Politics
Wike, Blessing To Nigeria’s Democracy – Monarch
In the nation’s democratic context where good leaders are not easy to find, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, is a blessing to Nigeria’s democracy, a formost monarch has declared.
The Onye Ishi Agwuru Igbo Kingdom in Etche Local Government Area of the state, King Samuel Amaechi stated this Monday, while reacting to the BusinessDay Governor of the Year Award being bestowed on Wike last Thursday.
The monarch said: “It’s not a surprise that Governor Wike was given Business Day Governor of the year. It’s a continuous process. People all over the world have seen his enviable performance. They have given him awards both national and international in recognition of his superlative performance”.
Amaechi commended Wike for making the state proud by the numerous accolades being showered on him in recognition of his outstanding performance.
“Last time when the ultramodern secretariat built by Wike for traditional rulers in the state was commissioned, the fathers of the state gave him “the pride of Rivers State Award”, in appreciation of his developmental strides in the state.
“He has done well and Rivers people are proud of him. We pray God to keep him alive for us to enable him continue to do what he is doing. The state, the nation and the entire world have attested to his wonderful performance”, he said.
Amaechi, who is also the Chairman, Oil Producing Communities of Nigeria, Rivers State Chapter, noted that Wike’s unparallel performance in the past three years in office is a clear indication that if he heeds the clarion call by the people of Rivers State to go for a second term in office, the sky shall be his limit.
The monarch noted that Wike’s recognition traverses tribe, religion, party differences and has been acclaimed at global level, describing Wike as a pride to the nation.
He predicted more awards for Wike, saying he is a rare gem whose administration would leave behind enviable legacy for the nation and the world.
Chris Olouh
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.