Politics
REC Seeks Open Screening Of INEC Commissioners
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Cross River, Mr Mike Igini, has called for open screening of electoral commissioner nominees in the country.
Igini made the call in Calabar at a two-day zonal media conference and stakeholders meeting on the review of the 1999 Constitution for the South-South geo-political zone.
According to him, open screening is necessary to give the citizens opportunity to know the nominees and assess their integrity.
“I recommend screening of INEC commissioner nominees by the senate should be done in the open rather than the present screening by committees.
“This will afford Nigerians the opportunity of assessing the nominees and know their true identity,‘’ he said.
He said that one the problems facing the electoral process was the question of integrity of members of the electoral commissioners.
Earlier, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr Larry Odey, said the media represented critical factor in the growth of democracy and good governance.
“No serious society can downplay the role of the media; I find it convenient to say that you are the people’s parliament,‘’ he said.
Represented by Mr Ngim Okpo, the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Odey said the House would continue to work with the media in the realisation of its goals.
Mr Akin Akingbulu, the Executive Director, Institute for Media and Society, said the media network on review of the constitution had made several proposals to the committee.
Akingbulu said that the 1999 Constitution provided for freedom of expression for all citizens “but neither of the section provides specifically for the media’’.
He said that the network had sent a memorandum on “media independence, freedom of expression and access to information’’ to the review committee.
He enjoined the media to always propagate the ideals in the interest of the profession.
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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