Politics
Monarch Backs Wike’s Re-Election Bid
Ahead of the 2019 general elections, a traditional ruler in Rivers State, HRH Eze Christopher Wonodi has said that Governor Nyesom Wike deserves re-election in view of what he called his outstanding performance in the past three years.
Wonodi, who is the Eze Mbam Abali X11/Eze Risiohia in Rebisi, Port Harcourt, stated this in an exclusive interview with The Tide at his Palace shortly after he hosted a meeting of the Port Harcourt City Council of Traditional Rulers in Port Harcourt, weekend.
Eze Wonodi, said the Governor has literally turned Port Harcourt and other parts of the State into a construction site with quality projects coming therefrom, pointing out that it was not surprising that the state is now a destination of choice for investors.
The Traditional Ruler further said aside the several network of roads constructed by the present administration, the Governor has restored street lights in most parts of Port Harcourt City, as well as beautification and design of roundabouts which has given the city a new look.
“There is no doubt that Governor Wike is gradually restoring the Garden City status of Port Harcourt. You can see the quality roads he is constructing with street lights, the roundabouts and interchange, the World Class Pleasure park at the Air Force area, State of the Art Rex Lawson Cultural Centre located at the old Port Harcourt Township, among others.
“In fact, Wike has done so much and that is why most Rivers people are urging him to seek reelection. We are all in this state and have seen people that have not even done as much as the Governor has done today, yet they got second tenure.
“But here is a man (Governor Wike) whose projects have attracted prominent Nigerians across the country to felicitate with him. Do not forget that he derives the name Mr. Project from Vice President Yemi Osinbajo when he visited Rivers State. See the long stretch of road leading to Bori with street lights that the Governor constructed.
“Today, you hardly find potholes on roads in the city. Look at pace of work in the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity Road. That is a huge credit on his part and you cannot ignore what he has done. The only way to thank him is by making a huge statement and vote him massively in 2019 to enable him continue the good works he is doing in the state,” Eze Wonodi said.
The monarch however expressed concerns that the gains of democracy were being called to question due to the disturbing trend of vote buying, saying if not stopped it would do both the politicians and the electorates more harm than good at the end of the day.
“I dare to say that all the good things about politics are fast eroding because of malpractices here and there. I have been watching what is going on and I pray for this country and the political arena. If vote buying is not stopped, both the electorates and the politicians are using their hands to kill the politics of this nation”, he concluded.
“It is wrong because if a politician buys your vote, he will regain it by stealing from the treasury when he gets into office before thinking of doing anything for you. So, I advise youths in particular to be careful by resisting money bags when they come calling during elections,” Eze Wonodi said.
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.