Politics
‘Godfatherism Bane Of LG Administration’
The Edo Deputy Governor, Dr Pius Odubu, on Saturday attributed the underdevelopment of local council areas to godfathers who were being serviced with funds meant for its development.
Represented by the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Local Government Affairs, Mr. Victor Enoghama, Odubu stated this at Igarra Edo during the commissioning of projects executed by the Akoko-Edo Local Government Council.
The deputy governor said that money allocated to local governments was enough to change the lives of the people but for the activities of the godfathers, the situation of the people remained pathetic.
He said the only way that could be stopped was by not allowing imposition of candidates to run the affairs of the local government by the so called “Godfathers”
He added that suitable and qualified candidates, chosen by the people must be allowed to run the affairs of not just council areas but other political positions for the people to enjoy democratic dividends.
Odubu therefore urged the chairman to channel council funds into the betterment of the lives of the rural people.
“The government wants to be seen commissioning projects that would enhance the lives of the people. We want to see physical projects, not spiritual ones (projects that are only visible on papers).
“Time for servicing godfathers with council fund is over; you must complement the effort of the state government by channelling these funds into people oriented projects,” he stressed.
Ealier in his address, the Akoko-Edo council boss, Mr Akinola Agbaje, who acknowledged that government existed primarily to provide for the welfare of the people, said he had no choice than to do just that.
Agbaje, who is on acting capacity, said he was poised to remove the scourge of poverty and frustration from the people of the locality.
The projects commissioned were the projects faulted by the state government and executed by the ousted chairman of the council Johnson Emasealu.
Meanwhile, the commission of inquiry set up to look into the Emasealu’s tenure on Friday submitted its repot to the state government, where most of the projects executed were said to have been done in a shoddy manner.
It will be recalled that Emasealu was removed from office by the state governor, Mr Adams Oshiomhole in February 2010.
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.