Politics
‘Rivers Political Crisis, Unfortunate’
A politician in Rivers
State, Mr Billy Kalagbor has blamed the festering political crisis in the state to the dysfunctioning of the legislative process of governance, noting that the development was a deliberate ploy to ground the socio-economic development of the state.
Kalagbor who spoke with The Tide in an interview in Port Harcourt, last week, said inspite of the constitutional approval of the House of Representatives to take over the duties of the Rivers State House of Assembly, the decision has not served the best interest of the state.
Kalagbor, a former flagbearer of the Hope Democratic Party for the Port Harcourt Constituency 1 seat into the state House of Assembly said the House of Representative were equally docile and had their own pressing challenges and as well lack the impetus for effective legislative duties in Rivers State.
He said Rivers people should be wary of the trend of political developments, and called on hectors in the power play to sheathe their sword and work collectively to restore sanity in the political process of the state, noting that traditional rulers have a fundamental role to play in the entire process.
According to him, “The fact that the law making arm of a foremost Nigerian state, like Rivers, is not working in a democratic dispensation and it does not call to the heart of the actors in the power play, is disheartening”.
The politician, who described Rivers State as a “costly political bride”, noted that there were people benefiting from the crisis in the state and will want it to persist.
He called for a new political consciousness among the people ahead of the 2015 general election to evolve, a new political order in which the people’s views would be sacrosanct.
He noted that Rivers State was bigger than any political party and called on members of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP to amicably resolve their problems without making it a burden on the citizenry.
Reacting to the Anambra State Governorship Poll, the politician urged the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, to build confidence in the electorate in the 2015 general election which is a determinant factor in Nigerian political process.
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.