Politics
Be Wary Of political Hawks, Senator Tells Jonathan
Senate Minority Leader Olorunnimbe Mamora has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to remain focused in the pursuit of his programmes.
Mamora who made the plea while speaking to newsmen in Abuja said, “it is good to hear the President reiterate his commitment to Nigerians, but he should not allow political hawks to either derail or distract him from implementing his planned programme of actions to Nigerians.
According to him, “these political sycophants will always be there, but I urge Mr President to remain focused. He should only listen to those who may be opposed to him but who are constructive in their criticisms as such criticisms are only meant to move this nation forward.’’
Mamora commended Jonathan ‘‘ for so far refusing to bow to any pressure group,” adding that “Mr President should also see his tenure as a continuation of late Umaru Yar’Adua’s administration, irrespective of some of the imperfections.
“There are legacies he should continue with like the electoral reform, issue of the amnesty and the power sector.
“He should particularly take the amnesty programme further because peace in the Niger Delta will ultimately translate into eternal peace across the nation,” he said.
Mamora, however, admonished the political elite to stop promoting “ primordial sentiment ’’ and engage in issue-based politics.
During his visit to Rivers State, Jonathan restated govern-ment’s resolve to develop the Niger Delta region and consolidate on the gains of the amnesty programme.
“The Federal Government is fully aware of the need for a properly coordinated follow-up on the amnesty programme to achieve the much-desired peace and prosperity in the Niger Delta region.
“ I am also not unmindful of the need for increased govern-ment efforts to improve the living conditions of our people, of social, infrastructural and human capital development in the region,” 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.