The Labour Party, on Sunday, welcomed the offer by the New Nigeria People’s Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, to be running mate to LP’s Peter Obi in the 2027 presidential election.

Kwankwaso, in a recent viral post, indicated his willingness to serve as running mate the former Labour Party presidential flag bearer barely two years after talks between both parties went south.

The PUNCH reported that the LP and the NNPP had considered a merger ahead of the 2023 general elections, but the inability of either Obi or Kwankwaso to concede the leadership collapsed the heightened move.

The former governor of Kano State, who spoke in Hausa, expressed his readiness via a circulated video on his official account provided ‘certain conditions are met.’ 

Kwankwaso, who acknowledged his rising political profile stated: “I’m bigger than Peter Obi politically; I’m his elder brother, I’m a PhD holder, I performed better than him when I was the governor of my state. I’ve no problem with deputising  for Peter Obi, but only if certain conditions are met.”

He further expressed the possibility of engaging in meaningful discussions with Obi, noting: “We are willing to engage in discussions, provided that trust is established.”

In the last elections, Peter Obi of the Labour Party emerged third position, securing approximately 6,101,533 votes, while Kwankwaso garnered  1,496,687 votes to emerge a distant fourth position.

It should be recalled that Kwankwaso has been vocal in his criticism of the Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian government, faulting the government’s economic policies which has plunged Nigerians into hardship.

Reacting in an exclusive interview, the National Secretary of LP, Umar Farouk, told The PUNCHthat the renewed move by Kwankwaso was a welcome development.

He also appealed to the former Kano governor not to kill the merger talk again with his insinuation of being a better politician and holding a higher education degree.

He said, “As a political party, we stand for good governance and we have equally given all our candidates, both former and serving ones, the opportunity to choose how to associate with people of like-minds who share the philosophy and ideology of the Labour Party.

“We are happy Kwankwaso has alighted from the high horse he was riding and willing to offer himself to Obi as deputy having seen he garnered more than six million votes at the 2023 election. With his so-called popularity in the North, Kwankwaso could only amass less than two million votes.

“Again, he should stop this talk of being a bigger politician and PhD holder. What did he even do as a minister of defence? This is why we advise politicians to always consider tne dynamics of politics to gauge the temperament of the electorate at a particular time.

“Of course, we know what played out in 2023 will be different from 2027. It will be in the interest of Nigerians if Obi and Kwankwaso are willing to come together and wrest power from the APC government. But again, we know the sitting government will not go to sleep and allow the renewed move to work.” 

‘Tinubu will emerge victorious’

Meanwhile, despite criticisms of President Bola Tinubu’s reform policies by the opposition, a legislative Aide to the Deputy President of the Senate,Alhaji Ado Garba (Tati), however expressed optimism that he re-clinch the Presidential seat with a landslide victory in 2027.

According to Tati, while exchanging vrews with newsmen in Kano on Sunday, he is confident that the people of Kano would massively vote for President Tinubu and the APC in 2027.

“It is because of the goodwill of the Deputy President of the Senate,Barau Jibrin, which the people of the state have been enjoying.”

Such goodwil, he explained,include Senator Barau’s women and youths empowerment programmes, scholarship schemes, desilting of dams, provision of Federal and feeder Roads and irrigation schemes in the Kano North Senatorial Distric, which he represents in the National Assembly.

Other initiatives, he said, include the distribution of 60 trucks to farmers free, establishment of a Transport Service, with over 1000 buses and facilitating siting of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) campus in Kano North Senatorial Zone.

“All these programmes have impacted positively on the lives of the people of Kano North in particular,and the people of Kano State in general.” 

Similarly,Tati stated that,Senator Barau’s populist programmes have been attracting more membership for the APC in the state, with the Deputy President of the Senate receiving thousands of NNPP supporters into the APC fold.

So far, he said Barau had received thousands of NNPP supporters, who defected to the APC “notwithstanding the fact that Kano State Government is an NNPP controlled state, and we are still counting.”

“Following Senator Barau’s initiatives and development programmes coupled with President Tinubu’s realistic and patriotic reform policies will induce the people of the state to vote for President Tinubu en masse in 2024,”Tati added.

Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Board of Trustees, BoT, Senator Adolphus Wabara, yesterday lamented the woeful outing of his party in Saturday’s local government election in Rivers State, says the party has lost the state. 

