Politics
Assembly Watch
Rivers State House of Assembly last week demonstrated that the core value in the discharge of its legislative duties remains the interest of Rivers people.
This paradigm was rekindled when a motion seeking that relevant organs of government prepare for the expected heavy rainfall that will occasion flooding in 2013 as predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) engaged the attention of the lawmakers.
The motion sponsored by Hon. Augustine Paul Ngo, representing Abua/Odual, attracted unanimous acceptability as all voted in favour of the motion and the prayers sought.
Directing House proceeding, the Speaker Rt Hon. Otelemaba Dan Amachree after robust deliberation announced the resolution of the House with an amendment to the prayers to invite some Commissioners to appear before it to brief them on steps taken or about to be taken regarding the prediction of NIMET because similar warning last year was ignored and some Rivers people suffered greatly for that.
The Commissioners expected on the floor of the Assembly in the weeks to come include Special Duties, Environment, Information and Communications. They are expected to explain how the disturbing warning would be approached, utilising the apparatus of their exalted offices to reduce the hardship experienced last year by the victims of flood.
Leader of the Assembly Hon. Chidi Lioyd described the vitality of the motion thus, “this is one of the best things that has happened to the House.”
He stated that the sponsor of the motion has provided the platform for the state to take steps to cushion the effects of flood rather than engage in makeshift arrangement that was the case last year.
Other contributors aligned themselves to the issues at stake and supported the motion.
Hon. Ngo said that when similar prediction was reported last year nobody paid attention and many Rivers people became victims as lives were lost and property worth billions of Naira were destroyed.
He urged relevant government agencies to make haste and commence preparations to enlighten the people on the impending flood that is expected this year as the volume of rainfall would surpass that of 2012.
The Lawmakers equally listened to the report of House Committee Chairman on Finance, Hon. Josiah Olu, on the bill for a law to harmonise taxes and levies payable in the state.
The 12-page report recommends amongs other things a that any person who attempts to or collects a tax, levy that is not listed in the schedules of the proposed law commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N350,000 or imprisonment for three years or both.
According to Hon. Olu, the Committee recommends that any person who collects tax without due authority and identification commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N150,000 while mounting of road block or causing a road to be closed for the purpose of collecting a tax or levy commits an offence and is liable to a fine of N100,000 or imprisonment for a term of one year or both.
However, debate on the bill has been deferred to a later date when the lawmakers are expected to critically analyse the report with a view to either accept the bill or reject it.
Similarly, the Waste Management Agency bill which passed through second reading last week had been sent to the Committee on Environment for more legislative input.
The repackaged Customary Court bill scheduled for second reading rolled quietly to the Committee stage on judiciary with debate as the vexing issues that halted its earlier appearance had been removed.
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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