Politics
Aide Canvasses LG Chairmen, PDP Excos’ Partnership
Chairmen of the 23 local government areas in Rivers State, have been urged to embark on projects that would impact positively on the lives of the rural populace in Rivers State.
They have also been charged to always engage community authorities, and the people democratic Party wards and executives in the articulation of programmes and policies, that would address the peculiar needs of the people.
The Special Assistant to the Managing Director (MD) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on Education Mobilization and Orientation, Hon. Orokomiebia J.J. Braide gave the charge recently at Buguma, during the official inauguration of Asari-Toru Local Government Area chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) executive.
The Special Assistant observed that since each local government area has peculiar terrain and challenges, it was good for council authorities to always identify with the immediate needs of the people.
Hon. Braide also observed that, since each wards has party executive, who served as the eyes of the grassroots to feed councilors with information on what would be the needs of the people, it was also good for the council authorities, who incidentally are the product of the party, to identify with the party executives quarterly to found out the needs of the rural populace.
Hon. Braide also tasked the party executives at the rural areas to exercise their responsibilities as to ensure that resources accruing to the people through the local government authorities are well managed and applied at the local level.
The Special Assistant observed that the party had every rights to pilot and monitor the activities from the presidency to the Councillors.
He noted that, if the product of the party in the authority failed, the party had also failed.
He urged the newly inaugurated executives of the Peoples’ Democracy Party (PDP) in Asari Toru to closely check the activities of the council including Councillors with a view to achieving them accordingly.
Earlier, the Vice Chairman of People Democratic Party (PDP) Rivers West Senatorial District, Engr. Sule Amachree tasked the newly inaugurated PDP executives on transparency and commitment to efficient policy and programmes that would take the party to greater heights in the area.
He emphasized that the party at the state level was poised at ensuring that PDP maintained its officers across the state Engr. Amachree commended the Asari-Toru Council Chairman, Hon. Ojukaye Flag Amachree for his leadership roles to Unite the PDP in the area.
Enoch Epelle
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.