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I’ll Not Apologise for My Views on Retiring Lagos Godfathers – El-Rufai
The Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, said on Monday that he had no apologies for his views on how to retire godfathers from politics in Lagos State.
The governor stated that his views were his views and would not retract them or tender an apology because anyone felt offended by them.
El-Rufai spoke with State House correspondents after he visited President Muhammadu Buhari to give him an update on the security situation in Kaduna State.
“If I was asked a question and I gave an answer, anyone that feels offended by the answer, it is his own business. I have no apologies, I don’t apologise for my views.
“I don’t have to explain anything to anyone. This is a democracy and in a democratic space, there must be room for people to express their views,” he said.
Recall that last week in Ikoyi, while speaking at an event in Lagos, the governor recounted how he retired godfathers from Kaduna politics.
He advised the people of Lagos State to apply his model to sack any godfather holding the state down.
It is widely believed that el-Rufai was referring to the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
When asked a specific question on whether he had any issues with Tinubu or the party generally, he said, “There is no dispute between me and anyone in the APC; the APC is one family; I don’t dispute with my own party.”
On his visit to the Villa, el-Rufai said he came to brief Buhari on the various security measures introduced by security agencies to confront criminalities in the state, especially kidanappings on the Abuja-Kaduna Highway.
Also, the Governor of Benue State, Mr Samuel Ortom, was at the Villa.
He denied that Benue was insolvent or that the Internally Generated Revenue of the state was below 10 per cent of its share from the Federation Account in 2018.
However, he admitted that for the state to afford to pay the new N30,000 minimum wage, it must cut costs.
The governor mentioned one Gana as the leader of a criminal gang terrorising Benue and some neighbouring states like Taraba.
Ortom said, “The three local government areas of Katsina Ala, Ukum and Bukun are not safe. No educational, farming, commercial activities are going on; the Igbo that are major traders have vacated the place.
“On herdsmen and farmers, the place is relatively peaceful. The law is being implemented and we have arrested 400 people for committing various offences.”
In the same vein, the Anambra State Governor, Mr Willie Obiano, who visited Buhari to draw the Federal Government’s attention to failed federal roads in the state, also praised Buhari for the pace of work on the Second Niger Bridge.
He added, “He is doing a great work and he is honest, straightforward. He is a very good friend of mine and that friendship exists.”
The Punch
Abia State governor, Alex Otti, has announced plans to construct a FIFA-standard stadium in Aba with a seating capacity of approximately 35,000, in what is being described as one of the most significant sports infrastructure projects in the State’s development agenda.
The proposed stadium is designed to meet international football standards, making it suitable for hosting top-tier domestic league matches, continental competitions, and other global sporting events.
The facility is expected to feature modern pitch technology, upgraded spectator stands, advanced lighting systems for night games, VIP lounges, media centres, locker rooms, and safety and security installations that align with FIFA requirements.
The project is also expected to include auxiliary facilities such as training pitches, parking spaces, and support buildings that will enhance its overall functionality as a multi-use sports complex.
According to the governor’s vision, the stadium is not just a sports project but part of a broader economic revitalisation plan for Aba.
The city, already known as a major commercial hub in South-eastern Nigeria, is expected to benefit significantly from increased sporting activities, which will drive business for hotels, transport operators, food vendors, and local entrepreneurs.
The initiative is also positioned to strengthen grassroots football development and provide a modern home ground for local teams, especially Enyimba FC, one of Nigeria’s most successful football clubs.
The project is expected to be executed through a structured development approach that may involve partnerships aimed at ensuring timely delivery and high construction standards.
When completed, the stadium is projected to elevate Abia State’s profile in national and African football circles while creating new opportunities for youth engagement, talent development, and sports tourism.
Overall, the Aba stadium plan reflects a strategic push by the state government to combine sports, infrastructure, and economic development into a single long-term growth vision for Abia State.
Suspected gunmen have abducted the sister of a former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The family of former minister and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) confirmed the abduction, disclosing that Mrs. Olaide John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons were kidnapped by the gunmen on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.
According to a statement issued by Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, the victims were kidnapped at about 7:30am while Mrs. John-Paul was taking her children to school.
Mrs. John-Paul, the youngest of five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu, reportedly retired voluntarily from her career at First Bank Pension Custodian in 2025 before relocating to Ibadan with her children.
She was said to be making arrangements to join her husband, who had earlier relocated to the US.
The family expressed deep concern over the development but stated that security agencies had already commenced efforts to rescue the victims and apprehend those responsible.
“We are pleased to confirm that security operatives have swung into action and preliminary investigations have commenced in earnest,” the statement partly read.
While appealing for calm, the family urged members of the public to refrain from spreading unverified information that could undermine ongoing rescue operations.
“We are deeply distressed by this unfortunate incident, but remain hopeful that the victims will be rescued safely. We appeal to the public to remain calm, avoid speculation and support ongoing efforts with prayers,” the statement added.
The family also called on anyone with useful information that could aid the rescue operation to promptly share such intelligence with security agencies through the appropriate channels.
It assured that it would continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement authorities and provide updates as investigations and rescue efforts progress.
The General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has called on the Federal government to issue a 90-day ultimatum to security chiefs to end terrorism in Nigeria or step aside.
Adeboye made the appeal in a video shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, expressing deep concern over the country’s deteriorating security situation.
He emphasized the need for urgent and decisive action, stressing that security chiefs must be held accountable for tangible results in the fight against terrorism.
According to him, while citizens can only advise the Commander-in-Chief, it is within the government’s power to set clear expectations and timelines for security leaders.
“If I were to make a suggestion, I would say the government should act swiftly and direct the service chiefs to eradicate terrorists within 90 days or resign,” he said.
The cleric also urged authorities to go beyond targeting terrorists alone, insisting that their sponsors must equally be identified and dealt with, regardless of their social or political influence.
“When issuing directives, it should be made clear that both terrorists and their sponsors must be eliminated, no matter how powerful they are,” he added.
Adeboye recalled that a former Nigerian president had once issued a similar three-month directive to security chiefs to end the Boko Haram insurgency but failed to enforce the order after the deadline expired.
Reflecting on his interaction with the late president, Adeboye noted that although initial efforts were made, the lack of follow-through undermined the directive’s effectiveness.
He maintained that his current recommendation is informed by that experience, urging the government to ensure strict enforcement if such a timeline is adopted.
His comments come amid renewed concerns over persistent terrorist attacks, banditry, and kidnappings across the country, with increasing public pressure on authorities to take stronger action against insecurity.
