Politics
Shoddy Preparations May Mar Degema LG Election
Shoddy preparations may mar the September 17 Degema local government elections as the Rivers State Independent Electorial Commission (RSIEC) is yet to publish the names of contestants and political parties participating in the election.
The electoral body which had concluded the screening of candidates on Wednesday could not make public the list of contestants 48 hours to the election as stated in the amended local government election bye-law.
The inadequate preprations have thereby put the hope of participants and political parties for the election on the balance as to what may become their fate. Sources revealed that the commission may disqualify some candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other parties who submitted the names of their candidates late.
The commission was also accused of favouring the PDP; as they alleged that the PDP submitted its names of candidates on Monday, four days after the end of the deadline.
Mr. Princewill Enyi, Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rivers State, alleged that PDP submitted its list on Monday which made the screening to last till Wednesday.
Enyi noted that the situation had created confusion in the system as the contestants and participating political parties were at a loss.
A press briefing scheduled for yesterday was equally scheduled for today (Friday) to enable the commission come up with a position, because the current situation had created panic and doubt in the minds of contestants, their supporters and political parties.
Addressing newsmen yesterday, the Director of Press, Mr. Sam Woka said the commission was still compiling names of candidates.
Mr. Woka also said the commission was yet to post the names of the adhoc staff to the various wards and units for the election on Saturday.
The Director of Press confirmed that the commission had concluded the screening of candidates but was yet to compile them for publication.
The commission is expected to conduct elections in 17 wards of Degema Local Government Area.
Meanwhile, the PDP Wednesday handed over flag to the chairmanship candidate of the party, Mr. Daddy Pokima.
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.