Politics
Election Petition Tribunals Not For Money -Making, A’ Court President Warns
The President of the Court of Appeal, Monica Dongban-Mensem, has cautioned registrars of the 2023 election petition tribunals against corrupt acts.
Speaking on Monday at a capacity-building workshop for members of the election petition tribunals, at the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja, Dongban-Mensem urged the registrars not to see the task ahead as “an opportunity to make money to enrich yourselves”.
She added that anyone found guilty of corruption would be sacked by the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) and prosecuted.
“The court will not hesitate to deal with anyone found wanting in this regard,” she said.
“It is part of your obligation to discharge your duties with utmost good faith and not be carried away by little advances.
“Your integrity and that of the tribunal and its members are in the public spotlight. You must, therefore, ensure you are not used as weapons to truncate the process. Ensure to live above board so that you will not put the judiciary into disrepute.”
According to Dongban-Mensem, the purpose of the training was to draw attention to the challenges involved in adjudicating election matters and to proffer solutions.
She explained that the election tribunals that have been appropriately provided for in the constitution were created in order to address issues arising from the election process.
“They are established for the purposes of determining disputes arising from the conduct of elections into the various elective positions.
“The training will serve as a forum for you to share experiences with one another wherein guidance will be provided and strategies devised for the strengthening of the tribunals”, she said.
The appeal court president highlighted some of the responsibilities of the tribunal registrars to include “receipt of the petition and other court processes for filing, service of court processes timeously on parties, issuance of hearing notices, preparation of court proceedings and orders, custody and safekeeping of the tribunals’ documents, compilation of records.
“It is important for you to familiarise yourselves with the provisions of the constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, and the practice direction as it affects your performance at the registry,” she added.
Pursuant to section 285(2) and (3) of the 1999 constitution and section 130 of the Electoral Act, 2022, the President of the Court of Appeal has the power to set up election tribunals.
In November, the chief justice of Nigeria (CJN) swore in 307 judicial officers to preside over petitions which will arise from the 2023 general elections.
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.
-
News5 days ago
Decentralizing Pipeline Surveillance Poses Greater Dangers To Niger Delta …. Group Warns
-
Politics5 days agoAPC Resumes Electronic Membership Registration Nationwide
-
Rivers5 days agoCourt Rules Out Interim Administration In Jumbo House, Bonny
-
Business5 days ago33 Banks Raise N4.65tn As Recapitalisation Ends
-
Politics5 days agoAlleged Coup: Protests Rock N’Assembly As Detained Officers’ Children, Wives Demand Justice
-
Sports5 days ago
Lewandowski Leads Top Stars Missing From W/Cup Roll Call
-
Nation5 days agoNile University Hosts ICA Nigeria First National Confab On Global Communication
-
Sports5 days agoPara Games: Team Rivers Wins 53 Medals On Day 5 … Director Praise Athletes