Politics
NDDC Probe: Niger Delta Youths Want NASS Committee Members Suspended
Youths under the aegis of Niger Delta Initiative for Development (NDID), have petitioned the leadership of the National Assembly to monitor the activities of the adhoc Committees investigating financial malfeasance in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
In a letter addressed to the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila and signed by its National President, Mr. Malachi Chukwuka, the group, demanded the immediate suspension of all the members of the Committee, who were mentioned in the NDDC contract scandal.
The letter read: “We, Niger Delta youths, hereby call on the Senate President Ahmed Lawan and the Speaker of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila as a matter of urgency to suspend all members of the committee on (NDDC) in the two chambers that their names appeared in the NDDC contracts scandal.
“They should resign honorably for looting the resources meant for the development of the Niger Delta subjecting the people of the region to untold hardship.
“They are the real enemies of the region. We call on NDDC Interim management Board as a matter of urgency to check the so called Directors and also let them proceed for training.
“The training is necessary because they are incompetent in their presentation at the National Assembly there by putting the IMC into ridicule. We make bold to say categorically that some of the problems of IMC today are caused by these incompetent Directors”.
According to the letter, “the minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, is not corrupt but the romance between Joy Nunieh and these new Directors is responsible for the conflicting figures in the NDDC presentation at the NASS”
“We thank Mr. President for believing in the Interim Management Board of the NDDC and at the same time trusting the Minister of Niger Delta affairs Godswill Akpabio for his uncommon transformation of the NDDC and the region.”
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.