Politics
DSS Warns Against Plots To Disrupt Inaugurations
The Department of State Services (DSS) has disclosed that some elements are planning to disrupt the handover ceremonies in some parts of the country.
According to the Service, these elements plan to undermine the efforts of the security agencies as well as cause panic among the citizens.
In a statement released yesterday by the spokesperson for the Service, Peter Afunanya, the DSS urged citizens to adhere to the laid down protocols for the events across the country.
The statement partly read, “It would be recalled that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the Presidential Transition Council on May 18, 2023, held a World Press Conference during which he announced activities for the Presidential inauguration.
“The major highlight of the activities is the swearing-in of the President on May 29, 2023, in Abuja. On the same date, new Governors will also be inaugurated in most of the States.
“The Service is, however, aware of plans by subversive elements to disrupt the programmes in parts of the country. The aim is to undermine security agencies’ efforts at ensuring peaceful ceremonies as well as creating panic and fear among members of the public.
“Based on these, citizens, the media, and Civil Society Organisations are advised to adhere strictly to security and civil protocols during the events. “
Advising Nigerians to shun fake news that could cause violence in the country, he urged unaccredited persons to stay away from the inauguration venues.
He said, “They are also urged to shun fake news, false alarms, skewed reportage/narratives, and sensationalism that may likely inflame division, tension, and violence prior to and after the exercises. This is more so that such undesirable acts will serve no purpose other than destroying national unity and cohesion.
“Additionally, all unauthorised (and unaccredited) persons are warned to stay away from restricted and certain designated areas at the event venues.
The Service reiterates its earlier call for the populace to remain calm and law-abiding. Meanwhile, it will continue to sustain collaboration with sister agencies to ensure successful inaugurations.”
Tinubu is God’s answer to Nigerians’ prayers for good leadership: Senator Gaya
The Senator representing Kano South in the National Assembly, Kabiru Gaya, has said that the emergence of President-elect Bola Tinubu is God’s answer to the country’s prayers for good leadership.
He said this while speaking during a joint prayer session organised by APC Stakeholders Forum on Wednesday night.
Sen. Gaya said Tinubu’s antecedents as governor of Lagos were evidence of his capacity.
He expressed optimism that if he could replicate what he did in Lagos in terms of infrastructure and grow the state’s economy despite odds at the national level, Nigeria would be a better place for all.
Sen. Gaya noted that Vice-President-elect Kashim Shettima also worked hard as governor of Borno.
According to the lawmaker, Tinubu and Shettima are a perfect match that can bring Nigeria to greater heights and make it the envy of other nations.
“I am sure God will guide them to bring in place professionals as cabinet members to work with and form a good government in the interest of the country and its citizens,” the Senator said.
Abudumumini Aminu, Chairman, Board of Trustees of the forum, said the joint prayer session, which cut across religious faith, was to pray for a successful tenure for the in-coming administration.
He said it was also to pray for national unity, peace, progress and the country’s development.
Tinubu will be sworn in as president on Monday.
Since the beginning of the Fourth Republic in 1999, all inaugurations had been held on May 29.
The most recent presidential inauguration was held on May 29, 2019, when President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office for a second term.
Recitation of the presidential oath of office is the only component in this ceremony mandated by the Nigerian Constitution.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria administers the presidential oath of office.
Since 1999, five chief justices have administered the oath at six scheduled public inaugurations.
The ceremony will be held at Eagle Square, Three Arms Zone in Abuja.
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.