Politics
RSIEC Set For ONELGA Polls
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission has warned that the commission will not condone any form of electoral malpractices that will jeopardise the Ogba/ Egbema/ Ndoni/ Local Government election tomorrow.
The Chairman and Chief Electoral Officer,of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission,Prof Augustine Ahiazu, who gave the warning on Thursday while briefing journalists,said the Commission has the madate to ensure that voters are neither distracted nor disturbed from freely exercising their franchise through their votes.
Prof Ahiazu noted that the commission can not be under influence of any body, authorities or parties,urged political leaders in Onelga, to refrain from violence and all forms of electoral malpractices.
The chairman explained that 126,660 registered voters would exercise their right to choose who will be their councillor and chairman,adding that elections will hold in all the 17 wards that make up the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni/local Government Area.
He said the procedure of the elections on Saturday would be the same as that of the Re- run and bye elections last weekend.
The commission said it has secured permission from the state Sanitation Authorities to exempt Ogba/ Egbema/ Ndoni/Local Government Area from next month’s sanitation which holds on Saturday.
According to him,movement within the local government area will be restricted from 10pm on Friday 1st March to 6.00am on Saturday 2nd March,2013.
“People will move freely to various units where their names appear,for the purpose of accreditation which will commence at 9 a.m. and end 12 pm.Voting proper will commence by 12 .30 p.m. and end when the last voter on the accredited voters line must have voted”,he said.
On security, Prof Ahiazu said the commission would deploy 1,500 personnel and would make use of 1,234 adhoc staff who have been trained and motivated for the exercise.
He, however, said the elections are being contested by 120 candidates representing 23 political parties 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.