Politics
Affirmative Action: Committee Focuses On Political Gatekeepers
The Rivers State branch of the National Affirmative Action Committee on Domestication of 35% Affirmative Action on Women in Politics, says it will focus on identifying individuals and groups of political gatekeepers in the state between July and December 2012.
Coordinator of the State branch of the committee, Ms Sylvia Briggs disclosed this on Tuesday in Port Harcourt shortly after the inauguration of the committee.
According to Ms Briggs, the focus on individuals and groups of political gatekeepers is necessitated by the need to lay a solid foundation in the state to enhance the achievement of the 35% Affirmative Action “to enable women participate favourably among their male counterparts in the political arena of the state in future elections”.
Briggs explained that such gatekeepers include political leaders and legislators adding that, the first lady of the state, Dame Judith Amaechi will also be involved as mother to women in the states, to mobilize the women towards the attainment of the objective of the Committee.
She noted that the focus on political gatekeepers is part of a three point terms of reference for the Committee, via: Advocacy for the domestication of Affirmative Action in the State,hold meetings to identify political gatekeepers and develop strategies for advocacy in the state.
It also include influencing identified political gatekeepers to adopt special measures, quotas and mechanism for achieving minimum critical number of women in political offices, party organs and public life by pursuing 35% Affirmative Action in favour of women in order to bridge the gaps in political representative in both elective and appointive position at all levels of governance by 2015 in Nigeria.
On the availability of qualified women to fill positions to be warranted by the implementation of the 35% Affirmative Action for women, Briggs explained that “there are even more qualified women than the 35%. The problem is that because of the political terrain in Nigeria, most of them had lost interest after being marginalized as a result of their sex.
“That is why we want to first of all focus on targeting political leaders and parties to provide a quota at all levels of politics for only women to contest.
“After then, we will build the capacity of women on political involvement and participation”, she said.
On sustainability of the programme, the Co-ordinator said the committee is being sponsored by the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) in collaboration with the Centre for Human development.
Other members of the Committee are, Barrister Sarah Emmanuel-Appiah, Mrs Sogbeba Dokubo, Ahumanyah Maxwell and Mrs Buloala West.
Sogbeba Dokubo
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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