Politics
2015: Group Urges Jonathan To Re-Contest
Youths in the oil-rich Niger Delta region, have urged President Goodluck Jonathan and Vice President, Namadi Sambo to go ahead and recontest the Presidency come 2015.
The youths under the aegis of Niger Delta Youth Coalition (NDYC) said the nation, as at present, still needed the peaceful disposition of the duo and their sustained effort towards peaceful development of Nigeria and its nascent democracy.
National Co-ordinator of NDYC, Prince Emmanuel Ogba who stated this while addressing newsmen at Port Harcourt International Airport Omagwa, last Saturday noted that the level- headedness and wisdom of the President and his vice had saved the country from possible break-up due to the Boko Haram sect’s activities and commended them for their enduring spirit and maturity.
“We have seen sustained stability in the distribution and availability of petroleum products, a good sign which began with the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua with Jonathan as then Vice President, we have seen sustained and improved power supply,” the co-ordinator said and also lauded the duo for what he described as dogged fight against terrorism.
The group also remarked” we have seen democracy deepened under President Jonathan’s administration,” we have seen a better Nigeria.”
Prince Ogba, who believed that President Jonathan’s successes should be consolidated, appealed to Nigerians irrespective of tribal, religious and political differences, to add their voices in urging President Jonathan to recontest in the next presidential election to enable him consolidate on the laudable progress so far made.
NDYC frowned at the recent revelation that 83 per cent of oil blocks in the country were owned by northerners while the Niger Delta, the goose that lays the golden egg own less than 17 per cent.
“What a shame and injustice; he queried and reiterated the group’s stand for 100 per cent resource control for all regions as they contribute to the nation’s economy while the central government pays taxes to host communities stressing that resource control would be in the interest of all regions and not only the Niger Delta.
Reacting to the recent killing of seven foreign nationals in Nigeria by Boko Haram sect, NDYC condemned the act, and backed the President’s stand not to withdraw JTF from the troubled parts of the North ravaged by the sect activities and also suggested that instead of withdrawing the JTF, it should be urged to now begin massive combing of the troubled spots by JTF.
“If the north which is the problem area fronting the so called faceless Boko Haram sect are tired of being Nigerians, it should be allowed to go on its own and let peace reign for those Nigerians that still have faith in the Nigerian project;” Ogba said.
Chris Oluoh
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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