Politics
RSG Lifts Embargo On Employment
Rivers State Government, last week, lifted ban on employment and subsequently approved the recruitment of indigenes to fill existing vacancies.
Governor of the state, Chief Nyesom Wike, who announced this last Wednesday during the 2019 Workers Day celebration at Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt also disclosed that ban on promotion of civil servants has been lifted.
Governor Wike who was represented by his deputy, Dr (Mrs) Ipalibo Harry Banigo, said the chairman of the state Civil Service Commission has already been directed to conduct interviews and effect the promotion of civil servants to their next salary grade levels.
He said the step is to strengthen the state civil service for more effective service delivery to Rivers people.
The State Government has also commenced the disbursement of the monthly interest free loan to traders and civil servants.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Politics and Strategy, Chief Emeh Glory Emeh who announced this at a media briefing after the State Executive Council meeting held Thursday last week disclosed that the empowerment programme will run on a monthly basis for civil servants in the state and that N200million was earmarked monthly for the scheme.
At the council meeting, the state government says it would prosecute the former Commissioners of Health, and Finance, Dr Samson Parker and Chamberlain Peterside respectively, over alleged squandering of N34.5billion belonging to the state owned Integrated Medical Industries Limited ( String Factory).
The Attorney General of the state, Dr Zaacheus Adango, who stated this in a media briefing after the last council meeting said the Project Manager of the firm, Mr M. Nwokoma would also be prosecuted.
According to him, the council has mandated the Attorney General to pursue the criminal prosecution when the white paper on the report of the commission that investigated the company assets is published.
Also last week under review, Governor Wike hosted his Benue State counterpart, Dr Samuel Ortom , last Thursday.
The two state governors were in a close- door meeting and outcome of the meeting was not made known to newsmen but the said meeting, according to feelers was on the development of the two states.
The Nigerian Medical Association ( NMA) also last week announced the nomination of Governor Wike for its exalted ‘NMA Healthcare Merit Award’.
Chairman of NMA, Rivers State chapter, Dr (Mrs) Obulebra Adebiyi announced this at a congratulatory visit to the governor, Tuesday, in Government House, Port Harcourt.
The NMA boss said that the award is in recognition of the projects and programmes executed by the governor in the healthcare sector.
She said: “ In view of the far reaching impact of your numerous developmental projects in the health sector and by the recognition of NMA Rivers State, you have been nominated by the NMA President, Prof Francis Faduyile, the National Officers Committee and the National Executive Council for the highly esteemed “ NMA Healthcare Merit Award “.
In response, Gov Wike thanked the association for the honour and remarked that the award would spur him to greater service.
Wike announced that the 7 – month entitlements owed House Officers would be settled by his administration and directed that payment of House Officers stipends be placed under the management of state Ministry of Finance.
Governor Wike on Saturday, joined other sympathisers across the nation for the funeral mass of late Chief Frederick Oritseweyinmi Omajolone Ogbe at the St Paul’s Catholic Church Ekuredu Itsekiri in Warrior, Delta State.
Wike who was accompanied by Senateor-elect, Rivers East Senatorial District, George Thompson Sekibo, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Engr Emeka Woke and a former Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Marcus Nleji , paid a condolence visit to the family of the deceased.
Chris Oluoh
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.