Politics
Elections: ‘2011’ll Be Worse Than 2007, Unless…
The Chairman of the Hope Democratic Party (HDP) in Rivers State, Lady Igoniwari Halliday says only the implementation of the Justice Uwais-led Electoral reform report would chart a new course for democracy in Nigeria.
Lady Halliday who made the declaration while speaking with journalists in Port Harcourt said the 2011 elections would be worse than the 2007 elections if nothing concrete was done to implement the recommendations of the report.
She noted that it would be unfair to allow an incumbent Governor or President to remain in office to contest elections saying that such situation encourages electoral malpractices and rigging.
Apart from calling for a constitutional review exercise, the Hope Democratic Party Chairman called on the government to fulfill its electoral promise to Nigerians, alleging that the ruling party had derailed from the vision of the founding fathers of the country and has unleashed hardship on the populace.
For instance, Lady Halliday faulted the action of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on their decision on the health of the President, saying, “the Federal Executive Council suddenly became the Saudi doctors to give the President a clean bill of health to continue in office even though the man is lying motionless in Saudi hospital.”
The party chieftain called on all Nigerians to embrace the party as it was capable of bringing about the change Nigerians yearn for.
In Rivers State, she said the party was set to go into the grassroots by touching the lives of the people, adding that the opposition in a proper democracy was the instrument of checks and balances in governance.
She is also assured that HDP would continue to be vocal against any unpopular government policies in Rivers State by providing critical views capable of directing those in power.
For her, the only way to make government effective is to incorporate the views and feelings of the opposition lamenting that democracy in Nigeria is still autocratic in nature.
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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