Politics
Party Chieftain Assures Transparency
The newly elected chairman of the Action Alliance (AA) Party in Rivers State, Mr Sunday Gabriel Baju, has assured the party of transparency in its internal democracy and in handling the affairs of the party.
Baju who gave the assurance while speaking with newsmen shortly after the state congress of the party held in Port Harcourt recently said the Action Alliance as a registered political party by the Independent National Electoral Commission , (INEC) was committed to adherence to party guidelines and objectives to bring credibility to the process of governance.
He commended the delegates at the state congress and all party members for endorsing through a consensus, the harmonized list of state executives for the party.
The party chairman called on members to remain committed to the ideals of the party to coast home electoral victory in the up coming general elections.
Also speaking, the newly elected secretary of the party in Rivers State, Hon Stephen Deegbara, thanked the party members for giving the new exco the opportunity to serve.
He assured that members would uphold standards in the administration of the party secretariat in Rivers.
The secretary also cautioned against auti-party activities and noted that there was brighter prospect for the party to win elections in the state.
The state congress which was monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), was hitch- free and conducted on delegate basis. Other newly elected state officials of the party include; Clifford Woke, deputy state chairman, Mrs Edna Mba, state woman leader, Mr Senibro Jaja, Rivers South East Vice Chairman, Hon Dickson Chinda Rivers East vice chairman, Mr Hagrove Monday, Rivers West vice chairman, Constance Yellow, treasurer, among others.
Taneh Beemene
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.