Politics
Polls Stall Legistative Business
Proceedings at the State House of Assembly have been on suspension since the elections began in February with the various Assembly members involved in one campaign or the other.
But as at penultimate week since the results of the guber and House of Assembly elections held in the first week of March were suspended by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), reports have it that half of the legislators had already won their seats back.
Out of the 32 seats in the Assembly, it was reported that about 21 of the legislators under the flagship of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had won.
Some of those who won their seats include those of Port Harcourt Constituency, 1,2,3, Obio/Akpor 1&2, Degema, Akuku-Toru, Okrika, Ogu-Bolo, Khana 1 and 2, Tai and Gokana Constituencies.
Member representing Opobo/Nkoro in the House, Hon. Adonye Diri was in a clear lead even as results were yet to be fully concluded.
Hon. Diri however during the elections had condemned presence and activities of military personnel in the conduct of the polls.
In the view of Diri the soldiers were visibly aiding and supporting the opposition in up turning the wishes of the people. He accused solders of carting away electorial materials in some parts Nkoro and Opobo satellite villages.
He called on the people to be calm as no form of intimidation will stop the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from emerging victorious at the polls.
Meanwhile, one of the legislators in the Assembly representing, Oyigbo State Constituency, Hon. Promise Dike has won his election as member representing Eleme/Oyigbo/Tai Federal Constituency in the National Assembly.
Hon. Dike who was among the incoming legislators who received their certificate of return at INEC headquarters at Abuja was full of hope for his constituents.
Dike thanked the people of Oyigbo, Tai and Eleme for coming out in t heir numbers to vote for the PDP, while assuring them that a new vista has been created with his emergence to represent the people.
The legislator is set to replace senator-elect Barr Mpigi, who is now senator-elect for Rivers South-East in the National Assembly.
Consequently, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured that the remaining results affecting about II constituencies will be concluded before April 19th.
INEC statement is coming two weeks after it stopped the announcement of results due to widely reported violence in some parts of the state, in addition to alleged solders interference in the electoral process.
In order to conclude the voting process, INEC said the collation of results will begin on 2nd-5th April while elections in those areas suspended will be done on April 20th and result declared from 20th to 22nd of April.
The electoral umpire called on all stakeholders to be patient and calm, as it’s poised to do the right thing.
Kevin Nengia
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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