Politics
Nobody Can Intimidate Us-Wike
The victory of the Senator Makarfi-led Caretaker Committee in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) at the Supreme Court last Wednesday, resonated across the country and threw Government House in Port Harcourt in a celebrative mood.
At last, a year old feud over the leadership of the PDP was laid to a final rest, as Governor Nyesom Wike and other governors who had fought for justice expressed optimism that the Party would bounce back in 2019 to take over the country’s leadership.
However, it was the South-East/South-South Governor’s meeting held at Enugu State that took the lead in the events that took place last week in Government House, Chief Nyesom Wike was-among governors from the South-South Zone that attended the inaugural regional parley aimed at finding common economic and political fronts between the two regions in Southern Nigeria.
The PDP leadership feud which was laid to rest last Wednesday, excited many stakeholders in the Party. Shortly after the judgement, Chief Wike said, “this judgment shows that there will be opposition in Nigeria”.
The governor further stated that the PDP would emerge from the crisis stronger because all stakeholders would work hard to rebuild the Party.
On arriving Port Harcourt International Airport to witness a huge reception by PDP faithfuls, Chief Wike declared again that, “Now, we have a government and we have a Party that says that will be no opposition. If there is no opposition, there will be no democracy”.
He called on Nigerians to pray for the nation’s judiciary as to facing difficult times, threat and intimidation of judges.
Commending River PDP faithful for being steadfast during the legal fireworks, Wike added, “God has come out to rescue Rivers State and PDP. Nobody can intimate us”.
Last Thursday, Chief Wike attended the formal ceremony for the operationalisation of the 6th Division of the Nigerian Army held at Bori Camp. He and other four governors from the Niger Delta pledged support for the new Army Division. He specifically sought for an all-out war to dislodge kidnappers and cultists in Rivers State. To bolster army operations, he announced the donation of land at Omuma and donated 20 patrol vehicles to the Division.
Last Friday, the Governor played host to the National President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba. The NLC president, who commended Chief Wike for prompt payment of salaries, also sought for improved welfare for workers. But Chief Wike assured him that his administration would do so when once the economy improves, while urging the labour body to close ranks and be more united.
Shortly after receiving the labour body entourage, Chief Wike attended another ceremony by the 6th Division of Nigerian Army to unveil its new leisure house and Army Chief Lodge in Port Harcourt.
Last weekend, he attended the church wedding of daughter to former President of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Barrister Okey Wali, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, held at St Paul’s Catherdal, Diobu.
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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