Politics
2015: Jega Tasks INEC Staff
The Chairman of the
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega has charged the staff of the electoral body to be more proactive in the conduct of the 2015 general elections in the country.
Jega who made the call in his keynote address at a one-day retreat organised by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for its staff, at Songhai Farm, Rivers State, also disclosed that Nigerians would not forgive the electoral body if the 2015 elections turn out to be a sham.
Represented by the Supervisory National Commissioner in-charge of INEC in Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, Barrister (Mrs) Thelma Iremiren, Jega said credible elections that would be generally accepted by Nigerians is not negotiable in 2015.
He, therefore, advised officers and staff of the electoral body to give their best during the 2015 general elections in the country.
In his own speech, the Resident Electoral Commissioner of Rivers State, Hon. Aniedi Ikoiwak, said the retreat, which had as its theme “Refreshing on Election Responsibilities of INEC Staff Perspectives”, was to sensitise the staff of the commission on how to perform their electoral duties without bias and favouritism during and after the electioneering period.
He implored all the participants to use the retreat for a complete turn-around, saying the commission had set for itself a tall order to be one of the best electoral bodies in the world.
Some of the participants who spoke to our correspondent described the retreat as timely and a wake-up call towards making the 2015 elections a success.
Also in attendance were the Resident Electoral Commissioner of Cross Rivers State, Barr. Mike Igini and other top-ranking electoral officers of the commission.
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.