Politics
‘How Jonathan Can Fulfill Yar’Adua’s Dream’
The Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), Chairman in Benue State, Baba Agan has called on President Goodluck Jonathan to fulfill the dream of late President Umaru Yar’Adua on electoral reforms by pursuing it to its logical end.
Agan, who was the governorship candidate of the PRP in the 2007 general elections in Benue, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Makurdi.
He said that since Jonathan and Yar’Adua came into office on the same ticket, “it will be a mark of honour if he delivers on that promise.”
“Remember that the late president included the idea in the 7-point Agenda of the administration, so it means it was a project that was dear to his heart.
“Moreover, during his oath taking ceremony lasty Thursday, he still restated commitment to electoral reforms, and that means he has taken a covenant with, not just Nigerians but God too,” he said.
Agan urged the new president to ensure that the amnesty deal initiated by the late president and the militants which ended insurgency in the Niger Delta was sustained.
“The new president, being from that part of the country, will earn the confidence of Nigerians if he does everything to ensure that the boys do not go back to the creeks. “He should remember that while he was acting president, he had the honour of meeting President Barak Obama and pledged his commitment to peace, so that too should be at the back of his mind,” he said.
Meanwhile, More Benue residents have joined other Nigerians to pay tribute to Yar’Adua.
Mr Nathaniel Ben, a businessman, said that Yar’Adua would be remembered for his commitment to the fight against corruption, pursuit of peace in the Niger Delta and commencement of work in the of the Niger.
Abdullahi Salawu, a civil servant, said, “ It is sad that we have lost a good leader with all his good intentions for the vision 20-2020.
“As a fellow muslim, all that is left is to pray for him for eternal rest, that Allah should forgive him and grant him paradise.”
The Speaker, Abia House of Assembly, Chief Agwu U. Agwu, told newsmen that the electorate had implicit confidence with the manner he administered the country that Yar’Adua would be remembered for propagating the rule of law, adding that “the country was at the verge of becoming a lawless society before his emergence”.
The Deputy Speaker,Chief Chinedum Elechi,described the death as devastating, saying that Yar’Adua was a focused leader and would be remembered for enthroning peace in the Niger-Delta region and his handling of electoral reforms.
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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