Politics
RVHA To Review Safety Laws
The lull in the activities of the Rivers State House of Assembly (RVHA) gave way last week with the hosting of the Zone “6” Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Commander, Mr Donald Agu at the Assembly Complex in Port Harcourt.
The Speaker of the House, Rt Hon. Ikuinuyi-Owaji Ibani, last Tuesday, in an interactive session with he FRSC delegation, charged them to be proactive in discharging their statutory duties to reduce road accidents in the state.
Ibani, reiterated the Assembly’s readiness to revisit some of the State laws including the State Road Safety Law and the State Child Right Acts to Protect Children in the State.
The speaker, who commended the Zonal Commander, Donald Agu for his efforts at ensuring that accidents on the roads of the state were reduced expressed the need for the House to revisit the safety laws to give the corps legal backing to discharge its duties, especially, on monitoring of special cars seat for children in the state.
Agu had earlier said that the corps visit to the Assembly was to identify with the House on the area of the state Road Safety law to update car’s seat law for children in the state.
Agu also appealed to the Assembly to review the State’s Laws to ensure that all safety rules and signs are included in the school curriculum, especially in nursery and primary schools to impart the knowledge of road safety in children in the state.
Last Thursday the Rivers State House of Assembly promised to enact a law that would assist in the fight against illegal oil refineries in the state.
The speaker who made this known in a chat with journalists, at the Assembly Complex in Port Harcourt said the house was determined more than ever before to address the problem of black soots in the state.
Ibani hinted that the law, when enacted, will give legal backing to the effort of the Rivers State Government towards eradicating illegal oil bunkering and artisanal refineries in the state.
He said the House decided to come up with the bill to outlaw artisanal refineries to check the environmental hazards posed by the activities of those involved.
Ibani assured of the readiness of the Assembly to collaborate with the State Government to ensure implementation of policies that would promote good governance and good health to all residents of 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.