Politics
Wike Tasks Navy On Safe Waterways
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day opened last week’s activities in Government House. For the first time in many years, the wreath laying ceremony fell on a Sunday and the Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike and other top government functionaries paid their last respects to the fallen heroes at Isaac Boro Park, Port Harcourt.
Shortly after the ceremony at Isaac Boro Park, Wike addressed legionaires in Government House, where he announced a N100 million rehabilitation fund for both widows of dead soldiers and retired officers’ welfare.
He used the occasion to praise the valour and courage of men of the Armed Forces in securing the territorial and internal security of the country. He especially lauded them for the recent success in dislodging Boko Haram in the Northern part of the nation.
The Rivers State governor was of the opinion that the fund donated by his administration would cushion the hardship and challenges faced by ex-servicemen and their families. He also charged the leadership of the Nigerian legion to manage the fund wisely.
Last Monday, Governor Wike attended the opening session of the “Five Nights of Glory”, a popular evangelical programme by Salvation Ministries in Port Harcourt. He also attended the Tuesday edition, but before the programme on Tuesday, the governor met with school principals in the state.
Addressing principals of public schools in the state last Tuesday, Chief Wike was miffed with the revelation made by the officials of Ministry of Education over charges made on students who register for the yearly WASC and NECO exams.
The governor chided the authorities for charging extra fees, despite the fact that he remits the monthly overhead for all ministries to take care of monthly expenses. He was angry that the fees were extra burden to both parents and students. Against this backdrop, the visibly angry governor directed both the commissioner, permanent secretary and the school principals to account for the extra fees charged since the inception of his administration.
The principals and ministry officials according to the directive of the governor were to submit a written record to the office of the Chief of Staff, Government House before the end of last week.
Shortly after the meeting with school principals and officials and officials of the Ministry of Education, Governor Nyesom Wike headed to NNS Pathfinder at Rumuolumeni to unveil 120 Housing Units named Rivers Quarters at the Naval Base.
Speaking while inaugurating the new houses, Chief Wike urged the Navy to use the newly acquired security gunboats strictly to police the waterways in the state.
He said the state government will continue to support the Navy with the needed logistics to protect the nation’s assets, while disclosing plans to construct a second road leading to the Nigerian Navy Base in the area.
Last Friday the state Commissioner for Transport, Deacon Akie Fubara made an inspection visit to the site of the ongoing Bonny/Bille/Nembe Waterfront Jetty project. He used the visit to enlist the support of residents and other stakeholders to ensure that the project is not stalled.
Last Saturday, wife of the state Governor, Justice Suzette Nyesom Wike attended the white wedding ceremony of young Miss Anyanwu, daughter of elder statesman Emma Anyanwu at Corpus Christi Cathedral.
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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