Politics
Senators Reject Pay Cut In Salaries, Allowances
L-R: President Muhammadu Buhari (middle), former Head of State and Chairman of 2015 Election Peace Committee, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd)(4th left), Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (5th left), Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III (5th right), National President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor (4th right), John Cardinal Onaiyekan (3rd right) and other members of the committee, during their courtesy visit to President Buhari at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday . Photo: NAN
The Senate on Wednes
day rejected the reduction of its salaries and allowances as recommended by its Finance Committee.
The Tide learnt that the upper House of the National Assembly suspended consideration of the committee’s reports following sharp disagreements among members over the pay cut proposal.
The Finance Committee headed by Senator James Manager had recommended that the salaries and allowances of Senators be slashed to reflect the economic reality in the country.
The committee, it was learnt, also recommended the publication of all payments accruable to each senator on a quarterly basis.
However, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, at plenary, explained that “Senate in closed session deliberated on the report of the finance committee but agreed to stand it down for further legislative input”.
Throwing more light on the Senate’s decision, the senate’s spokesperson, Senator Dino Melaye, while addressing journalists after plenary, said further action on the report was put on hold because the Senate budget was an integral part of the National Assembly budget being jointly shared by seven bodies.
According to Melaye, “the Senate today in closed-door session discussed the report of the ad hoc committee on finances of the Senate.
“After due deliberations by the senators, we come to the conclusion that since the budget of the Senate is not independent of the budget of the National Assembly, the budget of the House of Representatives is also inclusive.
“We have the management, we have the National Institute for Legislative Studies; we have even the Public Conduct Commission; the National Assembly Civil Service Commission, and over 3,000 legislative aides, that are beneficiaries of the N120 bn annual budget.
“Therefore, we have agreed that we should consult amongst other arms that share the budget of the National Aseembly before we would draw conclusion on the report.
“So, the resolution is that we are going to interface with the House of Representatives so that we can be on the same page on the report as presented. This is the resolution of the senate today in a closed-door session”.
Boye Salau
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.