Politics
Institute Woos nass Over Chartered Status Bill
As part of measures to consolidate its professionalism and strength, the Institute of Strategic Management, Nigeria (ISMN), says it is presently interfacing with the National Assembly to ensure that the bill that will make the body chartered is passed into law.
First National Vice President, Alex Ndudi Enebeli stated this during a chat with The Tide at the sidelines of the inauguration of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the forth-coming Annual National Conference/General Meeting of the ISMN scheduled between 29th and 31st of July, 2020 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Enebeli described Port Harcourt as the artery of the institute in view of the chapter’s commitment and membership strength, noting that the national executive of the body is expecting her to give its best as host for this year’s national conference.
“Don’t forget that the national is interfacing with the National Assembly in Abuja. You know you build followership by leadership. Without Port Harcourt chapter ISMN will be without leg or hand.
“It is because of your support that ISMN is very proud. I am looking forward to what ISMN wants to do in the future, particularly with the National Assembly and the Presidency. It is with the key input of the Port Harcourt chapter.
“The charter status of the institute is what is on-going at the National Assembly. The previous Assembly did not complete the process. So this current Assembly is continuing the process and this process involves a lot of logistics and coordination.
“We are in both Houses of the National Assembly because for a bill to go through, this bill is the Charted State of the Institute. We lost time because of the previous Assembly that didn’t conclude it. So we are beginning afresh,” he said.
On the importance of the bill to the institute, Enebeli said, “That is the height of it all. An institute becomes chartered when it has all the backing by law. So we want to take the process to its completion within this current Assembly because we don’t want to lose time anymore.”
He further said, “This chapter if you rate participation of our members in any national programme, this chapter usually produce at least 25 per cent. The Rivers State chapter produces at least 25 per cent of participants in other cities programme. So in our own city programme, in Port Harcourt for this year’s AGM, the National President is looking for almost a 100 per cent participation.
Dennis Naku
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.