Politics
2023: Babalola Warns Against 1999 Constitution
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and founder, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Aare Afe Babalola, said on Tuesday that Nigeria would grind to a halt if it should conduct the 2023 general elections with the present 1999 Constitution.
Babalola said to avert the collapse of the country in view of the challenges created by the Constitution, there was an urgent need for the National Assembly to pass a resolution adopting the 1960 Constitution before the next general elections.
The legal luminary spoke in Ado Ekiti during a ceremony to commemorate the 12th anniversary of the establishment of ABUAD, an institution he said had through research “contributed immensely to the socio-economic development of the country with timely innovations across all sectors.”
He said, “I am happy that I conceived this university 12 years ago and since then, we have been going from strength to strength, making exploits in all our endeavours. Our vision is to make this place a great institution in university education in the country through teaching, research and community service.
“I can confirm to you today that our herbal drug produced through extensive research by our team of researchers has healed about 19 patients, who were infected with COVID-19. They were healed perfectly in less than five days of use. That tells you the level of our research in ABUAD.”
Babalola called on President Muhammadu Buhari, to visit the university and see the landmark achievements in the last 12 years with a view to “finding a way of replicating ABUAD in the different geo-political zones of the country.”
Babalola said, “We must avoid recycling the old failed leaders in the governance of this country. Any mistake of electing a new set of leaders under the present constitution will ruin Nigeria completely.
“The simple way out is for the National Assembly to pass a resolution adopting the 1960/1963 Constitution with necessary amendments such as having in place six regions and a one-house parliament.”
He faulted the National Assembly for increasing the number of universities across the country, saying the development had usurped the power of the National Universities Commission as prescribed by law on the establishment of the institutions.
Babalola, who said the development would have adverse effects on the nation’s education sector, called on the Ministry of Education and the NUC “to exercise their powers to checkmate this in the interest of quality education in the country.”
“Every attempt must be made by all stakeholders to put a lid on the establishment of political universities that hardly survive those who put them in place after they are out of power, otherwise there will be a crash in the quality of private universities,” he said.
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.
-
News3 days ago
Decentralizing Pipeline Surveillance Poses Greater Dangers To Niger Delta …. Group Warns
-
Politics3 days agoAPC Resumes Electronic Membership Registration Nationwide
-
Rivers3 days agoCourt Rules Out Interim Administration In Jumbo House, Bonny
-
Business3 days ago33 Banks Raise N4.65tn As Recapitalisation Ends
-
Politics3 days agoAlleged Coup: Protests Rock N’Assembly As Detained Officers’ Children, Wives Demand Justice
-
Nation3 days agoNile University Hosts ICA Nigeria First National Confab On Global Communication
-
Sports3 days ago
Lewandowski Leads Top Stars Missing From W/Cup Roll Call
-
Sports3 days agoPara Games: Team Rivers Wins 53 Medals On Day 5 … Director Praise Athletes