Politics
Site RSUST Teaching Hospital Outside PH – Uwaji
The lawmaker representing Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Constituency II, Hon. Nathaniel Uwaji, has stressed the need for the Rivers State Univeristy of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital to be sited outside Port Harcourt, if the bill is passed into law.
Uwaji said this last Thursday during the debate on a bill for a law to establish the Rivers State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital at the Assembly’s planary session in Port Harcourt.
According to him, Port Harcourt, as a capital city, is congested to a level that no magnitude of road network can reduce the usual traffic jam, especially within Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor areas.
He said, any additional investment in Port Harcourt City would worsen the traffic situation and increase the city’s population which would ultimately pose health hazards to residents.
The lawmaker who urged the house to consider the health challenges of citizens living outside Port Harcourt in the state, stressed that it would be wise to site the hospital close to the rural dwellers to support health centres to save lives.
Noting that the hospital would attract development, Uwaji wants the house to consider the need of developing another city to compliment the Port Harcourt City.
Despite the aguement the lawmaker said he had the mandate of his constituency to support the bill to be passed into law.
Also supporting the bill, the lawmaker representing Port Harcourt Constituency I, Hon. Victoria Nyeche expressed the need for the Teaching Hospital bill to be passed into law.
According to her, the Hospital would enhance health manpower training to medical students in the state, and as well serve as a health research institution.
She said the hospital is capable of decongesting existing government hospitals in the 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.