Politics
Lawmakers Condemn Army’s Misconduct At Polls
The outcome of the House of Representatives Joint Committee on Army, Police Affairs, Justice and Human Rights’ public sitting over the violence that rocked Rivers State during the last presidential and guber elections is still reverberating.
The two-day public sitting was as a result of motion moved by Hon. Kingsley Chinda of Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency on the floor of the green chambers, as he decried the manner Ogoni youth leader and academia, Dr. Ferry Gberegbe and one Mrs. Ibisaki Amachree were killed during the polls.
Hon. Chinda lamented that over the years elections had become a theatre of war, as the opposition has always led the onslaught to cause mayhem in the state.
The Obio/Akpor federal lawmaker observed that the role the army and police(SARS) played during the general elections was out of the constitutional mandate given to them and wondered how soldiers got involved in supervising elections in the country.
Chinda insists that the army were supposed to protect the territorial integrity of the country and not to conduct elections.
Speaking for the state government, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Zacheaus Adango told the committee that death toll and arrest of persons during the elections stood at 75.
While 13 persons died in Akuku – Toru Local Government Area, 20 persons sustained injury. In Ahoada West 30 persons were arrested by the army with Gokana having 44 and Tai 11 , Opobo/ Nkoro 15.
The attorney general submitted that the state demands justice for its citizens, as he sought for compensation and apology by the military authorities to those manhandled and killed during the elections..
He said” the state government seeks a public apology from the Nigerian Army to the people of Rivers State for the trauma caused them by the misconduct of the soldiers in the course of the general elections. ”
In reaction, Army representative at the panel, Brig Gen Felix Omogui explained that the role army played during the polls was to protect lives and property.
” The internal security is done by the police, but we support them”, Omogui maintained.
He told the House of Rep panel that on request by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC), the army was engaged to provide security for sensitive electoral materials, especially in riverine areas.
Omogui held that the army adhered to the rules of engagement and code of conduct, arguing that most of the violent acts were done by fake soldiers and hoodlums.
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.