Politics
RSHA Okays More CTC Chairmen
The Rivers State
House of Assembly, has confirmed three more caretaker committee chairmen and members in three lcoal government areas of the State, whose names were earlier submitted to the House by Governor Nyesom Wike.
The caretaker committee chairmen and members were confirmed after their screening by the Assembly at its plenary session in Port Harcourt, Wednesday,
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Adams Dabotorudima announced the approval of the CTC designates after all the 11 lawmakers present at the plenary voted to confirm all the nominees of the three local government areas.
A former member of the House whose name was on the list as chairman nominee of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government, Hon. Adonye Diri was simply asked to take a bow as other six members of the CTC were also confirmed.
Others confirmed include Mr. Gbara Erelu, CTC chairman designate for Khana Local Government Area and Mr. Monday Dum-lye, for Gokana Local Government Area of the state.
Rt. Hon. Dabotorudima urged the CTC chairmen and members to key into the new Rivers vision of Governor Nyesom Wike to ensure that their local government areas have a new facelift as dividends of democracy.
Responding to questions at the plenary, the CTC chairman designate of Khana Local Government Area, Mr. Gbara Erelu promised to tackle insecurity and youth unemployment in the area.
According to him, his administration will engage in youth and women empowerment programme to reduce unemployment and hardship in the area.
Also speaking, the CTC Chairman designate for Gokana Local Government Area, Mr. Monday Dum-Iye said his priority is to ensure prompt salary payment to the staff of the council.
He also promised to tackle sanitation and empowerment of youth and widows in the area.
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.