Politics
RSG Tasks Opposition On Constructive Criticisms
The Rivers State Government (RSG) has called on opposition political parties to support the Governor Nyesom Wike-led administration to develop the state, rather than engaging in unnecessary criticisms.
This is as it said the olive branch the governor extended to the opposition does not preclude them from expressing their feelings if they feel aggrieved, but that it should be done through lawful channels.
The State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Barr. Emma Okah made the call when he appeared as a guest in a Radio programme in Port Harcourt monitored by The Tide, weekend.
According to Okah: “There is this misconception that when you are in opposition, you are an enemy of government or you must be hostile to government.
”No, that is not what it tells us. Of course there is no way government can run its course properly if there is no opposition. Opposition is helpful to the government. If there is no opposition government can transform into dictatorship.
”And that is what happens to our democracy. But what we are saying, know where to draw the line.
”The Governor is not asking anybody not to go to court to challenge or enforce their constitutional rights. That is normal. As a matter of fact that is even what we are encouraging. That instead of killing people in Abonema, instead of asking the security agents to do what they did.
”This is a civil society. If you are aggrieved about a thing or situation, please go through the proper channel. The proper channel as far as election matter is concerned is the Election Tribunal. Simple!
”We don’t need to destroy our state. We don’t need to destroy our own. Why don’t we all come together irrespective of the differences? Let us be able to live together as one and build the state that is ours.
”For him as the Governor of Rivers State, he has just four more years to do God willing. Others have done eight years and gone. They are no longer here today. He too will do his and go, to the glory of God. Beyond him or after him somebody else will come. So let us not destroy our state.
Dennis Naku
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.