Politics
Group Berates Police Over Bias In Rivers Politics
A crowd during the Save Rivers Movement rally in Bori, Rivers State last Saturday
A socio-political group
in Ekpeye Kingdom has berated the Rivers State Police Command over its biased stance in the political crisis in Rivers State.
The group under the aegis of Amaechi’s Teeming Supporters in Ekpeye Kingdom condemned what it described as a “show of shame perpetrated by the police in the state under the watch of Mr Mbu Joseph Mbu, the state Commissioner of Police.
Leaders of the group, in a statement, denounced the state of impunity executed by the police against all political groups loyal to Governor Amaechi while lending security cover and support to the Grassroot Democratic Initiative (GDI), a pressure group sponsored by a serving federal minister.
The statement signed by Frank Nnanuum, Uche Igbegiri, Dele Odoyi and Napoleon Ukalikpe observed that the police had abandoned its constitutional responsibilities of protecting lives and properties to becoming the umpire of Rivers politics.
They therefore, called on the immediate redeployment of the police commissioner and setting up of an inquiry into the activities of Mr Mbu’s tenure and activities in the state. It lamented that rather than providing a level playing ground for all politicians and political parties in the state, the police was continuously taking sides with the GDI and its masterminds.
The group cited the attack on Save Rivers Movement on January 12 this year and disruption of a meeting of APC at Odioku and Upatabo communities in Ahoada West as cases in point of police brutality and high- handedness against Amaechi’s supporters and loyalists.
It also condemned the shooting of Senator Magnus Abe and tear-gasing of pro-Amaechi group by the police, adding that police action was a threat to the nation’s democracy and a drift to the dark era of the military regime.
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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