Politics
…Reject Motion To Change Name Of Apo Legislators’ Quarters
The House of Representatives on Wednesday rejected a motion urging the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to change the Name, “Apo Legislators Quarters” to reflect current realities.
This followed a motion by Rep. Segun Adekola (PDP-Ekiti) at plenary.
Adekola explained that the motion was borne out of compassion for new legislators who passed through difficult experiences before they could get befiting accommodation.
Adekola said in 2004, the Federal Executive Council mandated the Federal Capital Territory Administration to sell all Federal Government non-essential houses in Abuja.
He said this included the Apo Quarters which was sold to Legislators occupying houses at the time under specific rules and guidelines.
He expressed concern over the challenging experiences new legislators were subjected to in their quest to get decent accommodation in the FCT.
The lawmaker stressed that this was due to the sale of the quarters originally built to accommodate them.
Adekola further expressed concern over the continuous use of the name “Apo Legislative Quarters” in describing the place, when in actual fact, most of the houses were no longer being occupied by legislators.
According to him, it has since changed hands due to sales to third or even to a fourth party.
He said there was the need to protect and uphold the sanctity of the legislature by putting in place, a corrective measure to address the ugly trend and distortion of fact.
He, therefore, called for change of the name, as over 80 per cent of the inhabitants of the quarters were not legislators.
“Legislature is the distinctive mark of a country’s sovereignty.
“The index of its status as a state and the source of much of the power exercised by the executive arm of government in the administration of the country.
“The legislature is the bedrock of any government, being an institution which represents the common and collective interests of the citizens.
(It is exercised) “through the enactment of laws and the exercise of oversight functions on the activities of the executive arm of government.
“In June 2003, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, based on the recommendation of a committee headed by the then Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ufot Ekaette directed that the fringe benefits of all public and political office holders be monetised,”
Contributing to the motion,
Rep. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta (PDP-Abia) sought a new prayer to the motion to ensure that FCTA urgently provided befitting quarters and set aside for serving legislators.
The Deputy Speaker, Yussuff Lasun, asked the mover of the motion to withdraw it, as many former members still resided in the quarters.
He said that the name of the place had no bearing on how the parliament performed.
Also, the Deputy Chief Whip, Mr Pally Iriase, said that the world over, monuments were maintained for historical purposes.
He said that though many members no longer resided in the quarters, the name was a point of history that should be preserved for historical purposes.
Rep. Johnson Agbonayinma (APC-Edo said that the quarters lost its status as a national monument, the moment it was monetised and lost its initial function and status.
The motion was unanimously rejected by members when it was put to a voice vote by the Speaker, Mr Yakubu Dogara.
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.
-
Opinion5 days ago
Ozoro Festival: Tradition or Tyranny?
-
News2 days ago
Decentralizing Pipeline Surveillance Poses Greater Dangers To Niger Delta …. Group Warns
-
Politics2 days agoAPC Resumes Electronic Membership Registration Nationwide
-
Rivers2 days agoCourt Rules Out Interim Administration In Jumbo House, Bonny
-
Politics5 days ago
RIVERS WOMEN RALLY SUPPORT, CONTINUOUS PRAYERS FOR TINUBU
-
Politics5 days ago
AKPABIO, DIRI, OBOREVWORI, OTHERS VOW TO REELECT TINUBU …AS GIADOM RETAINS APC ZONAL CHAIR
-
Business2 days ago33 Banks Raise N4.65tn As Recapitalisation Ends
-
Politics5 days ago
Viral 2027 Nomination Forms Price List Fake, Misleading – APC