Commercial motorcyclists (Okada) and tricycle operators in Ekiti State have pledged their unflinching support for Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s re-election, assuring him of massive votes in appreciation of what they described as his people-oriented policies and excellent working relationship with transport unions.

The riders gave the assurance during an engagement with the Governor in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday, where they commended the Governor for what they described as improved dialogue, better welfare consideration and efforts to stabilize the transport sector across the state. This , according to them have contributed to peace and stability in the state.

Speaking on behalf of the Okada riders, the Chairman of the association, Mr Kunle Asaolu commended the Governor for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of transport workers, noting that the administration has consistently responded to the needs of their members across the state.

He said the governor has demonstrated sincerity and reliability in governance by fulfilling promises made to members of the transport unions.

The Chairman added that the governor’s exemplary leadership and inclusive governance have brought unity and stability among transport workers, particularly through efforts aimed at reconciling previously divided groups within the sector.

He assured the governor that they would reciprocate the good gestures by mobilizing massive support and votes for his re-election come June 20.

Also speaking on behalf of the Tricycle riders Association, the Chairman, Mr Kunle Asaolu said there was virtually nothing the transport workers had requested that Governor Oyebanji had not addressed.

According to him, the governor has remained faithful to his promises and has continued to prioritize the interests of transport operators in the state.

Mr Akinola Alabi praised the Governor for restoring harmony among transport unions through deliberate reconciliation efforts, stressing that the peace being currently enjoyed within the sector is a testament to the administration’s commitment to inclusiveness. He pledged that members of the association would repay the governor’s support with overwhelming votes whenever the opportunity arises.

In his remarks, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who expressed appreciation to the transport workers for the confidence they reposed in him and his administration during the 2022 governorship election despite not knowing him closely at the time, said the trust placed in his government has yielded positive results, adding that the progress recorded in the state was made possible through the support and cooperation of the people.

Emphasizing the importance of the June 20 election, Governor Oyebanji said the date is crucial because it presents an opportunity for Ekiti people to ensure continuity of the developmental strides recorded by his administration.

“It is also an opportunity to appreciate President Bola Tinubu for what he described as unprecedented support for Ekiti State”, Governor Oyebaniji said. He added that no previous President had extended such goodwill to the state since its creation.

The Governor therefore urged the transport workers to come out en masse and vote for the ruling party as a way of encouraging the President to do even more for the state.

“Three and a half years ago, we came to you and asked you to vote for us, you took a gamble, you did not know us but you voted for us and that gamble has paid off today and I must thank you also for maintaining peace with each other.

“For this peace to continue, June 20 is very important to us for two reasons, first, for all these good works you have mentioned can continue, secondly we have a President that has been so good to us in Ekiti state, Ekiti is 29 years old, there is no President that has been this good to us since creation of Ekiti state. So, a President that has been so good to us deserves to be encouraged and the only way to encourage him is by coming out on June 20 and cast your vote for his party”. The Governor asserted

Also present at the forum were the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Director-General of the Campaign, Senator Cyril Fasuyi, Secretary to the State Government, Prof Habibat Adubiaro, Chief of Staff to the Governor and secretary of the Campaign Council, Mr Niyi Adebayo, among others

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Abuja following the Eid-el-Kabir holiday in Lagos, where he participated in a series of political, governmental, and national engagements.

The President arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at about 5:17 p.m. on Tuesday. He was received by top government officials, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; and the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu.

During the Sallah holiday, President Tinubu hosted several dignitaries and political leaders who paid him the traditional Eid homage. Among them were Vice President Kashim Shettima and members of the leadership of the Senate led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The President also received members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, led by its Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. Other visitors included leaders and stakeholders of the ruling All Progressives Congress from Oyo and Lagos states.

As part of activities marking the 70th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy, President Tinubu attended the International Fleet Review held at Eko Atlantic City Waterfront on Monday.

During the event, he commissioned three naval vessels — NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila, and NNS Gurara.
The President also held a bilateral meeting with Romuald Wadagni, where both leaders discussed strengthening diplomatic relations, regional cooperation, and economic ties between Nigeria and the neighbouring Benin.

Before the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, President Tinubu participated in the APC primary elections in Lagos. According to the Presidency, he emerged as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election after securing widespread support from party members across the country.

The President is expected to resume official engagements and continue overseeing government activities from the nation’s capital following his return.

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Enoch Adeboye, has called on Nigeria’s security chiefs to eliminate terrorists within 90 days or voluntarily resign from their positions.

Speaking in a video shared on the church’s official X account on Tuesday, Adeboye urged the Federal Government to take decisive and urgent steps to address the country’s worsening security situation.

According to the respected cleric, security agencies should be given a clear deadline to end terrorism and related criminal activities across the country.

“If I were asked to make suggestions, I would say quietly to our government, move fast. And tell our security chiefs, get rid of these terrorists within 90 days, or resign,” he said.

Adeboye noted that while religious leaders can offer advice and guidance, the ultimate responsibility for implementing security measures lies with the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

The RCCG leader recalled giving similar advice to former President Muhammadu Buhari during his administration. He said Buhari subsequently directed security chiefs to tackle insurgency and insecurity within a specified timeframe, but the objective was not achieved as expected.

In 2021, Buhari instructed the nation’s security agencies to intensify efforts against bandits, kidnappers, terrorists, and their sponsors, urging them to adopt a more proactive approach to security operations.

Adeboye, however, expressed disappointment that the directive was not fully enforced after the deadline expired.

“He ran with that advice, but he didn’t follow it through. Because he gave the order as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The three months went, and the work was not done,” Adeboye stated.

The cleric revealed that he later questioned the former president about the failure to take further action after the deadline elapsed, although he declined to disclose details of their discussion.

Turning his attention to the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Adeboye urged the government to go beyond targeting terrorists alone by also going after those who finance and support criminal activities.

“When giving orders to the service chiefs this time around, we should make it clear to them that they are not only to eliminate the terrorists, they should eliminate their sponsors, no matter how influential they may be,” he said.

His remarks come amid growing public concern over insecurity in several parts of the country, including kidnappings, attacks on communities, and the abduction of students and teachers.

On May 15, armed men attacked schools in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, abducting dozens of pupils and teachers. One of the kidnapped teachers was later reportedly killed by the abductors, sparking nationwide outrage.

In response to the incident, President Tinubu ordered the deployment of a specialized security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts aimed at securing the release of the remaining victims.

The Ogbomoso abduction is one of several security incidents recorded across Nigeria in recent months, further fueling calls for stronger action against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and their sponsors.