Showunmi Blasts Mehdi Hasan Over ‘Hostile’ Al Jazeera Interview With Bwala - Newstrends
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Showunmi Blasts Mehdi Hasan Over ‘Hostile’ Al Jazeera Interview With Bwala

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Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Showunmi
Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Showunmi

Showunmi Blasts Mehdi Hasan Over ‘Hostile’ Al Jazeera Interview With Bwala

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Showunmi, has criticised Mehdi Hasan over what he described as a hostile and unprofessional interview with presidential spokesperson Daniel Bwala.

Showunmi made the remarks in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday while reacting to Bwala’s appearance on the programme Head to Head on Al Jazeera.

According to him, Hasan’s interviewing style crossed the line between rigorous journalism and personal confrontation.

“Hostility is not journalism. Mehdi Hasan take note. There is a clear difference between tough journalism and outright hostility. One serves the public interest. The other serves the ego of the interviewer,” Showunmi wrote.

He argued that the exchange between Hasan and Bwala resembled a “public ambush,” claiming that the presidential aide was frequently interrupted and that questions were framed in a prosecutorial manner rather than as an attempt to inform viewers about Nigeria’s governance challenges.

Showunmi maintained that professional interviewing requires discipline and balance, warning that journalism risks losing credibility when the goal shifts from seeking insight to humiliating guests.

The interview focused heavily on Bwala’s past criticisms of President Bola Tinubu before he defected from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress. During the programme, Hasan repeatedly confronted Bwala with earlier remarks in which he allegedly described Tinubu as corrupt, unfit to lead Nigeria, and linked him to drug-related allegations.

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When Bwala denied making some of the statements, Hasan presented archived video clips to support the claims, prompting heated exchanges that later circulated widely on social media and triggered mixed reactions among viewers.

Showunmi defended Bwala’s political shift, arguing that changing alliances is a common feature of democratic politics. According to him, political realignment should not automatically be interpreted as hypocrisy.

“Former opponents become partners when national circumstances demand cooperation. This is neither shocking nor dishonourable; it is one of the defining characteristics of democratic political life,” he said.

He also criticised the interview for failing to focus more deeply on pressing national issues such as economic reforms, insecurity, and governance challenges.

“A responsible interviewer would have used the opportunity to interrogate the administration’s policies on economic restructuring, insecurity and governance reforms. Instead, viewers were treated to selective outrage and repetitive interruption,” he added.

During the programme, Hasan also questioned Bwala about Nigeria’s security situation and governance record, citing reports by organisations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. Critics of Bwala said he struggled to counter some of the statistics raised during the discussion, while supporters argued that the questioning was overly aggressive.

Reacting to the backlash that followed the interview, Bwala dismissed criticism from social media users, describing it as politically motivated and largely driven by opposition supporters.

The presidential aide insisted that the reactions would not distract him from his duties as Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media and Policy Communication, adding that he would continue to defend the administration’s policies on both local and international platforms.

Showunmi’s intervention has reignited debate in Nigeria about the limits of confrontational journalism and the expectations placed on government spokespersons during international media engagements.

According to him, holding public officials accountable should not come at the expense of professionalism and civility.

“Respectful engagement does not weaken journalism; it strengthens it. Firm questioning does not require contempt. Professionalism does not require aggression,” he said.

Showunmi Blasts Mehdi Hasan Over ‘Hostile’ Al Jazeera Interview With Bwala

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Nigeria Security: FG Knows Every Terrorist by Name, Location — Sheikh Gumi

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Kaduna‑based Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi
Kaduna‑based Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi

Nigeria Security: FG Knows Every Terrorist by Name, Location — Sheikh Gumi

Kaduna‑based Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi has alleged that the Federal Government of Nigeria (FG) possesses detailed intelligence on terrorists and armed bandits, including their names and locations, underscoring the government’s awareness of insurgent activities across the country. The statement was made during a recent interview with DRTV, which quickly trended on social media, sparking national discussion about Nigeria’s ongoing security crisis.

Gumi was responding to claims that he personally maintains contact with terrorist and bandit leaders responsible for attacks and kidnappings in northern Nigeria. He clarified that his engagements with armed groups are never conducted alone, but always in coordination with security agencies, including the police and military.

“The government knows every terrorist by name and by location,” Gumi said. “I don’t go alone to negotiate — I go with the police and other security agencies.” He also revealed that some negotiation efforts involved visits to traditional rulers and trips into forested areas believed to be hideouts for armed groups. “I would go to the Emirs. In fact, when we went to one forest, I even went with women into the bush,” he added.

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Gumi’s Role in Dialogue and Negotiation

Gumi, a former army captain and respected Islamic cleric, has participated in several dialogue initiatives with armed groups, including Boko Haram factions and bandit networks, advocating for negotiation as a means to reduce violence and encourage fighters to lay down their arms. He emphasized that peaceful engagement remains a vital component of Nigeria’s security strategy, particularly in areas where military operations alone have struggled to restore stability.

The cleric’s comments have reignited debate over the effectiveness of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategies. While some analysts say Gumi’s claims highlight the wealth of intelligence available to the government, critics question why insurgent activity continues despite this knowledge. Many Nigerians on social media expressed concerns over the implementation of intelligence and the apparent inability to fully neutralize armed groups.

Public Reactions and Security Implications

Reactions to Gumi’s statements were mixed. Supporters argue that his involvement is crucial for mediating conflict and reducing bloodshed, while critics worry that such negotiations could legitimize criminals and undermine military efforts. Similar assertions by regional leaders in the past have also prompted debate about how intelligence and security operations are coordinated across Nigeria’s troubled regions.

