Politics
Dickson Proposes Bill To Co-Ordinate Projects
The Governor Bayelsa State Chief Seriake Dickson says he plans to sponsor a bill that will provide a legal framework that seeks to coordinate project execution by multinational oil companies operating in the state.
Governor Dickson disclosed this during a meeting he held with delegation of Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC led by the Managing Director, Mr. Mutiu Sumonu in Government House, Yenagoa.
The Governor said the measure was to enable his administration keep track of projects embarked upon by oil companies and interventionist agencies in order to avoid duplication in projects.
Chief Dickson, who observed that this move would go a long way in mitigating crisis in communities said when the bill is ready, companies and agencies will be expected to make their input with a view to facilitating the over all development of the state.
The State Chief Executive also intimated SPDC of governments plan to unfold a Bayelsa Public Private Partnership initiative (PPI) to enable the present administration pursue and actualise the restoration agenda for the state.
Describing SPDC as a major partner over the years, he solicited the company’s collaboration in a number of areas which include human capital development, employment, health service delivery and the construction of major roads under the proposed PPI arrangement.
Hon. Dickson who commended SPDC for its involvement in the construction of the Ogbia Nembe road project as well as that of Tombia Etegwe, however, expressed dissatisfaction over the way and manner the project was being handled.
According to him, there is the need to re-appraise the Tombia-Etegwe road contract which is being jointly funded by SPDC and the state government to ensure its speedy completion.
He pointed out that SPDC needed to make payment of taxes and levies on their Gbarain/Ubie integrated Gas Gathering plant facility.
Speaking the Managing Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company, Mr. Mutit Sunmonu requested government’s assistance to enable the company gain unhindered access to 3 of the 24 communities impacted by the pollution to mop up the spill.
Mr. Sunmonu also drew the attention of government to the issue of crude oil theft, which he noted, has resulted to significant production loss, and urged government to look into the problem and proffer solution
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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