Politics
Ex-Rep Aspirant Harps On Peace, Security
Former Abua/Odual/Ahoada East Federal Constituency House of Representatives aspirant of the PDP in the 2019 general election, Hon. Idaztinimeh Goodness Ekwere says the people of Igbu-Akoh kingdom stand the chance of benefiting substantially from the Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike second term administration.
To this end, he has advised them to remain peaceful, ensure security and give their unalloyed support and loyalty to the Governor.
Speaking with newsmen in an interview shortly after a meeting of the people last weekend, Ekwere said Governor Wike as an intelligent and focused leader has assured Rivers people of even development at the grassroot during his present administration, adding that the Governor would give priority attention to rural development this time around.
At the meeting, the Igbu-Akoh people commended the Governor for his developmental strides in the state during his first tenure from which they also enjoyed through the on-going Ahoada-Odiemerenyi-Ihugbogo-Odieke-Akoh road reconstructed, the Ahoada-Ekpena road constructed and awaiting commissioning as well as the upgrading of their traditional stool from 3rd class to 2nd class and 1st class status.
In a 6-point communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the people appealed to the government to among other things give them the opportunity to produce federal and state legislators as has been in other areas of their constituency as well as appointments into key positions of the state, pointing out that after the death of their son, Dr B.E.N. Thom-Otuya who was appointed as special Adviser on Civil Society organizations, no body has been there to replace him.
While felicitating with the State Chief Executive on his second term victory and subsequent inauguration, they said “the Igbu-Akoh kingdom has qualified sons and daughters with sound academic and political proficiency that could deliver if given the opportunity”.
According to them, “we remain supportive and royal to the Governor Wike-led administration and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and will continue to work for the success and development of the State and the country in general while ensuring peace and tranquility within our vicinity”.
Shedie Okpara
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.