Politics
Group, Don Hail 8th NASS Performance
The Centre for Change Initiative, a civil society organisation, yesterday commended the performance of the outgoing 8th National Assembly, saying it exceeded the performances of the previous National Assembly sessions.
The president of the organisation, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, disclosed this to newsmen in Lagos while assessing the performance of the 8th Assembly.
The Assembly, which was inaugurated on June 9, 2015 adjourned its legislative activities indefinitely last Thursday after four years.
The life of the 8th senate stood officially dissolved on the midnight of June 8 to pave way for the inauguration of the 9th Assembly on June 11.
Okei-Odumakin said that the 8th assembly had done averagely well in the last four years.
“Judging by the number of bills, interventions and civic engagements the 8th National Assembly can be adjudged as having done averagely well.
“It can be said to have exceeded the previous sessions of the NASS.
“That, nonetheless, does not mean that the assembly did not live, without some of its own shortcomings, “she said.
Okei-Odumakin urged the incoming assembly to consolidate on the achievements of the 8th assembly.
“The 8th NASS should engage in legislative actions that will impact positively on the lives of our people, “ she said.
Similarly, A Professor of Political Science, Femi Otubanjo, last Saturday hailed the performance of the outgoing 8th National Assembly, saying that it had by and large, fulfilled its constitutional obligation to protect the public interest.
Otubanjo, Dean, Faculty of Arts, Management and Social Sciences at Chrisland University, Abeokuta, gave the commendation in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
Otubanjo said that the 8th Assembly had done fairly well in the last four years.
“Whenever the National Assembly fulfills its constitutional obligations, there is the tendency to perceive it as being antagonistic to the Executive.
“The Legislature is not supposed to be in constant agreement with the Executive; rather, being co-equal arms of government, they are to work together for the common good.
“Disagreements about policies and implementation strategies will abound.
“Trump is constantly at loggerheads with the US Congress while Theresa May has just resigned as the British Prime Minister, after failing to get the British Parliament to support her Brexit proposals.
“The legislature has the power of oversight on the executive, such as approving the budget, confirming key appointments, and so on. These are massive powers.
“The legislature is a very important institution and in discharging its duties, it will occasionally step on the toes of the executive.
“We need to congratulate them for discharging their duties as they should and standing up to the executive, That is not to say that all of those disagreements were beneficial to the public, but that would be a subject of study,’’ the don said.
Otubanjo, however, advised the incoming National Assembly to emulate the 8th assembly in upholding its autonomy.
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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