Politics
‘We’re Ready For 2019 Polls’
Following the release of the 2019 general election timetable last Tuesday, political parties chairmen in Rivers State have commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and said they will work towards realising the template.
In an interview, the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) said they are ready for the 2019 General elections and will feature candidates in all offices in the South South states”.
The National Vice Chairman of the party, Deacon Princewill Enyi who stated this in Port Harcourt in an interview, said the NNPP had been proactive to everything concerning elections and that his party was fully prepared.
According to him, the party had held meetings last Monday and will hold another meeting today to prepare the minds of members on the elections.
Enyi who also doubles as the state chairman of NNPP and the publicity secretary of the Inter-Party Advisory Council(IPAC) in Rivers State hinted that he would commence tour of three South South states to sensitize members on the 2019 elections.
He assured that the party was still intact and would do everything within its powers to capture some seats in the South South states’ Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate.
Enyi praised members for their support during last 2015 elections and re run elections in the state, stating that their commitment towards the unity of the party in the state is encouraging.
Also speaking to The Tide, the State Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP),Engineer Worlu Joshua said his party was ready and would work to deliver some candidates in the state.
He noted that the National headquarters of the party had instructed all chairmen to start mobilising and sensitising members at the ward and local government levels.
The Labour Party (LP) Chairman in the state, Prince Favour, his reaction welcomed the development and said the party is also prepared for the election.
He however, noted that the first target was the August Primaries which the party will commence work immediately to meet the deadline, assuring that the LP is ready and prepared for the elections.
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.