Politics
Ndume Rejects New Office After Removal As Senate Chief Whip
The senator representing Borno South at the National Assembly, Ali Ndume, has rejected a new office allocated to him by the Senate Services Committee.
According to parliamentary practices, Ndume is expected to move to another office following his sack as the Whip of the Senate.
The Tide learnt that Ndume was asked to vacate his current office and move to the third floor to allow for the new Whip Senator Tahiir Mongonu to take over the office.
Responding to his allocation to a new office on the third floor, Ndume, in a letter addressed to the Chairman, Senate Services Committee, Senator Sunday Karimi, yesterday, said the office given him does not reflect his seniority and high-ranking posture at the Senate.
The letter, signed by his Chief Confidential Secretary, Shuaibu Gawu, read, “I am directed to inform you that, Distinguished Senator Mohammed All Ndume, has rejected the allocation of office number 3.10 by the Committee.
“This is because offices are traditionally allocated on a seniority basis.”
The letter added, “Sen Ndume is the most Senior Senator after Sen Ahmad Lawan and will only occupy an office on the fourth floor.”
Recall that Ndume was recently stripped of his position as Chief Whip of the Senate following a letter by the All Progressives Party co-signed by its Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, and the Secretary, Ajibola Basiru.
Don’t Allow Non-State Actors Destroy Nigeria, Yoruba Obas Warn Protesters
Yoruba Obas Forum, a group comprising monarchs from South West and North Central geo-political zones of Nigeria, has warned those planning to exploit the proposed national hunger protest to cause chaos in the country to perish the thought.
The royal fathers made their stand known in a statement obtained in Osogbo, Osun State capital, yesterday.
The statement was jointly signed by its National President, who is the Molokun of Atijere, Oba Samuel Adeoye, Oba Michael Ajayi, who is the Elerinmo of Erinmo, and the Public Relations Officer of the Forum, the Alayandelu of Odo Alayandelu, Oba Asunmo Aderibigbe.
The forum members said, as traditional rulers, they felt the pains and frustration being faced by many Nigerians at the moment, but suggested that the situation demands a strategic approach, noting that dialogue remains the best option.
“Protest has never been a solution for nations to solve their challenges, but rather an avenue for the destruction of human lives and properties.
“We, Yoruba Obas Forum, acknowledge the role of protests in democracy and that is why we are warning against those who might exploit these events for malicious purposes as certain groups are looking to use this protest to incite violence and crime. Please, don’t let non-state actors disrupt the already existing peace and stability of our land, please be cautioned.
“While protest is your democratic right, please consider the broader implications on our national stability and progress as dialogue, round table conference and collaboration are far more effective solutions and antidote.
“We Yoruba Obas again, implore all our youths not to follow the part of anarchy, or destruction, we too are also aware that there is hunger, insecurity and unemployment in the land. But the signals out there clearly indicate that another nationwide protest will definitely plunge this nation into more economic mess and insecurity. As your fathers, we earnestly appeal to you all to shelve the planned protest in the interest of our dear nation,” the statement partly read.
The Forum also warned that since Nigeria may not be able to afford another unrest considering the current state of the economy, people should draw solace in the fact that the relatively young administration of President Bola Tinubu was working hard to improve the standard of living of the common man.
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.