Politics
I’m Satisfied With Rivers LG Polls – EBSIEC Boss
The Chairman of Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC), Josy Eze, has given a clean bill of health to last Saturday’s Rivers State local government elections, saying, he was satisfied with the conduct of the elections across the State.
Eze, who gave the indication while speaking with newsmen in the course of monitoring the elections last Saturday with officials of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) including its Chairman, Justice George Omereji (rtd) and others, at Unit 7, Ward 9 in Rumuepirikom Town in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, said he was particularly impressed with the orderliness of the elections, since no ugly incidents were recorded during the elections in several parts of the State the team visited.
Eze, who is also the National Vice Chairman of the Federation of States Independent electoral Commissions in the 36 States of the country, therefore, recommended the Rivers State example to other states in the conduct of local government elections.
In a related development, a stalwart of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Barrister Tasie Wike, has commended the conduct of the local government elections in the state, describing it as smooth and peaceful.
Wike told newsmen in an interview in Port Harcourt that the peaceful atmosphere that pervaded the council polls was attributed to the excellent performance of Governor Nyesom Wike, essentially because, according to him, the people of the state were generally in support of his administration and the PDP.
The politician-cum-legal practitioner noted that the field was very clear for all the political parties to participate in the elections but contended that the fear of the ruling PDP had rather made other opposition political parties not to put up serious challenge and contest.
His words, “I admire Wike because he has shown courage and he has put structures in place. He is the best performing Governor. We can see it by ourselves.”
Another party stalwart and the head of Unit 7, Ward 9, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Elder Kingsley Owabie said the elections were peaceful and hitch-free because they were conducted in accordance with laid down rules and regulations.
He further indicated that the peaceful conduct of the elections was not unconnected with the good works of the Governor Nyesom Wike administration, stressing that the Governor has proved that it was not by fluke that the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo nicknamed him, Mr. Projects.
He equally indicated that the Governor also proved his leadership mettle when he was council chairman by building a befitting secretariat complex for the council and executed road projects even during the era of zero allocation.
The Tide reports that the elections were generally peaceful and violence free in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
During the elections, voting started early at Unit 12, Ward 9 polling centre, for example, directly opposite Kala Police Station, as electoral materials got there quite on time. The electoral officers were seen on their duty post, and they told The Tide that accredited voters left the centre after exercising their franchise.
By: Donatus Ebi
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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