Politics
PDP Warns Against Release Of N30bn Bailout To Kogi
The Peoples Democratic Party, Kogi State Chapter has begged the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Federal government not to release the N30 billion outstanding Bailout fund to Kogi State government, said previous intervention monies was embezzled by the governor.
The party said its position is coming on the heel of the state governor’s intensified efforts in lobbying the APC controlled federal government to secure release of further 30 billion bailout.
PDP in a statement by the State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Bode Ogunmola said the question that needs to be asked is how has the governor utilized past funds released to him thus far.
The party said that the state is hugely indebted and is owing workers salaries for about 38 months after taken several intervention funds and loans from banks without any development to show for it.
“All the administration has embarked upon is reckless looting of state resources.
Any attempt to compromise by the CBN, would be a great disservice to the suffering people of Kogi State.
“The bailout itself is not a free fund, the money is a loan that will be paid back over a period of time with 9% interest. Any government that prides itself in probity will ask questions of how past releases were utilized before committing Kogi State into further debt.”
PDP said its not against the payment of workers their entitlements, but urged the CBN to heed their earlier suggestion to initiates moves to probe past utilization of earlier releases and make arrangements to pay workers directly. “Any further release to Governor Yahaya Bello would amount to a disservice to the poverty stricken workers of Kogi State. The government is financially reckless, with penchant for looting state resources and has the penchant not to pay salaries. “We asked the CBN to pay Kogi workers directly.
Any attempt to release the balance of bailout to governor Bello, would amount to given him his pay-off, because the government has been rejected and would be voted out in November.”
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.