Politics
Abbas Advocates Skills Dev To Tackle Youth Unemployment
Mr Abbas said this at the opening of a public hearing by the House committee on commerce in Abuja on Monday.
The hearing was on bills to establish Chartered Institute of Business Educators of Nigeria (CIBEN) and Institute of Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Corporate Governance, respectively.
According to Mr Abbas, leadership is central to the success of any society, adding: “When we discuss Nigeria’s challenges, the issue of leadership frequently emerges as a central theme.
“In a country with our population size and a significant number of unemployed graduates, we must prioritise equipping our young people with the skills and opportunities to be gainfully engaged.
“Leadership, entrepreneurship and corporate governance are critical areas where such interventions can yield significant results for Nigeria’s peace, prosperity and stability.
“Furthermore, we are a nation of entrepreneurs, with businesses thriving in every corner. Yet, many of these businesses encounter barriers when attempting to scale, improve productivity and expand service delivery.
“The proposed Chartered Institute of Business Educators of Nigeria (CIBEN) is envisioned as an institution that will advance the study, training and practice of business education in Nigeria,” he said.
The Speaker stated that the establishment would ensure that educators have the tools and knowledge to build a generation of globally-competitive entrepreneurs and businesses.
He said that while these bills had immense potential, it was vital that they undergo scrutiny, hence the critical nature of the hearing.
Mr Abbas said that the platform would allow interrogation of the proposed bills, resolve potential areas of contention, eliminate duplications of responsibilities and craft laws that would be clear, impactful and implementable.
Earlier, chairman of the committee, Rep. Ahmed Munir (APC-Kaduna) said that the bills were in line with the legislative agenda of the 10th House of Representatives which sought to change the narrative in the lives of the citizens.
“Every democratic dispensation is guided by laws/acts which help in the smooth running of the government, thereby setting the rules to follow to ensure that citizens benefit maximally from all that the government has in store for them,” he said.
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.