Politics
Rivers Indegenes Tasked On Credible Elections
President of Rivers State Community, Abuja (RIVCOM), Chief Bar. Brighten Saagwe has urged indigenes of the state, especially those resident in the Federal Capital Territory to vote only for credible candidates in next year’s general election.
Saagwe who spoke with The Tide on Sunday after RIVCOM’s monthly meeting in Abuja noted that since President Goodluck Jonathan is committed to ensuring that vote count at the 2011 elections, it behooves on the members of the association and indeed, every Nigerian to support the President’s effort by voting only for credible candidates.
The Rivers’ Peoples’ Leader in Abuja advised President Jonathan to remain focus and work gladly to ensure that electoral reform is carried out, with the good intention he has for the country. Saagwe also advised Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi to “ensure that his development programme is followed religiously, not minding detractors or his political enemies”.
Also, speaking with The Tide on Sunday, the Community’s former General Secretary, Mr. Josiah Kingdom and a member of the present exco, Mr. Fred Opusunji applauded the development strides in Rivers State and prayed God to strengthen the governor to do more for the state.
According to Mr. Kingdom, “In the past, there used to be a lot of crises here and there in the state) but with the coming on board of the present governor; whom I will say he is an ‘Action Governor’, there’s now stability in the state and there is a lot of progress going on. In the next five years, Rivers State might even become the New York or Tokyo of Nigeria, we are really enjoying the dividends of democracy in the state”.
Mr. Opusunji corroborated this when he said, “Thank God, we have a governor who is grounded in Rivers State— and he is moving the state forward. I am an Opobo man. Before this time, I’ve never believed that something good can come out of our politicians but from what I saw when I travelled home – a lot of development taking place, like areas being sand – filled, modern schools and hospitals being built. A lot of progress has been made in our state, and this is a big boost for the State”.
Justus Awaji, Abuja
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.