Politics
Flood: RVHA Calls For Post-Impact Study
Following the receding of flood and the closure of various camps, Rivers State House of Assembly has directed the Ministry of Environment to conduct post impact studies on the flooding that ravaged some parts of the state.
The Assembly gave the directive after a robust debate on the report of the House joint committee on Environment and Social Welfare/Rehabilitation on flooding in the state presented by Hon. Victoria Nyeche at Tuesday’s plenary session.
The House unanimously resolved that the post flood study was important to guide future occurrence, adding that the Ministry of Water Resources was thus directed to liaise with the local government councils to provide water plants and rehabilitate existing ones in the flood affected communities.
The lawmakers accepted the recommendations of the committee that the executive set up a post flood impact committee, which should also include chairmen of the affected local government councils and Hon. Members representing the flood devastated constituencies.
Similarly, the House also directed the Ministry of Environment to immediately commence the fumigation of all the affected communities that suffered especially where the flood has dried up, in order to check the scourge of reptiles, mosquitoes and other insects inimical to the body system before the victims go back to their homes.
Announcing the rejection of the committee’s recommendation to invite the commissioner for Environment for failing to appear before the committee after several efforts, the Speaker, Rt Hon. Otelemaba Dan Amachree warned the Environment Commissioner and other commissioners who do not honour House committee invitations to stop forth with.
Rt. Hon. Amachree warned that the incident should serve as last warning to all the commissioners as the House will not tolerate any failure to honour House committee invitations because every committee has the weight of the entire House.
The speaker directed the clerk to convene the resolution of the House to the relevant authorities for necessary action even as it rejected the suggestion to summon the members of the state flood committee to brief the House on how their assignment was carried out.
Meanwhile, the House committee found out that the flood affected the entire Oru-Sangama and parts of Elem-Sangama communities, about 15 nautical miles from Soku Gas Plant in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, noting that apart from the donation of relief materials from Hon. Dawari George and Hon. Benibo Anabraba.
Legislators representing the constituency, relief materials from the state government did not get to the two communities.
The committee, however, commended individuals, corporate bodies, and groups for identifying with the plight of the flood victims noting that government alone could not have successfully handled the devastation caused by the flood and the resettlement of persons back to normal life.
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.