Politics
Recall Clause, Tool For Accountability – Analyst
The constitutional provision for a possible recall of elected legislators in the country has been described as a tool for the electorate to demand accountability from their elected representatives.
A public affairs analyst and management consultant, Dr. Emmanuel Iruayenama, made the assertion while exchanging views with The Tide in Port Harcourt.
According to Dr. Iruayanama, the possibility of incurring the wrath of the electorate through the activation of the recall clause in the constitution could serve as an effective check on the people’s representative and make them more responsive and responsible.
He described elected legislators as those with the mandate of the people to speak and act on their behalf, adding that, to that extent, the lawmakers were even more important to the people than members of the executive arm of government.
“To that extent, the desire to want them to be more accountable, in my opinion, is what this recall clause seeks to achieve, such that it makes them know that every other time, people are going to ask questions about them, they would be checked every other time and where they’re not meeting up, there is a possibility of the people showing their dissatisfaction by a recall,” he said.
Dr. Iruayenama reiterated that “part of the things we have been clamouring for is that of accountability. It will put our elected representatives on their toes, knowing that there is the possibility of incurring the ire of the electorate even before the natural process of re-election.”
He decried the attitude of most elected representatives in the country who have little contact with their constituents as soon as they\re declared elected into the various legislative houses and expressed the hope that the recent move by the Independent National Electoral Commissioner, INEC, in the case of the Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Senator Dino Melaye, will open up a new vista in the relationship between the electorate and their representatives.
“If we are to make success of this our democratic journey, everything should be handled according to the law, not with an ulterior interest of an institution in defense of itself,” he said while urging the electoral umpire and the judiciary to discharge their duties diligently on the matter and in the overriding best interest of the people.
Opaka Dokubo
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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