Politics
Journalists Want Adequate Logistics To Cover Elections
To ensure balance report
ing during the forth-coming elections, Nigerian media owners have been urged to provide adequate logistics for their journalists covering the February 2015 elections to enhance their movements and guarantee impartial reporting during the poll.
These were part of the recommendations issued as communiqué after a two day workshop on Effective Coverage And Reportage of 2015 General Elections organised by the Nigerian Press Council with the support of the Democratic Governance for Development Project 11 of United Nations Development Programme.
The communiqué observed that journalists are often harassed, humiliated, arrested and killed while covering political activities, reminding security agencies in the country that journalists are critical stakeholders in the electoral process and should be protected as partners in progress.
It also advised media owners to avoid self-censorship and accord open door policy to all existing political parties, urging media platforms to work together for the protection and defence of the rights of media professionals in the discharge of their lawful duties.
While commending the Nigerian Press Council, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other development agencies for their roles in the training of journalists as stakeholders in the electoral processes in Nigeria, the communiqué called for similar gestures from other development partners, adding that this would ensure the media remain impartial and factual at all times in the electoral processes.
It also recommended that the media as professionals should ensure factual, accurate and objective reporting at all times, stressing that there is need for enhanced voter education to reduce apathy and promote constructive voter engagement in the electoral process.
The communiqué signed by the Chairman of the workshop, George Izobo, The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Edo State, Desmond Agbama, and Patrick Agbekaka of the Nigerian Press Council (NPC), observed that there are hindrance to objective journalism practice due to inadequate access to relevant information and undue ownership influences.
The workshop was declared open by the Edo State Commissioner for Information and Orientattion, Hon Loius Odien who said the workshop was very apt considering the current political democratic dispensation in the country.
The workshop had in attendance 65 participants consisting of journalists drawn from both print and broadcast media organisations in the south south states of the country.
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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