Politics
Rep Defends Jonathan On Fuel Pump Price
Against the backdrop of the suit filed by some eminent Nigerians, praying the court to declare the hike in the pump price of the fuel by the Federal Government illegal and compel President Goodluck Jonathan to revert to N65 pr litre, a member of the House of Representatives has risen in stout defence of the President’s action.
While commenting on the suit, the member, Hon. Maurice Pronen, who represents Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency of Rivers State, said it was imperative for President Jonathan to act the way he acted because the economic indices on ground favoured it, and any one in his shoes would do likewise.
Some eminent Nigerians seeking to revert the pump price from N79 to N65, led by renowned constitutional lawyer, Prof Ben Nwabueze, Leader of Nigeria Advanced Party (NAP), Dr Tunji Braithwaite and former Finance Minister and World Bank Economist, Dr Kalu Idika Kalu, filed the suit penultimate week.
But Hon Pronen said, “Looking at the situation now, it’s imperative to go the way we’re going – N97. Government is magnanimous to bring it down to N97 (from the N141 the government increased it to initially)”.
Pronen, who spoke with The Tide, added, “The understanding between the President and labour that brought about the N79 per litre price regimes is commended.
“As far as I’m concerned, it’s a good concession by the Federal Government, because as far as this subsidy issue is concerned, my heart goes with the populace that has to bear the pains but my mind goes along with the government for the subsidy removal”.
He expressed the belief that the Federal Government is not out to inflict pains on the populace, saying that it is in the best interest of the nation to subsidise consumption.
He explained that subsidy removal is a hard decision to make, hence successive administrations had shied away from it, saying that President Jonathan should be commended for his courage in making such a decision, rather than being castigated directly or indirectly, because “if we don’t take decision, we’ll be compelled some day to suffer the effect of not taking this decision”.
He therefore appealed to the eminent citizens to “thread softly on the issue”, and the masses, not to do any thing untoward to sabotage the efforts of the government at putting lasting smiles on the faces of Nigerians as every one is feeling the pains of deregulation.
“Big men suffer it most economically…The measure of your pocket is equivalent to the measure of your expenses; the more that comes into your pocket, the more exit it has”, he said.
The House of Reps’ member however sympathised with those who have no source of income but still has to cope with the pains of deregulation which is one of the points on which the eminent citizens hinged their suit.
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.