Politics
RVHA Charts Path To Safe Waterways
There has been lull in the activities of the Rivers State House of Assembly (RVHA) for two consecutive weeks as plenary sessions have not held.
However, three events dominated few activities in the House last week.
The first among them took the centre stage at the office of the Assembly/speaker last Tuesday in Port Harcourt, when the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani and two other law-makers played host to the delegation of the Saint Andrew Anglican Church, Mile I Diobu, Port Harcourt.
During the interactive session with the Church delegation the Speaker promised that the Assembly will revisit the State Social Rehabilitation law to check the influx and menace of beggars and people living with disabilities on the streets of Port Harcourt and its environs.
Ibani gave the assurance in response to the pleas by the Church over the increase in criminal activities and persons with mental retardation around church premises and beyond.
The speaker also promised that the House will liaise with security agencies to rid the Diobu area of criminality, to ensure the security of lives and property of both residents and worshippers.
In his speech, the vicar of the church and the head of the delegation, Ven. Boma Briggs said the visit to the Assembly was to identify with the legislature and to bring to its notice some issues that needed to be addressed in the State.
Biggs, who congratulated the Speaker and members of the House for their victory in the just-concluded rerun elections commended the legislative arm for its immense contribution to the developmental vision of Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike in the State.
The second event took place at the office of the lawmaker representing Bonny Constituency, Hon. Abinye Pepple in the Assembly Complex in Port Harcourt.
Pepple hosted a joint meeting of both Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and Boat Drivers Association, Bonny Branch, on Wednesday, over the boat mishap that claimed seven lives along Bonny waterways.
He called for proper certification of boats plying Bonny waterways to minimize frequent boat accidents.
The lawmaker also wants the installation of weather forecast reader to check weather conditions for easy navigation on the water ways.
On his part, the chairman of Maritime Workers Union, Bonny Unit, Comrade Maxwell Hart called on the Government to improve security along the Bonny waterways to ensure safety.
The House, last Thursday, presented five Bills already passed by the House to the State governor for accent.
Presenting the Bills, the Speaker of the House said the bills were passed because of the Assembly’s commitment to the development of the State.
According to him, the Bill includes Rivers Education Amendment Bill 2017, Rivers State Honour Law 2017, Rivers State Reserved Fund Repeal Law 2017, Rivers State University Law 2017, and Rivers State Teaching Hospital Bill 2017.
The Speaker commended members of the House for corporation and commitment to ensuring that the name of the State is placed on the platform that will give the leadership some respect.
He also thanked the Governor for ensuring good relationship between the Executive and the Legislative organs of Government in the State.
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.
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