Politics
Alleged Misgovernance: Ayade Tackles Otu’s Aide
Immediate past Governor of Cross River State, Prof Ben Ayade, has taken a swipe at Governor Bassey Otu’s media aide, Emmanuel Ogbeche, over allegations that the State was badly managed during his administration
Ogbeche, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Governor Otu, had accused Ayade of misgoverning the State and that it would require the support and collaboration of all to put things in order.
Speaking during an interactive session with members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Calabar on Monday, Ogbeche claimed that little or no records were kept during Ayade’s administration, adding that approvals on matters bordering on governance were issued via WhatsApp.
“Otu inherited a rundown State, it was so badly rundown. There is no record of anything; approvals were given on WhatsApp. It will require a lot to turn the State around and thank God, we have a capable and listening governor who is ready to pro-vide the needed leadership,” the CPS alleged.
Reacting to the allegations of lack of transparency against him, the former governor, in a statement issued by his media office, said he was not surprised at Ogbeche’s outburst, noting that the CPS is a PDP mole planted to create bad blood in the APC-led administration.
In a statement made available to The Tide source, Ayade warned Ogbeche against causing disaffection among APC members in the State, just as he reminded him that he is a beneficiary of his wise decision of ensuring Governor Otu’s victory at the 2023 governorship poll in the state.
The statement signed by his media aide, Egbelo Edward N, noted: “Former Governor Ayade and Governor Otu share a very cordial relationship that has lasted for years, dating back to their years as lawmakers in the National Assembly.
“It is important for Mr. Ogbeche and his cotravellers to note that such statement will be misinterpreted as a rift between Governor Otu and his immediate predecessor, His Excellency, Sen. (Prof.) Ben Ayade.
“We are not unaware of Mr. Ogbeche’s long standing romance with the PDP, therefore, it is now imperative to state emphatically that Mr. Ogbeche is a PDP agent sent to cause disaffection among members of the APC in Cross River State.
“We advise Ogbeche to tread carefully and respect the existing peace and harmony amongst members of the APC family in Cross River State.
“Governor Ayade gave his all to ensure Governor Bassey Otu emerged victorious in the last gubernatorial election, so, Mr. Ogbeche is a beneficiary of Governor Ayade’s wise decision and shouldn’t be acting like a fifth columnist.”
Ayade denied granting government approval via WhatsApp or any other social media channel.
In this regard, the statement said, “Appointees of the Ayade administration are still alive and can bear testimonies to the rigorous procedure of securing government approvals”.
“Every approval, including major land allocations, compulsorily passed through the scrutiny of the Executive Council, Due Process and Audit before getting to the final nod of Governor Ayade.”
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.
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