Politics
Deputy Speaker Wants FG’s Presence In Ogoni
The Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly and member representing Khana Constituency 11, Hon. Leyii Kwanee has called on the federal government to redress the lack of federal infrastructure in Ogoni land.
Speaking while receiving a delegation of the National Association of Ogoni Media Workers ( NAOMEW) led by its President,Mr. Joe Visangha, in his office in Port Harcourt, the Deputy Speaker said that the lack of federal presence in the area would be tabled through their representatives at the national level.
Kwanee urged the people of Ogoni to give maximum support to the state governor Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi who he said was disposed to giving favourable attention to the aspiration of the Ogonis and appealed to them not to allow the opposition to the governor to infiltrate Ogoni land.
“Governor Amaechi has worked tirelessly for the Ogoni people. So, I want to enjoin all Ogonis and even you as Ogoni media workers to give your support to the governor because if we are talking of an Ogoni man becoming governor in 2015, if we don’t give sufficient support to the man who is there now, then there is no hope for us”.
He described the governor as a worthy son of Rivers State who has performed so well not only in Ogoni but the entire Rivers State and should not be abandoned at this critical time adding that with the Rivers people solidly behind the governor no plot hatched anywhere would materialize.
Speaking on the alleged neglect of the Ogoni’s at the federal level, the Deputy Speaker said that the lack of federal presence will be tabled through their representatives at the national level adding that the Ogonis deserved appropriate attention now that a South-South citizen is the President of Nigeria and promised to liaise with the representatives of the Ogonis at the national Assembly to push their case.
The Deputy Speaker who is also the Chairman of the Parliamentary Exchange and Mentorship Programme of the Pan-African Parliament, promised to collaborate with the group to ensure that peace reigns in Ogoni land.
He said that the crisis in the area over the years is disturbing and that peaceful steps must be taken to ensure the resolution of every flash point in the area and urged the group as Journalists to assist in this regard.
“ Everyday you will hear of crisis in K-dere, crisis in B-dere, crisis in kaani. All over Ogoni, there is no place that there is peace. So, if we don’t put our house in order how can we position ourselves to demand for the UNEP report implementation”, he said.
Earlier in his address the president listed the issues to include among others the UNEP Report, neglect at the federal level, abandonement of the Bodo-Bonny road, intra and inter communal crisis, Bodo West oil field on the map of Ogu/Bolo and Bonny Local Government Area, ceding away some part of Ogoni land, continued ecological and environmental degradation and its attendant health hazards.
The highpoint of the visit was the decoration of the Deputy Speaker with a badge as the grand patron of the Association.
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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