Politics
Speaker Hails Lawmaker Over Constituency Project
Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Otelemaba Amachree, has described the lawmaker representing Bonny Constituency in the state legislature as a practical politician that is passionate about the development of his constituency.
Hon Amachree gave this indication last Saturday in Bonny while commissioning the Finima Youth Centre built by Hon. Aye Pepple as part of his constituency project in the area.
The speaker who was represented by the House Committee Chairman on Information and Training Hon. Onari Brown, said Hon. Aye was representing his constituent well because he is a strong voice in the Assembly and has attracted the attention of the government to Bonny.
He explained that since the former speaker and now Governor of the state Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi introduced constituency projects which the National Assembly had also adopted, politicians like Hon. Aye Pepple have utilised the opportunity to affect the lives of their constituents positively.
Hon. Brown, hinted that the Bonny lawmaker in the House had done many projects to his credit and commended him for identifying with the problems of his people, adding that it was a mark of a good politician to keep to promises.
The speaker’s representative, urged the youths to see the centre as a place to generate positive ideas, peace and not for rancour, while tasking them on the maintenance of the structure.
Hon Brown who also represents Akuku-Toru Constituency I, advised the youths of the area not to allow the intrigues of the multi national companies in their area to divide them but work cooperatively in unity of purpose.
Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Hon. Edward Pepple lauded the lawmaker for the vision to embark on projects that have direct bearing on the youths, stressing that building institution that would strengthen the future of the youths remains a worthy venture.
Edward Pepple called on the youths to use the project to improve themselves for a better tomorrow, emphasising that the planned youth summit would lead to an economic summit pioneered by the council.
Earlier, the lawmaker representing Bonny in the State Assembly, Hon. Aye Pepple, said the project was part of his contribution to assist the youths of Finima as a promise made during the electioneering campaign, noting that the fulfillment has shown that politics today is a game of integrity.
The lawmaker picked holes on the attitude of multi national companies operating in the area, pointing out that he would be facilitating a youth summit soon to tackle some of the challenges confronting the development of youths in the area.
The occasion was also used to inaugurate a 5 member constituency football cup competition committee with additional one as representative each from each of the twelve wards that make up Bonny.
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.