Politics
Ruga: Militants Tackle Northern Group Over Ultimatum To FG
A militant group, the Joint Revolutionary Council (JRC) has flayed declaration by a ‘Coalition of Northern Groups’ over a 30-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government to reverse its decision on the suspension of the Ruga Cow Settlement programme.
The JRC stated this in an online statement signed by its spokesman, Cynthia Whyte and obtained by The Tide in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, weekend
Recall that the apex government had last week announced the suspension of the planned Ruga settlement police following the public outcry and rejection that greeted it by many Nigerians.
Whyte also alleged that those behind the 30 day deadline are President Muahhamu Buhari’s kinsmen, saying: “We have felt the hands of Esau. We also know the voice of Jacob.
The JRC said that for more than 60 years, the people of the Niger Delta have sacrificed their lives, their land and its vast resources for the survival and continued existence for a nation that it described as ungrateful.
While warning that any attempt to infringe on what it termed the ‘peaceful and secure life of the Niger Delta people anywhere in Nigeria would be resisted; it said the region has borne enough headache for the Nigerian State and cannot afford the ‘luxury of a Ruga Migraine’.
The statement reads: “The attention of the Joint Revolutionary Council has been drawn to a declaration by a leechist group, the Coalition of Northern Groups in which a 30 day ultimatum was given to the Government of the Nigerian State led by their kinsman, General Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd.) to rescind its decision on the suspension of the satanic RUGA settlement policy.
“We have felt the hands of Esau. We also know the voice of Jacob. In furtherance thereof, we declare that any attempt to infringe upon the peaceful and secure life of any Niger Deltan anywhere across the Nigerian state will be met with just recompense.
“Leaders of the true struggle for the emancipation and liberation of the Niger Delta have continually been murdered, assassinated, hung, imprisoned and forced on exile by leaders of Northern extraction with the active connivance of saboteur elements, failed politicians and fraudulent and self-seeking so-called leaders of the struggle from the Niger Delta.
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.