Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Wednesday said God used a former military Head of State, Sani Abacha, to create the state.

Governor Oyebanji said without Abacha, Ekiti State would not have been created.

Ekiti State was created on October 1, 1996, out of the old Ondo State, during Abacha’s military regime.

The governor said Ekiti State owes a debt of gratitude to the former military ruler.

Speaking during the ‘Ekiti at 30 Future Summit’ in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, Oyebanji said people of the state have distinguished themselves in various sectors of the economy.

He said: “In the old Western region and later Ondo State, Ekiti men and women distinguished themselves in education, public administration, commerce, agriculture, culture, and national service.

“Through the act of persistent advocacy, leaders made a compelling case for the creation of the state, that way the aspiration of our people would be more effectively pursued.

“We therefore owe an eternal debt of gratitude to the founding fathers of Ekiti State, to the traditional rulers, community leaders, professionals, academics, political actors, and women organisations whose sacrifices made the creation possible.

“Some people will not like to hear my next statement but that is the truth, we owe a debt of gratitude to Gen. Sani Abacha who was the Head of State when the state was created.

“Without that man, Abacha, we will not be here. Kabiyesi will tell you what they contended with but God used Abacha and we are grateful.”

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has expressed condolences to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) over the aircraft crash in Ondo State that claimed the lives of several NAF personnel and others.

The NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), conveyed the agency’s sympathies in a letter of condolence addressed to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke.

In a statement made available to thecolumn.ng  by the
Director, Media and Advocacy Femi Babafemi
in Abuja on Wednesday (today) Marwa extended the agency’s condolences to the NAF leadership, officers and personnel, as well as the families of those who lost their lives in the crash.

He described the incident as devastating, saying the news was received with profound grief.

The NDLEA boss commended the Nigerian Air Force for what he described as its consistent patriotism, gallantry and commitment to the defence and security of the country.

According to him, the loss of personnel who dedicated their lives to national service was a painful blow to the Air Force, the country and the wider national security community.

“In this moment of deep sorrow, our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving families of the fallen heroes, as well as the entire NAF family,” Marwa said.

He prayed that God would comfort the bereaved families, strengthen the Nigerian Air Force and grant the deceased eternal rest.

Marwa also assured the Air Force of the solidarity and support of the officers, men and women of the NDLEA during the period of mourning.

More than 1000 Islamic clerics have asked President Bola Tinubu not to contest in 2027.

The clerics, in a communique after a meeting in Kano, said the poor state of the economy and insecurity have made life hard for Nigerians.

The meeting was tagged ‘An Assessment of the State of the Nation under President Tinubu and the 2027 General Elections’.

This is coming after two Islamic groups – JIBWIS and the Qadiriyya Sufi sect – endorsed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for 2027. The groups endorsed Tinubu when Senator Abdulaziz Yari, Director General of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Campaign Council, visited them.

But the clerics, under the aegis of Ko Da Naka… For the Struggle to Promote Good Governance and Community Development and AFAQ Educational Foundation, said they are not happy with how Tinubu is running the country.

According to them, removal of fuel subsidy, the floating of the naira, increase in electricity tariff and tax reforms have worsened hardship for ordinary Nigerians.

“It is unfortunate that the government has continued to insist on pursuing these policies, which are increasing hardship among the people, rather than reviewing and correcting them. The government prioritised the growth of its revenue at a time when the rising cost of living and unemployment are threatening the lives and well-being of citizens.

“Consequently, participants at the conference unanimously agreed that it would be inappropriate to re-elect this government in the forthcoming 2027 general elections if it does not change its harmful economic policies,” parts of the communique read.