Politics
Bauchi Gov Reassures On Good Governance
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has restated his resolve to reposition the state for the well-being of the people.
He said the state government under his leadership was determined to fight poverty through the empowerment of youths and women.
Mohammed revealed his resolve at the Government House, Bauchi, shortly after he swore in four special advisers and special assistants, three members of the state investigative panel of inquiry on SARS and a member of the Bauchi State House of Assembly Service Commission.
The governor declared that repositioning the state civil service was non-negotiable, adding that this informed his decision to appoint persons with integrity and good antecedents into his administration.
“We will do more to reposition the civil service so that we will do away with incompetence and mediocrity. That is why we are appointing people with integrity and track records to help us fish out all the bad eggs in the system.”
“As a government, we have done so much on poverty alleviation and we have to do more to reposition Bauchi State.
“My administration is determined to fight poverty at the individual levels, that is why I insisted that these appointments have to be done before the year runs out so that by 2021, we will start consolidating on the things we have started,” the governor said.
Governor Mohammed also said as part of the efforts to overhaul the state, his administration would continue to intensify its efforts in the construction of rural roads to simplify the movement of agricultural goods and create more access to the market for local farmers.
The governor declared that the appointees were appointed strictly for their track record and integrity and urged them to serve the state with dedication and commitment.
Responding on behalf of the appointees, Special Adviser on Civil Service Matters, Nasiru Mohammed Yelwa, thanked Governor Mohammed for finding them worthy to serve Bauchi State.
Yelwa described the governor as “Re-inventor-in-Chief” who has been able to reinvent Bauchi State since he assumed office last year, adding that the governor has performed well in developing the state.
Others sworn in include Danladi Muhammed Danbaba (Special Adviser on Poverty Alleviation; Yakubu Barau Ningi (Special Adviser on Rural Development) and Yusuf Ibrahim (Special Adviser on Civil Service Matters).
Also sworn in are Dr. Garba Babale, member Bauchi State House of Assembly Service Commission, while CP Hamisu Makama; Alhassan Musa and Abdullahi Maigari Misau took their oaths as members of the state’s Investigative Panel of Inquiry on SARS.
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.