that the mission is being executed with the support of Navy guided-missile destroyers deployed in the region.

“The blockade is being enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or leaving coastal areas or ports in Iran,” the command stated.

The move follows an earlier directive by President Donald Trump, who ordered the blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz after diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran in Islamabad failed to produce a breakthrough.

The blockade is aimed at limiting Iran’s ability to generate revenue from maritime transit fees and restricting its oil export earnings, a key source of national income.

US military enforces naval blockade, halts Iran’s maritime trade