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🇳🇬Punch Nigeria·13 mins ago
Ahmad Gumi questions lack of government engagement with Boko Haram and bandits compared to Niger Delta militants
Controversial Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi has questioned why government officials have not engaged with Boko Haram and bandits in the same way past leaders negotiated with Niger Delta militants. Gumi recalled that former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo both visited militants in the creeks to broker peace, leading to programs designed to end militancy in the region. He asked who would extend similar engagement to Boko Haram and bandits in northern Nigeria without facing public criticism. Gumi has advocated for dialogue with armed groups in the North-West and North-East, arguing that negotiation, rather than military force, was effective in the Niger Delta and should be replicated. His interventions have drawn both support and criticism, with some accusing him of legitimizing armed groups, while others credit his efforts with securing the release of kidnap victims. Gumi, a retired soldier, denies backing terrorism, stating his advocacy aims to end bloodshed through dialogue and rehabilitation. The Niger Delta amnesty program, launched in 2009, disarmed thousands of militants in exchange for training, stipends, and reintegration support, significantly reducing attacks on oil infrastructure. Jonathan's 2007 meeting with ex-militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, known as Tompolo, laid the groundwork for this program. Osinbajo also toured Niger Delta communities in 2017, engaging militants and traditional leaders, arguing that those in the creeks w
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Must Read🇳🇬Punch Nigeria·1 hour ago
India's Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns following youth-led protests over exam irregularities
India's Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday after widespread youth-led protests demanded his removal. The protests were sparked by irregularities in significant examinations. Thousands of young people, organized by the Cockroach Janta Party CJP, gathered in the capital and other cities, calling for an overhaul of the education system and Pradhan's resignation. Pradhan stated on social media platform X that he was "pained to see the events of the past 10 days" and that he had sent his resignation letter to the prime minister. Following his resignation, the CJP announced that their demands had been met after further talks and called off the protests. Earlier in the week, police had used tear gas and batons against protesters attempting to march to parliament. The government had held two rounds of talks with CJP leaders, but the youth movement maintained its demands until Pradhan's resignation, which occurred before a third round of talks. Pradhan emphasized that India's youth power is the nation's real strength and expressed his resolve to prevent young people from being trapped in confusion. Protesters celebrated the announcement, with CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke stating, "We have done it." The movement also addressed concerns about unemployment, opportunities for young people, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's governance style. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi supported the protesters, calling Pradhan's resignation a "huge step" and urging Modi to apologi
🇳🇬Punch Nigeria·5 hours ago
Donald Trump jokes about seeking a fourth presidential term at White House Correspondents' Association Dinner
Donald Trump joked about seeking a fourth term as President of the United States during the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner in Washington DC. Speaking at the rescheduled event at the Waldorf Astoria, Trump wore a red “Trump 2028” cap and stated his intention to run for a fourth term, calling it a “scoop.” He also claimed victory in the 2020 election, which he lost to Joe Biden, referring to it as a “rigged election.” The 22nd Amendment to the US Constitution limits a president to two terms, making a fourth term constitutionally impossible. This marked Trump’s first attendance at the annual dinner as president, having boycotted it previously. The event was postponed from April due to gunfire, which led to an evacuation and the arrest of a suspect. The rescheduled dinner was held with increased security at the Waldorf Astoria, a change from its usual venue at the Washington Hilton.
1 min read