Politics
Monarch Wants APC To Redeem Pledge Of Supporting Wike
A traditional ruler in Rivers State, HRH Christopher Wonodi has called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) to redeem the promise it made to support the Governor Nyesom Wike-led administration to enable him succeed and deliver democratic dividends to the people.
Wonodi, who is the Eze Mbam Abali X11, Eze Risiohia, Rebisi in Port Harcourt made the call during a chat with The Tide in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital on Wednesday.
Recall that the APC leadership in the state had through Senator Andrew Uchendu at a news briefing promised to support Governor Wike to succeed, even as the former had made some suggestions for the state chief executive to achieve good governance.
But Chief Wonodi said several months after that promise was made, he was yet to see anything concrete that suggests that the main opposition party in the state is willing to honour its own promise aimed at ensuring the development, peace and security of the state.
He said, “Well it was a good thing for the APC to have come out then that they want to support Wike’s government and the PDP to ensure peace and security in the state. But in my opinion, I am yet to see any form of support from them, at least openly. They may be doing so in the background but I am yet to see them keep the promise they made. But I think they should come out clearly and openly,” he said.
The monarch explained that supporting the government in power does not necessarily mean backing or agreeing with everything it does, but that constructive criticism is a form of support because it keeps the government on its toes.
“When that (constructive criticism) is done, sincerely it may even keep the government on its toes. Government will come to terms with the fact that it is being watched and monitored in terms of policies and programmes. So, I also feel that any government that does not experience any opposition is not worth it. Constructive criticism, rather than criticizsing for the fun of it is one of the essence of opposition.
“When the opposition sees something good in the government, they should commend same and if they feel policies are not good, they can criticize and proffer solution.
“But when you come out to say we will support you to succeed without seeing you do so openly and sincerely and you choose to pick holes in anything and everything the government does, that is sheer docility and it does not speak well of an opposition,” Eze Wonodi stated.
Chief Wonodi therefore reminded the APC to redeem its promise to the governor by showing some support, just as he called on other political parties to rally round the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), especially as Wike has just begun his second term in office.
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.