Politics
Group Moves To Promote Women’s Participation In Politics
Worried about poor participation of Niger Delta women in political leadership at the national, state and local levels, a non-governmental organisation, the Centre For Environment Human Rights And Development (CEHRD) has created a platform to facilitate mobilisation of community women for political participation.
The platform known as Women In Governance Network, (WIGN) was inaugurated recently in the 3 senatorial districts of Bayelsa State during town hall meetings organised by the Centre with support from the Embassy of The Netherlands in Nigeria.
The town hall meetings were attended by women from different communities, who were convinced that there is need for women to get involved in decision making at all levels.
David Vareba, who co-facilitated the town hall meetings with Queen Agba and Marsha Nwanne on behalf of CEHRD told to The Tide that the platform was necessitated by the need for a common space where women who have interest in political leadership could converge to harvest ideas.
He noted that the platform would help foster unity among women to enable them compete effectively with their male counterpart as far as politics was concerned.
He said that membership of the network cuts across all political formations, adding that they share the same objectives and goals of emerging as part of political decision makers in their localities.
Also at the townhall meeting held in Swali, near Yenagoa, Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, the participants commended CEHRD and the Dutch Embassy for the initiative, saying it is a welcome development.
They said in their communities, there are women who are interested in participating in politics, but do not have any idea how to begin.
The society, according to the women, is structured in such a way that governance, even at the community level, has become an exclusive right for the men folk.
“We therefore find this platform as a good opportunity for us to come together and form a formidable front to make impacts in politics”.
They expressed concern over marginalisation of women in politics, saying that it will no longer be condoned.
The women promised to use the platform to advance the campaign for the promotion of women participation in politics by encouraging women to boldly venture into politics. Members of the platform resolved to be having regular meetings to keep updating themselves on governance issues.
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.