Politics
Some Leaders Don’t Like Me For Being Truthful In Governance -Gov Oyebanji
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has revealed that some people and leaders in the state were not comfortable with his style of governance due to his determination to always tell the truth to the citizens.
Oyebanji, who lamented that the people have been used to the era of their political leaders telling lies to deceive them, added he would remain committed to his campaign promises towards enhancing the socio-economic development of the state.
The Governor spoke in Omuo-Ekiti, headquarters of Ekiti East Local Government Area, on Monday while giving an account of his stewardship at a stakeholders’ engagement programme marking his 300 days in office.
He appealed to the Ekiti people not to put undue pressure and demands on the newly appointed commissioners and Special Advisers, stressing that such could prevent them from coming to their constituencies regularly as true representatives of the people.
Oyebanji also declared that his government had expended the sum of N213 million to lift 2,600 indigent citizens from poverty under the social investment component of his administration within his first 100 days in office.
According to him, “I want you to remember me as your leader who does not lie to you.
“I will be dealing with you with all sincerity and truthfulness, but unfortunately, our people don’t like the truth. People confronted me about the fact that politicians don’t always say the truth, but I told them to blame my parents for that because my father thought I should always tell the truth, and it is too late for me to learn how to lie.
“What I can’t do, I will tell you I can’t do it, and because I always say the truth, many people are not happy with it. I am sorry that is how it will be; I have no apology for it.
“I will continue to tell the truth so that when I leave this place, people will remember me as the governor who tells the truth at all times.”
Dispelling the fear being nursed by some concerned citizens that the new appointees could slow down his pace of performance with their politicking, the Governor said the new appointees were coming with additional values to the government, adding that rather than slow down the pace of work, the public should expect a greater level of performance.
“The new commissioners are coming from different backgrounds and diverse levels of expertise. We are still going to do much more than what we have done. If we can do all these in eight months without a full cabinet, we should be able to do twice of these in four years.
“My cabinet members must hear this; our people said I am doing well because my Commissioners, who are politicians, have not been brought on board.
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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