Wabara spoke yesterday, as Governor Siminialayi Fubara swore in the 23 LG chairmen who emerged in the October 5, polls, insisting he was still in PDP. 

The governor, however, raised the alarm that there are plans by some persons to unleash violence on LG headquarters today, as the new chairmen resume office.

Recall that Action People’s Party, APP, won 22 LG seats, while Action Alliance, AA, was declared winner of Etche LG seat in a result announced by chairman of Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC, Justice Adolphus Enebeli, retd.

APP also swept almost all the councillorship seats across the 23 councils, winning 314 of 319 wards, while All Progressive Congress, APC; Labour Party, LP; Social Democratic Party, SDP; and Young Peoples Party, YPP, got one each.

The RSIEC boss, who said 18 political parties participated in the elections held in 6,866 polling units of the state, commended the parties and Rivers people for their commitment to the poll.

These came as former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, lauded Governor Fubara and the entire people of the state for rejecting what he described as political intimidation and judicial chicanery by going ahead to elect leaders at the local government level.

Also, former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Kenneth Minimah, retd, congratulated the governor on the successful conduct of the council elections in Rivers State, as APP in Rivers State equally praised him for his leadership, generosity and fairness before, during, and after the elections.

Senator Wabara, who spoke with Vanguard, attributed the party’s failure to self-destruction, saying the party is responsible for its fate as it ignored wise counsel over the political crisis in the state.
He expressed sadness that the ruling PDP which had held sway in the state since 1999, lost the grassroots to a little-known party due to an avoidable feud.

“This is the first of its kind in the history of LG elections in recent times where the ruling party, and party of the governor lost the grassroots structure.

“Politics is local but in this case, the PDP has shot itself in the leg. If we look deeper, it means that technically and literally, PDP has lost Rivers State.

“I doubt if Rivers will be under the control of the PDP in 2027. We have really shot ourselves in the leg.”
He expressed concern over the fate of PDP in Rivers, regretting that the wise counsel by elders of the party concerning the crisis in the state chapter of the party, was ignored.

“We saw this coming and we warned the players but instead of heeding our advice, some of us were called names and castigated. Today, we all have seen the result.

“It’s a big lesson for all that we must respect internal democracy and party supremacy. Impunity has no place in democracy. We must learn to resolve our differences internally.”

The former Senate President said the lesson of the Rivers’ council polls will help PDP take necessary precautions in 2027.

He said: “I think we have learnt the hard way but it’s not too late yet. We can’t afford to lose Rivers State completely.

“I, therefore, call on all the players in the Rivers political crisis to sheathe their swords. Let’s go back and resolve as a family, so we can come out stronger in 2027.”

We’ve uncovered plans to unleash violence on LG headquarters —Fubara

Governor Fubara, while swearing in the elected council chairman yesterday, raised the alarm that there are plans to mobilise suspected gunmen to unleash violence at the 23 LG headquarters across the state today.

Fubara, who noted that desperate situations required desperate measures, also assured the Federal Government that he would not be a party to the breakdown of law and order in the state, insisting that he would continue to approach every situation with peace.

He, however, urged the newly-elected LG chairmen in the state to emulate his approach to governance and eschew violence and declared that the controversy surrounding the Rivers LG elections was effectively over.

Asking the new chairmen to be “patient and calculative,” Fubara said: “I’m aware that they are mobilising 20 people per unit to go and confront you tomorrow when you resume in your local government headquarters.

“Please, if they are coming with violence, avoid them. The peace of this state is too important to us.

Everybody knows what they are planning but please I want to beg everyone to follow my approach.

“At the right time, you will always win if you are patient and calculative. We have made our promises to our people. We are going to lead them to the Promised Land.

“I am so glad that the Chairman of the Governors’ Forum of PDP, is here with us to witness this ceremony. I want to assure you that I remain a member of PDP, but the truth is that desperate situations require desperate measures.

“We were confronted with a situation where the local government of this state was heading to doom. The truth is that because of the genuine love we have for this state, we must salvage the councils.

‘’What we did with the support of Rivers people was to salvage the councils. To the glory of God, that has been done and dusted. Michelle Obama said when they set a very low standard, you set a very high standard.

