Politics
PDP Chief Tasks VON On New Exco
The Deputy Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Hon, Dagogo Eli Legg-Jack, has challenged the newly inaugurated executive members of the Voice of Opobo Nation (VON) to maintain the bid to keep Opobo kingdom politically-relevant in the state.
Hon legg-Jack gave the challenge at the inauguration exercise of a 14-member executive council of the socio-political group in Port Harcourt.
The former chairman of Opobo/Nkoro local Government Area asserted that the group had come a long way despite the turbulence that had rocked the area over the years.
According to Legg-Jack no political group was as large and formidable as VON, and therefore solicited for the commitment and steadfastness of the new exco to maintain the lead.
Earlier in his remarks, Commissioner for Works in Rivers State, Hon Dakuku Peterside recalled that after nine years he piloted the affairs, as president of the organisation he was elated that another vibrant exco had come to succeed him.
The commissioner said the group had over the years changed the political frontiers of Opobo kingdom, while expressing the hope that it would continue to lift the area to political prominence.
Advising the new exco on the challenges ahead, Hon Peterside declared, “VON requires patience, VON requires sacrifice and prayed God to give them wisdom to remain steadfast and committed in lifting the body.
He also urged members of the socio-political group to support and pray for the organisation commending them for making the transition peaceful and orderly.
The same view was re-echoed by Chairman Board of Trustee of the body, Dr Sam Sam Jaja who called on the new president and his exco to ensure that a befitting secretariat was erected for the organization before leaving office.
Dr Jaja charged the exco to, “please don’t betray the members and the exco,” adding, “Mr President please don’t joke with the elders council.
In his acceptance speech, the new president, Hon Emmanuel Oko-Jaja expressed delight for being given the opportunity to serve, promising not to misplace the mandate given to him and the exco.
Hon Oko-Jaja promised among other programmes to set up a functional secretariat for the body rejuvenate VON chapters in United Stated of America and the United Kingdom.
The VON president declared that deliberate policy to empower members of the body would be pursued through capacity building and reward for hard work.
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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