Politics
Corps Members Jubilate Over Wike’s Largesse
There was wild jubilation Saturday as the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike splashes his largesse to members of the National Youth Service Corps serving in the state.
Governor Wike, while addressing the Batch B 2019 corps members at the Permanent Orientation Camp in Nonwa, Tai Local Government Area, made generous donations to improve on the welfare of the corps members.
The Governor announced the donation of a Prado Jeep to the State Coordinator, payment of allowances to corpers serving in the state, and a transformer to improve electricity supply in the camp.
He also directed immediate construction of the road to the camp, furnishing of the hostels, and completion of the 5000 capacity auditorium under construction.
Wike further stated that he was considering the need for his administration to also pay the corpers transport allowance to enable them travel to their various local government areas of the state for their primary assignment.
He directed the NYSC Coordinator in the state, Mr Chinwendu Chukwu to forward the list of the corps members in the state with their bank account details to the Secretary to the State Government to facilitate payment of the allowances.
The state Governor regretted that the past administration in the state cancelled payment of allowances to corps members in the state adding that he had wanted to resume the payment but retraced so that people do not link it to his reelection ambition.
The Governor said: “ Recall that the allowances were stopped by the immediate past administration. If I had started payment before the elections, they would have said I was playing politics. Now I am no longer seeking another term”.
The Governor who also directed the resumption of the posting of some corps members that studied professional courses as engineering, medicine, law, survey to the ministries saying that the step would assist the ministries having shortage of manpower.
He expressed worry that the Director-General of NYSC would visit the state without paying a courtesy visit to the governor, stressing that the attitude of politicising development by the Federal Government and its agencies was wrong.
He expressed the commitment of the state government to a better condition of corps members in the state.
On the 5000 capacity auditorium under construction by his administration, Wike said:” there is no way this camp will remain like this.
“ By the time we finish building the auditorium this November, it will be the best in the country”.
The state coordinator, Mr Chinwendu Chukwu, had earlier congratulated the Governor on his reelection victory, remarking that his victory is a testimony that the people of the state appreciated the landmark achievements recorded in his first tenure.
He mentioned some challenges facing corps members in the state and appealed for the Governor’s support.
Chris Oluoh
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.
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