Politics
NGO Salutes Senate Over INEC’s Proposed Autonomy
A non-governmental organisation, the CLEEN Foundation, on Friday commended the Senate for granting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) financial autonomy.
Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, the Executive Director of CLEEN, told newsmen in Lagos that by the development INEC would now be truly independent in the discharge of its duties.
“This is a welcome development, which will give the body the independence to do its work and not worry about what the executive will feel about it,” he said.
The Senate had on Wednesday amended parts of the 1999 Constitution, granting INEC as well as the National and State Houses of Assembly financial autonomy.
Chukwuma, however, criticised the legislators for not demonstrating the political will to truly make the commission independent.
According to him, the refusal by the Senate to implementthe recommendations of the Justice Mohammed Uwais-led Electoral Reform Committee on the appointment of INEC chairman and board has tied the hand of the electoral umpire.
“What the Senate has done is to give financial autonomy on the one hand and on the other hand deny the commission the independence which the appointment of its board by the the National Judicial Council would have guaranteed,” he said.
Chukwuma also criticised the decision to legalise carpet crossing, saying it would encourage political prostitution.
“By legalising cross-carpeting from one party to another is to legalise political prostitution and deny party discipline and ideology in Nigeria,” he said.
The NGO director also commended the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review which endorsed independent candidacy in future elections.
The recommendation and others contained in the committee’s report submitted to the House on Thursday are designed to amend Sections 65, 106, 131 and 171 of the 1999 Constitution.
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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