Politics
We Won’t Support Another Ikwerre Gov-Khana Monarchs
The paramount ruler and
chairman, Babbe Council of Traditional Rulers in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, H.R.H. Chief M. K. F Noryaa IV, says the people of Babbe and Khana in general would not support another Ikwerre governor after Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi .
The monarch based his reason on the existing rotation of power between the upland and the reverine areas of the state.
Chief Noryaa, while deceiving Greater Together Wards-to-Wards campaign team led by the All Progressives Congress (APC) deputy governorship candidate, Hon. Honurable Asita at his palace in Babbe, called on Ogoni people to reject another Ikwerre man for the 2015 governorship election in the state.
The traditional ruler said any attempt to vote the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Barr. Nyesom Wike as governor would destroy the existing relationship and unity between the riverine and upland people in the state.
Chief Noryaa, who presented a package of undisclosed amount of cash, as part of the council’s commitment to the course of Hon. Dakuku Peterside, and Hon. Asita governorshp agenda, assured the campaign team, that APC would win in all the elections in the area.
The APC campaign team was also at the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Bowei Community in Kani-Babbe, the headeqartrs of Babbe Kingdoms, where H.R.H Chief Worika Faddee assured the party’s governorship candidates of victory.
The paramount ruler, who conferred the chieftaincy title of “Mene Agra-Bowei,” (God deliver Bowei) on the APC governorship candidate , Dr. Dakuku Peterside, described Dakuku as a true son of Ogoniland.
Hon. Asita received the title on behalf of Dr. Peterside.
Hon Asita commended the people of Khana, especially the Babbe Council of Traditional Rulers, for their concern and commitment to the course of APC in the State, assuring that the APC government would reciprocate the good gesture if voted into power.
Enoch Epelle
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.