Politics
‘Jonathan Instituted True Democracy In Nigeria’
Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan instituted true democratic order in Nigeria through the conduct of free, fair and credible elections in 2015.
This was the assertion of a law teacher and legal practitioner, Mr. Chukwuma A. J. Chinwo during an interview with The Tide in Port Harcourt.
According to Mr. Chinwo, the then opposition party, the All Progressives Congress, APC , won the electios because of the then President’s deliberate decision not to interfere with the electoral process, regretting however that the APC has so far failed to build on the gain of that exercise.
He said that the social, political and economic crisis facing the country at the moment were attributed to the current administration’s inability to be humble enough to acknowledge the strengths of previous administrations and taking useful tips from them to forge a more enduring democratic culture and a better cohesive country.
According to the constitutional lawyer the issues facing the country today were general to all developing societies, noting however, that the method of handling the issues by the present government in power was the one creating the problem.
That in itself, he said, was a direct derivative of the inexperience of those handling the affairs of the country at the moment.
“We must face the truth, the majority of those who lead the federal government today are learning the ropes,” he said, adding that “this government should have been humble enough to appreciate the strengths of past governments, to understand how they managed crisis and adopted those things that are good and bring in their own ideas, if they have. But most unfortunately, President Muhammadu Buhari came in with the idea that everything was bad”.
The law teacher with the Rivers State University, RSU, submitted that even though many perceived former President Goodluck Jonathan as a weak leader, he had the strength to establish a strong and independent electoral system for the benefit of the country.
“I have heard people who argue that he was a weak President. But we need a weak leader to establish strong institutions. And he achieved that,” the constitutional lawyer noted, adding that the country had lost a lot because the present administration led by the APC had refused to build on that foundation.
“If this government had built on that, we could have achieved a lot of things but unfortunately, they did not build on that. So the government is stating a fresh. In starting a fresh, you’re going to hurt many people’, he said, adding that “they have hurt several people and not knowing how to address issues, have made those people think that you have the attitude of ‘go to hell”.
Going forward, Mr. Chinwo advised the federal government to “re organised its way of handling things for the good of Nigeria”.
Opaka Dokubo
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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