Politics
Wike Tasks Rivers People On Development
Issues concerning the Real Madrid Academy, established by the Rivers State Government led by Governor Nyesom Wike, dominated activities in Government House , Port Harcourt, last week.
Governor Wike led top officials of the State Government to Madrid in Spain last week to seal necessary agreement with authorities of the Real Madrid Foundation.
While there, the Governor also interacted with the President of Real Madrid Football Club, Floretino Perez to seal the agreement.
Addressing journalists as he returned to the state last Thursday, Governor Wike said, “ with the signing of the ratification agreement, we are good to go. Any moment from now, the academy will start full operations.
He disclosed that over 1,500 applications had been received from prospective students of the academy from Rivers State and other parts of the country.
He noted that the academy had placed Rivers State on the global football map.
Also last week, the Rivers State Chief Executive commissioned the new Radiology Department of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt which was upgraded and reequipped by the present state government.
He reiterated his commitment to quality healthcare for the people of the state and stressed that his administration would continue to invest in the hospital and the College of Medicine which are his initiatives.
The governor explained that with the high quality equipment installed at the hospital, it was incumbent on the management of the hospital to effectively utilise their internally generated revenue .
Wike announced that the state government would this week commence reconstruction of the State owned School of Nursing which is planned to be part of the teaching hospital.
He further announced that by next week , his administration would release the outstanding funds for the training of resident doctors and other health professionals for the development of the health sector.
Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Health, Mrs Caroline Wali said prior to the turnaround, equipment at the department were obsolete and dysfunctional and thanked Governor Wike for the transformation.
The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Friday Aaron, disclosed that the Radiology Department was strategic in healthcare delivery.
Aaron noted that with the upgrade and reequipping of the department , it would serve the entire South South and South East geopolitical zones.
Another major event in Brick House last week was the solidarity visit by Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation Worldwide to the Governor .
President General of the organisation, Prof Emenike Wami said the visit was to congratulate Governor Wike on his victory at the 2019 governorship election.
“ We are here to congratulate you on your victory at the polls. We are happy that you heeded our call that you seek a second term in office as a result of your outstanding performance.
In his response, Governor Wike thanked Ogbakor Ikwerre for the strong support before, during and after the elections remarking that support from the four Ikwerre speaking local government areas was overwhelming.
The governor called on sons and daughters of Rivers State to work towards developing the state irrespective of the political party they belong.
“ You need the support of everyone to advance any political interest in the state”.
He warned traditional rulers against taking sides with cultists and criminals stressing that any traditional ruler indicted by cultists would face full weight of the law.
Chris Oluoh
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.