Politics
Wike’ll Constitute Cabinet Soon, pdp Assures
The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State has assured that Governor Nyesom Wike would constitute a complete cabinet before long, reiterating that the state chief executive performed well in his first tenure which is why he was reelected by the people.
This is as the party condemned the recent killing of two undergraduates of the Rivers State University (RSU) by unknown gunmen, describing it as sad and unfortunate.
The State PDP spokesman, Darlington Orji who gave the assurance while answering questions from newsmen in Port Harcourt said that it would be unfair to say that the Governor is running the state without commissioners, urging residents and those who wish the state well to be patient.
Orji said, “It would be wrong to say there is no talk about the constitution of the cabinet in the state. You (referring to the interviewer) are not a member of the party, neither are you a member of the former executive nor the incoming executive.
“The truth of the matter is that the constitution is very clear that no Governor can run government without a state cabinet. Those would come up very soon and I can assure you that the state executive council will be constituted very soon.
“In the last four years of His Excellency the Governor and for us as a political party, indeed the demonstration and support of our people in the last election showed that he (Wike) actually performed and that is why he was given another mandate as Governor.
“So, he who wears the shoe, knows where it pinches. The list is being put together and he is going to come up with it whenever, but I can assure you that it would not be very long,” the state spokesman of the party stated.
Asked if some commissioners in the Governor’s first cabinet would return, he said “I would not be specific but if I can remember that during the valedictory session in the last government, even though the transition was from the same person to the same person, he (the governor) did say it would be wrong for him to start a new government with a new exco completely.
“But remember that if the governor so desires (to constitute a fresh cabinet), it is his prerogative to choose those that will work with him. We only wish him God’s wisdom in making sure that those he will put together are those that will listen to the yearnings of our people and ensure that we feel the impact of government in the next four years.
“I have never been a member of the cabinet and have not spoken with the Governor, but I can tell you that we are aware that the Governor is going to constitute the executive council. Don’t worry about when, but I can tell you it would be very soon,” he stated.
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.