Politics
RVHA Polls: ‘It’s The Turn Of Egbema’
An aspirant to the Rivers
State House of Assembly, Engr Chukwudi Ogbonna has demanded for fairness, equity and justice in the zoning of political offices in Ogba/Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Engr Ogbonna, a contender to ONELGA Constituency ll seat in the state legislature explained that judging from the political history of the area, Egbema zone, particularly Aggah community should produce the next state lawmaker in 2015.
He recalled that Usomini, Ndoni and Egbema have all had their first slots in the state Assembly and appealed to other zones in the area to concede the state legislative position to Egbema for the second round.
The aspirant lamented that Egbema has been highly marginalised in the scheme of things, noting that no Egbema man has been made a commissioner, member of the National Assembly, Special Assistant or even chairman of any state or federal parastal since the inception of ONELGA.
Ogbonna further stated that Aggah Egbema (ward 12) is the single highest producer of oil and gas in ONELGA, yet the area and its people are still suffering in the midst of plenty.
Promising to right the anomaly if elected as a lawmaker, the Egbema-born politician appealed to all political stakeholders in ONELGA to support ward 12 as Hon William Ijeoma and Ismeal Singee from Mgbede and Okunzi communities respectively have tasted the slot before now, leaving only Aggah in the cooler.
The aspirant called for harmonisation of interest, irrespective of political affiliation to enable Egbema zone clinch the position in the 2015 general elections.
When voted, he said, youth empowerment, employment and provision of social amenities would be his priority.
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.