Politics
Presidency: S’East Is Ready To Kneel Down – Ezeife
A Former Governor of Anambra State, Chukwuemeka Ezeife, says the South-East is prepared to kneel down for any region to garner support to clinch the Presidency in 2023.
Ezeife said this at the United For Better Nigeria Initiative national convention, held in Abuja at the weekend.
According to him, Nigeria has the potential of developing into a superpower, as such should carry everybody along without discrimination.
“I found Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo and other groups in this place talking about the need for federal character.
“There will be unity if there is fairness, equity, justice. In the absence of those, you see what we are now.”
According to him, even though the Igbo people don’t prostrate, “but this time, we are prepared to kneel down to every part of Nigeria, every group, every ethnic group in Nigeria.
“We are prepared to even prostrate because we believe in this country.”
Ezeife said Igbo people had contributed greatly to the development of Nigeria in terms of infrastructure, intellect, and business, as such Nigerians should give them the chance to develop the country.
“We must unite and the South-East has to bring their own,” he added.
Former president of the Nigerian Senate, Anyim Pius Anyim, however, said though it was neither a right nor legal for the South-East to demand for the presidency, it was morally right for all Nigerians to support them.
Anyim said the South-East should reach out and persuade other regions to support their dream of producing Nigeria’s President in 2023.
“Is it right for the South-East to produce the next president? My own answer is, legally no, and the reason is that the Constitution is clear, the Constitution says every Nigerian of 40 years is entitled to aspire for that office.
“On the other side, morally is it right, is it an entitlement? I will say yes, because the federal character principle enshrined in the constitution encourages rotation.
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.
