Politics
Senate Bids Ben Uwajumogu Farewell
The Senate yesterday held a valedictory session in honour of the late Sen.Ben Uwajumogu, who represented Imo North and died on December 19, 2019.
The valedictory session followed a motion moved by Senate Leader, Abdullahi Yahaya (APC Kebbi), having moved for the suspension of Order 17 of the Senate to allow visitors into the chamber.
Senators dressed in white and black attires took turns to pay glowing tributes to the late senator.
First to pay tribute was Yahaya, having moved the motion for the Senate to move into the valedictory session.
Yahaya said that the late Sen. Uwajumogu was his personal friend and that they shared a lot of personal things.
He said the late Uwajumogu excelled in all areas of his senatorial assignments and contributed to debates at Senate proceedings.
Yahaya said the late senator would be remembered for his brilliance, praying that God would grant him rest, condoling with the family and the Imo government .
Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, (PDP Abia) said the late Sen. Uwajumogu affected life and carried every body along.
Deputy President of the Senate,Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege, said that he would choose to celebrate him because of the giant strides attained by the late senator.
Other senators who condoled the family included Abudullahi Sabi (APC Niger), Sen.,Borofice Ajayi, Elisha Abboh, Ike Ekweremadu, Rochas Okorocha, Oluremi Tinubu, Onyewuchi Ezenwa, Michael Nnachi, Abiodun Olujimi, Abba Moro and Buhari Abdulfatai, among others.
In his tribute, President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, expressed his condolences to the immediate family, senators from Imo and his constituents.
He said the death of Sen.Uwajumogu was a loss to all,noting that the late Senator gave a good account of himself .
He said the Senate would continue to do those things that the late senator lived and died for.
The Senate, thereafter, resolved to send a delegation to be led by President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, to the final funeral rites of Uwajumogu.
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.