Politics
INEC Backs Six-Year Single Term
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has thrown its weight behind the six years term proposed by President Goodluck Jonathan which has been forwarded to the National Assembly for consideration.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Rivers State Mr Aneidi Ikoiwak who stated this Thursday when he received an award of excellence from the Joint Assembly of Rivers Youths, said the proposal has its merits and demerits that should be given a chance.
According to him, “the idea of one single term of six years is a good idea, it has advantages and disadvantages”, stressing that some elected officers may want to use the single tenure to loot the treasury, but it would reduce godfatherism in politics.
Mr Ikoiwak also advocated that the National Assembly should make the process of recall more flexible to infuse fear on the executives to work for the development of their states.
He remarked that the provision to recall non-performing executive should not be rigorous but flexible, emphasizing that it would help to discourage corruption in the system.
Rivers INEC boss, advised that the federal lawmakers should provide in the constitution a provision to allow the people use simple majority of electorates to recall any non-performing governor.
He equally suggested the setting up of a commission to handle cases of electorate offences, as the regular courts are congested, noting that if people are not punished for the wrongs they do, the society will breed lawlessness.
To make future election better is to identify those that committed electoral offences during last elections and get them punished, he declared, adding that the exercise would go a long way to deepen the gains of democracy in Nigeria.
Earlier, the president of Joint Assembly of Rivers Youths Mr Gashon Bobmanuel Acho, said the body decided to honour Mr Aneidi Ikoiwak because of his hardwork in conducting a free, fair and credible election in Rivers State.
Mr Acho explained that Rivers INEC leadership was exemplary in being an umpire, noting that during the elections their members monitored proceedings and observed that the Resident Electoral Commissioner was in touch with all the local government areas.
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.