Politics
Govt House In Retrospect (3rd-10th February 2013)
Early last week, Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State returned from a meeting with President Godluck Jonathan in Abuja over the swelling HIV/AIDS spread in some states of the federation.
The meeting is expected to proffer measures on how to curb the scourge ravaging some states in the country of which Rivers State according to statistics is among the top list.
On Tuesday, Rt. Hon. Amaechi flagged-off an Immunisation Plus Programme in Degema Town, headquarters of Degema Local Government Area.
Governor Amaechi, while pledging the state government’s total support to the scheme directed the state Ministry of Health and Primary Health Agency to liase with local councils in order to cover the rural communities in their areas.
He also hinted that the state will push for the independence of the state Primary Health Development Agency. This, he believed, will help drive the health programmes of the administration.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sampson Parker said though polio cases are rare in the state, efforts should be intensified to ensure that it is fully eradicated since the disease is “ubiquitous.”
On Wednesday, the State Executive Council meeting held and another meeting consisting of Local Government chairmen and top government officials also took place on Thursday.
The meetings it was learnt were organised ahead the visit of National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamana Tukur to the state on Friday.
On Friday Governor Amaechi on receiving the National Chairman of the PDP at the Airport took Alhaji Tukur on a tour of projects embarked upon by his administration.
The project tour lasted for two days with visit to Elele/Omerulu/Owerri Road, Rumuosi Power Transmission Station, the new Sports Village at the Greater Port Harcourt City.
Ambassador Nne Kurubo Model Secondary School at Eleme and the Songhai farm at Tai.
Later on Friday evening, Alhaji Tukur and his entourage were treated to a dinner well attended by party faithful in Government House.
At the dinner, member representing Ahoada-West in Federal House of Representatives, Honourable Asita posited that the PDP family in Rivers State is still intact and growing strong on daily basis.
Asita observed, Rivers State is the best state of the PDP we are all PDP in Rivers State.
Speaking later at the dinner, Governor Amaechi showered praises on the PDP chairman, promising him of the total support of the Governors in the party.
Rivers State Governor submitted that despite the internal wranglings, expressed optimism in the ability of the party coming out victorious considering the strength of the character of the chairman.
“I learn a lot from you,” Amaechi emphasised, “you are one man who have moved from the public sector to private sector.
Before attending the 29th Convocation of the University of Port Harcourt Saturday, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur took time to visit the Prof. Kelsey Harrison Hospital at Emenike Street and the Maxillo Dental Hospital at Garrison in Port Harcourt.
Alhaji Tukur spoke to newsmen after touring the first-class medical facility saying Governor Amaechi has laid foundation for the future Rivers State, considering the fact that all sectors have been touched.
“What I have seen today have given me confidence and have given me hope,” Tukur declared.
Governor Amaechi attended the 29th Convocation Ceremony of the University of Port Harcourt, where he laid foundation Stone for the Bamanga Tukur School of Business.
The Governor announced the endowment of four professional chairms to immortalise Retired Supreme Court Justice, Adolphus Karibi-Whyte in law, Prof. Tekena Tumuno in History, Prof. Tam David West in Virology and Prof. Tonti Nduka on Education.
He also promised to intervene in finding a lasting solution to the land crisis faced by the university.
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.