Politics
Wike’s 2nd Term: LG Boss Assures On More Projects
The Chairman of Ikwerre Local Governmet Area in Rivers State, Hon. Samuel Nwanosike has assured people of the State that Governor Nyesom Wike will deliver more projects following his reelection in the March 9 Governorship election.
Nwanosike gave the assurance during an exclusive interview with The Tide shortly after the presentation of Certificate of Return (CoR) to the Governor, his Deputy, Dr. (Mrs.) Ipalibo Harry-Banigo and 32 members-elect of the State Assembly by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Port Harcourt.
While describing the Governor’s reelection as victory to God and all Rivers people, he however stressed the need for people to always do what is right by respecting constituted authorities as well as the provisions of the constitution for the country to move forward.
According to him: “Let me use this opportunity to say that moving forward as a nation, we should be able to do the right things. People should be able to respect the provisions of the constitution and allow those who have been assigned responsibilities to carry them out.
“You do not muzzle people because you believe you control the security forces of because you have the barrel of the gun. We believe in democracy and democracy is government of the people by the people and for the people. So the will of the people should be allowed to stand at all times.
“The Governor has told the world that his second term is more projects and more quality projects. And Rivers people know that governor that when he says a thing he stands by it. They (the people) should expect more projects,” the LG chairman assured.
On his assessment of INEC in the 2019 general polls, he gave the commission a thumbs up in their conduct of the governorship election in the state, but scored them low in the Presidential election .
Hon. Nwanosike charged the electoral umpire to put measures in place to ensure that those who do not have business in the conduct of elections steer clear in the interest of the nation and allow the will of the people prevail.
“As far as I am concerned, for Rivers State election, we can say that for the very first time INEC stood their ground. So we will score them high.
“But in most states and even in the Presidential election we have told INEC without mincing words that you must insist that those who do have business in the conduct of elections should stay away and we score INEC low in those states. The will of the people must be allowed to prevail for our democracy to move forward,” the council boss noted with concern.
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.