Politics
COVID-19: Oyetola, Wife Test Negative
Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun and his wife, Kafayat, have tested negative to Coronavirus.
Oyetola told journalists at a news conference at the Government House in Osogbo, yesterday that he submitted himself for the test to know his status.
He said, “I spent the better part of last week in Abuja.”
The governor said his wife also submitted self for the test “because of her recent travel history.”
He said, “Considering the fact that I was in Abuja for the better part of last week, as a way of leading by example, I have also subjected myself to test.
“My wife, because of her recent travel history, also subjected herself to test. Both came back negative.”
Oyetola also confirmed the first case of the virus in the state, saying that it was confirmed by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
The governor said that the confirmed case was a returnee from the United Kingdom and was currently receiving treatment.
According to him, government has contacted the family of the patient and has since commenced contact tracing to identify people who might have been in contact with the index case.
“The sample was tested at the NCDC accredited testing centre: the African Centre of Excellence in Genomics of Infectious Diseases in Ede, Osun. The result released on Tuesday night was positive.
“ However, this confirmed case is not the first one we will be subjecting to investigation. But so far, all the others had tested negative,” the governor said.
Oyetola also appealed to all returnees from the UK, the US, Europe, the West African Coast and, indeed, other high-risk countries to self-isolate and submit selves to test.
He said this would assist the government in containing the spread of the virus.
The governor gave the emergency numbers to call in case of any outbreak of the virus as: 293, 08035025692, 08033908772 and 08056456250.
The governor also listed the measures put in place by the government to curtail the spread of the virus in the state.
He said that a task force had been set up to man all the state land borders and conduct preliminary screenings of suspected cases.
The governor also said that all major markets in the state would be shut down with effect from Friday, March 27.
He, however, said traders would be allowed to sell food items in front of their houses and that pharmacies would be exempted from the ban.
The governor also said the ban on public gatherings, church services, mosques, social events and political meetings would remain in force.
Oyetola also said that the state had set up holding centres to isolate and treat suspected and reported cases of the virus.
“Fellow citizens and residents of our dear state do not to panic; the case is under control.
“ I want to urge you all to continue to observe necessary precautionary measures by regularly washing your hands with water and soap and also maintaining the prescribed social distancing,” 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.
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