Politics
Lawmaker Wants Increased Security Presence In Oyigbo
A lawmaker in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Promise Nwankwo, has called for increased security presence in Oyigbo Local Government Area, following the killing of four persons there by unknown gunmen on Monday.
Recall that some unidentified gunmen had invaded Azuogu, Omahiru and Obete communities in Oyigbo, shooting sporadically and killed about four persons.
Condemning the incident, Nwankwo, who represents Oyigbo constituency in the State legislature said the attack on his constituents was unfortunate.
He stated that the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday with some lives lost and property worth millions of Naira destroyed.
“Early hours of this morning (Monday) we learnt that they attacked Azuogu community and about three persons have lost their lives,” he stated and called for more security presence in the area to forestall further breakdown of law and order.
“Currently, Oyigbo local government has about two police stations: that is the area command and the Afam police station. From Afam police station to Omuagbai and Obete, the distance is too much for Okoloma police station to cover that area.
“I think we need another police station in Umuagbai. Not just having another police. There was already established police station in Umaigbai in 1966 by the Federal Government, but at a time, I don’t know what really happened, they moved out of the location. So, we are calling, they should bring back the police station,” the lawmaker said.
Also speaking, a youth leader in Oyigbo, Ejike Dike said residents of Azuogu, Omarihu and Obete have fled their homes following the attack.
According to Dike, “As I am talking to you, you will see all the community people standing on the road. Nobody went to farm or anywhere else. They are on the road and the town hall because of insecurity.
“By 4am they opened fire in all the communities and some people were killed. So, we need more security personnel here. Even the DPO, Afam Divisional Headquarters saw the dead ones. We also need the help of the Rivers State Government,” he said.
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.