Politics
Groups Kick Against Abuse Of Democratic Processes
Some non-governmental organisations in Rivers State have kicked against the violation of the principles of rule of law and abuse of democratic processes within some quarters in the society.
In a recent interview with The Tide they said such acts were heating up the polity and setting a dangerous precedent for democratic practice in the society.
Chairman of the Civil Liberty Oganisation (CLO) in Rivers State, Sotonye George said democracy as a system of governance harps on the protection of citizens’ rights just as the law of the land must be protected against gross abuses.
He decried a situation where some people flout court judgements and operate above the law, noting that such acts do not augur well for the nation’s democratic growth.
George insisted that for the Nigerian democratic system to be strengthened , there must be a social reordering, and response to the imperatives of justice.
“For democracy to be practised effectively, citizens rights must be respected , court judgments must be obeyed, while freedom of speech must be respected”.
In his views, the President of the Niger Delta Coalition Against Violence (NDCAV), Comrade Lekia Christian advised political actors against heating up the polity by taking laws into their hands, but to play the game by the rules”.
He decried the lack ideological commitment in Nigerian politics and urged Nigerians to protect democracy by respecting its norms and values.
The President of the Ogoni Youth Federation, Legborsi Yaamabana, who also spoke with The Tide, expressed displeasure at some actions of those vested with public responsibilities.
He flayed the authorities of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) over what he described as the secretive nature of handling the Ogoni environmental clean up exercise”.
Yaamabana said the authorities of HYPREP denies critical stakeholders in Ogoni of participation in the clean up exercise, and called for strict adherence to international best practices as recommended by the United Nations Environmental Project, (UNEP).
Taneh Beemene
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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