Politics
Jonathan, PDP Govs, NASS Leadership Meet Over 2012
President Goodluck Jonathan recently met with the leadership of the National Assembly and PDP governors to review the implementation of the administration’s programmes in 2012.
The Tide’s source reports that the review meeting, also attended by the PDP leadership, lasted for over three hours at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Speaking to State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Mr Olisa Metuh, said the meeting deliberated on national issues; x-rayed the year 2012; and projections for 2013.
“We want to assure Nigerians that the PDP is ready and able to satisfy the aspirations of Nigerians. We are going to produce, a lot of reforms and innovations in the New Year to ensure that the people of Nigeria will be happy with the party in government.”
On the nature of the reforms to be expected in 2013, Metuh said President Jonathan would unfold the nature and structure of the reform programmes in his New Year nationwide broadcast to the nation.
“We will await the President to unfold it, the President is going to address Nigerians in the New Year, and the National Assembly will make their own position clear in the New Year. We will await the leaders of the country to make their position clear.”
Metuh dismissed insinuations that the PDP instigated the de-registration of some political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
“It is normal in a football match, when there is a winning team, the losing team will always accuse the referee of being bias; we are not the referees; we are not the arbiter; we are part of the team; we are playing in the field; we listened like them and we await the decision of INEC; and we will abide with the decision of INEC; it is an independent body.”
Also speaking to the correspondents on the outcome of the meeting, the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Sen. Joy Emordi, said the meeting discussed the 2013 budget as passed by the National Assembly.
On the omission of the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the 2013 budget as passed by the National Assembly, she said: “I don’t think that there is a problem because we are looking at all the features of the budget.”
Also speaking on the meeting, Benue Governor Gabriel Suswam said the meeting was important to enable them feel the pulse of the President on issues concerning the nation and the party.
“So, all that we discussed here among the President, the Governors and the Party is how we can bound the party together. If we have that bonding together, all the seeming misunderstanding, some of them are artificial anyway will be resolved.
“And that will create a better room and enabling environment for all of us at all levels to provide better leadership for this country, which is what I think is very important for this country at this point in time.”
Suswam expressed optimism that the reform programmes of the PDP-led Federal Government would continue to yield fruits in the years ahead.
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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