Politics
Carrying Guns In N’Delta, Highest Form Of Stupidity-Cleric
Pastor David Ibiyeomie of the Salvation Ministries, Port Harcourt, says carrying guns by youths in Niger Delta is the highest form of stupidity.
Ibiyeomie, in a sermon, said the people in Niger Delta could have the contract they wanted if they would have faith in God.
“That contract, you can have it, step up and move and say I want the Oil well, are you aware that one of the biggest oil companies in Nigeria is folding up to leave Niger Delta?
“I won’t call the name of the Oil company, they want to leave Niger Delta as a whole, the biggest oil industry, so who will they give the well to?
“Uncircumcised people can’t take the well. Listen, it is not carrying guns, it is carrying God. Take a step of faith. They may not like it, but I will keep saying it, carrying gun in Niger Delta is the highest form of stupidity, because since they have been carrying guns, they have not given them one oil well,” he said.
Ibiyeomie added that with all the militancy, not one oil well had been given to Niger Delta people, lamenting that they are now kidnapping themselves, as they are tired.
“With all the militancy, not one oil well has been given to Niger Delta people, rather they are tired, they are now kidnapping themselves. Have they kidnapped anybody in Abuja? No! It’s the same Ijaw people, yet you’re killing yourselves. So, stop the gun, believe the prophecy of the men of God,” Ibiyeomie said in a transcript by Church Gist.
He added that “Everything God has said in the Bible, you have to take a step of faith. The thing you’re afraid of is waiting for you to take a step of faith, you think it’s too big to be the President of Nigeria? Take a step of faith, the people who are going there, they don’t have two heads.”
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.