Politics
Restructuring: Southern, Middle Belt Leaders Blast Presidency
The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum, SMBLF, has condemned the statement made by Special Assistant to President Buhari on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, against some individuals demanding that the country should be restructured.
The statement issued by Yinka Odumakin, Chief Guy Ikokwu, Senator Bassey Henshaw and Isuwa Dogo from South West, South-East, South South and Middle Belt, respectively, said the forum would not succumb to the Presidency’s narrow idea but would insist on restructuring the country.
The SMBLF said that Garba Shehu is sounding like the spokesman of Pharaoh in Ancient Egypt as he dismissed the recurring agitations as unpatriotic outbursts.
Garba Shehu had warned that such unpatriotic outbursts are unhelpful and unwarranted as this government will not succumb to threats and take any decision out of pressure at a time when the nation’s full attention is needed to deal with the security challenges facing it at a time of the COVID – 19 health crisis.
The SMBLF accused the regime of the President Muhammadu Buhari of talking down on Nigerians in very intemperate language.
The statement titled, “Stop Playing Pharaoh” noted that they are perturbed that instead of giving assurances about rebuilding the country towards inclusivity, the regime is talking down on Nigerians in very intemperate language.
The statement explained that the regime cannot cow Nigerians by using cantonment approach to national issues, insisting, “We will not accept turning us to second class citizens on our land, not even with threats of arrests or assassinations.”
It explained that they cannot be clapping for the government when the Customs appoints eight Deputy Comptrollers from a section of the country.
“Are we expected to be saying well done when DSS recruits 535 cadets from North West and North East and only 93 from the entire South and North Central?,” the statement asked.
It said that the presidency should know that those calling for restructuring are more patriotic than those running Nigeria towards implosion, adding, “Patriotism is to corporate Nigeria for all and not the sectional idea of Nigeria by the nepotists.”
The statement noted that it would not succumb to the Presidency’s narrow idea of Nigeria, but is “fully assured that this too shall come to pass.”
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.
-
News5 days ago
Decentralizing Pipeline Surveillance Poses Greater Dangers To Niger Delta …. Group Warns
-
Politics5 days agoAPC Resumes Electronic Membership Registration Nationwide
-
Rivers5 days agoCourt Rules Out Interim Administration In Jumbo House, Bonny
-
Business5 days ago33 Banks Raise N4.65tn As Recapitalisation Ends
-
Politics5 days agoAlleged Coup: Protests Rock N’Assembly As Detained Officers’ Children, Wives Demand Justice
-
Sports5 days ago
Lewandowski Leads Top Stars Missing From W/Cup Roll Call
-
Nation5 days agoNile University Hosts ICA Nigeria First National Confab On Global Communication
-
Sports5 days agoPara Games: Team Rivers Wins 53 Medals On Day 5 … Director Praise Athletes