Politics
Rivers PDP Boss Tasks Women On Peace, Unity
Rivers State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, has charged women in the state to pray fervently for a peaceful and smooth transition come 2023.
Addressing women leaders of Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI) from Degema Local Government Area on a solidarity visit to the new executive at the party secretariat in Port Harcourt, Ambassador Akawor told them not to allow 2023 governorship ambition of any individual to tear them apart.
The State PDP Chairman, who was represented by his Deputy, Hon Chukwuemeka Aaron, warned them against associating with any individual alleged to be nursing governorship ambition.
“The only support you can give this executive and the administration of Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike is your prayers, we need the prayers of women to keep the state peaceful and united”, Akawor said, urging all PDP members to continue to have faith in the party and exercise patience in order to reap the fruits of their labour.
He thanked the women leaders for the visit, saying that they were the first women group to visit the PDP Executive since their inauguration and enjoined the GDI delegation to continue to support the new executive.
According to Ambassador Akawor, “ GDI has been supportive to PDP in its activities, GDI was instrumental to PDP election victories in 2015 and 2019, your support was not in vain because Governor Nyesom Wike has done very well and made the state proud.
Speaking earlier, the leader of GDI Degema chapter, Mrs Agiriba Bibi, said their visit was to identity with the new leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state and congratulated them.
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.