“We are not going to go with their ways, we are not going to confront or fight anybody, we will continue to use the means of peace, ensuring that the assets of this state are protected. We are assuring the Federal Government that we are not going to be a party to any breakdown of law and order.

‘’We know that if there is a breakdown of law and order in this state, Nigeria will suffer and we are not party to it. And that is the reason our standard, in terms of maturity, must be high. For the newly sworn-in chairmen, I want you to see yourself as servants.

“Once you see yourself as emperor, that is where the problem begins. Once you see yourself as the one who knows it all, because of the power of the fund in your pocket, that is where we start seeing crisis. Let us see this opportunity as a call to service, as an opportunity for you to bring people together and deliver to the people of Rivers State.

“We need development in the 23 LGAs. That is the truth. A few things might have happened, but more needs to be done. And I’m charging you to be that ambassador. Ensure you represent the people that have elected you well. Represent them well.

“Work for the betterment of your local governments. Ensure you are servants. Open your doors. Embrace everyone and I assure you that nothing is bigger and greater than that. That is the structure.

‘’When you work for the people, when you bring them in, when you help them, there is nothing bigger than that. That will be the ingredient of this administration. I want to charge you to be peace-loving.

‘’I am aware that they are mobilising 20 people per unit to go and confront you tomorrow (today) when you resume in your local government headquarters. But please, if they are coming with violence, avoid them.

“The peace of the state is too important to lose. It is on public notice. Everybody knows what they are planning. But please, I want to beg everyone to follow my approach. You always win if you are patient and creative. We have made our promises to our people. We are going to lead them to the promised land,” he added.

Atiku hails Rivers people, Fubara for rejecting intimidation

In a post on his verified X handle, yesterday, Atiku wrote: “With the conclusion of the LG elections in Rivers State, the shadows of political intimidation and judicial chicanery have dissipated, paving the way for the noble pursuit of governance to commence in the state.

“From the bustling heart of Port Harcourt to the tranquil shores of Onne, the populace has spoken in harmonious unison, affirming that nothing can better democracy.

“As prophesied, it has now been revealed that the citizens of Rivers are astute and resolute, unwavering in their rejection of any form of political oppression, harassment or the machinations of self-serving godfathers.

“As I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected LG leaders, I urge them to wear the welfare of the people as their foremost badge of honour, shunning the path of tyranny and delusional ambition in their political endeavours.

“Moreover, I commend the resilient people of Rivers State for their steadfastness in the face of adversity, courageously ensuring that yesterday’s election unfolded with peace and integrity.

“I must also applaud Governor Fubara for his unwavering commitment to the people’s interests, safeguarding the sanctity of the local government elections, even amid provocative challenges.

“In the grand tapestry of this election, it is ultimately the people who emerge victorious, their sacred right to choose their leaders firmly upheld within the framework of our democratic process.”

Minimah hails Rivers gov over successful LG poll

Similarly, former Chief of Army Staff, Kenneth Minimah, in a congratulatory message to Fubara, lauded the governor’s resolve in ensuring that the elections took place, describing the outcome as a significant milestone for the state.

He said: “I wish to praise Governor Fubara for the seamless conduct of the LG elections and his resolve in ensuring the elections took place.

“The outcome of the elections is a significant milestone for the state. Fubara has steered the ship of state and I urge him to remain resolute in driving development.

“This development and successful council elections signifies Governor Fubara’s administration’s commitment to the people at the grassroots.”

He also commended RSIEC and the people for their part in the success of the election.

APP wins 314 out of 319 Wards in polls

A breakdown of the results showed that APP won in 314 wards, APC, BOOT, LP, SDP, and YPP, won one councillorship seat each.

The result is an indication that APC in the state participated in the October 5, despite the earlier announcement by the caretaker committee chairman, CTC, Chief Tony Okocha, that the party would not take part in the exercise.

Recall that before the election, Chief Emeka Beke, the factional chairman of Rivers APC declared that “as the authentic chairman of APC in Rivers State, we are fully ready for the election.”

Stop usurping President’s power, CTC chairman warns

In a similar development, a former governor in the state has been urged to desist from usurping the powers of the President and commander-in-chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

The Director General of Simplified, Movement Worldwide, SMW, Evans Bipi, who gave the warning, accused the serving minister of usurping the powers of President Bola Tinubu by allegedly ordering the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to stop the just concluded LG elections in the state.

