Politics
‘Tonye Harry, A Stabilising Factor’ …As Legislators Wives Condole Colleague
Speaker of the Rivers State
House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Otelemaba Dan Amachree, has described the lae former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tonye Harry as a “stabilising factor” both in the activities of the House and governance in the state.
The speaker, who stated this midweek, when he led a delegation of the state lawmakers on a condolence visit to the wife and family of the deceased, noted that as lawmakers, this is the period they needed his presence most.
“This is the period we really need, you know the House is in crisis. He was a stabilising factor in the House. We really need him most now”, he said.
In the visit, which was very brief, Rt Hon. Amachree addressed the wife of the bereaved, Mrs Sotonye Harry and other members of the family, explaining the shock with which news of the late speaker’s death was received.
“We’re also pained because he was a member of the House of Assembly, a member of the family of lawmakers. We would’nt have been here to pay you a condolence visit because we’re also bereaved.
“But as tradition demands, we’re here. It is still a shock to us, we never believed that Tonye would leave us so soon.
“But I know that he has not just left us like that, his memories will stay with us. We cannot question God why this should happen to us now. You know He giveth and He taketh. What we have to say is “to God be the glory”.
He assured on the full participation of members in the funeral of the late speaker and urged the family to come up with the programme at the earliest possible time.
Speaking on behalf of the bereaved family, Chief Opaks Harry, thanked the speaker and his colleagues for the visit, noting that, “no one can query God. We can only thank Him and ask that he bless us at this point of loss.”
The late former speaker of the state Assembly died on Friday in Algeria where the plane carrying him for treatment abroad had made a stop over.
He had slumped in his private gymnasium penultimate Wednesday and was resuscitated in the state-owned Kelsey Harrison Hospital before being flown abroad for treatment.
In another development, Wives of the State Lawmakers Association (LEWA), have also condoled with their colleague, Mrs Sotonye Harry over the death of her husband.
In a statement, the Chairperson of the body, Mrs. Gilda Otele Dan Amachree, wife of the Speaker, said “the news of Rt Hon Tonye Harry was deafening and unsettling.
“As I realize the truth of this sad news, I share this moment of deep grief with the family of the late lawmaker. On behalf of wives of the state lawmakers, I sympathise with our sister and colleague, Mrs Sotonye T. Harry, over the demise of her husband and friend.
“We pray that God will grant the entire family the fortitude to bear this inquantifiable loss”, she said.
Also present at the visit was the incumbent chairman of the late former Speaker’s Constituency Degema Local Government Area, Hon. Ibigoni Daddy Pokuna; his predecessor, Hon Abiye Davies and a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Agolia Aboko.
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.