Politics
2011: Group Endorses Miller For Legislative Slot
Contention over who occupies the Rivers State House of Assembly seat in Opobo/Nkoro Local government Area come 2011 has continued to raise dust within different political groups in the area.
But last week a group which labeled itself as “Miller for RSHA Publicity Committee”, said it has endorsed, Hon. Andrew Miller as its consensus candidate.
The committee led by Roger Ibifuro had after a closed door meeting in Port Harcourt condemned what it called a “frustrated view” by one Victor Maxwell who headed a group called “Nkoro Elite” calling for the status-quo.
The Miller group said Mr. Maxwell’s view doe not represent the opinion of Nkoro people and has no effect on the decision of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on who occupies the legislative seat next year.
In their words, “It is therefore our interest to inform the general reading public that there can be not any trouble of immense proportion brewing over Hon. Andrew Miller’s decision to contest the House of Assembly seat in Opobo/Nkoro LGA”.
The bone of contention The Tide learnt stems from an agreement to main the status quo as whether a candidate would emerge from Opobo or Nkoro axis, but the Miller group observed that the unity of the LGA was paramount.
Adding We, “will continue to align with similar progressive minds and groups in Opobo axis for the peace and progress of the local government area whether the likes of Victor Maxwell wants it or not. The Nkoro people have found an ally in the Opobo and Andoni man politically over the years”.
The group debunked all the views expressed by Maxwell pointing out that Hon. Miler is well qualified for the Assembly seat and remain the aspirant endorsed by the entire people of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area.
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.