Politics
Gowon, Utomi Task Nigerian Youths On Leadership Qualities
A former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon and a frontline politician, Prof. Pat Utomi have expressed confidence in Nigerian youths but urged them to cultivate leadership qualities that would help chart a new course for the country.
Gowon made the call at a National Youth Summit in Lagos on Friday and advised the older generation to delegate duties to youths that would challenge and equip them for leadership.
The summit, organised by the World Igbo Youth Assembly (WIYA), had as theme: “The Labour of Our Heroes Past”.
Gowon, represented by Amb.Moses Ihonde, however, admonished the youth not to despise the wisdom and experience of the old, stressing that “the young cannot do it alone.
“The labour of our heroes past presupposes a plan to leverage the good works of past leaders to chart a new direction for this country.
“We must harness the vibrancy and exuberance of youth with the experience of the old to get the best for our society,’’ he said.
The former military head of state said although a number of youths were in a hurry, they should not be over-ambitious to get to the top at all cost.
Gowon urged young people to work assiduously and pursue things that would lead to the overall development of the country.
“The youths must ensure that they get basic education, at least to university level. They must work hard and have integrity. You must not always make the end to justify the means.
“When you have the right qualities and apply yourself with diligence, you will attract attention to yourself and be qualified for higher position responsibilities and authority,’’ he said.
The Chairman of WIYA Board of Trustees, Prof. Pat Utomi, noted that Nigerian youths were rising in unison as if they were being challenged.
Utomi said since some past and present leaders had failed the country, opportunity should be given to vibrant young men and women to make meaningful change in the country’s developmental process.
“With our youths in leadership position, Nigeria will rise again. We must allow the spirit of youths to renew this country,’’ he said.
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.