Politics
Rep Promises Constituents Better Representation
A member of the National Assembly from Rivers State, Hon Kingsley Chinda has promised a better representation for his constituents if re-elected into office in the February 16 general elections.
Hon. Chinda who represents Obio/Akpo federal constituency at the House of Representatives made the promise during a rally in Obio/Akpo recently also said he would continue to focus on human capital development rather than doing things differently.
The federal lawmaker further said one of the things he has been doing for his constituents is the provision of employment opportunities for his constituents, saying he would not rest on his oars in achieving that.
He stated, “Not just doing things differently, but there are thing I am doing which I desire to continue doing like the creation of employment opportunities for my constituents and development of manpower.
“When you look at the gamut of the entire legislation you just sum it up to say that I will continue to see myself as a servant of the people and I will do that with the fear of God,” Hon. Chinda assured.
Similarly, a lawmaker representing Obio/Akpo Constituency 2 in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Michael Okechukwu Chinda has reminded people of the area to vote all candidates of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in the February and March general elections.
Chinda further said he would bring more development to the people of the constituency if re-elected in the forth-coming general polls.
He stated, “PDP is a tradition of my people. We do not need campaign. We are only here to tell the people that on the 16 of February they should vote for the PDP candidates starting with our Presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Senator George Sekibo to return to the Senate, Hon. Okey Chinda for the House of Representatives.
“On March 2, 2019, we should vote for our amiable Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike to continue in office and complete the good works he has started. They should vote for my good self for the House of Assembly and also vote Mathew Chikere Amaehule for Obio/Akpo,” he stated.
Dennis Naku
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.