As of now, the Federal Government and security agencies have not officially confirmed or refuted Gumi’s claims, leaving the interview as a focal point in ongoing discussions about national security, counter-insurgency strategy, and intelligence deployment.

Nigeria Security: FG Knows Every Terrorist by Name, Location — Sheikh Gumi

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Family of Teacher Killed in Student Prank Tragedy Wants Charges Against Teens Dropped

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Jason Hughes
Jason Hughes

Family of Teacher Killed in Student Prank Tragedy Wants Charges Against Teens Dropped

The family of Jason Hughes, a Georgia high school teacher who died after a student prank went wrong, has called on authorities to drop the criminal charges filed against the teenagers involved.

Hughes, 40, a mathematics teacher at North Hall High School in Hall County, Georgia, died on Friday, March 6, after he was accidentally run over during a prank outside his home.

According to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, a group of students had gone to the teacher’s residence to carry out a prank commonly known as “toilet papering” or “rolling”, where trees and yards are covered with toilet paper.

Investigators said the students attempted to leave the area in two vehicles when Hughes came outside after noticing the prank.

Because it had been raining, Hughes reportedly slipped while moving toward the students and fell into the road.

Authorities said Jayden Ryan Wallace, 18, was driving one of the vehicles when Hughes fell into the roadway and was struck as the car drove away.

The teenagers stopped immediately and attempted to help the teacher before emergency responders arrived. Hughes was rushed to a hospital but later died from his injuries.

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Following the incident, Wallace was charged with first-degree vehicular homicide, reckless driving, criminal trespass and littering, while the four other teenagers involved were charged with criminal trespass and littering.

Despite the charges, Hughes’ family has publicly appealed for leniency, describing the incident as a tragic accident rather than a deliberate act.

In a statement to NBC News, the family revealed that Hughes had actually been aware that students planned to prank him and had been looking forward to catching them in the act.

They explained that the teacher slipped on the wet ground and fell into the street moments before the vehicle passed.

According to the family, Hughes had a deep connection with his students and dedicated much of his life to supporting them.

“He loved these kids, and they loved him too,” the family said, adding that they support dropping the charges against all the students involved.

“Our family is determined to prevent a separate tragedy from occurring by ruining the lives of these students. That would go against Jason’s lifelong dedication to investing in the lives of young people,” the statement read.

The family also asked the public to pray for both their family and the students involved.

“We ask that you continue to pray for our family and also for the students involved in the accident along with their families,” they said.

Hughes’ brother, Richard Hughes, described him as an exceptional person and mentor.

“He was my mentor and someone I looked up to. It’s just tragic and sad all around,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lee Darragh said the case is still under investigation and it is too early to determine whether the charges will proceed.

“It is much too early in this process. I’ll not be commenting until the closure of the case,” Darragh said.

Authorities say the Hall County Sheriff’s Office investigation is ongoing as they continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.

The tragedy has sparked wider conversations about student pranks, school safety, and how seemingly harmless acts can quickly lead to devastating consequences.

Family of Teacher Killed in Student Prank Tragedy Wants Charges Against Teens Dropped

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Pregnant Woman Begs Authorities to Free Husband Jailed for Domestic Violence

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A pregnant Ghanaian woman, 22-year-old Priscilla Sackey
Priscilla Sackey

Pregnant Woman Begs Authorities to Free Husband Jailed for Domestic Violence

A pregnant Ghanaian woman, 22-year-old Priscilla Sackey, has appealed to authorities to release her husband, Richard Adjei, who is currently serving a six-year prison sentence for domestic violence.

Priscilla made the emotional appeal during an interview with the Crime Check Foundation, explaining that she never intended for the situation to lead to such a lengthy jail term. According to her, she initially reported her husband to the police only to warn and deter him from further abuse, not to have him imprisoned.

Priscilla recounted that the incident occurred after her husband allegedly assaulted her during a domestic dispute. She said she reported the matter to the police after the attack. However, when officers came to their home to arrest him, he was not around.

When Richard later returned and discovered she had reported him to the police, he allegedly became angry and assaulted her again.

“On the day my husband was arrested, he assaulted me, and I went to report him to the police. When the police came to arrest him, he was not home. When he came back, he beat me again for reporting him,” she said.

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According to Priscilla, her aunt, who was angered by the renewed violence, reported the matter to the police again, which eventually led to Richard’s arrest and prosecution. The court later found him guilty and sentenced him to six years imprisonment for domestic assault.

Despite the conviction, Priscilla says she now regrets how events unfolded and wants her husband released. The pregnant woman explained that she currently has no family support, as both her family and her husband’s relatives have allegedly turned their backs on her.

She added that she needs her husband’s help to take care of their unborn child and support the household financially.

“At least if Richard were here, he would have worked to take care of us. Please help me get him released,” she pleaded.

Priscilla also stressed that she never expected the police report to result in a prison sentence.

Priscilla and Richard have been married for two years, and the case has drawn attention to the challenges faced by victims of domestic violence in Ghana, where economic dependence and family pressures often complicate such cases.

Legal experts say once a domestic violence case is prosecuted in court, it becomes a criminal matter handled by the state, meaning the victim cannot automatically withdraw the case even if reconciliation is later sought.

Advocates say the situation highlights the need for stronger support systems for domestic violence victims, including financial assistance, counselling, and shelters.

It remains unclear whether Richard’s sentence could be reviewed, as any release would likely depend on legal processes such as an appeal, presidential pardon, or court review.

Pregnant Woman Begs Authorities to Free Husband Jailed for Domestic Violence

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