Politics
Wike Has Ended Era Of Godfatherism In Edo – Akawor
Following the victory of Governor Godwin Obaseki in the just concluded Edo State governorship election, the Chairman of the Rivers State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, has said that Godfatherism has been completely destroyed in Edo politics.
Ambassador Akawor said this when members of the Non-Indigenes Without Borders in Rivers State paid him a congratulatory visit on Monday, at the PDP Secretariat in Port Harcourt.
The state PDP chairman, who suggested renaming the body ‘Indigenes Without Borders’ said it was the policy of Governor Nyesom Wike to treat every body who lives and do business in the state as an indigene of the state.
Ambassador Akawor expressed happiness that those who said Governor Wike would not enter Edo State were disappointed as he not only entered but ensured that the PDP candidate Godwin Obaseki, won the election, stressing that due to the doggedness and tenacity of Governor Wike, the entire Niger Delta region has come under the control of PDP.
“The people of Edo have been singing his praises. In fact, the entry of Governor Nyesom Wike into Edo State changed the political calculation of the APC to the extent that their governorship candidate was making calls, complaining about the presence of the Rivers State Governor in Edo State”, Ambassador Akawor said.
According to him, “ the enemies wanted to use Edo as a test case but the Lion of the Niger Delta moved from Port Harcourt to Edo and told them that God- fatherism should end in the state”.
He commended members of the Non-Indigenes Without Borders for being the first group to endorse Governor Wike for a second term even when the opposition alleged that the governor would drive away non in-digenes from the state if he was re-elected .
“ The Governor who people claimed was going to drive away non indigenes from the state has today signed the highest number of Certificate of Occupancy for Non Indigenes than any other governor that served the state “, Akawor affirmed.
He also commended members of the Non Indigenes Without Borders for mobilizing effectively during the last election in the state, assuring that they would not be left out in the scheme of things by the party.
Earlier, the National Coordinator of Non Indigenes Without Borders, and Commissioner for Special Duties (Governor’s office) Hon. Chukwuemeka Onowu said they were at the Secretariat to congratulate the new Executive of the PDP.
Hon. Onowu who promised that the body would not betray the PDP and the State Governor, Nyesom Wike, said the present administration in the state has empowered non indigenes in several ways, especially through appointment.
The group later presented gifts to party officials including the Chairman and his Deputy, Hon Chukwuemeka Aaron.
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.
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