Politics
Lawyers Differ On National Assembly Structure
Some lawyers in Lagos have advocated the adoption of
unicameral legislature in Nigeria instead of the current bicameral legislature,
according to The Tide’s source.
Some of the lawyers
stressed that the adoption of unicameral legislature would reduce the cost of
governance; while others said that bicameral legislature was suitable for the
country.
The Chairman of the
Ikeja branch of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Mr Onyekachi Ubani, said
that the rebranding of the country ought to start with the legislative arm of
government via the adoption of unicameral assembly.
Ubani said that unicameral legislature would assist in
removing dead woods from governance, while addressing the issue of people who
received allowances without working for such allowances.
“If we really want the country to be run as efficient as
possible and if we want the citizens to enjoy the country’s democracy, the
system should be adopted,’’ he said.
Mr Bamidele Aturu, lawyer and human rights activist, said
that the legislative system which the country was currently operating was too
expensive and should be abolished.
He said that Nigerian politicians, especially the lawmakers,
should be allowed to have other jobs, adding that they should only receive
sitting allowance.
“It will reduce the fat allowances that are given to some
idle people who do not have much to do,’’ he said.
Aturu said that politics should not be viewed as a
money-making venture, adding that it should rather be a tool of nation
building.
In his opposing views, Mr Mike Ozekhome (SAN), stressed that
in developing countries such as Nigeria, bicameral legislature was very much
desirable.
He said that the only advantage of unicameral legislature
was that it reduces spending.
“In our legislature, the concept of Senate, which signifies
old age, and House of Representatives, which signifies youthful leadership, is
needed for the country’s progress.
“Such complimentary capacity of old age and youthful driving
force is needed to have a balanced economy,’’ he said.
Ozekhome stressed that the need to cut costs was not enough
to jettison bicameral legislature.
Also, Mr Fred Agbaje, another lawyer, said that the adoption
of unicameral legislature would give room to majority ethnic groups to dominate
the minorities, adding that people of minority groups are always displaced.
“The population of the country is very massive and its
representatives should not be put into one compartment,’’ he said.
Agbaje said that what Nigeria needed most was good
leadership that could manage the country’s resources and enhance the citizens’
living standards.
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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