Politics
Group Condemns Withdrawal Of Wike’s Security Details
A non-governmental organisation, the Wike Support Group, has condemned the withdrawal of majority of the security personnel attached to the Governor of Rivers State by Rivers State Police Commissioner on the orders of the Inspector General of Police.
The group also described the action as not only mutinous move on the office of the governor of Rivers State but a rape of democratic principles.
Speaking to the The Tide last Saturday, the Director of Media and Administration of the group, Bright Jossy said, though it was not the first time the APC led federal government is using the instrumentality of federal government to intimate the governor of Rivers State.
Jossy recalled that the Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose and other PDP governors who were in Port Harcourt for PDP convention were held hostage in their lodge by men of Nigeria police and other security agencies, while the governor of Rivers state was also denied exit out of Government House on the same day.
He recalled that only recently, operatives of DSS manhandled the state governor in their failed attempt to unlawfully arrest a high court judge in Port Harcourt.
He regretted that a government that promised to change the nation to a better country has turned around to plunge the nation into difficulty.
“A government that promised Nigerians a positive turnaround suddenly became one that causes the citizenry pains, hunger and intimidation.
I want to urge the APC led federal government and it’s agents to channel their energy to delivering on the uncountable promises they made to Nigerians and allow the governor of Rivers state to concentrate on his good works for the people of Rivers state”.
Jossy warned that the December 10, 2016 legislative rerun election is strictly a Rivers affair, and that only popular candidates can emerge.
According to him, “It is within the powers of the electorates to choose who represents them at any level, no amount of security threats and militarization can surmount the will of the people.
Rivers people are proud and solidly behind their performing governor, and are determined to elect those that will work in harmony with their governor to achieve a Better Rivers state”, he said.
He said the ploy to intimidate the “people’s governor and expose him to security risk is an action in futility, because the prayers of the majority of Rivers people will subvert whatever evil calculations of the extremists.
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.