Politics

Govt, Turji in talks as bandits leader embraces peace path

Published

7 months ago

July 10, 2025

In a surprising development that has sparked cautious optimism across Nigeria’s North West, notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has released a video indicating his readiness to embrace peace and end years of violent conflict.

In a video, which surfaced Online earlier this week, Turji confirmed that negotiations are ongoing between him and authorities at both the federal and state levels.

He described past attacks attributed to him as the result of “misunderstandings” and emphasized that he remains a citizen of the region, committed to finding a peaceful path forward.

The message, though met with skepticism in some quarters, is being seen by others as a rare opportunity for meaningful dialogue.

Turji’s sudden shift in tone comes when intensified military operations have dealt serious blows to armed groups in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Katsina states, including the recent killing of his top commander, Danbokolo.

Analysts believe the timing of the video could suggest a calculated effort to seek protection or leniency, but it also opens a potential window for peace that authorities may choose to explore.

Turji’s remarks have revived long-running debates around negotiating with armed non-state actors, especially those with long records of violence.

He is accused of masterminding mass killings, abductions, and village raids across the North West. Yet, some observers point to the government’s previous reintegration programs for ex-Boko Haram fighters and Niger Delta militants as precedent for potential engagement—albeit one that must be approached with strict conditions and community involvement.

Communities most affected by the violence remain wary. For families still grieving lost loved ones or displaced from their homes, Turji’s call for peace may appear hollow without justice.

There are also fears that peace overtures without accountability could send the wrong signal to other armed groups. Past experiences have shown that premature reintegration efforts—such as in the case of Yellow Jambros and Dogo Gide—have sometimes led to renewed violence by their loyalists.

Turji’s message introduces a new element to the region’s long-standing crisis, and the possibility to end to the bloodshed. If authorities choose to engage, experts say the process must be rooted in justice, community consultation, and strict monitoring to prevent a relapse.

The federal government has not yet issued an official response to Turji’s claims, but the video is already prompting fresh conversations on how best to resolve rural insecurity in Nigeria.

For now, Turji’s words remain just that—words. But in a region exhausted by conflict, even words that hint at peace can be a welcome first step toward breaking the cycle of violence.

Politics

How Buhari shocked me 6 months into his administration – Oyegun

Published

4 hours ago

February 7, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

Chairman, Policy Manifesto Committee of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, John Odigie-Oyegun, says former president Muhammadu Buhari gave him the shock of his life, six months into his administration as Nigeria’s leader.

Oyegun made this disclosure on Friday when he featured in an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’.

He revealed that as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, he went to tell Buhari that he was not delivering his election promises to Nigerians but that the late president told him he would not rule with strictness, but rather wanted to show Nigerians that he is a true civilian president.

The former APC National Chairman lamented that it became business as usual, from there.

“I was national chairman of the APC. Six months or less into our assuming office, fairly alarmed, I went to the late President Buhari for a one-on-one talk. I said Mr President, this is not what the people were expecting. They wanted a bit of the old president Buhari.

“And he explained to me, Mr Chairman, I have learned my lesson. I was shocked. And don’t forget at that time, a lot of prominent Nigerians took their holidays abroad, just to be sure and see what this new sheriff in town will be.

“Buhari told me he wants to now show the people that he’s a true civilian president in Agbada. And by the time we finished the conversation, I said Oh God, we are finished. Because, if he’s not ready to be strict, what’s the point?

“Weeks later, months later, years later, I was proven correct. And of course, it became business as usual, only that they are a new set of tenants in Aso Rock. That was a shocker,” he said.

Politics

Electoral Reform: Dino alleges senate’s plot to rig 2027 election

Published

1 day ago

February 6, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

Former lawmaker, Dino Melaye Esq, has raised concerns over the Senate’s reported rejection of the electronic transmission of election results.

The move, according to Melaye, is a clear endorsement of election rigging and an indication of a sinister plan to rig the 2027 elections.

In a statement on Friday, the former lawmaker criticized the Senate’s decision, stating that it undermines the credibility of the electoral process.

The African Democratic Congress, ADC chieftain, also stated that the move opens the door for electoral manipulation and fraud.

He further warned that the rejection of electronic transmission of results is a step backwards for democracy in Nigeria.

Melaye called on lawmakers and citizens to stand up against “this blatant attempt to undermine the will of the people and ensure that future elections are free, fair, and transparent”.

Politics

Electoral Act: Nigerians have every reason to be mad at Senate – Ezekwesili

Published

1 day ago

February 6, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has said Nigerians have every reason to be mad at the Senate over the ongoing debate on e-transmission of election results.

Ezekwesili made this known on Friday when she featured in an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Morning Show’ monitored by DAILY POST.

DAILY POST reports that the Senate on Wednesday turned down a proposed change to Clause 60, Subsection 3, of the Electoral Amendment Bill that aimed to compel the electronic transmission of election results.

Reacting to the matter, Ezekwesili said, “The fundamental issue with the review of the Electoral Act is that the Senate retained the INEC 2022 Act, Section 60 Sub 5.

“This section became infamous for the loophole it provided INEC, causing Nigerians to lose trust. Since the law established that it wasn’t mandatory for INEC to transmit electoral results in real-time, there wasn’t much anyone could say.

“Citizens embraced the opportunity to reform the INEC Act, aiming to address ambiguity and discretionary opportunities for INEC. Yet, the Senate handled it with a “let sleeping dogs lie” approach. The citizens have every reason to be as outraged as they currently are.”