Politics
NUJ Hails Wike As Pride Of Democracy In Nigeria
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) , last week, described the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, as the pride of democracy in the country.
The NUJ national executive, led by its National President, Chris Isiguzor, who led the body in inspecting some completed and ongoing projects executed by the Wike’s administration, lauded the Governor for his infrastructural revolution across the state.
NUJ , after it’s national conference held in Rivers State last week , visited the Mother and Child Hospital, Real Madrid Academy, Emmanuel Aguma Judges Quarters, and road projects among others executed by the present administration in the state and described them as second to none in the country.
Explaining that the 1999 constitution bestowed on the fourth estate of the realm, the responsibility of holding government accountable to the people, the NUJ National President said, “ having placed the projects side by side with the expectation of the populace, it is obvious that Governor Wike’s investment in critical infrastructure will remain as lifelong empowerment tools for the people”.
Also last week the Rivers State Governor pleaded with the people and residents of the state who have been bearing the impact of the socio-economic implications of the ongoing night curfew in the state to continue to bear with the government, as his administration would not allow it last a day longer than necessary.
Making the plea last Friday in a state wide broadcast , the Governor said the curfew was a security strategy put in place in the interest of the state.
Governor Wike, in the broadcast , ordered the destruction of all criminal hideouts in Ahoada, Elele, Eleme and Onne to prevent any attempt to undermine security in the state.
Disclosing that the state government has identified the hideouts, safe houses, and secret places that provide cover for the hoodlums, the governor directed owners of such shanties and illegal structures along Eleme- Onne axis of the East-West Road to vacate the area within two weeks from the date of the broadcast to avoid unpleasant consequences.
“ We will continue to take the war on criminality and insecurity to the den of criminals and we will neither yield nor lower the tempo of our assault until they are completely neutralised,“ he said.
Also last week, the Rivers State Government threatened that she would acquire the disputed land between Bomu and Lewe communities in Ogoni if the people of the area failed to end their communal war over it.
The Governor who regretted that several prominent persons in Ogoni had died over the dispute stressed that the state government would no longer watchs while such development continued.
“ I will meet with the people of Bomu and Lewe. If you don’t agree, I will acquire the land. But I will give you the opportunity first and if you don’t agree, I will come and take the land and build what I want to build”, he said.
Governor Wike who gave the warning during the flag off of the reconstruction of the Government Secondary School, Kpor in Gokana Local Government Area last Wednesday, commended Ogoni people for being supportive of his aspiration to govern the state since 2014 , stating that the reconstruction of the secondary school was in fulfilment of his campaign promise to the people of the area.
Senator representing Rivers South East Senatorial District, Senator Barinada Mpigi expressed the appreciation of Ogoni people for the numerous developmental projects executed by Governor Wike’s administration in Ogoniland as well as the appointment to sons and daughters of the area.
Also last week, Governor Wike commended the Rivers State branch of the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) for calling off her industrial action over judicial autonomy in the state.
The Gov however, directed the Accountant General of the state not to pay the judicial workers in the state for the first week of June 2021 in which the ‘ no work- no pay’ policy was in force.
The Gov explained that the order was hinged on the state government’s decision not to pay JUSUN members for the first week of June following the Union’s failure to heed the directive to resume work before 31st May, reintegrating that the state has been implementing full financial autonomy of the judiciary thereby making the strike unnecessary in the first place.
In continuation of Governor Wike’s Infrastructural revolution , the state government , last week, inauguared the Mother and Child Hospital in Port Harcourt . It also flagged off other critical infrastructures as the 15 km Internal road in Ogbakiri, Emohua Local Government Area, construction of a Renal Centre at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, reconstruction of Government Secondary School, Kpor in Gokana Local Government Area, construction of Ogbum-nu-Abali / Eastern Bypass road, Port Harcourt, and Dr Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease Treatment Center, Rumuokwuta in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area,
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.