Politics
PDP Passes Confidence Vote On Wike
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has passed a vote of confidence on the Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, because of the high performance of his administration.
The party’s Chairman in the state, Amb Desmond Akawor, announced this, yesterday, during a courtesy visit by the Executive members of the Rivers State chapter of the party to the governor at Government House, Port Harcourt.
Akawor said: “For us as a party, we take our shoulders high when we consider what is going on in the state, especially in terms of infrastructural development”.
According to the PDP chairman, the administration of Governor Wike has not only recovered what were lost by the past government but has changed the landscape of Port Harcourt with five flyovers at a time, a feat that no administration in the state ever accomplished.
He further noted Governor Wike’s landmark achievements in health, Judiciary, traditional institution, among numerous others, and stressed that there was none out of the 23 three local government areas of the state that does not have the governor’s landmark.
The party also rated Governor Wike high in the fight against the ravaging Coronavirus, particularly as the first governor to lockdown the state, including other strategies of his administration which were outstanding.
The party chairman intimated the governor of the plan to move from unit to unit for the reconciliation of aggrieved members to bring them back to the umbrella of the PDP.
He said the state executive arm of the party deemed it necessary to come and thank Governor Wike for organising what he described as the most peaceful state convention, and assured him that they would follow the Constitution of the party to the letter in discharging their duties.
He assured the state chief executive of the party’s maximum support to his administration, including his determination to lead the party to victory in the forthcoming Edo Governorship Election.
In his remarks, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, congratulated them for their emergence as the new executive members of the party in the state, and charged them to work hard and in unity to sustain the high level achievements recorded by the party.
Remarking that the former leadership of the party under Bro Felix Obuah worked well, the governor charged the new executive to do better, and assured that they would be provided all they need to succeed.
By: 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.