Politics
C’River Political Appointees Get Order To Quit
All political appointees in the cabinet of Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State have been directed to resign their appointments this month if they have political ambition.
Governor Imoke who gave the directive while addressing PDP caucus members in Calabar, explained that the need for the appointees to get out was guided by the law to enable them get safe landing in the political ambition.
Imoke told the caucuses that they have a crucial duty to play in the success of the party in the forthcoming elections and assured them of maximum cooperation in the efforts to move PDP to next level of political victory.
Members of the caucus pledged their preparedness to ensure the success of the party in the forthcoming elections while pleading that decisions taken by them should be upheld by the party.
They also commended Governor Imoke for enlarging the caucus and empowering them with the responsibility of selecting and presenting credible candidates and assured that they would neither present cultists nor people with questionable character.
Ntufam Ekpo Okon, State Chairman of PDP in an introductory address, explained that membership of the party caucus which is broad based, was selected on merit with the view of maintaining unity of the party and enjoined members to be steadfast and avoid the habit of jumping ship only to return when they fail in other parties as it will not be tolerated again.
Okon warned against indiscipline in the party, especially at the chapter level, where some have parallel executive, warning that the party leadership will not tolerate such issues.
He said party caucus is not new in Cross River as it is not just an organisation to select candidates, but also provide grounds for good leadership, harmonise the activities of the party, realise its purposes, guide in picking candidates that meet the desires of the people as 2011 is not 2007, and called on them to look for acceptable candidates because they do not represent their wards but the ideals of the party.
The chairman disclosed that members must possess sterling qualities that can unite the party and the people as their decisions should move the party forward with collective interest and not be seen as representatives of groups or factions while women should be encouraged to participate in politics as well as vie for elective posts.
Membership of the party caucus includes serving and past members of the legislature, at national, state and local government levels, state and chapter executives, members of the State Executive Council, National Officers of the party, party stalwarts, political office holders and members of boards and parastatals.
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.