Politics
Pro-Democracy Group Charges Nigerians On Nation Building
A pro-democracy group, Peoples Movement for a New Nigeria (PMNN), has said that sovereignty belongs to the people and as such they should get more involved in the nation’s affairs.
At a recent meeting in Lagos, the movement’s convener, Alhaji Yahaya Ndu, said the group was set to impress on Nigerians the need to perform their civic obligations and duties.
He said that the movement would compel the people, using legitimate measures, to come together and discuss the nation’s growth.
“We want to reassure the people that it is their duty to convene because sovereignty resides with them to put Nigeria on a proper course,’’ he said.
Ndu said that it was the duty of the citizens to sit down and draw up a new constitution on how they would want to be governed.
He added that a “masses-consented constitution“ was required to govern the society.
He said that Nigeria was facing serious nation-building challenges, adding that there was the need to make governance more participatory.
“I want the people to bring about a true democracy in Nigeria; a Nigeria that will be so harmoniously run to meet the rest of Africa in the quest for continental integration,’’ he said.
On her part, the chairman of the meeting, Alhaja Ganiat Fawehinmi, called for the convocation of a national conference.
“It is a must that this national conference must hold.
“I call on every Nigerian to continue the fight because no matter the amount of teargas that will enter my eyes, I will not stop until it comes to fruition,“ she said.
According to her, the 1999 Constitution did not reflect the wishes and aspirations of the people.
She said that the constitution was a document given to Nigeria by the military and as such did not enjoy the inputs of the people.
She, however, urged well meaning Nigerians to educate the masses on the potential benefits of the proposed national conference.
“There is the need to debunk the view that a national conference will divide the nation as some people believe,“ she said.
Also speaking, the Lagos State Chairman, National Conscience Party (NCP), Mr Tunde Ogunbiade, said that any action that would bring about desirable changes in Nigeria was welcomed.
“Any process geared toward bringing all the ethnic nationalities together is what the people want.
“The problems of Nigeria are enormous. The average Nigerian everyday thinks of how to put food on his or her table and how their children will go to school and be employed.
“These are issues that need to be tackled at a roundtable,’’ he said.
The Tide’s source reports that the meeting was attended by various political party leaders, interest groups and some human rights groups.
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.