Politics
No Going Back On Resource Control, Fiscal Federalism – Odili
Former Rivers State Gover
nor, Dr Peter Odili and delegate to the ongoing National Conference in Abuja, has said that the stand of the state and indeed, the South-South geo-political zone on resource control and fiscal federalism remain unshakable, as they’re resolute to pursue the agenda to its logical conclusion at the confab.
Speaking in an interview with The Tide shortly after the Committee on Political Re-structuring and Forms of Government endorsed true federalism for the nation, the former governor who is a member of the committee said the committee’s recommendation of true federalism was best for Nigeria, adding that the committee was conscious of dissenting voices at the confab, but would equally rise to the occasion at plenary when the report will be presented.
According to Odili, “true federalism has its own implications. Now, we’re looking towards the conference to decide on the committee’s report; we’ll have a situation in which states generate their resources and contribute to the central revenue.
‘’The implication is that issues like resource control will take its pride of place, a situation whereby states are rushing to Abuja and collecting money every month will be a thing of the past. You’ll now have a situation that states will own their resources and generate them from whatever source, then pay an agreed tax to the centre – that’s fiscal federalism, that’s what we are looking forward to’’.
Describing the recommendation as an achievement; the two-term former governor of Rivers State said,” …What I can say we have achieved is that the committee has agreed that we are going to get true federalism, where you have centre as the federal government and may be, have states as federating units’’.
Dr. Odili explained that true federalism should be based on “ two-tiers of government -the federal, and states as federating units. That way, you’ll have clearly defined true federal structure that appeases and satisfies all interests.’’
Justus Unye-Awaji, Abuja
Rivers State Deputy Governor Tele Ikuru, congratulating the newly elected State Chairman, APC, Rivers State, Chief Davies Ikanya, recently.
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.
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