Politics
Rivers Opposition Lists Gains of Unity Govt
Chairman of the Forum of Organised Opposition Political Parties in Rivers State (FOOPP), Chief Davies Ikanya has listed the gains of unity government in the state, saying it has engendered development and reduced friction in policy implementation.
He made the clarification in a chat with newsmen last Thursday in his office in Port Harcourt.
The Commissioner for Special Duties declared, “it is possible that some people do not yet have a comprehensive understanding of the principle behind the unity government of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi in Rivers State”.
He contended that recent history of Nigerian and African politics reveals that unity government is the best model of democracy, considering the ability to effectively foster conflict resolution and accelerated development in Africa and the world at large.
In his words: “You can recall that the volatile political situations in Kenya, Zimbabwe and most recently – Madagascar are being resolved by the adoption of unity government by regional bodies, African Union and even the UN.”
He continued, “I am sure we are making history by becoming part of the new vista in conflict resolution and political engineering in our time. We are part of an unfolding dimension in global new approach to conflict management, good governance and accelerated development for the people.”
Explaining why FOOPP took the decision to be part of the unity government in Rivers State, Chief Ikanya explained that 46 opposition political parties in Rivers State under his chairmanship joined the unity government due to the peculiarities and complexities of the Rivers State situation.
He believed that with the huge developmental challenges in the state, only constructive engagement of government was necessary to bring about speedy and enduring development of the people.
Chief Ikanya remarked, “we all witnessed the negative effects of acrimonious, ego-driven and bad-spirited political opposition in the past, often people played to the gallery just to amuse an insignificant few on the sidelines. Having realised that the state had already lost close to a decade of wastefulness and prodigality.”
Chief Ikanya stated, “We still feel that despite certain pitfalls of the ruling party in Rivers State, its governor in Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi deserves to be talked to and not talked at as some misguided persons would want us to do.”
Concluding, Chief Ikanya expressed the strong conviction that posterity and history will surely vindicate Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Prince Tonye Princewill and the entire organised opposition political parties in Rivers State for creating a conducive atmosphere for the government to cater for the welfare of the state and its people through an intellectually-engaging opposition as opposed to crude and hubristic rascality in the name of opposition politics.
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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