Politics
Institute Tasks NASS On Legislation Against Quacks
In a bid to check quacks and mediocrity, the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) has called on the National Assembly to make laws aimed at checking the incessant cases of collapse building in the country.
President of NIOB, Kenneth Nnabuife Nduka made the call during a chat with newsmen shortly after the body’s 49th Builders Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Port Harcourt, recently.
Nduka expressed the need to regulate construction processes and advised the federal governments to make the building code a law.
According to Nduka, “As at today there is no law and we are asking government as much as possible to domesticate at all levels, from state to local government.
“There is a code that directs every activity in building construction industry, make it a law. Once it is made a law if you run fowl of the law, the law will run fowl of your freedom.
“We are still asking government to make a law that will give the legal bite to the code and they have not done it. So that all these problems we are having about building collapse could be minimal,” he stated and thanked Governor Wike for approving use of the Obi Wali International Conference Centre as venue for the conference, assuring him that the body would use the event to showcase the state to the world.
Similarly, Rivers State Chairman of NIOB, Akinola Bammeke, bemoaned the frequency of mishaps in the built environment, especially as it has increased of recent and more prevalent in the rainy season.
While stressing the need for all stakeholders to rise up to the occasion and address the symptoms, Bammeke noted that “The industry has come under scrutiny. Policy makers.
“Decision makers have been struggling to keep up with the trends, saying the conference provides a platform to look at topical issues relating to the day to day running of the industry,” he said.
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.