Politics
Commission Plans Automation Of Kwara Assembly Operations
The Kwara Stste House of Assembly Service Commission says plans are ongoing to automate legislative activities at the state House of Assembly.
The Chairman of the commission, Femi Yusuf, made this known to newsmen on Monday in Ilorin.
Yusuf said that operations of the Assembly needed to be digitised.
According to him, we need to go to the next level; going to that level means we have to put some structures on ground so that legislation can be done anywhere and make it easy for both legislature and executive.
“What I have in mind is a situation whereby while we are doing the legislation, everything will be automated.
“The process of voting and passing bills on the floor of the House will be automated.
“Although, it may be found strange in the history of lawmaking, it is doable.
“Kwara is one of the first generation states that we have in this country, so, we have to be in the forefront.
“If we are able to bring in the idea and some other things, I know it will put Kwara back in the map of the leading states in the country.
“That is our objective. But, we still need to do some findings and research,” the chairman said.
He said the commission in the history of the state Assembly, inherited a virile assembly under the management of the Speaker, Hon. Danladi Salihu and Clerk, Hajia Halimah Kperogi.
“On assumption of office, all of us are aware that it is a pioneer commission that is just coming on board; it gave room for us not to rush things.
“We have to settle down and study things, moreso, the commission was not allotted fund in the 2019 and 2020 budgets. So, that limited our activities.
“But, having said that, it does not mean we are not doing anything; I want to commend the House of Assembly that we met when we came.
“The Assembly led by Salihu has been using his well-endowed experience to marshal affairs of the House in a peaceful way,’’ he said.
Yusuf also lauded the Clerk of the House, describing her as, “well endowed in terms of management of Assembly’’.
“So, I will say that the structure I met on ground is faultless, that almost everything has been done according to laid down rules.
“Only to fulfill the constitutional provision or the edict that provides for the commission to take care of staff welfare and Assembly men that made it important to create the commission.
“But, notwithstanding locally, what is on ground is water-tight. What we are doing now is to look around and see how we can bring in new ideas,’’ the chairman said.
Yusuf said that was why he planned to go and understudy some other House of Assembly Service Commissions that had been in existence such as the Lagos State House of Assembly Service Commission and National Assembly Service Commission.
“We have to be there to see what they are doing that we are not doing here,” he said.
Yusuf said that the commission would also inject new innovations from its observations outside the country.
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.