Politics
Amaechi Berates Labour For Complacency
On Tuesday, Governor Chibuike Amaechi re
turned to the State and as usual embarked on projects inspection. The governor also continued his state wide project sites inspection on Wednesday.
Amog projets visited on Wednesday are the Dr. Odili/Woji/Akpajo Link Road, the expanded Woji/Elelenwo Link Road, the new International Conference Centre along Chief Ake By-Pass and Elioparanwo/Ogbogoro Road.
On Thursday, the governor participated in the May Day Workers’ rally held at the Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt. After speeches from chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Chief Chris Oruge, and his counterpart from the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Chika Onuegbu, the governor stood for the march past which lasted over an hour.
The governor later addressed the labour unions. He berated labour for failing to stand for Nigeria during the crisis, saying “there has not been any-successful democracy in Nigeria without the contribution of the NLC and TUC. Remember Abacha’s struggle and remember the roles played by NLC and TUC. Now, what is happening currently is frightening to me and so I have therefore, decided to stay in my house and allow you to do what you want to do.”
The Rivers State governor also expressed worry over the high rate of corruption in the country and the labour’s failure to hold the political class accountable, while attributing the rising kidnappings and violence in the North to social inequality.
“If you listened to the speech of the chairman of the Trade Union Congress, he said the reason for which kidnapping is around is the presence of social inequality, social injustice. Few Nigerians just sit down and cart away our money and then you think that we will not die of hunger and because there is hunger in the land, there is bound to be violence. The fact that they are stealing the money leads to social and economic violence.
Consequently, Governor Amaechi last Thursday, during the Workers’ Day Rally, disclosed that he has released N500 million to settle salaries and arrears of traffic marshals under the employment of the State Traffic Management Agency (TMARIV).
In the words of the governor, “I told the chairman of NLC that you are blackmailing me here… I told him that last night. I released N500 million for the salaries. Instead of announcing that, he made demands. So, as I am talking to you, I have directed the SSG to pay N500 million depending on how much we are owing them.”
The governor also promised to build a labour house that will house both NLC and TUC in the state, reasoning that building separate secretariats will require enormous resources.
On Friday, the governor took time to inspect the level of ongoing work at the new “Literary Village” along the Chief Ake Road. The new village is to house the new library and writers’ village as part of activities to mark the Port Harcourt World Book Capital celebrations.
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.