Politics
June12 Reminds Nigerians Of Her Unity—Group
An advocacy group, the ‘Unity House Foundation’ (UHF), has declared that the general election conducted on June 12, 1993, reminds Nigerians about the unity of the country.
Chairman of Board of Affairs (BoA) of UHF, Chima Onuoha, stated this last Wednesday while addressing a press conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital ahead of the group’s Second June 12 Democracy Day Lecture.
Onuoha said the lecture which has as its theme; “National Security, Beyond Power, Politics and Passion” will have the immediate-past Vice-Chancellor of the Igbinedion University, Professor Eghosa Osaghae, as guest lecturer.
He recalled that the military took control of power in the country for many years, saying, “They (military) brazenly seized the authority of government,” describing June 12 as a day of liberation.
According to Onuoha, “June 12, 1993, was not just an election date. It was the day Nigerians from the East to West, North to South, clearly, courageously and categorically rejected lies, bigotry and deceit that had characterised our electoral processes and outcomes.
”On June 12, 1993, Nigerians exposed the much-vaunted belief that they are not able to look beyond ethnicity and religion, in choosing their leaders.
”At great cost-death, incarceration and banishment into exile- the people stood firm and today, our nation, our country and Republic is better for it. Suffice it to say that the democracy we enjoy today was built on and established with the blood of our great men and women.
”June 12, is a reminder that a people united, determined and focused has the capacity and enablement to create an ocean in the desert,” Onuoha stated; adding that the Rivers Unity House believes in the principle of sustainable, transparent and decent democratic practice.
He lauded Preaident Muhammadu Buhari and the National Assembly, for having the courage to proclaim June 12 as the real Democracy Day and a National Day.
The Chairman, Board ofsaid: “We at the Unity House Foundation, whole heartedly extend our gratitude to President Buhari and the National Assembly for having the courage to proclaim June 12 as the real Democracy Day and a National Day.”
Also speaking, a member. Board of Trustees (BoT) of UHF, Peter Ekekwue, challenged the media to exercise its watch-dog role by monitoring the activities of the group so as to keep them on their toes.
Ekekwue stated that the group had traversed communities to feel the purse of the people, pointing out that “We know the people want the right things.
”So as part of the second June 12 lecture, we make the people demand their rights and join us to look for solutions to one united nation,” he said.
Lilian Peters and Dennis Naku
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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