Politics
PANDEF Youth Wing Gives Wike 48-Hr Ultimatum Demands His Withdrawal As Minister
The National Youth Wing of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to render an unreserved apology for his alleged insult on the Ijaw nation during his recent media parley.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja last Saturday, Donben Donyegha, National Youth Leader PANDEF, gave the ultimatum, observing that beyond allegedly insulting the Ijaw ethnic group and by extension, former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, who he said brought the minister to political limelight, the minister also spoke disparagingly about the PANDEF socio-cultural group, whom Chief Wike referred to as the “worst organisation to rely on.”
Comrade Donyegha was joined by Comrade Mathew Digi, Deputy National Youth Leader and Hon. Prince Oleh Victor, National Coordinator for Student Affairs.
He said it was also painful to the ethnic group that the minister disrespected their late leader, Chief Edwin Clark, even before he was buried.
While in office as governor of Rivers State, Chief Wike allegedly displayed a similar attitude by insulting respected traditional rulers, telling one of them that his head gear resembled that of Uthman Dan Fodio.
According to Comrade Donyegha, the same Chief Wike had knelt down before late Chief Clark to seek support for his governorship ambition.
The PANDEF Youth Leader told President Bola Tinubu that Chief Wike was using certain individuals to cause disruptions in the state and therefore demanded his withdrawal as a minister.
He alleged that the FCT minister had already caused too much problems in the Rivers State and the Niger Delta, jeopardising the chances of President Tinubu’s reelection in 2027.
“The South-South will be very difficult for President Tinubu in 2027 because of the damage Wike has already done,” he stated.
The group admonished him to emulate Senate President Godswill Akpabio, another political leader from the Niger Delta whom, the group said, had conducted himself in decent manner.
“We have no confidence in Wike. We are calling on President Tinubu to withdraw him as a minister and subject him to the investigation of the Code of Conduct Bureau for breaching various infractions in office,” he stated.
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.