Politics
I Was Targeted For Elimination – Ortom
The Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has said that several attempts were made to eliminate him for his forthrightness and unwavering commitment to the safety and wellbeing of Benue people.
He said that he would not be intimidated and nothing would deter him from speaking out against injustice and the maladministration in the country.
The governor, who spoke when he hosted a delegation from the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria, ASCON, in Makurdi, said he would continue to propagate the principles of equity, fairness and justice.
He stated that at 61 God had been gracious to him, saying that he would not be scared of death for speaking the truth on issues that bother on the wellbeing of the people.
“Those who are keeping quiet about what is happening in Nigeria must remember that they have children because silence is consent.
“Nigerians must resist evil, I am playing my part and I promised myself that I will not be intimidated. So, nobody should think that he or she will cage Samuel Ortom because I believe that the God I serve will surely vindicate me.
“Though several attempts have been made to eliminate me, but God has always protected me. That notwithstanding I will continue to fight for equity, fairness and justice for the people of Benue State and we remain committed to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
While commending ASCON for offering to train 500 Benue civil servants in Makurdi, the governor promised that the training programme would be a yearly exercise to improve the capacity and professionalism of civil servants in the state as the engine room of government.
Earlier the Director-General of ASCON, Mrs. Cecelia Gayya, commended the governor for approving the training of 500 civil servants in the state, saying the decision would positively impact on service delivery.
The Director-General who was represented by the Director of Administration, Mr. Goodluck Audu, noted that the training was key to optimum performance in the service saying, “infrastructural development without capacity development could lead to administrative crisis; and if you do not train them, you do not blame them.”
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.