Politics
Administrator Tasks Politicians On Youth Empowerment
A renowned Administrator in Rivers State, Comrade Emeka John-Africa, has cautioned that Nigeria’s democracy will be endangered if government at all levels fails articulate programmes for youth empowerment and development.
John-Africa, who spoke to The Tide, yesterday in Port Harcourt, said that the only way to forestall the continued breakdown of law and order in the country was for the political elites to gainfully engage unemployed youths in meaningful activities.
According to him, “We as scholars and developers must promote justice, fairness and equity in all decisions that affect the people to ensure socio-political stability and lasting peace in the country”.
He stressed that unless this was adhered to strictly, “Our democracy and national development will remain entrapped in social and political tensions and upheavals”.
He reminded the new breed politicians and other leaders that in reality the local government was the most important level of government in a democratic dispensation, where issues of development ought to take place.
As he puts it, “even the issue of security of life and property, which is the fundamental responsibility of government, rests essentially on the local government councils” and therefore, advised that serious attention be paid to the local government councils, John-Africa added, “Because once we get things right at those levels, the task of governance becomes easier and the necessary condition for development become firmly established in the society”.
He, however, urged the electorate to support the leaders who are poised to deliver the dividends of democracy to them and not those “money bag politicians whose duty is to collect their voter’s card, disenfranchise and consign them to years of hunger, poverty and hardship.
John-Africa assured the people of Rivers State that with Governor Nyesom Wike back on the saddle for a second term in office, he will deliver accelerated development and warned against “political fraudsters”
Bethel Toby
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.