Politics
2015: Group Drums Support For Ogonis
A socio-political
organisation, the Ijaw Justice Forum (IJF) has said it will support an Ogoni candidate as Governor of Rivers State in the 2015 general elections in appreciation of their contributions to the Niger Delta struggle.
The President of the forum, Comrade Tom Douglas, who stated this last Friday in a statement, said it would be unjust to deny the people of South East Senatorial district the governorship slot in 2015.
The group urged Rivers people to prioritise the sustenance of the existing zoning arrangement in the political landscape of the state and allow the South East to produce the next governor of the state.
Douglas said those advocating for an Ijaw Governor in Rivers State come 2015, were not in the interest of the state rather for their selfish interest.
“Those calling for the zoning of the 2015 governorship election to an Ijaw son fail to understand that there was no longer upland and riverine dichotomy in Rivers State”, he said.
According to him, it will be unjust to deprive the people of Rivers South-East Senatorial District governorship in 2015, stressing that the forum would support an Ogoni candidate in appreciation of their contributions to the Niger Delta struggle for which the Ijaws had benefited immensely.
“The Ogoni people of Rivers State contributed to the Niger Delta struggle which resulted to the creation of OMPADEC and later NDDC as well as the 13 per cent derivation principle. It will be wrong to deprive these same people the governorship position now that it has naturally shifted to their senatorial zone”, the statement explained.
While emphasising that the present political crisis will not favour the people of Niger Delta, the forum advised stakeholders in the region to preach peace and love, assuring that President Jonathan and Governor Amaechi will sort out their political differences when the time comes.
On the proposed National Conference, the statement said the unity of Nigeria was imperative but such unity must recognize equity and social justice for all federating units, especially the minorities.
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.