Politics
GDI Holds Thanksgiving Service …Wants Federal Projects In Rivers
It was a moment of exceeding gladness, celebrations and merriment for the leaders and followers of the Grassroot Development Initiative(GDI), political pressure group within the PDP in Rivers State, as they reflected on the journey, so far as they held a thanksgiving service in Port Harcourt recently.
The event took place at St.Andrew’s Anglican Church,Rumuola Deanery, Niger Delta North to commemorate the electoral victory and second term in office of Governor Nyesom Wike, the Grand Patron of the GDI.
Delivering his sermon, the officiating minister, Ven.Chris Iwuji who drew his text from 1Kings 18v30-36 told the congregation that God’s love and interest on Nigeria is boundless.” God is calling on Nigerians to forsake their evil ways and turn to him for his blessings”, he said.
The cleric underscoring the need for Nigerians to make their ways right with God insisted that the survival of the nation’s economy has direct relationship with God,adding that the economy would improve as Nigerians change for good.
The occasion was rounded off with a lavish reception at the premises of the Port Harcourt Polytechnic, Rumoula Road.
Congratulating GDI members who recently got elected as council chairmen and councillors as well as those who got appointment into government offices, Chief Bright Amewhule, the President General of GDI assured that Wike’s second term would be more impactful and called on Rivers people to continue to accord the governor their support.
He also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to capture the failed Rivers Monorail Project in the 2020 budget.
Chief Amewhule equally noted that there was need for the Federal Government to extend the ongoing Railway Project to Rivers.
He however decried the situation where some indigenes of the state got federal appointments but and could not attract projects to the state. He pointed out that it takes love for one to be able to attract good things to their people.
According to him when Gov Wike was minister, he did projects in all the tertiary institutions in Rivers State.
In his own remarks, the Secretary General of GDI and Chairman Ikwerre Local Government Council, Engr. Samuel Nwonosike stated that GDI faithfuls have reasons to rejoice for surviving massive onslaught from enemies of the state.
According to him, it was only God that saw Gov Wike and GDI members through at the elections.
The Ikwerre council boss alleged that Rivers politicians based in Abuja were responsible for the invasion of the elections in the state. He advised people of the state to see Gov.Wike as God-sent,assuring that the governor will consolidate on all ongoing projects.
Nwanosike commended the Peoples Democratic Party for standing firm until victory was achieved, stressing that no political party other than the PDP has the muscle to survive in the state.
Tamunoiminabo Fyneface
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.
-
Editorial1 day agoDomesticate FG’s Exit Benefit Scheme
-
News1 day 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
-
Featured1 day agoFG Reaffirms Nigeria’s Stability As US Embassy Suspends Visa Appointments In Abuja Office
-
Business1 day ago
Niger Delta Investment Summit Targets $5bn Inflows, 500,000 Jobs