Politics
2015: Ijaw Governorship Non-Negotiable In Rivers – Ateke
The leader of the Niger
Delta Vigilantee Movement and Ijaw stakeholder in Rivers State, Chief Ateke Tom says the Ijaw’s agitation to produce the next governor of the state is non-negotiable, irrespective of political influence from the presidency.
Apparently referring to the presidency’s alleged preference for the Supervising Minister of Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, who is an Ikwerre man, Ateke said no amount of influence from the presidency would deter him from supporting an Ijaw man for next year’s governorship in the state.
Chief Ateke disclosed this over the weekend, when some Ijaw National Congress (INC) stakeholders payed him a courtesy visit at Okochiri in Okrika Local Government Area of the state.
He called on the Ijaw ethnic nationality in the state to stand for their rights and not to be deceived by alleged rumours of “Madam say” by some selfish politicians.
“I can never leave the struggle for anybody in the name of politics. Once I stand for something, I make sure I pursue it to the end.
“I want all Ijaws in Rivers State to support the Riverine governorship course, because, this is part of the struggle to ensure that an Ijaw man is the next governor of the state, come 2015. Whether Madam say or no say, I don’t want to know”, Akeke said.
He called on the Ijaw people in the state to support him over the task ahead, saying that the struggle is not for one man, but a collective effort to achieve the course.
Earlier, the leader of the group, Elder Derefaka Bara said, the visit was to identify with him on the stand of the Ijaws over the 2015 governorship in the state.
Soliciting the support of Chief Ateke in the agitation for Ijaw governorship, Elder Bara explained that, Riverine and upland dichotomy in Rivers State is a known fact all ethnic nationalities in the state should respect.
According to him, the creation of senatorial districts by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for election convenience should not be a criterion for zoning, saying that the three, senatorial districts in the state are dominated by upland to the detriment of the riverine.
He called on the political parties in the state, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to zone the governorship position to the riverine area in the interest of fairness and justice.
Enoch Epelle
L-R: Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, Deputy Governor, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire and Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Kuforiji Adeyemi, at the 11th Lagos Executives and Legisative Parley in Lagos, recent.
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.