Politics
Group Tasks Lawmakers On People-Oriented Legislation, Projects
The South East Yagba Development Association (SEYDA) has urged the newly-elected lawmakers in their constituency to push legislations and projects that would add value to the lives of the people.
The Chairman of SEYDA, Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye, gave the advise at a Reception held in honour of two elected representatives in both State and National Assemblies, at Ife-Olukotun, in Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi.
According to Enikanolaiye, God has now placed the duo in positions of heavy responsibility and authority to decipher, aggregate and push legislations that will add value to the lives of our people.
“History will judge you very harshly if you fail to deliver on your mandate.
“History will not be kind to you if you refuse to seize this rare opportunity to write your names in gold or be consigned to the dustbin of history. The choice is entirely yours to make or mar.
“I urge you to make that choice today with keen eyes on history and to seek to leave indelible marks on the sands of time,” he advised.
He, therefore, urged the lawmakers to stay engaged with the people and not betray the trust reposed in them by the downtrodden people of South East Yagba District and Yagba State and Federal Constituency.
He added: “Let it be said that you came and captured the imagination of our people with the quality of representation you have given to them.
“Let your voices be heard clean, loud and clear on the side of what will best serve the interests and aspirations of our people.
“Just as our people were mobilized to elect you into the two Parliaments, do not take the trust of the people for granted”.
He stressed that enduring politics was all about people and not about self aggrandisement, saying they should increase their quest for accountability as people would remain vigilant.
He further advised the parliamentarians to hold regular consultations with the people from time to time through Town Hall meetings to know the mood and minds of their constituents.
He, however, assured the lawmakers of their unstinting support, cooperation and prayers of the association for their success ‘which is our collective success.
The chairman thanked the traditional rulers and all other stakeholders for their support, while commending the SEYDA members for extending the tenure of the present excos for two years.
Enikanolaiye, who is the Director, National Geopolitical Affairs, National Defence College, Abuja, and Former Perm. Sec., Ministry of Foreign Affairs, further advised the youths to take education very seriously and be hard working, saying “education remaink a veritable part for development”.
In his remarks, the Patron of SEYDA, Chief Sunmonu Asani, urged the two lawmakers and the people to be more united and corporate with one another to bring development to their area.
He called for the establishment of cottage industries that would boost the socioeconomic activities of the area and generate employment for the youths.
Earlier, Chief Jibril Yusuf, who delivered a key note address at the event, noted that over the years a number of developments had taken place which had changed the political, physical and even economic characteristics of the district.
He stressed that the area had witnessed development economically, as many big time business people had emerged, saying “the biggest poultry farm land in Kogi is domiciled in the area in Pinyon community”.
Yusuf urged Abejide to sponsor a bill that would change the name of Federal University Lokoja to Sunday Awoniyi Federal University Lokoja, saying Awoniyi was an icon that should be immortalised.
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.