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Gbenga Daniel Slams Successor As ‘Enfant Terrible’ Who Showed Him Hell

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Former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel has recounted the severe political rivalry he faced from his successor, Ibikunle Amosun.

Speaking during his 70th birthday thanksgiving service in Sagamu, Daniel described Amosun as an “enfant terrible successor” who showed him hell after taking office in 2011.

Daniel said that at the centre of the political differences was the fact that Amosun was in a hurry to become governor, adding that there was nothing anyone, including himself, could do to stop his dream.

Daniel said that because he had not been seen to support Amosun’s governorship ambition, the former governor wasted no time moving against him and subjecting him to a witch-hunt when he eventually succeeded him in May 2011.

He, however, said Daniel the duo had mended fences, put past political fights behind them, and are now focused on working for the further development of the state and the country at large.

Daniel disclosed this on Monday in his short remarks during his 70th birthday thanksgiving service held at Abraham’s Tabernacle, Sagamu.

The thanksgiving had in attendance the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, represented by his wife, Mrs Bola Obasanjo, Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Osun State Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi, former Governor Amosun, Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Alake and paramount ruler of Egba land, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Akarigbo and paramount ruler of Remo land, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State, Oladipupo Adebutu, among others.

Speaking at the ceremony, Daniel said, “Let me appreciate the former governors who are here, especially the one they call Ajiri, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, an enfant terrible successor of mine.

“He showed me hell, but we thank God, with the prayers of our clergymen, he has repented.

“Sen Ibikunle, thank you very much. We started the race together, but you were too much in a hurry to be governor. That was what happened.

“It is people like you that we call Ajagungbade. You fought for the crown, and you got it and became the governor, and there is nothing anyone can do about it. I wish you well, and I thank you sincerely for coming.”

Daniel and Amosun were political allies, and while the senator was serving his first term as the governor of the state from 2003 to 2007, Amosun, elected on the same platform of PDP, was representing Ogun Central at the Senate.

However, Daniel’s eyes on the second term reportedly made the two political allies fall apart in the build-up to the 2007 governorship election.

Amosun pulled away from the PDP and contested against Daniel on the platform of the All Nigeria People’s Party but lost the election to Daniel, who was then seeking his second term.

Amosun eventually succeeded Daniel after clinching his governorship victory in the 2011 election, defeating Gboyega Isiaka of the Peoples Party of Nigeria, who was backed by Daniel.

Amosun, on assumption of office in May 2011, launched a probe of his predecessor’s administration, leading to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission charging Daniel to court on financial embezzlement to the tune of N7bn.

After years of standing trial, the court case was struck out, and Daniel was discharged and acquitted of about 15 charges levelled against him.

Daniel appreciated the large turnout of people for the ceremony, saying that he was happy that the people came out in large numbers to reciprocate his leadership in the state for over 25 years.

He declared that the future of the country is very bright and called on the people to continue to support the purposeful leadership of President Bola Tinubu, who he said remained committed to making the country great once again.

Ministering at the special birthday service, Pastor Adeboye described Daniel as “quite an exceptional politician and original Omoluwabi.”

Adeboye said, having lived in Ogun State since 1983, he could, without fear or favour, disclose that Daniel has carved a niche for himself as he never played politics with the church.

“If you are looking for original Omoluwabi, Gbenga Daniel is one, and people like him are quite few. That is why when he approached me and said that I would be the one to say a few words during his 70th birthday, I said I would alter my busy schedule and be there.

“I respect you, sir; the Redeemed Christian Church of God respect you and wishes you a happy 70th birthday,” Adeboye said.

Taking his message from Psalm 90 vs 12, Adeboye urged the people to be conscious of their sojourn in life, because they are bound to give account of their deeds one day before their Maker.

He explained that those who want to end well after their sojourn on earth must fear God, prioritise holiness and accept the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour.

In his address, Governor Abiodun hailed Daniel’s invaluable contributions to both governance and national development.

He said, “As governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel brought energy and purpose to governance, laying foundations that continue to support growth and development across our state.”

The governor added that Daniel had continued to serve with the same passion and sense of responsibility as the senator representing Ogun East, contributing meaningfully to legislation, representation and the advancement of his constituents.

Congratulating the former governor on reaching the 70-year milestone, Abiodun prayed that Daniel would continue to grow stronger as he continues to devote the rest of his life to serving humanity.

