Politics
People Wth Disabilities Want Inclusion In Governance
By: Taneh Beemene
The Joint National Association of People With Disabilities has called on the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike to consider the association in the appointment of commissioners and Special Assistants to give them a sense of belonging and direct representation in the scheme of things.
The Niger Delta Regional Chairman of the association, Comrade David Enogho made the call during the general congress of the Rivers State chapter of the association held at Approved School, Borikiri in Port Harcourt, recently.
Comrade Enogho who commended the Rivers State Governor for appointing an SA on Disability Matters in his first tenure urged the Governor to give more appointments to the Disability Community in Rivers State to give effective representation and a sense of belonging in the scheme of affairs of the State.
He urged the Governor to give consideration to the clusters that constitute the Disability Community in the state, namely the Blinds,the Deaf and the Physically Challenged.
Also speaking, the South-South Coordinator of the association, Comrade Fatai Onifade who observed the congress commended members of the association for their peaceful conduct during the congress.
Comrade Onifade who was represented by Comrade Igbuzor at the meeting also assured the committment of the association to protect the interest of the resolutions reached at the congress, part of which was the dissolution of the Kie Obomanu-led executive in the state.
The congress accused the devolved executive of gross misconduct such as; “ The interference into national matters of the association, frivivilous taxation on members, lack of accountability and self serving motives,” and urged the general public to dissociate from the desvolved executive on matters affecting the association.
The congress also constituted an eleven-man Caretaker Committee, representative of the various clusters of the association to run its affairs in Rivers State, pendiing the formal election of a new executive in the state.
In his speech, the new chairman of the Rivers State Chapter of the Association, Comrade Peter Job Wota thanked the congress for giving him the opportunity to serve the association as chairman.
He assured the commitment to propagate the welfare of members of the association at all times. Other officials appointed by the Congress to run the affairs of the association, include Comrades Ngo Nubaridoo, Secretay, Collins Akpanah, PRO, Chinonso Ejimozor, Treasurer, among 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.