Politics
Egbema Decries Political Marginalization
The Egbema ethnic nationality in Rivers State under the aegis of Egbema Massive Movement (EMM), has decried what it considers as persistent political marginalization of Egbema people since the creation of Rivers State in 1967.
Addressing newsmen at Aggah Egbema, the leader of the movement, Comrade Kelly Rufus Iweka, said such unfair treatment was no longer acceptable as Egbema people may now resort to self-help to actualize their aspirations.
According to him, despite the enormous oil and gas resources which contributes to national wealth, Egbema clan is treated as second class citizens.
Comrade ethnic nationality has nothing to show for its contributions to the nation’s economy and cited the reently-concluded party primaries as a pointer to the fact that the main parties, the APC and PDP rejected all Egbema aspirants to both state and national assemblies.
“Seven of Egbema sons contested for different political positions but none sailed through due to obvious marginalization,” the EMM leader declared, noting that Egbema people have resolved to take their destiny in their hands.
He disclosed that the EMM will mobilize Egbema people to boycott all political activities ahead of the 2019 general elections.
“It is rather unfortunate that since Rivers State creation in 1967, Egbema ethnic nationality in ONELGA cannot boost of any visible appointment or elective position. We are not only good in voting for other people but we deserve to be voted for,” Iweka said.
He questioned that Egbema people have done to deserve such “unwholesome treatment, injustice and abandonment by the powers-that-be at both the state and federal levels.”
The Egbemas, he further said, would keep their 30,000 votes until the authorities realise our worth and do the needful for Egbema clan.
He also appealed to Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) to stop retiring Egbema indigenes prematurely or replace those retired Egbema indigenes with other indigenes from the area.
Similarly, he urged the state government to speed up the construction of Egbema/Omoku dualisation project in order to enhance development of the area.
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.
-
News5 days ago
Decentralizing Pipeline Surveillance Poses Greater Dangers To Niger Delta …. Group Warns
-
Politics5 days agoAPC Resumes Electronic Membership Registration Nationwide
-
Rivers5 days agoCourt Rules Out Interim Administration In Jumbo House, Bonny
-
Business5 days ago33 Banks Raise N4.65tn As Recapitalisation Ends
-
Politics5 days agoAlleged Coup: Protests Rock N’Assembly As Detained Officers’ Children, Wives Demand Justice
-
Sports5 days ago
Lewandowski Leads Top Stars Missing From W/Cup Roll Call
-
Nation5 days agoNile University Hosts ICA Nigeria First National Confab On Global Communication
-
Sports5 days agoPara Games: Team Rivers Wins 53 Medals On Day 5 … Director Praise Athletes