Politics
Lawmakers Hail Neighbourhood Safety, Anti-Kidnap Bills
As the amended Rivers State Secret Cult and Similar Act Prohibition No 1 Bill 2018, and Rivers State Kidnap (Prohibition) Amendment Bill No 2 2018 awaits the governor’s assent, members of the State House of Assembly have listed the benefits of the two laws.
The lawmakers during debate on the two laws said the state will witness peace and tranquility. Majority Leader of the House, Hon Martins Amaewhule said the two bills will serve as deterrent to those who would want to engage in such anti-social act.
He argued that the excuse by many of those who claim that the economy could put pressure on some persons to engage in kidnapping and cultism were unfounded.
In the words of Amaewhule, “an hungry man in an angry man but that does not make you to take the life of your fellow man”.
The majority leader was of the view that, “Those who engage in crime must pay the prize…It’s a carrot and stick approach”.
He urged stakeholders and other members of the public to join hands in fighting crime, and ensuring peace in the society, “those who engage in this crime are our brothers so we need to help them.”
Other legislators who supported the bill to be passed into law include Mathew Dike of Tai Constituency, Echi Edison of Ahoada Constituency II, Friday Nkee of Khana Constituency II, Christian Ahiakwo of Onelga Constituency II and Dr Innocent Barikor of Gokana Constituency among many others who threw their weight behind the death penalty now attached as punishment for offenders.
On the Neighbourhood Safety Corps bill of 2018 which has also been passed into law, the lawmakers were of the view that security of lives and property will now improve in all parts of the state.
Members representing Bonny Constituency, Hon Abinye Pepple said that the law will have direct impact on the local people.
Pepple while decrying the security challenges confronting riverine communities on the waterways explained that with a security outfit such social malaise will be curtailed.
Representative of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Monday Mgbar, who is also caretaker chairman of Tai Local Government Area, during the public hearing on the neighbor-Neighbourhood Safety Corps bill, said the council authorities have key role to play of the agency will succeed.
While pledging support to the law, Mr Mgbar suggested that chairmen of the local government areas be included in the board of the safety corps.
Explaining why he recommended that chairman of councils be included in the board, the caretaker chairman of Tai local government area held that they are the chief security officers of their various areas, and therefore should be involved the management of security in their local government areas.
For Prince Ekpere of Social Action, a nongovernmental group, the Neighbourhood Safety Corps should be made of individuals who have experience on security matters, so as to inject expertise in their operations.
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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