Politics
NASS To Enact Law On Workers Safety
The National Assembly will soon come out with a law to ensure that work places are safe for employees.
Already, the bill christened “Work Place Safety Bill” is before the Senate for final consideration as soon as it re-convenes in September.
Senator Wilson Ake representing Rivers East Senatorial District disclosed this in an interview with The Tide correspondent at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa.
Senator Ake, sponsor of the bill, explained that when passed into law, it will mandate work places or employers to take the responsibility of ensuring the safety of their workers more seriously as well as compensate those who may sustain injury.
According to Senator Ake, who is also the chairman, Committee on Employment, Labour and Productivity, the bill described as “Workers Friendly Bill” will be one of the fastest to be considered when we come back”, adding that the bill will make workers build confidence in their work places and promote competence and high productivity.
Similarly, he hinted that a bill on kidnapping is receiving attention from the Senate just as the Senate had raised a motion against kidnapping, which he noted, is a criminal offence that attracts severe disciplinary measure.
The bill, Senator Ake said has gone through the first reading, stating that the Senate had earlier called for a national summit on the general security of the country.
“We believe that within a short period, everything will be put in place because the president himself is highly concerned about the menace called kidnap. The executive arm is taking some steps to ensure that this menace is drastically reduced”, he stressed.
The lawmaker observed that most people involving in criminal activities attribute it to lack of employment but argued that “that is not enough reason for them to involve in risky actions that might ruin their lives and others.”
Acknowledging that it is the responsibility of the government to provide jobs for its citizens, Senator Ake reminded Nigerian youths that the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has elaborate plan for those who wish to acquire skills to be self-employed and enjoined them to avail themselves of the opportunity to engage in meaningful activities and ventures.
Shedie Okpara
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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