Politics
Sylva Berates Former Aides For Joining PDP
The former Governor of
Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva, has described the alleged decamping of his political allies to the ruling Peoples Democratic party (PDP) as inconsequential and of no effect on him and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement signed by his media adviser, Doifie Ola, Chief Sylva said their claims of being with him was not only immoral and deceitful, but also aimed at currying favour from the PDP as they were never in the APC.
The statement reads in part: “Sylva wishes to make it clear that the said members of EBGOF were never members of APC in Bayelsa State, as they even confirmed in their own letter.
“In the APC equation, in particular, and in the politics of Bayelsa State and Nigeria, in general, the group is of no consequence, collectively and severally.
“The reference to Sylva in the said letter by the group was in very poor taste, as they have been on their own since he left office on 27 January, 2012. It is, therefore, immoral to claim association with him in order to curry favour with whomever they wish.
“As a democrat, Sylva believes it is the right of every individual to decide whom to associate or not to associate with. He is, however, not disturbed by a media blitz around a formal announcement by a few individuals whose political inclinations are common knowledge even since the time he was governor of Bayelsa State.”
The statement described Sylva as a politician who believes in principle even in the face of relentless persecution by the government of the day, saying the APC, which he leads in Bayelsa State, has maintained a consistently increasing followership, despite the antiques and jitters of Abuja and their proxies in the state.
“We know for a fact that huge inducements are at play here and that arrangements have been concluded for a solidarity visit to the mastermind of this so-called disassociation from Sylva.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the APC train is on a steady course in Bayelsa State, and no propaganda can derail it,” Sylva said
Sylva’s former aides including his deputy, Honourable Werinipre Saibarugu, his commissioners and special assistants at a recent occasion, said they were back to PDP.
Seibarugu said, at no point in time did they abandon the PDP for another party, adding that even though our leader has identified with another party, we remain committed to the PDP.
According to him, we are using this occasion to debunk the insinuation that we have left the ruling party. We are here to strongly affirm our commitment and loyalty to the party, Mr. President and the present administration in the state.
Receiving them back into the party, the State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson, described the decision of the affected party faithful as a welcome development.
According to him, “what unites us is bigger than party affiliation. We are first of all Bayelsans and Ijaw people. Parties go, but we remain united by a common destiny and it is in that respect, that I join the chairman and the leaders of the party in receiving you back into the fold”.
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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