Politics
Rivers Speaker Scores Awelga Boss High
The Speaker, Rivers state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Tonye Harry has scored the administration of Ahoada West Local Government chairman, Mr. Miller Awori high for embarking on people oriented projects in the area.
Rt. Hon. Harry made this assessment during the official commissioning of six projects as part of the Awelga council people-oriented service delivery to the people held in four communities of the local government area, over the weekend.
The Speaker who was conducted round the various projects executed by the Miller-led administration told the people of the Ahoada West Local Government Area that they were lucky to have the council boss as their chairman.
The number one state legislator stated that the council boss has made the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) proud in the state ad indeed Ahoada West Local Government Area adding that the council chairman has taken a cue from the developmental policy of the state government under the command of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi as the chief executive.
The speaker said, “I was short of words on the numerous projects the chairman has projects commissioned have these direct bearing to the people of the area.
“I don’t go to people who are not achievers. I fell in love with the council chairman two years ago but today he will be my brother for achieving these great things in Ahoada-West within just two years and some fraction of months”, he said.
He told the people of Ahoada-West that one good turn deserves another and urged the people of the area to give support for his second chance bid if he wished to contest again.
The Speaker assured the council boss of his support to him at all time including his re-election bid adding that he is optimistic that given another chance to serve his people, he would do more.
Also speaking, a member of Federal House of Representatives representing Ahoada-West and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Federal Constituency, Hon. O. Asita, said the projects commissioned were a good testimony that the local council administration has performed very well.
The lawmaker used the opportunity to call on the people of the area to continue to support the leadership in the area adding that it is only when there is support from the people that those entrusted with leadership responsibility can do well.
Earlier in an address of welcome, the executive chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Area, Barr. Miller Awori said the policy thrust of his administration is to complement the good works of the state governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi in the area.
The council boss explained that the projects cut across all sectors of human life adding that his administration is committed in bringing developments to the door step of every community in the area.
The projects commissioned include, Ubeta-Ultra-Modern Police Station, Ubeta Health Centre, Ogbede Health Centre, Upatobe Electricity project, Ula-Ubie Electricity project and Okarki New Layout Electricity project.
Enock Epelle
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.