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Abuja Court Jails Boko Haram Food Supplier, Hamatu Modu For 40 Years

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Justice Binta Fatima Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Hamatu Modu, a major food supplier for Boko Haram terrorists, to 40 years imprisonment for his involvement in terrorism activities.

Modu, who confessed in the open court to supplying food items and information to terrorists, was put on trial by the federal government through the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

He was slammed with 4- count charges and instantly pleaded guilty to them.

The Director of the Public Prosecution of the Federation, DPPF, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, led the prosecution.

In his judgment, Justice Nyako sentenced him to 10 years on each of the count but due to the plea of the defense counsel, the judge ordered that the 40 years imprisonment should run concurrently, giving the convict opportunity to spend only 10 years.

In another development, Isah Ali, another food supplier also in Borno, was jailed 10 years by Justice Nyako.

His jail term will, however, start three years ago when he was arrested and clamped into detention.

The convict confessed to committing the offence as charged.

Justice Nyako ordered that the convicts be made to undergo rehabilitation and radicalization at the end of their service of the jail terms.

The Federal Ministry of Interior was ordered to determine where the two men will serve their jail terms.

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Just In: Kebbi Assembly Speaker Muhammad Ankwai Passes Away

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The Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Muhammad Usman Ankwai has passed away in the late hours of Monday, 6 April 2026.

Ankwai, who represented Zuru Constituency under the All Progressives Congress (APC), was elected Speaker at the inauguration of the 10th Assembly on June 8, 2023.

Details surrounding the circumstances of his death were not immediately disclosed at the time of filing this report.

His death has, however, triggered an outpouring of condolences from fellow lawmakers, political associates, and residents across Kebbi State, many of whom have described him as a dedicated public servant who contributed to legislative development in the state.

Further announcements regarding burial arrangements are expected to be made by his family soon.

 

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Scores Of Terrorists Neutralised As Military Foils Major Borno Offensive

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Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have neutralized scores of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists during foiled attacks across several communities in Borno State.

This was contained in a press statement signed by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, on Sunday.

The statement reads: “In sustained offensive operations against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) recorded significant successes, including the neutralisation of insurgents, arrest of suspects and disruption of logistics networks across the theatre of OPHK between 31 March and 4 April 2026.

“In a major operational breakthrough, troops of OPHK under Sector 2, deployed at Geidam, in conjunction with operatives of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), acting on credible intelligence, engaged terrorist logistics suppliers near Geidam.

“Following a fierce encounter, three terrorists were neutralised while a logistics-laden vehicle was disabled. Recovered items included food supplies, mobile phones and other materials intended for terrorist camps.

“Similarly, troops of OPHK successfully ambushed terrorists attempting to emplace Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) along the Konduga–Kawuri axis.

“The troops engaged the insurgents with decisive firepower, triggering an explosion that neutralised two terrorists.

“Weapons and ammunition were recovered during exploitation. In continuation of counter-IED operations, troops have discovered and safely detonated an IED planted along the Ngoshe–Pulka road, thereby preventing potential casualties and ensuring safe movement along the route.

“Troops also recorded notable successes in counter-terrorism operations in Adamawa State.

“In Mubi North Local Government Area, troops of OPHK under Sector 4, in conjunction with local hunters, conducted an offensive operation, leading to the arrest of three Boko Haram/ISWAP members.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that one of them had previously gathered intelligence on troops’ locations and activities.

“The terrorist further confessed to participating in a recent attack where they suffered heavy casualties. All the arrested persons are currently in custody for further investigation. In another development, troops of OPHK operating in Mainok market arrested three terrorist logistics suppliers and recovered livestock, mobile phones and cash, further weakening the supply chain supporting terrorist operations.

“Additionally, troops intercepted a vehicle conveying terrorist elements in Yobe State. Two of the occupants were identified with gunshot wounds linked to earlier engagements with troops.

“The BHT/ISWAP members, along with recovered communication devices, are in custody for further investigation. Further operations across the theatre led to the arrest of BHT/ISWAP informants and collaborators attempting to cross into neighbouring areas, as well as the apprehension of a foreign national at a checkpoint under suspicious circumstances.

“Meanwhile, troops of OPHK have maintained aggressive operations within the Area of Responsibility, effectively denying criminal elements freedom of action. All operations were conducted without incident, while troops’ morale and combat efficiency remain high.

“The Military High Command commends the troops for their resilience, vigilance and utmost professionalism, urging them to sustain the momentum in ongoing operations in the security and economic interest of the North East region,” Uba explained.

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