Politics
RSG’s Bill On Loans Before RVHA
A bill seeking to empower government raise loans through the issuance of bonds, notes and other debts securities presented by the Rivers State Governor is now at public hearing stage.
The House Committee Chairman on Finance, Hon. Olu Josiah John, member representing Eleme Constituency who thanked the Governor for his kind gesture, noted that the aim of the bill was to help government finance various projects going on in the state, such as building of the new University of Science and Technology (UST) site, Port Harcourt/Obio Akpor water scheme, UPTH, Ada-George Road, central sewage system in Port Harcourt, and the high-way from Airport to Eleme.
The Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Peterside Chamberline said the purpose of raising bonds is to enable the Governor complete the on-going projects in time.
He emphasized that the bill would empower the executive to carry out their oversight function, adding that this is the first time the State is embarking on such a venture.
Also speaking, Hon. Levi Gogo Charles, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning stated that the purpose of the bill is not to mortgage the lives of the people of the State rather the State is moving with its agenda to provide good road network, Hospitals and Schools for its citizens.
According to him, it would help the State to ensure that debt and projects are not abandoned and proper records kept.
Earlier, the Director legal and Enforcement of the board of the Internal Revenue, Sir Isaac K. Onyekwere commended the executive over the bill, stating that the board is in total support of it, because the level of development in the state is an evidence of good leadership.
He urged the State Governor to restructure the board of internal Revenue for efficiency and accountability.
In his speech, the representative of the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Prepalibo A. Briggs, pointed out that the essence of the bill is to put a legal framework that would assist the State to move forward.
He said, the bill contains checks and balances because there is provision for division of labour, and it would help to regulate the movement of fund in the State.
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.