Politics
‘Wike’s Olive Branch, A Plus For Governance’
Leadership of the Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) in the South-South Zone has hailed Governor Nyesom Wike’s olive branch to opposition political parties in Rivers State, describing it as a good move and a plus for governance.
Chairman of the CLO, South-South Zone, Chinedu Karl Uchegbu stated this on Monday during an exclusive interview with, The Tide in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital.
Uchegbu expressed happiness that already some opposition parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) have accepted the governor’s peace moves by asking their members to support the incumbent administration to ensure that there is peace in the state; stressing the need to put Rivers State first.
According to him: “That was a very good move. That offer of olive branch is a good start and I hear that some opposition parties have started accepting the olive branch. I have it on good authority that major opposition parties are asking their members to join hands with the Governor to allow him focus and ensure peace in the state.
“It is important that they should put Rivers State first because at the end of the day the whole essence of governance is protection of lives and property and service to the people by delivering democratic dividends.
“When these are done other things will fall naturally into place. So it is a good move and we also believe that the opposition will also continue to do what is required of them by criticizing constructively to keep the government of the day on its toes.
“The whole idea is let us have a peaceful and progressive Rivers State. So I believe it (the olive branch) is a plus for the governor and for governance as well,” the South-South CLO chairman stated.
On his expectations for the Governor as he begins his second term in office, Uchegbu urged the Governor to quickly address the issue of unemployment in the state because according to him, most of the issues of insecurity stems from the lack of jobs.
“Employment is a key issue because insecurity breeds from unemployment amongst youths in Rivers State. All these insecurity problems that we have been talking about stems from joblessness; and further urged the State Government to partner the private sector to create job opportunities.
“Fine government we all know cannot employ everybody. So the State Government should consider partnering private agencies and put mechanisms in place that will boost employment and job creation in the state.
“A good example is Agriculture. The state seems to be lagging behind in the area of Agriculture. Most of the energy we see in streets engaging in crime can be channeled into more productive ventures like Agriculture.
“Rivers State can grow rice because she has the terrain. She produces oil palm and there are many other agricultural produce including fisheries that the state is known for.
“These are some areas the governor needs to quickly look into so that we can have a very good Rivers State as he prepares to kick start his second tenure,” Uchegbu explained.
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.
-
Editorial2 days agoDomesticate FG’s Exit Benefit Scheme
-
News2 days agoDHQ Confirms Deaths Of Terrorists, Soldiers In Borno Attack
-
News1 day agoRSU Unveils Five-Year Strategic Dev Plan …Calls For Collective Commitment To Institutional Excellence
-
News1 day agoTinubu Commissions Bayelsa Gas Turbine, Other Projects Today
-
Rivers1 day ago
Dep Gov Seeks Collaboration, Transparency Between RIVCHPP, PHCMB
-
Nation1 day ago
Rumuji Youth Leader Condemns Protest, Disowns Alleged Government Empowerment Claim
-
Business1 day ago
Niger Delta Investment Summit Targets $5bn Inflows, 500,000 Jobs
-
Featured1 day agoFG Reaffirms Nigeria’s Stability As US Embassy Suspends Visa Appointments In Abuja Office