Politics
Akawor Tasks LG Chairmen On Wike’s Charge
The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Desmond Akawor has advised newly sworn in Local Government Chairmen to see Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike’s charge during their inauguration as a wake up call for better performance.
Akawor gave the advice shorty after the swearing in of the Council Chairmen at Government House, Port Harcourt last Thursday.
He noted that they should see their victory at the polls and subsequent inauguration as Council Chairmen as an opportunity to serve and bring the much needed development to their people at the grassroots.
The Rivers PDP boss further tasked the newly sworn-in LG chairmen on the need to leverage on the performance indices of Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike who is nationally and internationally acknowledged as Mr Quality Projects.
“You must emulate Governor Nyesom Wike who is spreading quality people- oriented and highly impactful development projects across the nooks and crannies of Rivers State and even outside the state”, he said.
Akawor further warned against low performance, and added that the PDP leadership in the state would not accept anything less than the Wike example in governance and project delivery at the local government level.
Drawing their attention to the Governor’s consistent emphasis on project delivery, he said that they must strive to be the Mr Project of their various LGAs.
“ You should not bask in the euphoria of the success story of another person. You will be doing the party proud and we will hold our heads high if you can replicate the performance of Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike at your various local governments “, he said.
He also called on them to bring the much needed democratic dividends to the people, and added that the governor’s advice must be theeded to.
“Your people will abuse and castigate you when you don’t do well but they will praise you when you meet their yearnings and aspirations. So let the Governor’s charge be your Bible”, he said.
Meanwhile, he has congratulated them for their successful swearing in as elected Council Chairmen and wished them well in all their endeavours .
By: King Onunwor
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.