Bipi, who is also the outgoing CTC chairman of Ogu/Bolo LGA of Rivers State, said this while reacting to the withdrawal of the Nigerian Police from the election, citing a purported order of a Federal High Court, Abuja.

He said: “The President who graciously gave a three-month deadline to all governors to conduct LG elections in line with the judgment of the Supreme Court, cannot fold his arms and allow the minister who is his appointee to direct the Inspector General of Police to do otherwise, which is tantamount to usurpation of the powers of the President.”

Bipi called on President Tinubu to be wary of the minister “who desperately wants to control Rivers State by all means, as his actions pose a big threat to the powers of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“A Federal High Court, Abuja, lacks the jurisdiction to make an order stopping RSIEC from conducting the election which it is constitutionally empowered to do.

“The judge of the Federal High Court, Abuja, was further misled to have issued an order against the judgment of the Supreme Court on local government autonomy.”

APP dedicates election victory to Rivers People

Meanwhile, the state chairman of APP in the state, Mr Sunny Wokekoro, who spoke shortly after the party’s 23 chairmanship candidates were declared winners in the local government council election in the state, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate RSIEC, under the leadership of Justice Enebeli, retd, for its timeliness and efficiency in organising the elections. This is a stark contrast to previous elections organised by INEC.

“RSIEC was precise and timely, with election materials arriving at the voting centres early. Voters were able to cast their votes without any issues.

“I also want to thank Governor Fubara for providing a level playing field for the elections to proceed smoothly, despite his party not contesting.”

Wokekoro also expressed gratitude to the people of the state for coming out in large numbers to vote overwhelmingly for the party’s candidates, assuring that the party would not let down the people who have placed their trust in it.

“This victory did not come easy, we worked very hard for it. We travelled throughout the state to campaign for votes. I promise the people of Rivers that the APP will not disappoint them.

“We have always believed in a new Nigeria and a new Rivers State. We are bringing in leadership that is proactive and responsive to the needs of the people. We are bringing in leadership that prioritizes the people above all else.

“I am confident that once the people of Rivers see our new grassroots leadership style, it will be easy to convince Governor Fubara to join our party,” he added.

AA clinches Etche LGA

The Action Alliance has been declared winners of Etche chairmanship seat in the just concluded LG election in Rivers State.

RSIEC declared the chairmanship candidate of AA for Etche council, Uzodinma Nwafor, winner yesterday.

Kingsley Sule, popularly known as Kellyrae, has emerged as the winner of the BBNaija season 9 edition on Sunday.

The reality show, which kept fans glued to their screens for 10 weeks, began with 14 pairs of contestants, making up a total of 28 housemates.

Kellyrae stood out among his fellow BBNaija housemates and secured the top prize after an intense competition.

His victory comes with a grand reward of N60 million in cash and a brand-new car.

The Delta State-born star entered the show with his wife, Kassia Sule, who was evicted in the penultimate week, just missing the grand finale.

Here are five key things to know about Kellyrae:

Kellyrae BBNaija season 9 winner: Things to know

Birth and Early Life

Kellyrae was born on February 15, 1991, in Warri, Delta State.

Tribal Heritage

He hails from the Urhobo tribe and was raised in a Christian household.

Educational Background

Kellyrae is a graduate of Delta State University.

Musical Career

A professional singer, Kellyrae made his debut in the music industry in October 2020 with an EP titledSuccess, which features collaborations with Nigerian artists Erigga and Graham D.

Personal Life

Kellyrae is happily married to Kassia Sule. The couple tied the knot in February 2024, making their participation in the reality show together all the more special.

KellyRae has won the Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) season nine ‘No Loose Guard’ edition.

The reality star defeated other housemates to win the grand prize of N100 million at the finale of the show on Sunday.

This year’s BBNaija premiered on July 28 with the unveiling of 28 housemates paired up in a team of 14 and ran for 71 days.

Big Brother would later unpair them to play the game as separate individuals at the beginning of the sixth week.

KellyRae, Wanni, Victoria, Onyeka, Nelly, Anita, Sooj and Ozee were the eight housemates who made it to the finale.

Sooj was the first housemate to be evicted as he finished in the eighth position. This was followed by Anita, who came seventh.

Ozee and Nelly came in sixth and fifth place respectively while Victoria finished as the third runner-up.

