Politics
Rivers State Assembly Weekly Review
Screening of two commissioner nominees by the House of Assembly topped proceedings last week on the floor of the House. Penultimate week, the House elected more four legislators to be part of its leadership.
Among those elected include: Hon Martin Amaewhule of Obio/Akpor Constituency 1 as Majority Leader, Hon Bariene Deeyah an Deputy Majority Leader, Hon Evans Bipi of Ogu/Bolo as Chief Whip and Mayor Jack as Deputy Chief Whip.
The trio of Amaewhule, Bipi and Jack were officers in the 8th Assembly, except Deeyah, of Khana Constituency 1.
Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani urged the House officers on the need to join hands to make the 9th Assembly a success, Ibani tasked them on the need to exemplify servant leadership, and to put the interest of members above theirs.
Last week during the screening of commissioner nominees Hon Isaac Kamalu and Dr Zacheaus Adango, legislators took turns to ask the appointees questions on how they would deliver quality service to Rivers people.
While Hon Kamalu was asked to take a bow and leave as a former legislator, Dr Adango who was former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice was put on the hot seat by the legislators.
Lawmakers such as Hon Adonye Diri of Opobo/Nkoro, Wanaka Okpokiri of Ahoada-West, Anselm Oguguo of Ikwerre and Sam Ogeh of Emohua were among those who asked the commissioner questions on how he would manage his new office if re-appointed as the Attorney-General in the Rivers State Executive Council.
Responding, Dr Adango enumerated some of the achievements he made during his brief stay as commissioner for Justice in Chief Nyesom Wike’s first tenure.
He stated that his first move as commissioner was to re-organise the Ministry of Justice such that every criminal case had to pass through his desk in order to be assigned to competent state counsels to handle.
He added that every matter that affected the state was given adequate attention. Aside that, Dr Adango explained that the challenge of changing state counsels frequently was eliminated as he denied that there was no favouritism in selecting those who will represent the ministry in court cases.
The Attorney-General also spoke on plans to computerise the state judiciary. “We are yet to adopt the use of the tele printer and ICT in dispensation of justice”, he said, stressing that such steps will be gradual in order not to disrupt justice delivery.
Dr Adango was of the view that every matter being handled by the state had different framework of defense, hence it was not proper to use the same legal tactics in handling them.
On how to take punitive measures on defaulting ministries who fail to implement their budget, the commissioner stated that such does not fall within his purview but that such action has dire consequences for the ministry involved.
He further listed some of his achievements such as setting up a Special Committee on Legal Advice, Committee for Compilation of State Laws from 1999 to date and others.
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.