Politics
Next President’ll Spend Entire Tenure Fixing Rot Created By APC -Wike
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, says the next President of the country would spend his tenure fixing the ethnic, religious and socio-economic problems created by the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The governor noted that since the APC administration assumed office in 2015, religious intolerance and ethnic division have deepened, adding that worst still, was the politicisation of security.
He stated this during the official presentation of letter of nomination to him for the “2020 Extra-Ordinary Personality of the Year Award” by the management of Silverbird Group at the Government House, Port Harcourt, last Wednesday.
Wike said that despite the glaring insecurity, religious and ethnic division in the country, officials of the Federal Government have continued to live in denial that Nigeria was now more united and secure than ever.
The Rivers State governor maintained that whoever becomes President in 2023 would spend his entire tenure trying to resolve the various socio-economic crisis caused by the present administration.
Wike expressed appreciation on behalf of the government and people of the state to the management of Silverbird for the recognition.
However, he said it was disturbing that the Nigerian Media have failed in their responsibility to hold the present administration accountable for the failure to provide much desired good governance.
“The problem in Nigeria, which I have always said, is that the Press, the media is part of our headache. The media have lost their voice. I remember when Goodluck Jonathan was the President; it was as if the media wanted to pull down the whole of Nigeria.”
Speaking on the issue of insecurity, the governor attributed the seeming inability of the military to end insurgency in the North-East and other parts of the country to the involvement of sacked service chiefs, particularly former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, in politics.
“You were witnesses to how under Buratai, the Army was exposed to politics, which has never happened in the history of this country. Army began to carry ballot boxes. I have never seen that. Before, we used to talk about police, now it’s no longer the police.
“Professionalism is no longer there, and that is why it is difficult to fight insecurity. Instead of them to concentrate and map out strategies; what they are interested in is Rivers State. Who will we send there to make sure the election is rigged. The former Chief of Army Staff will even call INEC to cancel Rivers State election because of his interest. I have never seen this kind of thing in my life”, Wike said.
The governor said it was regrettable that the former Chief of Army Staff failed to condemn his personnel who invaded INEC office in Port Harcourt a day after the Rivers State governorship election in 2019 in an attempt to subvert the wishes of the people; instead, he chose to shield them from prosecution.
“If it is a country that really means well for its citizens, the former GOC in Rivers State would have been dismissed from the Army, but because he was sent by his so-called leaders, they have to protect him. That is the country that we are in, and that is why we think the media should come up and tell the world some of these stories”, he argued.
The governor noted that the inability of the media to scrutinise those in authority was partly responsible for the lack of accountable by those in office.
For instance, he stated that the President had promised to fight corruption and bring to book those he accused of killing the economy.
But, ironically, he said that those he accused of killing the economy are now members of his political party and free from prosecution.
Wike thanked the management of Silverbird for the honour bestowed on him and the people of Rivers State.
He stated that his administration would continue to deliver developmental projects and improve the wellbeing of Rivers State people, particularly pensioners, till the very last day of his tenure.
“Our state pays not less than N1.8billion every month for pensioners. People told me that there is news that the government does not pay pensioners. I cannot spend N1.8billion every month to pay pensioners, and you will say I don’t pay pensioners. It is not true.”
He further said, “From February 10, we are trying to do the second round of commissioning. It is not just flagging off, come and see if we have done the projects. I have just approved the 8th flyover as at yesterday.”
In his remarks, the General Manager, Silverbird Creative Development, Jacob Akinyemi Johnson, said the award was to let the governor know that he was doing a fantastic job for the people of Rivers State, adding that his efforts have not gone unnoticed.
He explained that Wike was nominated as the Silverbird Extra-Ordinary Personality of the Year 2020 because of the projects he has embarked upon and his fearlessness.
“Your boldness made you the first prominent Nigerian to raise the alarm over the atrocities of the now disbanded SARS. And you also spoke against the politicisation of security. Now, your forthrightness in telling the truth to power, including the Presidency when you think things are going wrong, is worthy of emulation. You did not hesitate to commend when necessary also. On political issues, you are not afraid to tell even your own party, the PDP, the whole truth when necessary.
“There are very few governors like you who work the work and talk the talk, and there are very few governors like you who have the passion and not dwell on sentiments. You say things the way they are, and you also say the things that you believe in.
“So, we sat back, and we said the person we can think of this year is Your Excellency, Nyesom Wike. Also in the area of projects, the last time I was here, you were referred to as ‘Mr. Projects’. Now, you have been elevated to ‘Mr. Quality Projects’.
“You promised on the day you were sworn in for second term that you will work for Rivers people to the very last day, and you are living up to that task. Seven bridges in a record period of time and all these are embarked upon in 2020 when the country, and indeed, the entire world were greatly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, but you still delivered despite all these things”, the Silverbird chief added.
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.