Politics
Group Warns Dakuku, Ikanya Over Comments On Wike
The Rivers Elders Consultative Council has expressed displeasure over comments on Governor Ezenwo Nyesom Wike by the defeated Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Dakuku Peterside and the State Chairman of the APC, Dr Davies Ibiamu Ikanya
The Executive Secretary of the Council, Chief Granville Abiye Georgewill, warned that the elders will no longer condone any foul words against Governor Wike who according to them, has brought respect and commendation to the state.
Georgewill, in a statement last Saturday, said the elders of the state have commended the Governor for both in deeds and actions resulting in peaceful co-existence of all the ethnic nationalities in the state for which Rivers people are well pleased, but regretted that some members of the opposition party could call the Governor of the state names.
According to him,”The Governor has endeared himself to the people of Rivers state by his developmental strides for which Rivers people will ever remain grateful”.
” We find it therefore irresponsible and abominable for Dakuku Peterside, Davies Ikanya and of course the APC leadership in the state to, all the time engage in making unguarded and disrespectful comments on Governor Wike, Georgewill said.
He urged the APC and its leadership in the state to join hands with Governor Wike to improve the lots of Rivers people rather than engage in fruitless efforts that would undevelope the state.
Georgewill warned that Rivers people will no longer tolerate these persons who, by their conducts, have already declared themselves persona non grata, demanding unreserved apology from APC and its leadership.
He said Peterside, Ikanya and Chris Finebone, all chieftains of the APC in Rivers State have been casting aspersions on Governor Wike through their several press releases in the media, a development which the elders of the state consider abominable, and not in the character of typical Rivers people.
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.