Politics
Ex-LG Boss Hails Wike On Awards
As felicitations and messages of goodwill from well-meaning Nigerians from all walks of life continue to pour in, the immediate Past Caretaker Committee Chairman of Degema Local Government Area, Hon. Okorite Carrie Adiele has described the choice of Governor Nyesom Wike as Silverbird Man of the Year 2017 and The Sun Governor of the Year 2017 as honour well deserved.
Hon Carrie Adiele who made the assertion in an interview with The Tide in Port Harcourt, last Friday extolled Governor Wike as an extraordinary administrator who keeps his electoral promises and has therefore endeared himself to the people in less than three years in office.
“One striking and remarkable thing about this highly dignified award by the Silverbird Group is that it is a wide spectrum of Nigerians that voted for him to emerge as the Silverbird Man of the Year”, she said.
The former local government council chairperson noted that Governor Wike’s style of governance which has had a remarkable and an outstanding positive touch on the people of the state had attracted to him positive influence and acclaim both nationally and internationally.
According to her, “this award speaks volume of the widespread political goodwill and riveting level of public acceptability and positive influence which His Excellency attracts across the length and breadth of Nigeria”.
Hon Carrie-Adiele congratulated the governor on behalf of the people of Degema local government area and prayed God to grant him the courage and strength to do more for the people of the state.
“May the good Lord continue to keep him in good health and flood his life with more wisdom, blessings and the requisite distinct elements that crystalise into unparalleled development in the state”, she prayed.
Opaka Dokubo
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.