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Buhari was once chosen as Boko Haram negotiator – Jonathan

Published

7 months ago

October 3, 2025

Former President Muhammadu Buhari and Former President Goodluck Jonathan

Buhari was once chosen as Boko Haram negotiator – Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has stated that the Boko Haram terrorists previously proposed former President Muhammadu Buhari to represent them in peace talks with the federal government.

Jonathan made the announcement on Friday at the Abuja public launch of Scars, a book written by former Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Lucky Irabor (retd.).

The former president stated that his administration had formed multiple committees to explore engagement with the group, and that on one of these occasions, the terrorists nominated Buhari as their favorite negotiator.

He went on to say that based on that, he believed it would have been simple for Buhari to negotiate a surrender with the militants if he had been president, but the conflict continued.

Jonathan stated, “One of the committees we set up then, the Boko Haram, nominated Buhari to lead their team to negotiate with the government.

“So I was feeling that, oh, if they nominated Buhari to represent them and have a discussion with the government committee, then when Buhari took over, it could have been an easy way to negotiate with them, and they would have handed over their guns. But it was still there till today.”

Jonathan mentioned that the inability of Buhari to eradicate Boko Haram terrorists showed that the crisis was more complex than often portrayed.

He said, “If you conduct research and interview many people, you will only get part of the story, but never the full story of Boko Haram. I was there. Boko Haram started in 2009 when I was vice president. I took over in 2010 and spent five years battling the insurgency until I left office.

“I thought that after I left, within a reasonable time, General Buhari would wipe them out. But even today, Boko Haram is still there. The issue of Boko Haram is far more complex than it is often presented.

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“So, it’s a bit complex and not a matter of a single story. But I believe, as a nation, we have to look at the Boko Haram issue differently from the conventional approach. I believe one day we’ll overcome it. Once again, let me thank General Irabor for this, because I always appreciate people who document events clearly. That way, when we write our own accounts, we can borrow from such documentation.

“I also believe that all the military officers involved in the Boko Haram saga should provide information about what the group truly stood for.”

Jonathan also stated that the issue of Boko Haram was beyond hunger, adding that his administration employed so many strategies, but they did not work.

He said, “If it was only about hunger—because we tried different options—I don’t want to sound like I’m defending my government. That will be left for history when we document our books.

“But I believe we did our best: we set up different committees and tried various approaches during the five years I was in office. I believe the late Buhari, too, must have tried his best.

“I believe the government—luckily, with the Defence Minister here and the service chiefs represented—must adopt a slightly different approach. God willing, we will be able to resolve this crisis.”

Jonathan described the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2014 as a permanent stain on his government.

The former president also expressed hope that some rebel commanders might eventually memorialize their acts, as important actors in the Nigerian Civil War did, to shed light on the insurgency’s motivations.

He said, “It is a scar I will die with. But perhaps later, more details may become known, and that too has to do with Boko Haram.

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“What did they really want? Our chairman once raised the issue when he interviewed some of them, and they gave him certain perspectives. But I pray that one day, some of the Boko Haram leaders may be literate enough to document what they have done so that people will truly understand what they wanted. It is similar to the story of the Nigerian Civil War.”

Jonathan recommended the present administration pursue a carrot-and-stick strategy, emphasizing that the group’s advanced weapons indicated external assistance beyond just hunger or poverty.

He said, “The issue of carrots and the stick may be adopted, and yes, probably the needs are there, but if you look at the weapons they use, and you value the weapons, then you know that these are not hungry people.

“So, the soldiers that sometimes capture some of the weapons will see better, but the weapons they use, the ammunition they use—sometimes they even have more ammunition than our soldiers.

“Where are these guns and sophisticated weapons coming from? And you begin to see that the external hands are also involved, especially when I was president.”

Boko Haram first emerged in Borno State in the early 2000s, but it quickly became a serious security problem after its leader, Mohammed Yusuf, was slain in police custody in 2009.

The terrorist group intensified its violent assault against the Nigerian government, which included bombings, mass abductions, and attacks on military and civilian targets.

In 2012, at the height of Boko Haram’s atrocities, allegations appeared that the terrorist group had listed Buhari as one of the recognized northern elders they trusted to negotiate between themselves and the government.

However, Buhari openly rejected the offer at the time, accusing the Jonathan government of attempting to bring his name into the situation for political reasons.

Buhari was once chosen as Boko Haram negotiator – Jonathan

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Cyberbullying: Police Confirm Arresting Rolex Dee Over Taye Currency’s Petition

Published

6 hours ago

April 30, 2026

Trends Admin

Popular Ibadan-based Fuji musician Alhaji Taye Adebisi better known as Taye Currency

Cyberbullying: Police Confirm Arresting Rolex Dee Over Taye Currency’s Petition

The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed that efforts are underway to track and arrest controversial social media personality, Rolex Dee, following a cyberbullying and defamation complaint reportedly filed by popular Fuji musician, Taye Currency.

Police authorities disclosed that the matter is currently under investigation after receiving a formal petition accusing Rolex Dee of using social media platforms to allegedly harass, threaten, and defame the musician.

According to police sources, detectives attached to the command’s cybercrime unit have already commenced digital tracking and intelligence gathering aimed at locating the suspect.

The command said the investigation followed several online videos and livestream sessions allegedly containing defamatory remarks and offensive statements directed at Taye Currency.

A senior police official familiar with the case reportedly confirmed that steps were being taken to ensure the suspect is apprehended and questioned in line with provisions of the Cybercrimes Act.

“We have received a complaint, investigation has commenced, and efforts are ongoing to track and arrest the individual involved,” the source said.

