Politics
Parties Agree On Peaceful, Fair Polls In Rivers
Political party chieftains
in Rivers State have underscored fair treatment by security agencies, avoiding inflammatory statements and shunning politics of bitterness by politicians as ways of achieving a fair and peaceful polls next month.
The party chieftains covering about 26 political parties in the State made their view public during a interactive session organised by the State Police Command at the weekend in Port Harcourt.
State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chief Davies Ibiamu, Ikanya appealed to the police and other security agencies not to be partisan in their duties.
Chief Ikanya stated that the party would abide by the code of conduct, but insisted that other parties should be made to abide by the rules, “for us, we don’t have any option if you are ready to play by the rules.”
The APC chieftain also called on the police to investigate the recent bombings of its secretariats in Okrika and Andoni local government areas, stressing that once those who are planning mayhem are exposed, it will serve as deterrent to other parties.
On his part, state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Felix Obuah denied that the party was engaged in violent and lawless acts reasoning that the APC was accusing the party without waiting for thorough investigations by the police.
Chief Obuah stated that the PDP had always abided by the rules and will not contravene electoral code of conduct, and challenged the police to investigate and arrest those destroying the party’s banners and posters across the state.
In the view of Obuah, “ we need to show love, unity to our followers so that they avoid politics of rancor and bitterness. Politics is not a do-or-die affairs, but is live and let us live”.
Chairman of New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) in the State Deacon Enyi Princewill called on the police to regulate campaigns in the local government area, so as to avert clashes by political parties.
Deacon Enyi reasoned that political parties should plan their campaigns in such a way that would avoid clash with the campaign of another political party, citing the Etche and Omuma rallies by the PDP and APC as capable of igniting violence.
Cross section of lawmakers at sitting of the House of Assembly during presentation of the 2015 Appropriation Bill by Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi last Thursday. Photo: Chris Monyanaga
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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