Politics
Waste Management Bill Scales First Reading
An executive bill on Waste Management Agency which was earlier rejected by the Rivers State House of Assembly for containing harsh measures has been repackaged and re-introduced to the House.
Presenting the bill for first reading during last Wednesday’s plenary session, the Leader of government business in the Assembly, Hon. Chidi Lloyd, said the bill seeks to repeal the Rivers State Environmental Sanitation Authority (ESA) law.
Hon. Lloyd explained that the repackaged Waste Management Agency Bill contained 65 clauses, noting that efforts had been made to remove harsh and contentious issues found in the previous draft.
He remarked that clause four provided that the Ministry of Environment would supervise the agency, while the body would make available to the House Committee on Environment quarterly report of its operations.
The House Leader said the bill had provision for a representative of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Rivers State, with other experts to sit on the board.
According to him, clause 43 (2) states that only authorised persons from the agency shall enter premises of private and corporate organisations to enforce sanitation law.
Hon Lloyd disclosed further that offences and penalties were made to have human face, adding that corporate entities would pay more than private individuals.
On defecating or urinating at unauthorised places, the offenders shall pay a fine of N10,000 or made to engage in community service for three days.
The bill was given official seal for first reading by the presiding Speaker, Hon Leyii Kwanee, who deferred debate on the proposed law to the next sitting date.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker, Hon Leyii Kwanee, has paid a condolence visit to the family of the late first President of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), Dr Garrick Leton over the demise of late Mrs Ngozika Eunice Leton.
Hon. Kwanee said that death was for all mortals but expressed sadness that Mrs Leton passed on now that her motherly advice was needed most. He urged the family to take solace in the fact that she was a strong pillar to her late husband who did much for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Responding on behalf of the family, Dr Barinua Leton thanked the Deputy Speaker for identifying with the family in their moment of grief.
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.
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