Politics
New Voters Register Crucial For 2011 Elections
Despite the short period ahead the 2011 elections, a member of the Rivers State Independent Election Commission (RSIEC), Barrister Nimi Walson-Jack says a review of the voters register is crucial for free and fair elections.
Barrister Walson-Jack made the assertion while speaking on the topic, “The Church, the Ballot and Good Governance: Expectations for 2011”, at the August Seminar of the Men’s Missionary Union of the First Baptist Church in Port Harcourt.
He maintained that a review of the voters register would reduce the over-bloated register and duplication of the past, adding that determining the actual figures of the electorates would guarantee a better voting exercise.
Though he noted that the duration for the exercise is short, he opined that in the alternative, the Independent National Electoral Commission could liase with the National Population to determine figures of qualified voters.
Currently he stated, that Rivers State has about 2.8 million voters, which according to him hardly turn up to vote during elections.
He argued that the conduct of the last local government elections in 2008 indicates that the figure is either lower and inflated considering the few votes recorded at the different polling stations across the state.
Barrister Walson-Jack berated the church for displaying apathy in issues concerning politics. This posture he stressed makes the political arena to be dominated by corrupt leaders.
He asserted that from the Biblical days, God has shown that good leadership is noted in the people’s participation as displayed in the character of Moses and Joseph in the Old Testament.
The RSIEC Commissioner-in-charge of Public Affairs and Civil Education stressed that God will every nation to enjoy good governance by choosing good leaders and God fearing servants.
Even in the New Testament, he argued that Jesus Christ did not condemn politics but bad leaders who were misleading the people.
Aside participating in electoral activities, he urged the church to encourage its members to contest elections. He noted that the country needs good leaders and the church stands great chance of providing them.
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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