Politics
Uduaghan Indicts Council Chairmen Over Sanitation
Gov. Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta has indicted local government chairmen in the state for abandoning some of their statutory functions.
Specifically, he chided the councils’ chief executives for neglecting their duties of waste management and reminded them that such function fell under their purview.
Uduaghan made the remarks at the weekend in Asaba, while inaugurating 13 sanitation equipment purchased by the state government for its waste management board.
He said that it was a thing of regret that the local councils abandoned their sanitation duties for the state government.
The governor said, “In waste management matters, the state government is only there to assist the councils.”
He, therefore, urged the councils to rise up to their responsibilities and warned that severe sanction awaited erring councils.
Uduaghan also called on the private sector to assist the government in managing waste because “government alone cannot manage waste and there is money in waste management”.
He directed the state’s Ministry of Environment and the Waste Management Board to draw up a guideline for private sector participation in waste management in the state.
The governor said the major challenge facing proper waste management in the state was the lack of dumpsites and appealed to land owners to assist government by providing land for use as dumpsites.
He gave the assurance that no toxic waste would be dumped on any land, adding that the waste would be properly managed to prevent any form of environmental pollution.
He flayed the board for poor disposal of waste in the state, particularly at its dumpsites along the Asaba-Benin highway in Asaba and at the army barracks, Warri, which he described as eye sore.
Uduaghan charged the board to ensure that the dumpsites were properly managed, adding that residents should also desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the state.
“We would soon start prosecuting offenders, who dump refuse indiscriminately,” he said.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Environment, Dr Bello Orubebe said that the procurement of the equipment was imperative as using them would ensure sustainable waste management in the state.
Orubebe said that presently, solid waste generated in the state was being managed by the government and few individuals from the private sector.
He also said that the task of managing waste was herculean and required the active participation of all stakeholders, stressing that improved sanitation was critical to socio-economic development.
The commissioner said that the blockage of drainage through indiscriminate dumping of refuse was largely responsible for heavy flooding incidents being experienced in parts of the state.
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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