Politics
Gov Masari Signs N244.8bn 2020 Budget Into Law
Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State, yesterday, signed the state’s N244.8 billion 2020 budget into law.
The budget, which was tagged “Budget of Reflection and Progress”, was aimed at ensuring the continuation of the restoration agenda and policies of the administration.
Mr Masari said at a ceremony in Katsina that government would continue to ensure that its programmes impacted positively on the lives of the people within available resources.
“We are for all people, including those in the opposition and those without parties, we will live up to our oath of office to provide governance to all,” he said.
He urged members of the state House of Assembly to intensify efforts toward conducting oversight functions on government agencies with a view to ensuring judicious utilisation of resources.
Mr Masari also directed the Ministries of Budget and Economic Planning, and that of Special Duties to organise town hall meetings to sensitise the public on the budget.
“People will know and understand what their needs are and if the government can provide such needs.
“Members of State House of Assembly should also organise town hall meetings to get information on the needs of their constituents,” he said.
Our corresponent reports that N169.3 billion, representing 69.17 per cent of the budget is for capital expenditure, while N75.5 billion, representing 30.83 per cent is for recurrent expenditure.
The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Tasiu Maigari, said the assembly slashed the budget to N244.8 billion from the N249.5 billion presented by the governor because the N4.5 billion was for N-power and school feeding programme.
“We look into our capital receipts that we are receiving from outside, there is the money for N-power and school feeding programme.
“So, we removed that amount from capital receipts of the state,” he said.
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.