Politics
Wike Swears-in Laminkara To Replace Daisy Okocha
Activities to mark this year’s Armed Forces Remem
brance Day dominated most part of programmes in Government House last week. Though emblem launching and donations towards the programme had commenced last year December the final phase of the annual event came to a climax with a wreath-laying ceremony by Governor Nyesom Wike and other top government officials, on Friday, January 15, 2016 at the Isaac Boro Park cenotaph, Port Harcourt.
On Sunday activities to mark the final phase of the Armed Forces Remembrace Day started with a Special Church Service at St. Thomas Anglican Church, Diobu, Governor Wike and other top government functionaries attended the church service.
In his sermon, Archbishop of Niger Delta Province, Most Rev. Ignatius Kattey commended Governor Wike for the impact he has made in the state over the past seven months.
The Anglican Bishop used the Church Service to commend men of the armed forces for sacrificing their lives in keeping the country united and in peace. He said, “what they have done in the North-Eastern part of the country have shown that indeed we have armed forces in Nigeria”.
On his part, Governor Wike underscored the importance of celebrating the heroic deeds of the armed forces. “For Nigeria to be still united we owe men of the armed forces because they sacrificed for the country”.
Returning to the state on Wednesday, the governor commenced governance activities in earnest with several meetings aimed at moving the state forward.
On Thursday however, the governor and other top government officials attended Special Church Servcie and valedictory court session in honour of retiring Chief Judge of the State, Justice Daisy Okocha.
After the church service at St. Paul Anglican Cathedral Diobu, a valedictory court session was held at the Chief Judge’s Ceremonial Court. Encomiums were poured on the justice Daisy Okocha who had only spent 11 days as a substantive Chief Judge of the state, she had been Acting Chief Judge from June to December, 2015. Governor Wike extolled her achievements and wishing her a fruitful retirement.
On Friday, the Governor Swore-in a new Acting Chief Judge to replace retired Justice Okocha who bowed out of service same day.
The new Acting Chief Judge, Justice Adama Iyayi-Laminkara promised to uphold the tenets of the law by ensuring equitable delivery of justice in the state.
Shortly after the swearing-in ceremony, the governor proceeded to Isaac Boro Park for the ceremonial wreath laying exercise and 21 gun salute for the fallen heroes. After the brief ceremony, the governor and other dignitaries returned to Government House where he addressed legionnaires and widows of ex-servicemen.
While addressing the legionnaires, the governor promised to ensure that their welfare and the families of those who lost their lives will receive priority attention. Most especially he promised to incorporate widows of armed forces personnel to benefit from the N2 billion CBN loan scheme for the state.
On Saturday, a Special announcement was issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Dr Austin Tam-George over activities of some Biafran agitators in the Oyigbo area of the state.
Governor Wike through the statement condemned acts of criminality perpetrated by Biafran agitators, as he directed security agencies to arrest the situation.
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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