Politics
Celebrate Patriotic Citizens, Not Corrupt Politicians, Babalola Tells FG, States
Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) has called on the government at all levels to focus on recognising and celebrating patriotic citizens who have made significant contributions to national development, rather than politicians and public office holders.
Aare Babalola, who lamented the trends of government giving awards and recognition to corrupt politicians and individuals in the society, added that this must stop to build a great nation.
The legal icon who spoke on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti when he received the award of ‘Person of the Year’ from the Summit Magazine under the leadership of Tunde Alufa, commended the organisation for recognising his efforts to the society with the award.
The nonagenarian explained that some patriotic citizens across different fields of human endeavour had done well in advancing the cause of humanity and deserve to be recognised by the government rather than the politicians.
According to him, “I am short of words, I thank you for planning this in secret. I appreciate all of us; I want others to grow up like me and become better than me. I love giving and the only time I am happy is when I give.
“I was not expecting this, it’s a big surprise; I have known Alufa quite a while, he shows tremendous interest in whatever he does.
“He is a patriotic citizen, he wants Ekiti to progress, he always strives for the development of Ekiti.
“I will take this opportunity to advise people who appreciate what others are doing. When you say well done to people, it’s encouraging them.
“I will use the opportunity to appeal to the state and Federal Governments to appreciate those who are good in the country and contribute to society.
“Don’t give awards or recognitions to politicians and members of the National Assembly; look for best market women, best farmers, best producer of cocoa and the rest, that’s the way to encourage people to do more.”
Speaking, the publisher of Summit Magazine, Femi Alufa, said Aare Babalola was considered for his outstanding achievements across various fields, including education, law, health, agriculture and the economic landscape.
He explained that it was the result of a rigorous screening process aimed at recognising and celebrating individuals who positively impact lives in Ekiti and the country.
Mr Alufa stressed that Aare Babalola’s contributions have secured him a place in history, with his name etched in gold among the pantheon of living legends.
“No individual has contributed more to the educational development, philanthropy, and the preservation of Ekiti’s pristine values of excellence, knowledge, and industry than the Aare Afe Babalola,” 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.
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