Politics
NGO Advocates Legislation On Waste Disposal
An Uyo-based NGO, Humanity and Environment Projects, has advocated for legislation to curb indiscriminate waste disposal in Akwa Ibom.
Speaking with newsmen in Uyo last Tuesday, the organisattion’s Project Manager, Mr Stephen James, expressed concern that dump sites were not being regulated.
“Everybody dumps anything anywhere; this serves as breeding habitats for mosquitoes,” James lamented.
He underscored the need for the state government to enact a law that would prohibit careless dumping of refuse in the state.
The project manager further advocated for a policy on tree planting in the state, especially at public institutions, major streets, places of worship and homes.
Mr. James also urged the state government to regulate the excavation of laterite by construction companies, to prevent the occurrence of landslide in the state.
Commenting on the activities of the NGO to mark the 2012 World Environment Day celebration, James said that the organisation was planning a one million-man march on June 8, to campaign against environmental degradation,
poverty and disease.
He said that the organisation would visit St Luke’s Hospital in Uyo, the state capital, on Tuesday, to distribute insecticide treated nets in addition to fumigating the hospital premises.
James said that the NGO also planned to visit motherless children homes to distribute insecticide treated nets and other items.
The organisation has also organised a lecture titled “Waste Management and Environmental Safety in the 21st Century: The Akwa Ibom State Experience,’’ James said.
According to him, the organisation, which was established in 2005, has done a documentary on erosion sites in the state.
Mr. James commended the Akwa Ibom government for responding to the erosion menace at Dominic Utuk’s Road.
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.