Politics
Minority Leader Promises To Sponsor Inclusive Bills
The Minority Leader of Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Mr Danladi Jatau, says he will initiate bills aimed at promoting inclusiveness and changing the lives of his constituents.
Jatau (PDP-Kokona West) made the promise while hosting the leadership of Eggon Youth Movement (EYM), Agwada Branch, Agwada Development Area of the state, yesterday in Lafia.
He also assured them of robust representation at the assembly by carrying all the people of his constituency along irrespective of their ethnic, religious and political affiliations.
Jatau appealed to the youths in his constituency to resist any attempt to lure them into violence and wanton destruction of lives and property by unpatriotic elements in the state.
The lawmaker assured his constituents of striving to justify their confidence in him by pursuing the right policies and laws for their overall good and indeed the entire state.
“I will do everything humanly possible to change your lives and the lives of the people of my constituency positively.
“I call on you to continue to preach peace and relate well with other ethnic groups in our area and the state for the overall development of the country.
“I will run an inclusive government in order to carry everybody along irrespective of their ethnic, religious and political affiliations,” he said.
The lawmaker called on them and the people of the state to live in peace, be law abiding and respect constituted authorities for the overall development of the country.
Earlier, the Chairman of the association, Mr Maikasuwa Audu, said that the visit was to reassure the lawmaker of their loyalty and support to enable him to succeed.
Audu appealed to Jatau to assist them with a vehicle for the association’s activities and community development.
“We also appeal to you to come to our aid by assisting us to purchase a land in order to have our permanent office.
“Please, we know you have done a lot but we want more employment of our youths in order to improve on their standard of living,” he 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.