Politics
Rivers Monarchs Task Police On Free, Fair Polls
Barely few weeks to the general elections, the Nigeria Police and other security agencies have been charged to ensure fair and violence-free election with a view to preventing bye-elections that have characterised past polls in the country.
The Chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja gave the charge when the new Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Usman Belel paid a familiarisation visit to the council in Port Harcourt.
King Jaja said, the visit was appropriate as they are the custodians of the people’s customs and tradition at the grassroots, adding that police, being friends of the people, should be professional in the discharge of their duties in Rivers State before, during and after the elections.
He Monarch recalled ill fated 2015 elections and enjoined security agents to ensure peaceful polls and security of lives and property in the state.
He condemned the disruption of the training of the Rivers State Neighbourhood Corps set up by the state government to help the agencies curb crime and criminality at the grassroots by operatives of the Nigerian Army, which according to him had been operational in some states in the country and called on the Federal Government to lift the embargo on the outfitting as it was backed by law from the state House of Assembly.
He stated that the Rivers State Government is doing enough for the Nigeria Police and other security agent to ensure their smooth operations which needed to be applauded by the Federal Government and assured that they would partner with the police to ensure security of lives and property in their various domains.
In his vote to thanks, the Amanyanabo of Kirike Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, King Tamuno-Omisiki Ogube further assured the new Commissioner of Police that the traditional rulers would support his efforts in their various kingdoms to maintain the peace.
He enjoined him not to be partisan but to ensure credible, free and fair elections in the state.
Earlier, the Police Commissioner, Usman Belle said he was at the council secretariat to rub minds,, interface and synergise with them on how to further police the communities and thanked them for their royal blessings.
Collins Barasimeye
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.