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The development comes after tensions escalated on social media between supporters of the Fuji singer and followers of Rolex Dee, with several viral clips generating heated reactions online.

Taye Currency, whose real name is Alhaji Taye Akande Adebisi, is one of the leading Fuji musicians in the Southwest and has maintained a strong fan base for years.

Sources close to the musician alleged that repeated online attacks against him and members of his family forced him to seek police intervention.

The controversy has further sparked debate over the increasing use of social media for personal attacks, cyberbullying, blackmail, and reputational damage among celebrities and influencers in Nigeria.

Legal experts say the Nigerian Cybercrimes Act empowers law enforcement agencies to investigate online harassment, cyberstalking, threats, and publication of false information capable of causing emotional, psychological, or reputational harm.

Meanwhile, supporters of Rolex Dee have reacted online, with some insisting that the issue should be resolved amicably rather than through criminal prosecution.

Human rights advocates have also urged security agencies to ensure that investigations respect constitutional rights, including freedom of expression, while distinguishing criticism from criminal cyber harassment.

The police command has, however, warned social media users against abusing digital platforms to intimidate, threaten, or spread harmful content against others.

Authorities reiterated that individuals found guilty of cyberbullying, cyberstalking, or online defamation could face prosecution under Nigerian law.

Cyberbullying: Police Confirm Arresting Rolex Dee Over Taye Currency’s Petition

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FG Declares Friday Public Holiday for 2026 Workers’ Day Celebration

Published

6 hours ago

April 30, 2026

Trends Admin

Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo

FG Declares Friday Public Holiday for 2026 Workers’ Day Celebration

The Federal Government has declared Friday, May 1, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate this year’s International Workers’ Day celebration across the country.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the holiday on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani.

According to the statement, the government said the holiday would allow Nigerian workers to celebrate their contributions to national development and economic growth.

Tunji-Ojo praised workers across both the public and private sectors for their resilience, dedication, and commitment despite prevailing economic challenges facing the country.

He noted that Nigerian workers remain the backbone of the nation’s development and commended their continued sacrifices toward sustaining productivity and public service delivery.

“Nigerian workers have continued to demonstrate diligence, resilience, and patriotism in the face of challenges. Their efforts remain essential to Nigeria’s growth and prosperity,” the minister stated.

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The minister urged workers to continue embracing patriotism, productivity, discipline, and dedication to duty, describing these qualities as critical to sustainable national development and economic transformation.

“These qualities are crucial for sustainable development,” Tunji-Ojo emphasized.

He further reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare, enhancing workplace security, and creating a more enabling environment for economic growth and job creation.

The minister also called on Nigerians to use the occasion of Workers’ Day to reflect on the importance of unity, peace, and collective responsibility in nation-building.

Tunji-Ojo congratulated workers nationwide on the celebration of the 2026 May Day and wished them a peaceful and memorable holiday.

International Workers’ Day, also known as May Day, is celebrated annually on May 1 to recognize the contributions of workers and labour movements globally.

In Nigeria, labour unions including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) traditionally mark the occasion with rallies, speeches, and demands for improved welfare, better working conditions, and economic reforms.

This year’s celebration is expected to focus heavily on issues surrounding inflation, cost of living, minimum wage implementation, job security, taxation, and workers’ welfare amid ongoing economic reforms introduced by the Federal Government.

Several state governments and labour organizations are already making preparations for rallies and parades expected to take place in major cities including Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Ibadan.

Security agencies are also expected to deploy personnel to major venues nationwide to ensure peaceful celebrations and maintain public order during the holiday.

FG Declares Friday Public Holiday for 2026 Workers’ Day Celebration

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Chief Imam of Oyo Seeks Stronger Security Collaboration with NSCDC

Published

18 hours ago

April 29, 2026

Trends Admin

Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land Seeks Stronger Security Collaboration with NSCDC

Chief Imam of Oyo Seeks Stronger Security Collaboration with NSCDC

The Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Sheikh Al-Imam (Barrister) Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, has called for enhanced collaboration between religious leaders and security agencies to strengthen peace and security across Oyo State.

Sheikh Akeugberu made the call on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Oyo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) at its headquarters in Agodi, Ibadan, where he was received by the State Commandant, Augustine Padonu.

Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land Seeks Stronger Security Collaboration with NSCDC

The Grand Imam said the engagement was aimed at deepening cooperation between faith-based institutions and security operatives in addressing emerging security challenges and promoting peaceful coexistence in communities.

He stressed the importance of unity among stakeholders in maintaining societal stability, noting that religious leaders have a critical role to play in promoting intelligence sharing, conflict resolution, and community awareness.

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Sheikh Akeugberu also commended the NSCDC for its efforts in safeguarding lives and protecting critical national assets, describing the Corps as a key pillar in Nigeria’s internal security framework.

He assured the Command of continued support from the Muslim community in Oyo State, particularly in promoting peacebuilding initiatives and grassroots collaboration aimed at improving security outcomes.

In his response, Commandant Augustine Padonu expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as timely and significant in strengthening community-security relations.

Padonu reiterated the Corps’ readiness to work closely with religious leaders and other stakeholders to enhance security awareness and improve engagement at the grassroots level.

He emphasized the importance of trust, cooperation, and mutual respect in achieving sustainable peace, assuring that the NSCDC would remain committed to its mandate of protecting citizens and maintaining law and order.

The visit ended with a mutual commitment by both parties to deepen collaboration in the interest of peace, stability, and development across Oyo State.

Chief Imam of Oyo Seeks Stronger Security Collaboration with NSCDC