Politics
Wike Inaugurates Committee On Environment Varsity
Conversion of Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, Bori, to a full-fledged University was one of the major issues that dominated discussions last week in the Rivers State Government House, Port Harcourt.
Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, last Wednesday, set up an ad-hoc committee to examine and advise the state government on the idea of upgrading the existing Ken Polytechnic to University of Environment.
The governor’s action was sequel to the request made by the Ogoni apex group, KAGOTE, that the polytechnic be upgraded to University of Environment as a legacy to the struggle of the foremost environmental right activist in Nigeria, Ken Saro-Wiwa hails from Ogoni.
Wike who hosted the high powered delegation of KAGOTE last Tuesday presented the proposal at the Rivers State Executive Council meeting in Government House, Port Harcourt Wednesday, for approval.
The committee headed by the Deputy Governor, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo has two weeks to submit its report. It would examine the prospects of transforming the polytechnic into the third state-owned university.
Another crucial event last week was the governor’s accent to the Rivers State Neighbourhood watch bill on Wednesday.
Recall that penultimate week, the governor had promised that he would sign the bill into law stressing that the law will help the security agencies get intelligence and information from the initiative.
He also said it would create employment opportunities to the youth adding that the insinuation that the government has motive of arming youths as false.
Last Tuesday, Wike hosted the Assistant Inspector General of Police zone six.
The AIG who came in company of the Rivers State Commissioner of Police and other top security officials said he was in the state to seek collaboration with the state government on how to bring about improved security.
Last Thursday, the Governor led the management of the leadership Newspaper, members fo the National Assembly and Elder statesmen on projects inspection.
Wike who is set for honour on March 29, 2018 as the Leadership Newspaper Governor of the year 2017 declared that majority of key projects would be delivered between May and December.
Among projects inspected were Port Harcourt Pleasure Park Cinema and Restaurants, Cultural Centre, Creek Road, Bonny/Bille/Nember Jetty, Judges Guaters, Mother and Child Hospital, Produce House, Court of Appeal and National Industiral Court.
Speaking on behalf of the Leadership Group, Director Leadership Group, Mr. Michael Okpere commended the governor for turning Rivers State into a major construction site.
He said: “These projects generate employment, they generate revenue and they create employment opportunities for the people”.
The governor, last week flagged off some projects among which are upgrading and remodeling of Bonny National Grammer School Bonny.
He noted that the project will be completed in nine months and that all the contractors handling the job are indigenes of Bonny.
“None of the contractors doing this job is from outside. This is to show that we are interested in empowering the people”, he said.
Wike regretted that the APC-led Federal Government was playing pranks with the Bonny-Bodo Road project after NLNG committed N50 billion as counterpart fund to the project.
While the upgrading and remodeling of the Bonny National Grammer School (BMGS). Bonny was flagged off last Tuesday, Wike on Wednesday flagged off the execution of Rivers State Government, European Union and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Water and sanitation projects in two local government areas.
The flag off was done at Nkoro Town School in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, where he stated that his administration is committed to the provision of potable water for rural dwellers.
The governor was represented at the event by the Commissioner of Water Resources, Prof Kaniye Ebeku.
Chris Oluoh
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.