Politics
LG Boss Dissolves Electricity Committee
The Caretaker Committee Chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, Rev. Francis Ada Ebenezer has dissolved the Ogu Electricity Committee with immediate effect, warning that henceforth, anybody caught vandalising or stealing government properties in the area would face the full wrath of the law.
Ebenezer, who handed down the warning during a Town Hall Meeting at Ogu on Monday, said it was unfortunate that some persons suspected to be indigenes of the community carried out this act during the period he was screened and sworn-in just to undermine his administration.
He described them as enemies of progress whose antics were to draw back the hand of development in the area by plunging their own community in total darkness.
He advised those behind the devilish act to have a rethink, saying the electricity committee has not briefed him of what went wrong with the Ogu electricity problems where transformers, armored cables, wires, insulators among others were damaged.
The CTC boss hinted that it has become imperative to set-up a new Electricity Committee to ensure constant power supply and protection of electrical equipment in the area.
He appealed to the people to always protect government project, and expressed his desire to ensure equal distribution of dividends of democracy.
Also speaking, the Amanyanabo of Ogu, King Nicholas Dickson Ibiebele Nimenibo, Loko IX, described the level of stealing in the community as alarming and called on parents to advise their children and wards to desist forthwith.
In their separate speeches, the Leader of Peoples Democratic Party in the Area, Senator George Thompson Sekibo and the Chairman, Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs, Chief Lawrence Abiebiari Egbelekpiki condemned the magnitude of damage of the electrical facilities and called for concerted efforts to flush out the culprits.
Highlight of the occasion was the briefing on the out-come of the reconciliation meeting between Ogu community and kporo people of Eleme Local Government Area presided over by the Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike on Saturday at Government House.
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.