Politics
Assembly Grills Chairmen On Flooding Plans
Proceedings at the Assembly was dominated by various public sittings organised by the mandated committees to oversee programmes and plans by the council chairmen to tackle flooding predicted by NEMA in about 18 local government areas of the state.
Chairman of the Committee and member representing Gokana State Constituency, Barrister Dumle Mail said the public sitting is to challenge LG Chairmen on the need to be proactive.
Already about 12LG chairmen had come to defend their plans and programmes before the Maol led committee.
Last Thursday chairman of Port Harcourt City , Hon.Victor Ihunwo disclosed plans to be resettle about 2,000 persons in an IDP camp to be located in Mile 3 area of Port Harcourt while appearing before the committee.
Last Friday chairmen of Ikwerre,Ogu/Bolo, Obio/Akpor, Andoni and Akuku/Toru appeared before the Maol led committee.
Meanwhile last Friday the House of Assembly Adhoc Committee to look into the petition by Andoni Chiefs and people over dereliction and neglect by AMNI Petroleum , an indigenous Hide original message oil firm has given the firm two weeks to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), or face sanctions.
The committee chaired by Hon. Mathew Dike of Tai State Constituency made the declaration last weekend after it played host to the Oka Ama of Ngo HRM Ikuruget 14, including chairman of Council.
Hon. Dike said AMNI need to liase with the community chiefs and people of its host communities.
Part of the new measure is to sign an MOU and carry out community projects.
“AMNI has not done well. “ Dike observed, “ it has this enter into an MOU with its host communities because they are shortchanging them.”
The lawmaker maintained that the MOU must have a local content such that the people need to have a sense of belonging in the activities of the firm which has operated in the area for over a decade.
Oka Ama of Ngo , HRM Nnabiget Ikuruget 14 said AMNI has displayed laxity and lack of responsibility to its host communities.
The royal father said once the time elapses he will handover all actions this the Assembly to address, as he has tried over the years to endear the company.
Chairman of Council, Hon Paul Lawrence assured that the people will continue to be law abiding but urged AMNI to do the right thing.
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.