Politics
Traditional Rulers Pass Confidence Vote On Wike
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has felicitated with Christians and advised them to extend love to others.
Wike in his Easter message urged the people and residents to make sacrifices that would advance the course of development.
He said Easter exemplifies the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ to save mankind, noting that as individuals, Christians must take into consideration the welfare of others.
Wike assured the good people of Rivers State that he will continue to make sacrifices for the state, defend her interests and ensure that the people always enjoyed good governance.
Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers last Thursday passed a vote of confidence on the state governor for outstanding delivery of people-oriented projects across the state.
The council paid a solidarity visit to the governor, Thursday at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Port Harcourt and praised the governor for his good governance and said the leadership of Wike had improved the lives and welfare of the people.
“Your achievements are legion and for want of space, we cannot enumerate all of them in this address. But suffice it to say, you have done us proud.
“For the achievements and the level of development in every sector of our economy, we jointly and severally move a vote of confidence in you and your government”, the council stated.
Wike commended the traditional rulers for the honour and called on all Rivers people to work for the development of the state wherever they may find themselves.
He said Rivers people must never see themselves as second class citizens, stressing that if there are first class citizens, it would be Rivers people whose resource feed the nation.
Brick House played host to the former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar last Tuesday. Atiku who paid a courtesy visit with his team announced his intention to run for the position of president on PDP platform.
He lauded Governor Wike for his enormous contribution and sacrifices to Rivers State and the nation and described Wike as the “great pillar of PDP”.
Atiku who lamented the hardship faced by Nigerians for the past three years said it was as a result of incompetent leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari and solicited support of PDP members and well-meaning Nigerians to support his cause to transform the nation.
Wike thanked the aspirant for visiting the state and enjoined him to continue with his wide consultation. The governor stressed the need for PDP presidential aspirants to see the removal of APC Federal Government as the PDP’s overriding interest.
Another major event last week in the government was the swearing-in of four new Judges by the governor.
The governor who performed the ceremony last Monday in the Executive Chamber charged the new Judges to uphold the rule of law and always be fearless in dispensing justice.
Also last week, the governor dissolved two local government Caretaker Committees. The affected local government committees were Khana and Gokana local government areas.
LastThursday, Wike inaugurated the Port Harcourt Water Corporation Board and the Executive Committee of National Arts Festival (NAFEST).
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.