Politics
‘National Confab ‘ll Resolve Issues’
A former Chairman of
Ogbia Local Government Council of Bayelsa State and a stalwart of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Innocent Kaku, has charged the people of the Niger Delta region to use the opportunity offered by the national conference to resolve issues affecting the area.
Chief Kaku stated this in an interview with newsmen at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, shortly on arrival from Abuja.
He noted that the conference was like a town hall meeting, where opinions would be freely expressed, problems of different dimensions would be addressed and resolutions adopted to enable the country forge ahead in a more coherent manner.
Chief Kaku advised all Nigerians to avail themselves of the avenue created by President Goodluck Jonathan to participate in the conference by making their contributions directly or through their reprsentatives.
“People should stop complaining of time, lack of adequate representation and focus discussion on issues affecting us because not all of us will go there; someone must represent and speak for us”, he said.
The former local government boss lauded the President for the courage in taking a bold step to convocate the conference and ensure that the yearnings of Nigerians were met.
He condemned those that criticized former President Olusegun Obasanjo for coming to commission projects in Rivers State, insisting that anybody can be called upon to commission projects and that Obasanjo came as a friend to Governor Amaechi to come and witness what he has done.
“There is nothing absolutely wrong with a personality like former president to come and visit his son to see his projects”, Chief Kaku said.
On his next step as a politician, the PDP stalwart declared, “my ambition for now is to ensure that President Jonathan emerges victorious in the 2015 election, we are working for the re-election and that is my interest for now, after that, whatever comes my way, I will take”.
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.