Politics
2019: Ugwuanyi Invites Indigenes In Diaspora
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has called on indigenes of the state in Diaspora to return home with their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) to vote for the right candidate during the 2019 general elections.
Ugwuanyi made the call yesterday at a one-day summit on his achievements organised by the South-South Zonal chapter of the League of Enugu State Indigenes in Diaspora (LESID) in Yenagoa.
The Governor, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Youth Affairs, Mr Ogechukwu Nnamene, said that voting for continued good governance would bring more sustainable development for the people. Ugwuanyi said that the present administration led by him, the state’s flagbearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the next election, was the obvious choice.
According to Ugwuanyi, he remains the right candidate for the next election because he has performed creditably in all facets of life.
“I am calling on our people in Diaspora to come back home during the election with their PVCs to return me back to the Lion building for the people.’’ On his achievements, he said that the Small and Medium Enterprises programme had engaged many youths, both males and females, in the effort to curb the effects of unemployment in the state.
“As I am speaking with you, Enugu state is the most peaceful state in this country.
“In the area of Agriculture, my administration has empowered rural farmers in all the local government areas. So, I want our people to come back home and vote for me,’’ Ugwuanyi said.
Convener of the Summit, Mr Chinedu Arthur-Ugwa, said the aim of the programmer was to x-ray the achievements of Gov. Ugwuanyi and ensure that Enugu people returned him to the Lion building.
“We have, therefore, made it a pledge to lend our unalloyed support to a worthy gentleman of integrity, whose antecedents are proof of patriotism and effective representation.
“It is our prayer that our choice will not be maligned by prejudice as we hope to make decisions which will favour our homeland and generations to come.
“We, therefore, endorse the present Governor, Ugwuanyi for second term,’’ Arthur-Ugwa said.
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.