Politics
Youth’s Leader Tasks Politicians Over Exploitation
The PDP Youth Leader in Gombe State, Mr.
Kabiru Bappa-Jauro, has appealed to politicians to desist from using the youth
to achieve their selfish ambitions.
Bappa-Jauro made the plea in an interview
with newsmen in Gombe on Tuesday.
“They should treat the youths the way they
would treat their own brothers. They shouldn’t use them for any political
vengeance; for political destruction because if you use them you are opening
the way for others to join them and you don’t know who it will be tomorrow,
maybe it’s your own brother that will join them tomorrow.
“So my own advice is when you see them, try
to comfort them; try to show them how important they are and how much the
society needs their services.
“We have to put our heads together; all
over the world the major problem is youths.”
Bappa-Jauro said the Youth Empowerment
Programme of the government aimed at making youths self-reliant, was a step in
the right direction.
According to him, the steps taken by the
State Government will transform the young people in the state and make them
useful to the society.
He said most of the thugs, known as ‘Kalare
boys’, were young people who unconsciously became political tools in the hands
of politicians during the previous administration.
The youth leader said during the swearing
in of Dankwambo, he promised to clear all Kalare activities in the state by
empowering them.
“Dankwambo is aware of the whole problems;
we want to show the whole world what his Excellency is doing pertaining to youth
empowerment and development.
“There was an appeal by his Excellency that
the youths should drop their arms so that they will be rehabilitated. They
answered the call.”
The Tide’s source reports that at least
1,200 youths who renounced hooligarism on Tuesday began training in various
skills acquisition programmes organised by the state government.
The training is holding at the National
Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp, Malam Sidi, Kwami Local Government
Area 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.