Politics
RSG To Prosecute Amaechi, Others …Ex-Commissioners Kick
The Rivers State Government has ordered the immediate prosecution of the former governor of the State, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, for sale of the state assets and embezzlement of over N97 billion accrued from the sales.
Also to face prosecution is the contractor who handled the abandoned multi-billion Naira Monorial project, Anthony Ukpo and some Commissioners who served in Amaechi’s government.
The former Commissioners include those of Finance, Dr. Chamberlin Peterside, Power, Augustine Nwokocha and Agriculture, Emma Chinda.
Addressing newsmen on Friday shortly after the State Executive Council, the State Commissioner for Housing, Emma Okah, said the former governor misappropriated the sum of N97 billion realized from the sale of the state valued assets.
Mr. Emma Okah maintained that, Amaechi, Anthony Ukpo and former Commissioner for Finance wasted billions of Naira without due process on Monorail, and sale of three gas turbines among others assets in the state.
He also disclosed that the former Commissioner for Finance and Power would be prosecuted for sale of gas turbines in Omoku, Trans-Amadi, Eleme and Afam without due process.
Okah also told newsmen that the former commissioner for Agriculture, Chinda, would face prosecution over N3 billion agricultural loan obtained by the Amaechi administration.
The would-be prosecution followed the reports of the Justice George Omereji-led Judicial Panel of Inquiry into the sale of State owned assets by the Amaechi government. The reports were said to be indicated Amaechi and some of his commissioners.
However, the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Commissioners in the Amaechi’s administration in the state have insisted that, the sale of gas turbine was in order.
Former Chief of Staff in the state, Glory Emeh who reacted to the report of the panel of inquiry said the sale of gas turbines was the right thing to do, if the government has no enough fund to mention them.
Also, former Commissioner of Information, Mrs Ibim Seminitari-led other former Commissioners to address a press conference on Saturday in Port Harcourt.
They described the claims by the Omereji panel of Inquiry as a mischief and a desperate attempt to reduce Amaechi’s towering status.
Also speaking former Commissioner for Finance, Chamberlin Peterside, explained that, between 2-13 and early 2015, the revenue accruing to the state reduced from an average of N20 billion to N9 billion and N10 billion by the middle of the first quarter of 2015.
He said, salaries alone stood at over N9 billion beside other expenses.
According to him, the setback in the allocation made the state government to withdraw over N40 billion from the state savings after following due process.
He added that the N40 billion was duly approved by the State House of Assembly, while the expenditure were duly captured and appropriated.
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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