Politics
Opposition Parties Want RSIEC Investigated
The Opposition Political Parties in Rivers State have vowed to take legal actions to ensure that monies allegedly owed them by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) were recovered.
The Political parties which spoke under the aegis of Association of Fontline Political Parties in Rivers State alleged that RSIEC was owing each of the political parties balance sum of N3 million out of the N8 million promised by the Commission during the 2011 Local Government Election as it had only remitted N5 million to the account of each of the member poltical parties.
It further alleged that the Commission was also yet to remit the sum of N2 million promised each of the parties for participation in the Degema Local Government Area Council election in the state months after the council election was over.
A document presented by the association at a press briefing in Port Harcourt and made available to The Tide disclosed that despite repeated letters requesting for audience with the Commission, the chairman, Prof. Nimi Briggs and his commissioners had continued to rebuff every move made by the body for a round table discussion aimed at amicable resolution of the lingering problem.
The statement which was signed by chairman of the association, Prince Uchechukwu Ichenwo and Secretary, Johnbull Obrasua said, “the briefing has become imperative in view of our obligation to the present and future generations of Rivers people and to also unearth the moral and financial lapses in the RSIEC.
The association attributed the poor performance of its members in the past council elections to the unwillingness of RSIEC to release funds meant for them for participation in the elections and appealed to His Excellency Governor Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi to institute an independent inquiry to investigate various crises that has rocked the state Independent Election Commission RSIEC in recent times.
Chris Oluoh
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.