Politics
NASS Tasks RVHA On Recession
Members of the National
Assembly from Rivers State have urged lawmakers of the 8th Assembly in the State to redouble their efforts in building an effective legislature that would boost the economy of the state in the face of recession in Nigeria.
The National Assembly members who gave the charge at the three-day Retreat organised for the lawmakers by the Rivers State Government held last week in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State expressed the need for the lawmakers to improve on their legislative capacity building to create positive changes in the economy of the state.
Speaking on “Bill Types and Process”, the PDP Senatorial candidate for Rivers East Senatorial District Senator George Sekibo, urged the lawmakers to seriously consider any bill raised on the floor of the House, irrespective of the background.
Sekibo, who reminded the Assembly members on the relevance of the three types of bill, the Executive, Judiciary and Private bills, and what they portend for the society.
Also speaking, the member representing Port Harcourt Federal Constituency Hon. Ken Chikere told the legislators that motions, resolutions and floor procedures were part the factors that inject credibility in the House before the society.
Chikere advised the lawmakers to place premium on motions relating to infrastructure, utility and natural disasters during debates on issues of urgent importance, saying that the issues constitute the key of any Assembly’s legislations.
The lawmaker representing Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency II, Hon. Kingsley Chinda urged the 8th Assembly to redouble its commitment towards making a difference in its law making to improve quality of lives in the state.
Chinda harped on the need for a Standing Order Committee that would be guiding the process of lawmaking in the right order.
The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adams Dabotorudma had expressed satisfaction over the retreat organised for lawmakers in the state, saying that it would go a long way to reposition the state legislature for a greater legislative business.
He commended Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike for considering the training of lawmakers in the state as part of measures to fastrack development to Rivers State.
Enoch Epelle
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.
