Politics
Three OBALGA Communities Get Transformers, Soon
Three communities in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State will get transformers during the first 100 days of the present administration of the area. They are Rukpokwu, Rukpoku, and Ozuoba.
Making this known in an exclusive interview in his office last Tuesday, the Executive Chairman of the Council, Hon. Solomon Abel Eke said this would be part of his achievements to showcase the first 100 days in office of his administration.
Hon. Eke, who reeled out numerous projects his administration has commenced and will accomplish during his tenure as Chairman of the Local Government Area, stated that all he has decided to do is to be remembered by the people-oriented projects he would execute.
“What I want to be remembered for, as I’ve always said, is the good plans that I have for the people of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. My coming to this office is just to serve the people. Serving them means that whatever is the interest of the people is what I will do”, he told The Tide.
Towards this end, he said: “I have opened my door very wide for all the communities who seek audience with me. I do this because it is through this I can find out what their problems are”.
According to him, the three communities had stated that transformer is what they need immediately and he promised them that he’ll provide it by the 15th of October, before the commencement of activities to mark his 100 days in office.
The local government boss, who said he aims to sanitise, develop and secure the LGA, hinted that projects he is currently working on include instituting a health insurance scheme that would cater for the health needs of the people, decongesting major roads and provision of security in the entire Obio/Akpor.
Others are: building of schools in areas that do not have, provision of tablets that would contain past West African Examinations Council (WAEC) question papers and answers for students preparing for the examination and building a sports complex for the local government area.
Soibi Max-Alalibo
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.