Politics
RSHA Deliberates On Flood Matters
Last week, the state House of Assembly did not sit formally as it had earlier adjourned for two weeks to enable the lawmakers visit their country homes to celebrate the Easter festivities with their families and constituency members.
Expectedly, the honourable members used the period to interface with those they represent by briefing them on the laws passed by the Assembly and those pending before the House with a view to seeking their opinion to either speak in favour or against the proposed laws.
Some of such issues include the Waste Management Agency bill, the Customary Court Amendment bill, the Tax Harmonisation bill and the motion for preparation against the predicted flooding in Rivers State by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMEI).
The motion to prepare for the expected heavy rainful and subsequent flooding was presented by the lawmaker representing Abua/Odual, Hon. Augustine Ngo. The House unanimously accepted the prayers sought in the motion and even went further to resolve that some commissioners and other relevant agencies of government appear before the Assembly to explain steps put in place to mitigate or cushion the expected impact.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Otelemaba Amachree, who voiced the resolution of the House, urged the clerk to write to the Commissioners of Special Duties and Information and Communications to appear before the lawmakers to intimate them of precautionary measures regarding the NIMET prediction.
The House had observed that similar predications last year by the organisation was ignored and the state witness one of the worst floods in recent history that took every one napping. The outcome was deaths and destruction of properties.
Means of livelihood and economic activities in the affected areas were brought to a halt and life became miserable.
As the House resumes plenary session tomorrow, those invited by the lawmakers would be expected to tell the members of the Assembly steps taken in response to the prediction of possible heavy rainful that will occasion flooding in some parts of the state that are vulnerable.
The interaction is expected to be fruitful as assurances to be given by those invited would be the yardstick to measure their roles in the discharge of their duties.
Informally, the lawmakers were engaged in different activities, even the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Amaechree, participated in the launching of the European Union (EU) supported Micro-Project Programme (MPP) for the nine states of the Niger Delta region.
The launching, which took place at the auditorium of the state Assembly had in attendance the EU Ambassador, Dr. David MacRae, Secretary to the National Planning Commission who represented the Minister of National Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Usman Shamsuddeen, Deputy Governor, Tele Ikuru, represented Governor Chibuike Amaechi.
The House Committee Chairman on Information and Training, Hon. Onari Brown, represented the Speaker when the Commissioner for Information, Mrs Ibim Semenitari led women groups on advocacy visit to call attention to violence against women in society.
Hon Onari said the state Assembly was among the first to pass a law on violence against women and remains resolute in its support against all forms of violence targeted at women.
Equally, the state lawmakers are expected to expedite action on the passage of outstanding bills and possibly introduce new ones that would bring about good governance as well as enhance service delivery.
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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