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Kaduna Gives El-Rufai One Week To Prove Explosive ₦1bn Bandits Payment Claim.
According to Nivo News, the Kaduna State Government has issued a seven-day ultimatum to former governor Nasir El-Rufai to substantiate his allegation that Governor Uba Sani’s administration paid ₦1 billion to bandits. El-Rufai had made the claim during a televised interview, alleging that the current government entered financial arrangements with criminal groups under the guise of security measures.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The state government swiftly dismissed the allegation as false and politically driven, demanding that El-Rufai either present verifiable evidence or publicly retract the statement. In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shu’aibu (SAN), the government accused the former governor of exploiting a sensitive national security matter for political effect.
The commissioner stressed that Governor Sani has never authorised or facilitated any form of payment to criminal organisations, emphasising, “Not one naira. Not one kobo.” He further noted that the Office of the National Security Adviser had previously debunked similar claims by El-Rufai, describing them as baseless and inconsistent with established national security policies. Authorities reiterated that neither the Federal Government nor state administrations engage in ransom payments to armed groups.
According to the statement, the government’s approach remains centred on working with communities rather than negotiating with criminals. It highlighted Governor Sani’s efforts to restore stability by reopening schools, markets, and farmlands while rebuilding trust among previously troubled communities.
The Kaduna State Government challenged El-Rufai to produce concrete proof — including bank statements, memos, or security documents — noting that he had also failed to provide evidence for similar accusations made in September 2025. The government reaffirmed its dedication to transparency and responsible security management, insisting it will not be derailed by politically motivated misinformation or attempts to incite fear
Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal has hailed Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi as the greatest footballer of all time, saying the Argentine’s achievements place him above every other player in the sport’s history.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
News reports that Yamal made the comments on Monday, April 20, shortly after being named Best Young Athlete at the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid.
The teenage star expressed deep admiration for Messi while speaking about his own ambitions in football, stressing that the Argentine icon has earned worldwide respect through his remarkable career.
“Leo Messi is the best football player of all time. If he’s not the best athlete of all time, he’s certainly among them. Everyone respects him for what he’s achieved, and I hope I can follow in his footsteps,” Yamal said.
Messi, who is widely regarded as one of football’s greatest legends, has won more than 45 trophies throughout his career, including multiple league titles, continental championships, and the FIFA World Cup with Argentina.
Now 38, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is nearing the final stages of his playing career and is expected to take part in what could be his last World Cup this summer.
Meanwhile, Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah has revealed his desire to end his Liverpool career on a positive note after scoring in his final Merseyside derby during a 2-1 victory over Everton at Anfield.
Salah opened the scoring in the intense encounter, registering his ninth goal in the derby and equalling Steven Gerrard as Liverpool’s joint-highest scorer in the fixture.
The forward, who has had a mixed season, once again delivered in a crucial moment as Liverpool continue their push for a top-four finish and Champions League qualification.
Speaking after the match, Salah emphasised the importance of helping the team secure European football as he looks ahead to the end of his Anfield journey.
“I hope I will just keep scoring and help the team to achieve the Champions League this season. Hopefully, I say farewell in the right way,” Salah said.
“It feels great. The most important thing was to help the team settle down and feel more confident. We knew before the game it was going to be tricky, difficult, and I’m glad we were able to win it.”
Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has advised the House of Representatives member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Leke Abejide, to remain in his party.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Gbajabiamila made the remark during a birthday celebration organised in honour of Abejide, according to reports.
He noted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was pleased with the lawmaker’s activities within the ADC, adding that his presence was creating internal tensions in the opposition party.
The Chief of Staff also urged Abejide to disregard calls from APC members, including former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, who had reportedly encouraged him to defect to the ruling party.
“Don’t come to APC. Stay in ADC and scatter them. We like what you’re doing. Don’t mind former governor Yahaya Bello, who said you should join APC. No, no, no, stay in ADC and win your election. Also, bring Bala Gombe, and we’ll support him. Good luck in court,” he was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, fresh tension has emerged within the African Democratic Congress as factional leader Nafiu Bala accused former national chairman Ralph Nwosu of misrepresenting the purpose of a recent party event.
Bala, speaking in an interview on AIT on Monday, said he was invited to what he believed was a routine meeting to welcome new members but later discovered it was used to announce a new leadership structure led by David Mark.
He explained that he only realised the full agenda after proceedings had begun, adding that the event also featured Nwosu stepping down while unveiling new party executives.
According to him, the development has deepened existing internal disputes within the party, especially with the appointment of David Mark and others into key leadership positions during the gathering.
Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun East Senatorial District have reportedly endorsed Governor Dapo Abiodun as their preferred candidate for the 2027 senatorial election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to reports, the decision was taken on Monday during a large political gathering held at Adeola Odutola Hall in Ijebu-Ode, which attracted party stakeholders and grassroots representatives from across the district.
A statement from the governor’s media office indicated that the meeting was widely attended by key APC figures, including members of the Governor’s Advisory Council, former and serving local government chairmen, councillors from all wards, as well as current and former lawmakers at both state and national levels. Women leaders, youth groups, and other stakeholders were also present.
Party leaders at the event expressed confidence in Abiodun’s capacity to represent Ogun East effectively at the National Assembly, describing his leadership record as a key factor in their decision.
They also resolved to formally communicate the endorsement to the governor and begin mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
The Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, noted that the governor’s performance in office and his role in fostering unity within the party were central to the decision to support his senatorial ambition.
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