Politics
2nd Term: Obaseki Takes Oath Of Office
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State took oath of office for his second term as governor of the state yesterday, following his victory in a gubernatorial election two months ago.
The Chief Judge of Edo State, Mrs Esther Edigin, administered the oath on the governor and the Deputy Governor, Mr Philip Shaibu.
Obaseki said the people of Edo State spoke unequivocally through their ballots on September 19 and “have entrusted us with the task of steering our state for another four years.
“I am encouraged by the truth you have bestowed on us and grateful for your belief in the leadership and my capacity to continue piloting the affairs of this great state.
“My re-election represents a new hope and I see myself as a vessel in the redefinition of democracy in Nigeria. I am not unaware that this places enormous responsibility on me.
“It is, therefore, gratifying that Edo State is taking the lead on this onerous task of restoring faith in democracy in Nigeria and the entire globe.
“What we achieved in the September 19 governorship election is the restoration of confidence in democracy.
“We have become a point of reference on how the will of the people can triumph in a democracy that functions properly.”
Obaseki said that what his administration achieved in four years had earned them a success story in good governance in the country.
He urged people of the state to realise that whatever belonged to government, belonged to the people and vice-versa.
He said that being aware of this would assist the state to deal with the realities and challenges facing it as a state.
The governor advised Edo residents to eschew apathy toward taxation, saying that paying tax was a primary obligation of every citizen.
“What we guarantee you, my dear people is that we will provide value for your money by utilising it judiciously, transparently and with accountability.
“During our last term in office, we were able to improve access to quality education, quality of health; significantly upgraded our road network, commenced reforms in our civil service and justice administration, developed human capacity and created jobs.”
Obaseki commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies and President Muhammadu Buhari for upholding the constitution and allowing the will of the people to prevail.
Dignitaries at theoccassion, include the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Nyesom Wike, Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, Gov. of Bayelsa State, Mr Douye Diri; Mr Dan Orbih, the Vice-Chairman of the PDP, South South and a former Minister of Works, Mr Mike Onolememen.
Others are PDP National Chairman, Uche Secondus, former Chief of Staff to Goodluck Jonathan, Mr Mike Ogiadome, the Senator representing Edo Central Senatorial District, Mr Cliford Ordia, Sen. Mathew Urhohide and a PDP Chieftain, Mr Kenneth Imasuagbon, among others.
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.
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