Politics
Gov Restates Commitment To Quality Education
Most of the activites of last weekend in Government House, Port Harcourt centred around the 53rd Independence Anniversary. The celebrations commenced with a non-denominational thanksgiving service at the Rdemption Ministries, Port Harcourt.
Governor Amaechi was however represented by his Deputy, Engr. Tele Ikuru at the church thanksgiving service.
The governor emphasised that Nigeria at 53 years of independence needs leaders who are focused and purposeful to take it to the next level.
“With over 160 million people, Amaechi said “the country is blessed with enormous human and natural resources, which is supposed to be harnessed properly to place it tops among progressive nations in the world”.
On Tuesday, Governor Amaechi returned to the State after spending a week in the United States where he had gone to receive an Award given to him by Black Writers in Diaspira.
Shortly after his arrival, Rt. Hon. Amaechi attended the Independence Anniversary march past at the Elekahia Stadium in Port Harcourt where he addressed the mommoth crowd that participated in the ceremony.
According to him “we must come together as a people to chase away those who want to turn Rivers State into a military state. This state is identified by an elected government and we must indentify with a civilian government. We will not allow what is going on to continue”.
The governor’s speech came barely one week after the Police barred newly employed 13,000 teachers to gather at the Liberation Stadium where they were supposed to pick up their posting letters.
While thanking Rivers people for participating in the National Day Anniversary, Amaechi however assured school children of his administration’s commitment to promote quality education including infrastructure development.
On Wednesday, a member of the House of Representatives, Chief Andrew Uchendu addressed pressmen over an alleged assault on him, by former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives Rt. Hon Austin Opara at Abuja International Airport.
Chief Uchendu who is the Chairman of Rivers Caucus in the National Asembly claimed that Hon. Opara accosted and insulted him in the presence of the member representing, Ahoada-West and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Federal Constituency, Honourable Asita.
On the late night of Thursday, Governor Chibuike Amaechi and other five states of the South-South namely – Bayelsa, Akwa-Ibom, Edo, Delta, Cross River under the aegis of BRACED States met to review policies and programmes.
Chairman of the BRACED States, Senator Liyel Imoke addressed pressmen after the meeting which ended last Friday morning in Benin, capital of Edo State. He reiterated the plan by the governors to pursue the infrastructural and educational development of the South-South.
On Friday, the Governor and his wife, Dame Judith Amaechi made a press statement over the shocking news of former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Tonye Harry.
Dame Amaechi described the late lawmaker as an embodiment of friendship and a lawmaker per excellence who had distinguished himself and provided quality representation in the state.
For Rivers State Deputy Governor, Tele Ikuru, “the news of the death of my friend and brother Tonye Harry came to me as a shock. In his death, Rivers State and indeed Nigeria have lost an erudite politician par excellence”.
Also reacting to Rt. Hon. Harry’s sudden demise, Governor Amaechi remarked, “I’ am still traumatised by the sad news of the death of Rt. Hon. Tonye Harry. Still find it impossible to come to terms that Tonye is no more”.
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.