Politics
Lawmaker Empowers 80 Widows In Oyigbo
The lawmaker representing Oyigbo Constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Okechukwu Akara Nwaogu, has empowered 80 widows with N30, 000 each.
Hon. Nwaogu who presented the money in cash to the recipients at the opening of his constituency office and Mini-Information Communication Technology Centre (ICT) at Afam in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, tasked the widows to judiciously spend the money to better their lives.
“Although the money is small, I believe that if you use it properly your life and your children’s life will improve. I’m giving this token to see how you can manage it, if you manage it well, it means you can manage a bigger amount. But if you fail, it means you cannot manage even if you are given millions”, Hon. Nwaogu said.
He disclosed plans to empower the youths of the constituency through provision of scholarship and skills acquisition centres to train those who could not pursue educational careers.
He declared the newly launched ICT centre free for all students from the constituency while the working class will be require to pay what he called little money for the running of the centre.
Also speaking at the occasion, the lawmaker representing Khana Constituency II, Hon. Legbosi Nwidada urged the people of Oyigbo to support the lawmaker and the government of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi to deliver more dividends of democracy to them.
He commended the effort of Hon. Nwaogu for ensuring that his electioneering campaign promises are fulfilled to the people of the area.
Hon. Nwidada urged the beneficiaries of the empowerment packages to use the money judiciously, saying that the lawmaker would only be motivated by positive results from what he has done so far for the people of the area.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Glory Nwankwo thanked Hon. Nwaogu, promising that they would ensure that the money given to them is used judiciously.
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.