Politics
Lawan, Others Seek Political Inclusion For Persons With Disabilities
In commemoration of the 2019 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), Senate President Ahmad Lawan, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha, and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Sadiya Umar Farouq, have advocated for the full inclusion of disabled Nigerians into the country’s political process.
The call comes as the Federal Government constitutes a peoples’ parliament for persons with disabilities, with the inauguration and first sitting of the special body’s elected executives.
Speaking in Abuja yesterday at the event titled ‘Promoting the Participation of Persons With Disabilities and their Leadership: Taking Action on the 2030 Development Agenda’, Lawan said People With Disabilities should be accorded the pride of place in society, and maintained that most of them possess tremendous skill and potential which the country is currently is need of.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Women Affairs, Betty Apiafi, representing Lawan at the occasion, said that “the disabled people in Nigeria are indeed very capable with tremendous abilities and should not be overlooked.
“Disabled people have sound minds and abilities and therefore must be given all the support they deserve. We are happy that the Disability Bill has been signed into law. We believe that with new technology we will surely make it easier for people with disabilities to be propelled into participating in leadership and be more involved in all strata of our economy.”
On his part, Mustapha lamented that the mortality rate among PWDs was becoming unbearable, reminding listeners that they are saddled with many challenges.
Delivering Mustapha’s message, the Permanent Secretary, SGF, Amina Shamakin, said: “PWDs always face physical, social and economic barriers that exclude them from participating fully as equal members of society. The rate of mortality among them is also considered to be quite high.”
On the establishment of the PWD parliament, Humanitarian Minister Farouq said the body would create a sense of belonging for disabled Nigerians as they contribute to the country’s political and socioeconomic decision making process.
“My ministry will continue to collaborate with various stakeholders and partners to implement all stipulations of this act on the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition). We will be disability sensitive in supporting and guaranteeing a conducive environment towards promoting their participation in all political activities.”
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.