Politics
Tax Bill: RVHA Defers Debate Over Inconsistencies
Rivers State House of Assembly last Wednesday deferred debate indefinitely on its House Committee on Finance report for a law to harmonise taxes and levies in the State for alleged inconsistencies.
Contributing on the report, Hon. Michael Okey Chinda said the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria granted the local government councils the power to control markets and name streets.
Hon. Chinda who represents Obio/Akpor Constituency II, disclosed that the report on the proposed law contains several inconsistencies that need to be exposed to avoid creating more problems instead of improving on the existing practice.
According to the lawmaker, “the House should be careful in passing laws because it would not be judged by the number of laws passed but the quality of such laws.”
He also picked holes on the removal of Town Planning role of the council to the Ministry of Urban Planning and urged the Assembly to reject the report.
Hon. Victor Ihunwo, Port Harcourt III and Hon. Victoria Nyeche condemned the report on the areas where it assigned the collection of levies from markets in Port Harcourt to the state government as against the constitution to grant such duties to the council.
Hon Legborsi Nwidadah, Khana Constituency II, said the proposed law would create problem between TIMARIV and the local government council as both were allowed to impound vehicles for wrong parking while the section dealing with obstruction of motorists should be specific.
Also contributing, Hon. Golden Chioma, Etche Constituency II, suggested that the term property tax should be deleted because only Ministry of Lands would have personnel to evacuate property and not Internal Revenue Board made up of financial experts alone.
Hon Chioma also identified certain items not captured in the bill, especially revenue generated at the judiciary, including filing fees by lawyers, probate registry. among others.
On his part, the leader of the House Hon. Chidi Lloyd argued that the take a deep breathe, harmonise and remove contentious issues to enable the Assembly Streamline the bill.
According to him , “to avoid creating institutional problems and to enable our laws pass the test of time,” the bill should be returned to the committee for further legislative action, adding that whatever opinion members hold once the bill is passed, their names are at stake.
The Speaker, Rt Hon. Otelemaba Amachree ruled that thedebate on the report by the chairman of finance committee Hon. Josiah Olu be deferred indefinitely to allow for more inputs on the bill.
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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