Politics
Bayelsa Guber Race: Sylva Still Not Sure …Tension Mounts In Yenagoa
Barely eight days to the governorship primaries of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State, the fate of the incumbent governor, Chief Timipre Sylva is still unknown.
This follows the absence of his name among those approved Wednesday for the primary election by the Peoples Democratic Party Screen Committee.
Those given the approval Wednesday to contest for the primaries include Donkpala Francis, Amaebi, Ekiyegha, Fred Korobido and Austin Febo.
Earlier last week, the PDP had cleared four for the primary elections. They were Orufa Justine Bolonbo, Henry Seriake Dickson, Enai Christopher Fullpower and Kalango Michael Yonpele.
In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Prof. Ahmed Alkali, the Party said “in continuation of the review of the reports of the screening committee and the screening Appeal Panel for the Gubernatorial Primaries in Bayelsa State, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party has approved the clearance of the second batch of aspirants to contest the primaries scheduled to take place on Saturday, 19th November, 2011.
The statement further stated that ‘the review exercise continues until all issues concerning all aspirants are successfully dealt with and disposed off”.
Meanwhile, in a telephone interview, a former PDP member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly who craved anonymity said, the case of Sylva was over and that he would not be called back or cleared.
The former Bayelsa State law maker, however, said, by next week everything would be clear, adding that the real candidate had not appeared yet.
Our correspondent in Yenagoa, reports that tension is high and everywhere was calm.
Soye Young-Itiye
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.