Politics
Group, Lawmakers Decry Subsidy Removal
Lagos lawmakers and the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN), have reacted to the removal of petrol subsidy by the Federal Government, describing it as ill-timed and a painful pill.
While the lawmakers criticised it as unsuitable for now, the APBN called for the diversification of the country’s economy to cushion the hardship the subsidy removal would cause Nigerians.
Mr Segun Olulade, the Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Information, told The Tide that the removal should be differed in view of the security challenges facing the country.
“The fuel subsidy removal is not suitable at this critical period when Nigeria is facing serious security challenges.
“Some Nigerians are still nursing the wounds of bombings in some parts of the country; the President should take it easy with Nigerians, particularly at this celebration period.
“He should not add sorrow to the joy of many Nigerian celebrating the New Year,’’ he said.
Olulade said the old price regime should still hold sway since, according to him, the National Assembly has yet to ratify it.
“ Before embarking on the removal of the subsidy, necessary things should have been put in place,’’ the assemblyman added.
Another lawmaker, Mr Bolaji Yusuf (Mushin I) advised the government to address security challenges across the country.
“Removing the subsidy without finding solutions to threats to lives and property may not work,’’ he told The Tide.
Yusuf condemned the violence unleashed on the country by an Islamic sect, Boko Haram, saying killing of innocent souls particularly, during a church service on Christmas Day in Mambila, Niger, is callous.
He stressed: “The government should find urgent solutions to the menace caused by Boko Haram at this period and leave the subsidy for now”.
According to him, no foreign investor will stake his money where security of life and property are not guaranteed.
Yusuf, however, appealed to Nigerians not to take the laws into their hands in a bid to avenge the deaths of the innocent souls.
The President of APBN, Mr Segun Ajanlekoko, said the government should be proactive by putting in place measures that would alleviate the sufferings of the ordinary people.
He said the action might cause inflation and increase cost of production and unemployment.
“The Nigerian economy should be diversified. Agriculture should be promoted in all schools, colleges and universities, especially the faculties of agriculture.
“These institutions should be given annual targets of agricultural products production based on the local agricultural climates,” Ajanlekoko said in a statement.
He advised the government to engage unemployed graduates and school leavers in farming at all tiers of government.
“This will not only promote food sufficiency, but also generate revenue through food export,’’ he said.
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.
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