Politics
Lawmaker Accuses Bayelsa Elders Of Greed
A member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon, Jonathan Ogbuebite, has accused some elders in the state of greediness and demanding from the state government a monthly allowance of five million naira each as a reward for championing the creation of the state in 1996.
Mr Ogbuebite, representing Nembe Constituency One and also the Chief Whip in the House also alleged that some of the elders are contractors who refused to executive developmental projects awarded to them in the past.
Disclosing this at the Inaugural Annual Public lecture organized by the Federated Correspondents Chapel, an arm of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Bayelsa State Council, the Chief Whip said a letter to this effect has been forwarded to the Assembly.
Seeking for the enactment of law to this effect, the affected elders, according to the lawmaker demanded that same gesture should be extended to their children after their demise.
Hon. Ogbuebite disclosed that over 90 per cent of the elders making this demands reside outside the state, but wanted to benefit from the state without contributing their own quota as expected of them.
Apart from residing outside the state, the lawmaker said that over 60 per cent of them were beneficiaries of the contract awarded to indigenous contractors at the inception of the present administration but it was sadden to note that most of these contracts were abandoned.
He said rather thinking of what would I benefit from government, we should all be ready to make useful contribution to the growth of the society.
His words, ‘let’s think of what we contribute to the government not only what the government will do for us.”
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Ambassador Emmanuel Otiotio, stressed the need for transformational leadership as against the transactional leadership being practiced by some African nations.
Making reference to the style of leadership of the former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, Otiotio described his style of leadership as not only acceptable but transformational.
Most Africa leaders are like Biblical Esau who imbibed the culture of kill and eat without making provision for tomorrow; the Special Adviser stressed the need for the people at the helm of affairs to create opportunities that would transform their respective societies.
His words, “election will come and go, but we need to build institutions that will lead to the transformation of the society. We don’t need that hunter mentality that we go to people at night because of election.”
Also speaking, the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Hon. Magnus Abe said, ‘as leaders we have seen the gains of democracy, there is need for us to reduce the pains on the part of the people will governed. The more the people benefit from the gains, the more the success of democracy.
On security, he said government was spending so much in securing the lives of political appointees, adding that this should be reduced by licensing private security outfit, and as well making beneficiaries to pay for it.
In his address, the Chairman of the Federated Correspondents Chapel, Kola Oredipe said journalists in the state were committed to adding value to the system by making useful contribution to nation building.
His words, the contribution of the media to the enthronement of democracy in the Country is no doubt commendable and this fact had been acknowledged by various stakeholders in the Country.
Politics
Alleged Coup: Protests Rock N’Assembly As Detained Officers’ Children, Wives Demand Justice
Scores of children and wives of military officers detained over an alleged coup plot yesterday staged a peaceful protest at the National Assembly, demanding a speedy trial and the release of the accused officials.
The protesters who gathered at the entrance of the National Assembly complex, moved in a slow procession while clutching placards with inscriptions such as “Don’t Kill Our Daddies,” “Detention Without Trial is Injustice,” and “Six Months of Torture: Enough Is Enough.”
Amid tears and trembling voices, the children appealed for justice and access to their detained fathers, many of whom they said they had not seen for months.
The appeal was made during a press briefing in Abuja attended by no fewer than 20 wives and several children of the detained officers, including a two-month-old baby.
The families were accompanied by human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju and activist Omoyele Sowore.
At the briefing, the families lamented that the officers had been held for over 160 days without trial or contact with their relatives, describing the situation as a violation of their fundamental rights.
Speaking on behalf of the families, Memuna Bashiru said the prolonged detention had thrown their households into uncertainty and emotional distress, noting that while allegations had been widely publicised, families remained in the dark about the fate of their loved ones.
The arrest of the indicted officers was first announced on October 4, 2025, by the then Director of Defense Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, who disclosed that 16 officers were taken into custody for alleged breaches of military regulations and acts of indiscipline.
However, an interim investigation later suggested the existence of a clandestine network of officers, allegedly coordinated by a senior Army officer, which had begun preliminary planning for a coup.
According to the report, the alleged plot involved surveillance of key national assets, including the Presidential Villa, Armed Forces Complex, Niger Barracks in Abuja, and major international airports, with October 25, 2025, cited as the planned date for the operation.
Those reportedly in custody include Brig Gen M. A. Sadiq, Col M. A. Maaji, Lt Col S. Bappah, Lt Col A. A. Hayatu, Lt Col P. Dangnap, Lt Col M. Almakura, Maj A. J. Ibrahim, Maj M. M. Jiddah, Maj M. A. Usman, Maj D. Yusuf, Capt I. Bello, Capt A. A. Yusuf, Lt S. S. Felix, Lt Cdr D. B. Abdullahi, Sqn Ldr S. B. Adamu and Maj I. Dauda.
The alleged plot, according to findings, targeted senior government officials, including President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
In a statement issued yesterday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Felix Morka, said the exercise would take place in all wards and designated centres nationwide.
He called on existing members to update their records, while encouraging new entrants to join the party through the digital platform.
“As the electronic membership registration exercise resumes in all wards and designated locations nationwide, we urge existing members to validate their membership while new members are encouraged to register and join the progressive family,” Mr Morka said.
According to him, eligibility for registration is limited to individuals aged 18 and above who possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN).
The party said the initiative is part of efforts to modernise its operations by transitioning to a digital database that would enhance record accuracy and accessibility.
Mr Morka noted that the e-registration would “digitise the party’s membership register, ensure the integrity of records, and enhance efficient access to membership data for planning and management decisions.”
He added that the move is also aimed at promoting internal democracy within the party and strengthening its commitment to democratic innovation.
The APC had previously introduced electronic registration as part of broader reforms to streamline its membership system and improve organisational efficiency.