Politics
Knocks On Lawmaker Over Defection
Members of the All
Progressives Congress (APC) in Ndashi Ward 17 in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State have berated a former lawmaker in the state, Hon. Samuel Eke over his recent defection from the party to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Hon Eke represented Etche Constituency I, in the State House of Assembly and was a member of the APC before defecting to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Addressing journalists at APC Secretariat in Ndashi Ward 17 over the weekend, the Special Adviser to the Etche local government area on Arts and Science, Mr Samuel Nwagor described the exit of the former lawmaker from the party as a good omen noting that since his defection to the PDP, many people from Ndashi community have joined the APC.
According to him, the membership of the former lawmaker, had restrained many from joining APC, adding that the people of the party in Ward 17 in Etche are celebrating his defection.
He noted that since the exit of the former legislator, the party has been waxing stronger and ever determined to win all election positions during the 2015 general elections in the area.
Also speaking, the APC ward chairman for Ndashi Ward 17, Mr Kelvin Nweke said the party has suffered no loss as a result of Hon Eke’s defection to PDP, describing the former lawmaker as a man without any political value.
“Hon. Eke has no grassroot supporters in Ndashi Community and nobody joined him to PDP. He is alone and we are not regretting his exit. We are happy that he has gone for better as it has “put to an end to all the rumours making rounds of his purported allegiance to the PDP”, he stated.
In his own speech, the Secretary of APC Ward 17, Deacon Gift Nwankwoala stated that the former lawmaker’s defection to PDP has brought a huge harvest of membership to the party adding that he has destroyed his political relevance and integrity in the area.
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.