Politics
Internal Democracy, Panacea For Peace In Rivers APC – Abe
The Senator representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Magnus Abe, has said that respect for internal democracy remains the panacea to ending the crisis in the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Abe stated this when he appeared on a live radio programme in Port Harcourt monitored by the Tide in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
This is as Abe said he will continue to champion the cause for the enthronement of internal democracy within the ranks of the ruling APC and pledged his loyalty to the party.
He further said that he like others left the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) because of impunity and high-handedness inherent there and would not allow the same character to permeate the APC.
According to him, “You know this was the same struggle that took us out of the PDP, it was the same struggle for internal democracy, for the respect of human rights. Respect for the citizens, respect for constitution, respect for due process rather than impunity.
“That’s what made us to live the PDP and that’s why we’re in APC. So if we made all that effort, all that sacrifice and then we get this far and we abandon this struggle, what was it about?
“So I believe that, it is not only justified, it is necessary today, it will be necessary tomorrow and as long as there are human societies the fight to make the world better and make it function better for everybody will continue, nonstop.
“If a party is to win, everybody in the party needs to be part of that victory and when you don’t follow a process that accommodates everybody, then that’s not a victory for everybody, because a victory for one person or a victory for few people; that’s not a victory for the party.
“The victory for the party is when all members of the party are enthusiastically included in what the party is doing. When all members of the party feel a sense of victory when the party wins; if you initiate a process in the party that exclude party members and then you claim victory at the end of the day; how are they going to be excited by that victory? How are they included in it? How are they allowed to contribute to it?
“That’s what the struggle is about. It’s about all of us, is about you, is about Rivers State, is about Nigeria. How do we make this country better? How do we make it more inclusive? We do that simply by following the rules.
“You know, when we talk of the supremacy of the party, we’re not talking about the supremacy of any individual in the party. Is not the supremacy of the party chairman; it’s not the supremacy of the party leader. It’s supremacy of the party constitution; is the supremacy of the understanding that brought everybody together, because people left their houses and are making sacrifices in pursuit of a dream.
“So you don’t kill their own dreams and then say that the party has won. How will the party win without People?”
“I have a career in politics and I still have it. The Senate is not a career. I have a very promising career in politics. Politics is about people. And I’m surrounded by people. I have the support of my people. So I still have my career. You know, whatever you see is based on things that happen.
“You have to have the resilience. You have to have the commitment. You have to have faith in what you are doing. And what I’m doing is not about me. If it was about me, what am I looking for?
“You know, it’s about the dream that we can build a better Nigeria. It’s about the vision that Rivers State can be better than it is. We can do better. So when people keep personalizing something, oh, you are losing your seat. Oh, you’re not going to the Senate. I’m not the only person who didn’t go to the Senate. I didn’t even want to go to the Senate. I wanted to be governor of Rivers 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.