Politics
PDP Urges Governorship Aspirants To Drop For Amaechi
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asked other governorship candidates for 2011 election in Rivers State to withdraw from the race for Governor Amaechi.
This development came to limelight when the Vice president, Nnmadi Sambo who represented president Goodluck Jonathan endorsed Amaechi for a re-election in the 2011 general election following the large crowd that came to witness the formal declaration of Governor Amaechi.
Sambo, said the crowd that came for the declaration was a confirmation that the people would want Amaechi to come back in 2011 and with his good performances, there was no need to change a good leadership.
The vice president commended the governor for transforming and restructuring the state, stating that the national executives of the party and indeed the stakeholders were happy with him.
He also appreciated the people of the state for being wise in their decisions to support Governor Amaechi, saying that their presence at the rally showned their support for Amaechi.
Speaking at the occasion, the former Chairman of the People Democratic Part (PDP) Board of Trustee, Chief Tony Anenih advised that other aspirants whether from PDP or other parties to wait after 2015 as Amaechi would be returned in 2011 in Rivers State.
Anenih said Amaechi can not be replaced now as it was difficult to change a winning team in any competition, stressing that his endorsement had been sealed and stamped by all stateholders.
Speaking to The Tide shortly after the occasion, a House of Assembly aspirants Mrs. Peace Lucky Ideozu said she was not surprise considering the achievement of Amaechi in all the sectors of the economic, adding that his declaration was the confirmation that his a listening person.
The former leader of the Defunct Action Congress in Rivers State, Prince Tonye Princewill advised other aspirants to follow him and bury their ambitions as the large populace have decided to follow Amaechi.
He said after previewing the development and reformation of the state, he decided to bury his ambition and support Amaechi.
According to him, I even offered to buy the nomination form for the governor show that he is on the right part to develop the state to a world class state and city in the country.
The branch Chairman of Nigerian Union of Local government Employee (NULGE) Port Harcourt, Comrade Clifford Paul commended the people of the state for coming in mass to support Amaechi’s reelection bid, adding that this was an indication that the people was happy with his government and policies.
Paul, however, said NULGE in the state was happy that the governor had brought new life in the local government system by removing teacher salaries from the local government allocations, stressing that this has given course to the local government administrators develop the grassroots.
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.