Politics
Freedom Of Religion, Nigerians’ Constitutional Right -Abe
The Senator representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Magnus Abe, has declared that every Nigerian has the constitutional right to practise any religion of his choice.
Abe, who made the declaration while speaking at the 2019 Bob Marley Day Celebration, which was held in Rumuomasi, Port Harcourt, said, “In this country, we believe in freedom of religion, people are free to practise their faith and every Nigerian is protected by our constitution in the practice of their own faith as long as you harm no one.
“What I see you doing here, you are promoting music, you are promoting the art, you are celebrating your culture and you are celebrating one of the icons of black consciousness, Bob Marley and I proudly want to associate myself with what you represent here.
“I congratulate and thank you for inviting me and like I said, next year, if it holds again in Port Harcourt, I will like to be here to celebrate with you.”
The Senator noted that Nigerians pay huge amount of money to watch the Notting Hill Carnival in London but don’t find it necessary to watch such carnivals in their own country; but said “I have been promising to come here but today I am finally here in person. Let me say that I am very happy to be here to encourage you and to stand with you and let people see me here.
“If this were to be the Notting Hill Carnival in London, Nigerians will pay money from everywhere to go there and go and honour them, but because it’s happening in Rumuomasi in Port Harcourt, everybody will look and do as if something wrong is going on here. What is going on here is music, art, and God.”
Earlier in his remarks, leader of Rastafarians in Nigeria, Ras Edu Dickson, thanked Senator Abe for honouring them with his presence, saying, “Truth has never been hidden, here comes the truth, our father, our brother, our everything, as he has honoured the Rastaman.”
Dennis Naku
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.