Politics
Monarch Commends Peaceful Conduct At Polls
The people of Ele Kingdom in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area have been commended for their peaceful disposition before, during and after the 2019 elections in the area.
The Traditional Ruler and Amanyanabo of Ele kingdom, King Felix Tamunoseipiriala Okuru, Apina VII made the commendation in a chat with our correspondent in the area soon after the governorship and House of Assembly elections, last Saturday.
Okuru said with their disposition and unity, the community will experience rapid growth and development and enjoined them to maintain that spirit in all their activities in the area.
The monarch said no meaningful development could strive in an atmosphere of rancour, acrimony and infighting and further appealed to the people to always be their brother’s keeper and think of what would move the ancient Ele kingdom to an enviable height.
According to him, elections will come and go but the unity and progress of the community is paramount and also assured the people that he would carry everybody along in his reign as he operates an open door policy, appealing for all hands to be on deck for the continue peace, unity and development of the ancient Ele kingdom.
He noted that as God has blessed the community they should also ensure that their God given community does not wallow in any wrangling that will bring any set back to the community.
The king used the medium to advise all politicians to maintain the peace as politics is a friendly game, adding that the problem in this country had seen the winner takes it all, otherwise if the winner takes everybody along, there will be no problem in the country.
He also thanked the chiefs for ensuring that their subjects play mature and understanding role during the elections, which had clearly shown that they have the love for the community and its developmental agenda and enjoin all to remain resolute and focus as the future will be great.
The traditional ruler commended INEC and the security for doing a perfect job during the elections in Ele kingdom and enjoined them to keep up the spirit despite the intimidating presence of gun boats on the water ways to the community.
Collins Barasimeye
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.