India's Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns following youth-led protests over exam irregularities
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
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
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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized the Presidency for using China's legal system to defend President Bola Tinubu, arguing that this comparison has drawn more attention to past allegations against the President. Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress for the 2027 election, stated that the Presidency's reference to China, known for its severe penalties for drug trafficking, was a "monumental own goal." His Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, issued a statement on Saturday, asserting that the Presidency's attempt to score political points had instead subjected Tinubu to greater public scrutiny. Atiku maintained that he has never been indicted or convicted of corruption, drug-related offenses, or any criminal offense in Nigeria or abroad. He argued that if the Tinubu administration intends to use China as a benchmark for accountability, Nigerians are entitled to question how Chinese authorities would handle a case involving $460,000 forfeited to the United States Government in a civil forfeiture proceeding related to alleged narcotics trafficking and money laundering. Atiku also extended the comparison to corruption, claiming that under China's system, allegations of budget padding, abuse of office, and the creation of a fake government agency would have prompted swift official action. He further criticized the Presidency for presenting a recent response from the United States Government to Nigeria's dipl
Must ReadNura Abdullahi, the chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area in Zamfara State, was abducted from his residence early Saturday morning. The attackers killed four members of his security detail, comprising two policemen and two local vigilantes, during a gun battle. An indigene reported that the bandits, in large numbers, invaded the chairman's home, abducting him, his wife, and children. Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA intensified efforts to rescue the chairman. The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North West, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, stated that troops responded to gunshots, engaging the attackers and forcing them to abandon five family members, including two children, the chairman's mother, wife, and a relative, who were subsequently rescued. However, the chairman was taken into the bushes. The attack also resulted in the death of two policemen, one local vigilante, and a civilian, with the chairman's elder brother, Alhaji Bello Umar, sustaining injuries. A coordinated search-and-rescue operation involving Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, and local vigilantes is underway in suspected locations to secure the chairman's rescue. The command assured the public that all measures are being taken and requested credible information to assist the operation.
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