Politics
Ibani Hails Wike On Projects
The lull in activities at the Rivers State House of Assembly continued last week as there was no plenary for the umpteenth time.
Keen observers of parliamentary activities are attributing the situation to last-minute preparations by the legislators for the State Golden Jubilee Anniversary which comes up in a fortnight.
However, the Rivers State House of Assembly’s Speaker, Rt Hon Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani last Tuesday accompanied the State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike to officially declare open, the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers’ Day at Obi-Wali Cultural Centre, Port Harcourt, as part of activities lined up for the Golden Jubilee festivities.
The Speaker, on the sidelines of the event spoke to journalists, reeling out the numerous achievements of the state government.
He particularly commended Governor Wike for restoring the integrity of the traditional institution in the state and holding the incumbents in high esteem.
He urged the council to support Governor Wike in his developmental vision to return the state to its lost glory.
Last Saturday, the Assembly’s Speaker, Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani and the state’s lawmakers accompanied Governor Wike to Ngo, the headquarters of Andoni Local Government,(his constituency) for official declaration and reception of the Paramount Ruler of Ngo Community, HRM King Job William Okwuruket Nnabiget XIV, whose stool was recently recognized as First Class in the State Traditional Rulers Council.
Speaking at the occasion Ibani lauded Governor Wike for actualising the dream of Ngo people by giving them a First Class Traditional Ruler, which the people have been yearning for decades.
He assured the Governor of the continued support and loyalty of Andoni people to his administration, saying that the mandate which Andoni people gave him in 2015 subsists till 2023.
Ibani also commended the people of Andoni and Ngo in particular for their support and belief in Governor Wike’s administration, saying that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led government in the state will continue to provide developmental projects and programmes that would better the lives of the people of the area and the state in general.
Ibani, recalled last year’s flagging-off of the Andoni-Opobo Unity road expressing optimism that the road would be ready for commissioning soon.
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.