Politics
Senate Invasion: Groups Want Tight Security At NASS
Some Abuja-based Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) yesterday called for adequate security at the National Assembly.
The NGOs in an interview with newsmen in Abuja, yesterday, said this would forestall a reoccurance of Wednesday’s snatching of mace at the NASS.
The Director, Christian Empowerment Forum (CEF), Mr Ifunnaya Ogbonna described the incident as “an act of cowardice by some collaborators seeking attention from the assembly.”
Ogbonna said the act had shown that there were serious security laps at the National Assembly, calling for proper investigation into the matter.
“The intrusion is just a stage act to get the attention of the leadership of the National Assembly; it was staged to disrupt the plenary.
“It is cowardly for anyone to think that the only way to get attention is to create chaos,” he said.
The Coordinator, Anvil Singles Network, Mr Abraham Omoruan supported Ogbonna’s claim, saying that the intrusion was a conspiracy to truncate the nation’s democracy.
Omoruan described the incident as an embarrassment to the nation.
“The hoodlums have made a mockery of our democracy.
“They have no regard for the nation.
“It means the country’s democracy is a joke to them, the jokers have no respect for the current leadership in the Senate.
“Their action is a humiliation to our security, if a stranger could walk in, steal a symbol of authority and make away with it through the entrance of the assembly, it means the place has a serious security problem,” he said.
Omoruan said that the public deserved explanation and that questions needed to be asked about the security at the assembly.
“We need to know why nobody could stop the vehicle that was seen waiting for the hoodlums who made away with the mace,” he said.
Omoruan said the action was an attack on the nation’s democracy that should not be left to die even after the mace had been recovered.
He said it was a complete humiliation at a critical time when the country was set to record a significant milestone in its democracy.
Omoruan said “the invasion has painted the Nigerian legislatures in a bad light in the eyes of other countries.”
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.