Politics
Ogoni Lawmakers Flay FG Over UNEP Report
Lawmakers from Ogoni ethnic nationality under the aegeis of Ogoni forum of legislators (OFL), have condemned the approach adopted by the federal government in handling the UNEP report which excluded the Ogoni people.
In a chat with newsmen in Port Harcourt over the weekend, the leader of the forum, Senator Magnus Abe, blamed the federal government for failing to consult with the Ogoni people in constituting a technical committee for the implementation of the UNEP report.
Senator Abe, said the people expected the government to engage any Ogoni indigene of their choice to function as a liaision between the government and the people to enable them appreciated the intention of government.
The forum expressed surprise that the federal government technical committee which had no representative of Ogoni people had already submitted its report thereby keeping the people in the dark over the implementation of serious issues raised in the UNEP report. According to the leader of the forum, “we do not know what is in the report submitted because we were not consulted, therefore whatever is contained in it suffer from deficit of credibility”.
Senator Abe, who is the senator committee chairman on petroleum, insisted that the people deserve to be carried along in arriving at the decision on how to mitigate their suffering, noting that the forum of elected Ogoni legislators have set up a committee to work out an acceptable position for the Ogoni. The forum debunked insinuations of discord among the Ogonis, positing that existence of issues which happens in any other part of the country, adding that every Ogoni person is concerned about the problems in the area.
He assured that the lawmakers forum will support every progressive group in Ogoniland for the over all betterment of the people, emphasizing that its committee is already reaching out to different organizations in Ogoniland to aggregate their views.
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.