Onyeka emerged as the second runner-up of the reality TV show with KellyRae and Wanni standing as the top two of the show.

KellyRae was eventually announced as the winner by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, the show’s host.

This feat also sees him become the first married person to win the show.

As the winner, he will be going home with a cash prize of N60 million, a new car among others.

The Nigerian government has expressed concern over the lack of willingness among many Nigerians in Lebanon to return home despite the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

According to a statement issued by Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, only about 500 Nigerians have registered for evacuation, though over 2,000 are currently residing in Lebanon.

“Even though most of them have not indicated a willingness to return home in spite of the persuasion by our embassy, we will continue to do everything to ensure the safety of our citizens,” Abu-Obe stated.

The ministry stated the importance of cooperation with the evacuation process, urging Nigerians in Lebanon not to resist evacuation as the conflict could escalate further.

The government has activated emergency protocols to prioritise the safety of its citizens, collaborating with various agencies including the National Emergency Management Agency, the Department of State Services, and the Nigerian Immigration Service, to ensure a smooth evacuation process.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed that the Nigerian Embassy in Beirut has been actively advising Nigerians to stay indoors and follow local authorities’ instructions.

It also encouraged those who have not registered with the embassy to do so immediately via the provided email address.

The statement added that no Nigerian lives have been lost in the conflict so far. Arrangements are being made to send a C-130 aircraft or other available flights to facilitate the evacuation from Beirut, where many Nigerians have relocated from southern Lebanon—the epicentre of the conflict.

The Nigerian government extended its appreciation to the international community for their understanding and vowed to continue monitoring the situation closely.

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has refuted reports suggesting that his first daughter, Mrs. Helen Obareki, was appointed as the First Lady of the state.

He clarified that his daughter was appointed as the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, a point he made clear to Senator Oluremi Tinubu during her condolence visit.

Speaking at the All Nations Christian Ministry International, Eket, on Sunday, the governor explained that his decision was a natural outcome, not one motivated by political considerations.

He maintained that first ladies are not appointed. However, following the passing of his wife, it was appropriate and comforting for his daughter—who had been her mother’s closest assistant—to oversee and implement the programs of the office.

He noted that priority attention would be given to his late wife’s pet project, Golden Initiative for All (GIFA), as well as other support programs for women, the elderly, the vulnerable, and the less privileged. He added that these activities could only be sustained with Mrs. Obareki as coordinator due to her experience, exposure, education, and access.

His words: “Appointing our daughter, who had worked closely with her late mother, as the coordinator is not an appointment as First Lady. You don’t appoint a First Lady. The Office of the First Lady has responsibilities to the women of this state, and my wife had programs she was running—the GIFA, the support for the elderly, and other programs.

“As long as I remain governor, those programs will not die. There must be a coordinator, and it must be someone I see on a daily basis, someone who can walk into my room and brief me, not a distant person.”

Governor Eno further explained that, by the appointment, his daughter would be addressed as the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor and Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, stating that this decision was one way to bring healing to the family and comfort to himself.

While expressing gratitude to the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and her entourage, the governor also thanked the church for their words of comfort and encouraged them to find solace in the word of God.

Daredevil terrorists, who are locally dubbed as bandits, are said to now receive ransom through bank electronic transfer in Zamfara State.

SaharaReporters reports that some of the terrorists were paid N2million ransom through a moniepoint virtual bank account on October 3, 2024.

A money transfer instrument seen by SaharaReporters showed that N2million was paid into a Palmpay virtual bank account number 7026353728, owned by one Musa Muhammad, believed to be a bandit in Zamfara State.

This was reported by a conflict and crisis journalist in Nigeria's Northwest, Bakatsine on his X social media handle.

Bakatsine, disclosed that after the N2 million bank transfer, the bandits instructed that additional millions be delivered to a specified location according to a credible source.

The incident, reportedly happened in the Shinkafi Local Government Area, Zamfara State.

"Bandits in Zamfara State received ransom through bank transfer. After transferring N2million to their bank account as requested, they later instructed that additional millions be delivered to a specified location according to my source the incident happened in Shinkafi LGA, Zamfara State," Bakatsine posted.

The Socio Economic Rights and Accountability Project, (SERAP) has advised President Bola Tinubu against releasing allocations to states that have failed to conduct credible local government elections.

