Politics
Senate Exit: Saraki, Ekweremadu, Ortom Extol Mark
The Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, his Deputy, Chief Ike Ekweremadu, and Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, yesterday, paid glowing tribute to the former Senate President, Senator David Mark, for his meritorious service to his constituents and the country, as the latter exits from the Senate after 20 years.
In their separate goodwill messages to Mark at a thanksgiving mass at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, Otukpo, Benue State, yesterday, Saraki, Ekweremadu, Ortom and others, described Mark as an icon and patriotic leader in the contemporary Nigeria.
A statement by the media assistant to David Mark, Paul Mumeh, said that the thanksgiving was to mark the former Senate president’s exit from the Senate after 20 years.
It said that specifically, Saraki noted that his predecessor has set a record as the longest serving Senator since 1999, the longest serving president of the Senate and referred to him as an officer and a gentleman.
He said: “Senator Mark was our own equivalent of the US Senators Robert C. Byrd (51 years, five months, 26 days), Daniel K. Inouye (49 years, 11 months and 15 days), Strom Thurmond (47 years, five months, eight days), Ted Kennedy (46 years, nine months, 19 days), and Patrick J. Leahy (44 years) in terms of institutional memory that he embodies”.
Saraki acknowledged that Mark remains a stabilizing force in or out of the chamber pointing out that he remains relevant even when he left the position of the primus inter pares in the Senate.
According to Saraki, “while Senator Mark’s record in the Senate remains unbeaten, it is necessary to mention that he is a bridge builder and consummate politician. My colleagues and I in the 8th Senate, appreciate his humility, brilliance and patriotism”.
In his tribute, Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu underscored the leadership qualities of Mark, and added, “Your place of honour as a fine, perceptive, detribalized, patriotic, astute leader and a true democrat is unarguable and unshakable.
Besides leading the National Assembly to break the jinx of constitutional amendments and the successful electoral reforms, Ekweremadu added, “your capacity as a wise, experienced, patriotic and true statesman manifested at a very trying time in the nation’s history when you guided the National Assembly to invoke the Doctrine of Necessity to steer the country away from palpable constitutional crisis”.
In his remarks, Governor Samuel Ortom, noted: “Your quality representation and indefatigable leadership in the Senate brought stability to the system and added enormous value to democracy.
“I am proud to identify with you for your selfless services to the state and the nation as well as providing mentorship to upcoming leaders”.
Responding, an elated Mark expressed appreciation to his people for the opportunity to serve, promising to continue to work for peace and unity of Nigeria.
In his homily, the Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, Most Rev Kenneth Odeh described Mark as an icon of inestimable value, saying that his contributions to the development of Nigeria cannot be wished away.
Odeh urged Nigerian politicians to emulate Mark’s selfless service to the country.
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.
-
News3 days ago
Decentralizing Pipeline Surveillance Poses Greater Dangers To Niger Delta …. Group Warns
-
Politics3 days agoAPC Resumes Electronic Membership Registration Nationwide
-
Rivers3 days agoCourt Rules Out Interim Administration In Jumbo House, Bonny
-
Business3 days ago33 Banks Raise N4.65tn As Recapitalisation Ends
-
Politics3 days agoAlleged Coup: Protests Rock N’Assembly As Detained Officers’ Children, Wives Demand Justice
-
Nation3 days agoNile University Hosts ICA Nigeria First National Confab On Global Communication
-
Sports3 days ago
Lewandowski Leads Top Stars Missing From W/Cup Roll Call
-
Sports3 days agoPara Games: Team Rivers Wins 53 Medals On Day 5 … Director Praise Athletes