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Why desperados must be denied from dabbling into serious leadership positions…. El-Rufai
Why desperados must be denied from dabbling into serious leadership positions…. El-Rufai
By: Bodunrin Kayode
Former Governor of Kaduna State Nasir El Rufai has said that desperate people looking for political appointments should never be allowed to get it.
He said that real leaders are not desperate to get positions at all costs adding that if one is too desperate for a position, its a sign that such a fellow would be self-seeking instead of in support of the general cause of the people.
Speaking further on leadership the former Governor said that “in life the best way to correct this deficit of good leadership which our dear country is suffering from, is by choosing those who never lobbied or asked for a particular position at all costs”
Rufai made these assertions in maiduguri the Borno State capital recently while describing the residents as lucky for having a leader like Zulum with a focus on where he wants to take the state to.
He said that Professor Babagana Zulum was a real leader who never lobbied for the position that was entrusted on him and has proved himself worthy because each time he (Rufai) comes to town he finds new developments amidst choking insurgency which is supposed to be an excuse for non performance.
Rufai who gave a lecture titled “leadership and Public Policy: Navigating challenges and Lessons” during a capacity building workshop on enhancing skills of government officials in policy implementation and productive human resource management in Borno commended Zulum for his giant strides in spite of daunting challenges confronting him.
“Nigeria has been a country with lots of untapped potentials within the last 200 years. What we lack is the ability to choose the right leaders to do the job by taking the country to the next level.
” We have only one problem in Nigeria and that is good leadership i repeat. We will not make progress until we are ready to correct this leadership deficit issue staring us in the face.
” I commend the new look of the state capital maiduguri because its obvious you have a leader who knows where he is going to. The people of Borno are obviously resilient people making progress even in the realm of insurgency.
” if we must make progress in development in this country, we must provide leadership that would take care of the least of the society and not just the five percent who are privileged.”
On development of the country, he advised civil servants and political leaders to stop taking their kids abroad for education when quality education is right here at their door steps.
“if you are a council chair and your son is not attending the local school, you should ask yourself why because it is wrong. Stop taking your kids abroad and fix the public schools with good leaders and to do this you need effective policies. That is the only way one can enhance development.
Also speaking during the special lecture, the Chair civil service commission Dr Bulama Mali Gubio stressed that public policy is the dictionary in the implementation of programs of government.
“Policies are formulated by the state executive council backed by laws. When you divert from policy, the entire phenomenon will crumble. It is a fixated phenomenon not subject to changes just like that.

” Some civil servants fail to recognize the policy of retirement even after serving for 35 years. They cut corners and adjust the files to suit their whims and caprices.
” To stop some of these wrongs, policies must be explained to the the public by the implementors so that the public will understood accordingly.” said Gubio.
Over 250 officers benefited from the five days training for top civil servants in the state which included all the political leaders in the state.
Head of service barrister Mallam Fannami said that the five days of talk shop also included all the Commissioners and permanent Secretaries in Borno state.
The secretary to the state government, Mallam Bukar Tijani who represented Governor Babagana Zulum called on participants to ensure that the knowledge gained will reflect in their productivity as it concerns the management of the service.
Why desperados must be denied from dabbling into serious leadership positions…. El-Rufai
News
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist infiltration into Kanama town, neutralising four insurgents during a swift response operation in Borno State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on April 22 when troops of 159 Battalion, deployed in Kanama, responded to sounds of gunfire within the town.
On arrival, the troops reportedly discovered that terrorists had infiltrated parts of the community.
The troops immediately made contact and engaged the attackers with disciplined fire, forcing them to retreat in disarray.
Subsequent exploitation of the general area led to the neutralisation of four terrorists.
One member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained injuries during the encounter and has been evacuated for medical attention.
No military equipment was lost during the operation.
Items recovered from the terrorists include two torchlight mobile phones and the sum of ₦21,000.
Security sources said the general situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high.
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
News
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
The high-profile terrorism trial in Charge No. FHC/ASB/18C/2024 took a dramatic and gripping turn this week at the Federal High Court, Asaba, as explosive evidence and powerful witness testimonies continue to unfold against Mike Nwaukoni (aka “Supu”) and his alleged accomplices.
Standing trial alongside him are prominent figures including Barrister Francis Okolie, Secretary of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (ODA), and Mazi Elue Adigwe, the association’s Secretary-General, among others accused in connection with the violent October 12, 2023 attack on the Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.
🔴 Doctor’s Testimony Leaves Court in Silence
In what court observers have described as one of the most chilling moments of the trial so far, Dr. Ezeike Ugochukwu Godwin took the witness stand and delivered a clinical yet deeply emotional account of the injuries sustained by a vigilante operative assigned to protect the Palace.
The doctor confirmed that the victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to the head and upper limbs, describing in precise medical terms the severity of the trauma.
According to his testimony, the victim was brought into the emergency unit in a state of intense pain and critical distress, alongside several others wounded during the attack.
Dr. Ezeike further told the court that the patient was referred from the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ogwashi-Uku, reinforcing the official chain of response following the violent incident.
🔴 Police Investigator Details Chaos and Destruction
A day earlier, on April 21, 2026, the court heard from Inspector Ijeoma Ovat, the initial Investigating Police Officer (IPO), who painted a harrowing picture of the aftermath of the attack.
She testified about the widespread chaos, multiple casualties, and destruction that followed the invasion of the Palace during the controversial Ineh Festival. Crucially, she tendered photographic evidence showing heavily damaged police and vigilante vehicles, corroborating claims of a coordinated and violent assault.
Sources within the prosecution confirm that the damage to the vehicles was extensive and consistent with armed aggression.
🔴 Witnesses Tie Defendants to Armed
AssaultEarlier testimonies in the trial have reportedly identified the defendants as active participants, alleging they were armed with guns and other dangerous weapons during the attack. Witnesses have also pointed to Mike Nwaukoni as a central figure who allegedly instigated and coordinated the operation.
🔴 Passport Request Sparks Legal Firestorm
In a fresh development that has further intensified proceedings, lead prosecutors in the case including CSP Samuel Mallum Esq and A.I Aminu Esq from the Police Legal Directorate in Abuja have strongly opposed an application by Nwaukoni’s legal team seeking the temporary release of his international passport for overseas travel.
According to sources, the prosecution argued that granting such a request poses a serious flight risk, warning that the defendant could attempt to evade justice, seek asylum, or acquire foreign citizenship.
The prosecution also suggested that the move may be a deliberate tactic to delay the trial, particularly as significant portions of the case have already been established.
The matter has been adjourned for further consideration, with hearings expected to resume in late May, continuing into early June 2026.
🔴 Calm Returns to Ogwashi-Uku Amid Trial
Meanwhile, community sources in Ogwashi-Uku report a notable return of peace and stability since the commencement of the trial. Residents have expressed hope that the judicial process will be seen through to a swift and just conclusion, bringing lasting closure to one of the most serious security incidents in the Kingdom’s recent history.
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
News
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier and intercepted a large quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in a tricycle in Borno State.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 9:10 a.m. on April 21 by troops of 159 Battalion at a checkpoint within Sector 2 Area of Responsibility.

The suspect was reportedly conveying PMS concealed in 15 sacks, disguised with bags of sachet water in an attempt to evade detection.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was being transported to Kanama town and neighbouring communities around Dikwa and Bultuwa, areas believed to be within terrorist influence.
Items recovered from the suspect include a mobile phone and the sum of ₦34,950.
The sources said the suspect and recovered exhibits are in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
They added that the interception forms part of ongoing operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks and denying them access to critical supplies across the North-East theatre.
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
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