Politics
Lawmaker, PDP Chieftain Hail Chairmanship Flagbearer
The lawmaker representing Asari-Toru Local Government Area Constituency I in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Tekenari Wellington has expressed optimism that the emergence of Chief Odiari Princewill as the chairmanship flagbearer of the party in the area for the June 16 Local Government elections will usher novel programmes that will change the people’s lives for better.
Wellington who made the statement Monday in an interview after Princewill was declared winner at the ASALGA Delegates Congress in Port Harcourt, stated that the party’s flagbearer had been tested, proven and trusted by the people in various endeavours.
“Odiari is my political boss in whom I’m well pleased. The people of ASALGA are sure that he will deliver and that he has them at heart. He is a contented man so will provide the needed social amenities for the people and he is open to advice, we love him and we are overwhelmed,” he said.
Leader who knew what it took to rule, adding that the candidate when voted into office would take the Local Government Area to a higher level.
He advised Princeswill whom he noted was the first youth to attain such height in ASALGA to ensure that the youths were carried along in the scheme of things and assured him of their support and loyalty at all times to enable him succeed.
On his part, the Acting Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ASALGA, Opakirite Horsfall expressed happiness with the way and manner the congress was conducted and the peaceful atmosphere that prevailed during the exercise.
Horsfall was optimistic that the June 16 elections would be fair, free and peaceful judging by the outcome of the delegates congress, pointing out that Chief Odiari Princewill was unanimously chosen by the people of the Local Government Area.
He urged the chairmanship candidate to give priority to women empowerment, education, the economic sector, health and infrastructure development, security and poverty alleviation.
Shedie Okpara
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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