Politics
Rep-Elect Decries Imbalance In Federal Constituencies
The member-elect for Oron/Mbo/Okobo/Udung Uko/Urueoffong Oruko Federal Constituency, Mr. Martins Esin, has faulted the current national structure about the delineation of federal constituencies, saying that the existing imbalance in federal constituencies cannot sustain national development.
Esin, who attributed the imbalance to inaccurate census data, wondered why the country should rely on the 2006 population figure of 140 million people in the delineation of constituencies amid the claim that the country has a population of about 240 million people, representing about 58% difference.
He stated this on Saturday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, while fielding questions from newsmen on his return from the induction exercise organized for senators-elect and House of Representatives members-elect in Abuja, ahead of the inauguration of the 10th federal legislature.
While calling on the National Assembly Service Commission to ensure uniformity in constituency offices operated by members, Esin lamented a situation where his federal constituency alone has five local government areas whereas some states have eight local government areas, adding that the imbalance places him in a disadvantage even before the proclamation of the House.
He said, “The current national structure as regards delineation of federal constituencies is stifling national development. My constituency alone, for instance, has five local governments in a country where some states have eight local government areas, this imbalance has placed me at a disadvantage even before the proclamation of the House”
He therefore appealed to the authorities to revisit the issue of delineation of federal constituencies to create another one out of the present Oron/Mbo/Okobo/Udung Uko/Urue Offong Oruko Federal Constituency which he describes as comparatively too large to remain one federal constituency.
Speaking further, the House of Representatives member-elect described census figures as critical to national development and planning, stressing that manipulating them affects every other aspect of national life.
The businessman-turned-politician maintained that for Nigeria to make progress, certain national developmental issues, including population census must be insulated from political influences and ethnoreligious sentiments to enable the government to formulate and implement policies based on facts, not fiction.
He described accurate data as indispensable to holistic and sustainable development, averring that without it, development will remain elusive.
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.