Politics
UNEP Reports: APC,MOSOP Laud Buhari …As Group Faults FG’s Move
Member representing Asari-Toru Constituency II in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Enemi George (middle), conferring with his Akuku-Toru Constituency I counterpart, Hon. Granville Wellington (left) and the member for Etche Constituency II, Hon. Tony Ejiogu, during a sitting in Port Harcourt, recently. Photo: Chris Monyanaga
Following the recent ap
proval and directive by the Federal Government to fast-track the long delayed implementation of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) Report on the environmental restoration of Ogoniland, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) have commended President Muhammadu Buhari for fulfilling his electioneering promises to the Ogoni people.
The party, in a statement on Wednesday, said the move by the Federal Government was a confirmation of the party’s earlier position that President Buhari means well for the Niger Delta as a whole and Ogoniland in particular.
According to the statement, “It further gives credence to the saying that a good friend is by far better than a bad brother.
‘’ For 6 years that President Goodluck Jonathan was in the saddle as President of Nigeria with full executive powers, he ignored the UNEP Report for the cleaning of Ogoniland. The former nation’s leadership carried on as if Ogoniland was not part of the Niger Delta. But today, just 68 days into his administration, President Muhammadu Buhari has demonstrated that with strong will, love and honesty of purpose, nothing is impossible to achieve.’’
The statement signed by the state Publicity Secretary of APC, Chris Finebone, said the move by the present administration shows that the modest contribution to the development of the Niger Delta so far had been championed by those outside of the region.
Finebone said the party was convinced that history will generously accord pride of place to President Buhari, former governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and Senator Magnus Abe “whose audacious decision to lead the state into the APC has now brought succour to Ogoniland, just as it will bring to the entire Niger Delta.”
Also, the President of MOSOP , Legborsi Degbara and the President of Ogoni Central Indigenous Authority, Dr. Goodluck Diibo, commended the Federal Government for its recent move to fast-tract the implementation of the UNEP reports and clean up the areas.
Degbara in a statement said the move by the federal government was commendable and goes to show that the Ogonis are being remembered in the present administration .
Dr. Diigbo also lauded the move but noted that the government’s fast-track actions ignored the report’s technical demands.
According to him, “Even though the report remains disputed, many of EIAS measures investigated, and clarified in the report, are missing.
”Buhari may have a good intention, but, his expressed intentions might deepen old wounds. For instance, Buhari avoided specific mention of recommendations by UNEP, including Ogoniland Environmental Restoration Authority, Environmental Restoration Fund for Ogoniland, A Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, among others, and even, $1billion, considered grossly inadequate for take-off, is now missing.”
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.