Politics
ICT, Critical To NASS Administration – Clerk
The Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Mr Ojo Olatunde, has described Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as very critical to the administration of day-to-day running of the National Assembly.
Olatunde stated this during a training organised by the National Assembly in collaboration with Sunnet System Ltd held in Abuja, yesterday.
The Tide source reports that the training was for staff of the National Assembly ICT Department.
In his remarks, Olatunde called on the staff to see themselves as the core of administration in the Assembly.
He said “As the technological pillar of the National Assembly, you have contributions to make for the successful running of this institution”.
Olatunde noted that ICT had gone beyond owning a computer and urged the participants to carry out their duties in a unique manner.
“There is no disputing the fact that today is indeed a milestone in the history of the ICT Department of the National Assembly and all participants must congratulate ourselves for being part of history.
“Borne out of our commitment to serve with the extreme importance we attach to ICT under our watch, we did not waste time to boot out and block from the National Assembly, the fraudulent contractors that stagnated the department in the past.
“lt will interest us to know that the forensic audit report initiated by my predecessor indicted the contractors that did the ‘Internet Bandwidth Connecting Upgrade’ and other ICT services.
“We have carried out to the letter, the recommendations in that report,” he said.
He noted that the Assembly would make optimal use of ICT to achieve a paperless legislative environment with issues of e-voting, Order Paper, votes and proceedings to boost democratic participation in Nigeria.
Also, Director ICT in the National Assembly, Mrs Fatima Jalal Arabi said that the aim of the training was to improve staff capacity.
“Most of our old staff from the level of assistant director to deputy director have been moved to other departments and we need replacement,” she said.
The Managing Director Sunnet Systems Ltd, Mr Paul Olagunju, also said the training was put up to make the staff more proficient in ICT.
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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