Politics
RSG Partners UNDP On Good Governance
The Rivers State
Government says it is collaborating with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with renewed vigour to institute measures that would obliterate impediments surrounding effective and proper research and statistical data coordination for effective governance and planning in Rivers State.
The representative of the UNDP in the office of the Special Adviser to Governor Amaechi on International Donors Agency, Mr. Luke Amadi stated this yesterday in a key note address at a one-day validation workshop on “Draft – Frame Work for Local Government Statistics Information System” organized by the Rivers State Government in collaboration with UNDP in Port Harcourt.
According to him, poor research and statistical data coordination is responsible for poor governance and ineffective planning in Nigeria local governments system.
He said, proper research and data collection at the grassroot levels have been neglected for years back, hence there is no accurate data reports like population of school children, death rate, birth rate, geographical sizes, the actual working class – population among others at the local levels of the country.
Amadi blamed the situation on the effective and poor development planning in the country’s local government areas.
The state representative identified the pursuit of selfish goals among politicians as one of the major challenges confronting real data coordination for proper planning in the country.
He said, the workshop was aimed at adopting new approaches for effective research and statistical data coordination at the local government levels, noting that informations flow from local levels to states and to the federal levels for proper policy making has become imperative.
The UNDP representative restated the need to rise beyond the challenges of underdevelopment in the country.
He called and canvassed strong synergy and networking system to ensure that statistical data at various local government levels are enforced for sustainable development and good governance.
Also speaking the Director of Budget, Planning and Research department, Port Harcourt City Council, rev. G.B. Jenewari called on the state House of Assembly to enact a law to elevate the Research and statistics Unit to a full fledged department with a director to manage its affairs.
Jenewari said Research and Statistics Unit which is currently under the department of Budget, Planning and Research at the local government levels does not guarantee effective functional Statistical data Cordination for Planning and development of the state, particularly the local levels.
He said, the combination of the three separate disciplines as one department at local government areas does not allow work to function effectively.
Enoch Epelle
L-R: President Goodluck Jonathan discussing with Secretary, Presidential Advisory Committee on National Dialogue, Dr Akilu Indabawa and the Chairman, Senator Femi Okurounmu, in Abuja, recently.
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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