Politics
Wike Tasks Monarchs On Peace
Last week in Government House began with the Second Session of the third Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Evo with Governor Nyesom Wike and his wife attending.
He used the occasion to task the church to play their role in the emergence of good leaders in the country. He said, “In Anambra and Imo states, the Catholic Church plays key role on who leads those states. In Rivers State, the Church should rise up and take a position.”
Announcing the revocation of Certificate of Occupancy of Novotel Hotel in Port Harcourt, the governor regretted that the hotel has turned itself as a place where electoral malpractice and other forms of election fraud are carried out.
In the words of the governor, “we cannot allow hotels to be used for unwholesome activities. The Special Adviser on lands has been directed to revoke the Certificate of Occupancy of Novotel.”
Last Monday, the governor declared open the 106th Quarterly Meeting of the state Traditional Rulers Council and enjoined the royal fathers to assist government in security and maintenance of peace in their domains.
The governor used the event to explain the visit of Acting President penultimate week, staying that despite blackmail of ex-Governor Amaechi and his party, the APC, that the nation’s number one citizen was formerly invited to inaugurate projects in the state.
Chief Wike frowned at the ex-governor’s penchant to blackmail the judiciary, describing the visit of the Chief Judge of the Federation, Justice Walter Onnoghen as purely official and for the betterment of the judiciary.
Last Tuesday, the Deputy Governor, Dr Ipalibo Harry-Banigo, in a statement, urged Rivers people to be wary of the antics of the opposition. She said while others states of the federation where the opposition lost elections are united and forward looking, the APC in Rivers State has turned into a crying baby bent in detracting governance.
The governor through his Special Assistance on Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakaududi last Tuesday said there is an overwhelming evidence of ex-Governor Amaechi’s corrupt activities. He regretted that the former governor has continued to work against interest of Rivers State.
Last Wednesday, the Chief of Staff Government House, Chief Emeka Woke, met with political stakeholders in Emohua Local Government Area and harped on the need for peace.
Woke said, “I want to enjoin my brothers who are in opposition political parties never to encourage violence of any kind. If the locall government area is destroyed, where will you conduct the election you are hoping to win.”
As part of moves to ensure peace and harmony amongst communities in the state, the state Deputy Governor, Dr. Harry-Banigo met with representatives of Deeken and Deeyor communities in Gokana Local Government Area last Thursday.
She commended both communities and members of the Rivers State Boundary Committee and reiterated the need for all communities to live peacefully with their neighbours.
Last Saturday, Governor Wike welcomed delegates and members of the African Bar Association who are in the state for a four-day conference. The governor assured them of a peaceful and memorable stay during the event.
The Chief of Staff, Government House, last Saturday, was at the airport to receive former Tanzanian President, Dr Jakaya Kikwete who is billed to deliver key note address at the African Bar Conference
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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