Politics
Lawmakers-Elect Promise Constituents Effective Representation
Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Martin Amaewhule and member-elect of Gokana Constituency, Hon. Dumle Maol have promised better and effective representation to people of their constituents following their victory in the just concluded Stated Assembly poll.
Amaewhule and Maol disclosed this while fielding questions from newsmen after they received their Certificates of Return (CoR) from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
Amaewhule who is the member-elect for Obio/Akpo Constituency 1 on the platform of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) said he will continue to contribute in making laws that will impact positively on the lives of the people.
He stated, “I am very that the people of Obio/Akpo Constituency 1 decided to send me back to the Rivers State House of Assembly for another term. First, I give thanks to God and I commend them for their choice.
“Let me reassure them that what they should be expecting is better representation. They are going to see more bills and more motions that are directed to the improvement of lives of the people of Obio/Akpo Constituency 1 in the coming years,” the House leader assured.
On his part, Hon. Maol, also a member of the PDP who is going to the House for the first time said his victory means a lot not only to him but the Gokana people and the State as a whole, promising that he it is a new dawn for his people and that he will be open to service.
According to him: “I have told my people that I am available to service. It is a new dawn in Gokana and I return all the glory to God. I am going to give them effective and efficient representation.
“I am talking about making them feel what it means to have a representative at the Rivers State House of Assembly. I am talking about how the voice of the Gokana people will be heard on the floor of the House and that is what I mean by efficient representation,” Hon. Maol stated.
On the cult related killings and recent spate of violence in Gokana Local Government Area, the lawmaker-elect said he will liaise with Ogoni leaders to ensure that peace return to the area.
“I have told my people we need to return back to God. He is the only one that brings peace. We need to talk to our youths. We need to talk to our people to on the need to speak with one voice and remain peaceful.
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.