Politics
De-Politicising Rivers Police Command
Rivers State Police Commissioner, Mbu Joseph Mbu has been in the news since the state chapter of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) got enmeshed in intra-party crisis. Mbu’s name gained prominence following the suspension of the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Hon Timothy Nsirim and 17 councillors by the Rivers State House of Assembly to enable it investigate allegations bordering on misappropriation of public fund. Subsequently, a Caretaker Committee was sworn in to pilot the affairs of the council pending the outcome of the investigation.
But Hon Nsirim is of the view that he was unduly suspended from office and has gone to the court to challenge the action of the State Assembly. The political crisis rocking the Obio/Akpor Local Government Council which some political pundits perceive as a backlash against the leadership tussle in the state chapter of PDP took another twist when the Rivers State Commissioner of Police ordered his men to barricade the Obio/Akpor council headquarters, thus denying the Caretaker Committee and staff acess to their workplace to carry out their legitimate duties.
In the light of the confusion and fear of uncertainty that trailed the invasion of Obio/ Akpor Council headquarters the police therefore attributed its action to intelligence report on purported plan by hoodlums to damage public property in the council. While the intelligence report cannot be wished away in view of the threats by youths who are loyal to the suspended council chairman, some keen observers of the unfolding drama in Obio/Akpor have argued that the police should rather provide adequate security at the Council headquarters to enable workers go about their legitimate duties unhindered. It appears that the Police Commissioner, for reasons best known to him has refused to muster the will to track down those threatening fire and brimstone to forestall possible mayhem.
In fact, his handling of security issue in the wake of the polticial wrangling in the state has raised so many questions. Top government functionaries in the state have repeatedly alleged that he is taking sides in the intra-party crisis, an allegation that is becoming increasingly weightier by the day in the face of what could be regarded as compromising posture of the State Police Command.
How could one explain the sudden withdrawal of security personnel attached to Okrika Local Government Council headquarters shortly after the Council Chairman, Tamuno William appeared on Channel Television, expressing his personal viewers over police action in Obio/ Akpor crisis and the invasion of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Also, the Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Otelemaba Dan Amaechree recently raised alarm over the withdrawal of security personnel attached to his office. It is worthy of mention that the Speaker is one top government functionary that has repeatedly accused the State Police Commissioner of taking sides in the state PDP crisis.
The Speaker in a recent statement said “sequel to my letter to the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR, Commander-in-Chief, Nigerian Armed Forces of plans to unleash mayhem in the state, the Commissioner of Police, Mbu Joseph Mbu has unceremoniously withdrawn the orderly and escort attached to me.
“I have expressed my fears about plans to withdraw security operatives from the governor and top officials of the Rivers State Government, including myself, thus making us vulnerable to attack by hoodlums”.
The Speaker said he believed that the fears for his life had been confirmed following the assassination of a principal aide to Chief G.U. Ake who was said to have been tortured and shot to death in his house, at Erema, in Ogba/ Egbema /Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The Chief of Staff to the State Governor, Sir Tony Okocha also raised alarm that his security aides had been withdrawn. Okocha, a former Caretaker Committee Chairman of Obio/Akpor has been critical of the State Police Command over the intra-party crisis.
More worrisome is the fact that the state police command has been inconsistent in its response to this allegation.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Agnela Agabe denied that the security aides attached to either the speaker or any government appointee was withdrawn. “ I have been receiving calls from many quarters and I have repeatedly informed them that there is no iota of truth in that allegation,’ he said.
But the Police Commissioner, in a press briefing admitted that the command withdrew some security personnel attached to these functionaries.
“There is police abuse in certain quarters here in Rivers State. Everybody in Government House wants to see himself as governor. If the Speaker of Rivers State House Assembly has 15 personnel from Special Protection Unit of Nigeria Police, as if those men are not enough , he still acquired nine from the Mobile Police force, Squadron 19, and 15 plus nine, how many? One person has 24. What is his entitlement?
“So, what we have tried to do is to make sure that every oppointee or political office-holder gets what he is entitled so that we can have enough men to go on patrols,” he said.
In the case of Okrika Council chairman, Hon Tamuno William, the Police Commissioner explained that he was entitled to one orderly, but had seven Mobile Policemen in his convoy. He said he only withdraw the Mobile Policemen.
However, we must remind the police in the state of its constitutional obligation to maintain law and order. Therefore it should be fair to all manner of persons, including both factions in the state PDP in the discharge of its duties. While every leader is confronted with various challenges, we can boldly say that Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has made remarkable impact on the security of lives and property. In the past six years Rivers State has been peaceful under his watch. Police Commissioner, help sustain the peace.
Reward Akwu
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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