Naija News reports that on October 5, states such as Rivers, Benue, Akwa Ibom and Jigawa conducted their local government elections.

However, most states are yet to conduct their grassroot elections.

Speaking on the development, SERAP described the action as wrong.

In a statement by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, on Sunday, SERAP asked Tinubu to direct the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Olawale Edun, to withhold federal allocations of states that have failed to conduct credible local government elections.

The organization also asked the President to ensure that any allocations from the Federation Account are paid only to democratically elected local government councils and no other body or institution

The statement read in part, “Your government has the obligation to enforce the Nigerian Constitution and to prevent public wrong, including by state governors.

“A democratically elected local government council does not and should not exist at the pleasure, whims and caprice of governors or their political godfathers.

“Your government also has the constitutional obligation to ensure accountability for the spending of federal allocations and immediate compliance with the judgment by the Supreme Court and the rule of law.”

On Saturday, October 5, 2024, a group of Nigerian and foreign students protested outside the Nigerian High Commission in London, calling on President Bola Tinubu to reverse his "anti-poor policies" and drop all charges against those arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests.

The demonstration was organized by a group of socialist students under the banner of ‘Fight for Socialism’.

The protesters who comprised Black and White students displayed placards with inscriptions such as "Drop all charges and release protesters" and "Reverse all anti-poor policies."

In a video clip obtained by SaharaReporters, the protesters are seen chanting repeatedly, "When I say Tinubu, you say thief," as they voiced their discontent with the government's treatment of #EndBadGovernance protesters.

The group's demands include not only the release of detained protesters but also bring an end to the policies they believe harm Nigeria's poorest citizens.

The protest took place at the Nigerian High Commission in WC2N 5BX, London.

“When I say Tinubu, you say thief. Tinubu, thief; Tinubu, thief,” they chanted multiple times.

Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has revealed that his negotiations with bandits consistently take place in the presence of police and government officials.

When asked in an exclusive interview with Sunday PUNCH why he has taken the matter of speaking to terrorists seriously, Gumi said, “I am in the eye of the storm, and I am a full-fledged Nigerian. I also have an interest in peace and tranquility. I cannot wait for the official narrative because I have been in the army and I know how things go.

“Today, 90 per cent of our intelligence is garbage. What we have left is just about 10 per cent. That is why we have coups because intelligence does not have a way to identify these people.

“They also killed their leaders because no intelligence picked them up. Can we wait until we get a government that understands, then, we can make plans to intervene and see if it can calm nerves to achieve peace. No, as individuals, we have to do our best. Then I can advise the government on what we have seen.

“One thing Nigerians should understand is that I have never been to any den of these people without officials of the government. I go with the police because one cannot go alone; you must go with them.

“Only that they will tell you there is a perimeter—don’t come with some of them. Sometimes, I also go with traditional institutions and state government officials. My plan is only to broker peace with them. They open their doors for us to sit and discuss issues.”

This revelation comes as killings and kidnappings continue to rise in northern Nigeria, despite the government’s heavy expenditure on security.

Gumi criticised the government's reliance on military solutions, likening it to administering the wrong medicine for an illness.

“No matter how many expensive drugs you give to patients, if they are not the right drugs, they will not get cured,” he explained, stressing that the banditry problem is rooted in social issues.

He further noted that most bandits are young, and the situation demands dialogue rather than military intervention.

“When a society is neglected until it becomes harmful, like the military, the next line of action is dialogue,” Gumi said.

He questioned the government for insisting on military action when the bandits are open to negotiation, urging a change in approach.

“It is really useless when we spend our money on modern gadgets, intelligence gathering, and all that; we are going astray,” Gumi remarked, suggesting that expanding the police force would be a more effective solution.

Gumi also warned that using the military in guerrilla warfare is counterproductive.

“Using the military to fight a guerrilla war is like punishing the military,” he said.

He elaborated on his negotiation strategy, noting that approaching bandits as a preacher opens their hearts to discussions.

“When one approaches them as a negotiator or a preacher, they open their hearts,” Gumi added.

He expressed concern over the bandits’ increasing religious motivations, citing their chants of “Allahu Akbar” as a worrying sign.

Addressing allegations of political sponsorship of terrorists, Gumi firmly denied such claims, saying, “No politician is sponsoring these people. We are all victims.” He attributed the violence to longstanding neglect and deprivation.