Politics
RVHA Tasks Appointees On Wike’s Dev Agenda
The Speaker and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have urged the five new Commissioner-nominees and Caretaker Committee Chairmen in the seven local government areas to ensure that the development agenda of the governor is sustained in their ministries and council areas.
Rt Hon Ikuinyi Owaji-Ibani who presided over the sitting and screening of the nominees said by latching on to the agenda and policies of the governor, the state will grow as being witnessed in the current administration.
Ibani who represents Andoni Constituency in the House also called for selflessness in the discharge of their duties.
In the word of the Speaker, “if you want to serve, you must be selfless. Public position is not a gold mine”.
The motion for the confirmation of the five Commissioner-nominees which include Dr Fred Kpakol, Prof. Roseline Konya, Mrs Tonye Oniyide-Briggs, Shedrack Amadi and former Deputy Speaker, Dumene Dekor was moved by Majority Leader, Hon. Martins Amaewhule and was approved by House members.
The screening lasted over an hour following questions thrown by members of the House with emphasis on environment, finance and culture.
However, after the screening was concluded, the Speaker read a letter from the Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike seeking the approval of 15 new Special Advisers, which Hon. Amaewhule said was in tandem with Section 196 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
The House approved the list before taking up the screening of the new Caretaker Committee Chairmen and members of Akuku-Toru, Andoni, Emohua, Ikwerre, Obio/Akpor, Okrika and Opobo/Nkoro LGA.
After the screening of the CTC nominees, the Speaker sought for approval as vote was put on the floor to which the House endorsed, urging the Clerk to convey the decision to the governor.
Majority leader of the House had described the CTC nominees as “fit and proper”, as he urged them to complement the development agenda of Chief Wike in their respective local government areas.
Consequently, Hon. Amaewhule, representing Obio/Akpor 1 praised the governor for making security a key sector of concentration.
He said so far the governor has displayed tact and focus to ensuring that lives and property of the citizens were protected.
Amaewhule emphasized that, “we are happy with the efforts of the governor on security. The Rivers State House of Assembly is pleased with what the governor is doing on security”.
He expressed the hope that the new CTCs will boost the governors effort in their respective domains to ensure a peaceful and progressive state.
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.