Politics
Wike’s Achievements Have Confounded Opposition -Nsirim
Illuminating the second phase of the #OurState OurResponsibility advocacy campaign flagged off last week, Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim says the hitherto restless and relentless opposition and armchair critics of Governor Nyesom Wike administration in the state are now confounded by his gargantuan achievements in human capital and infrucfactural development so much so that they are themselves eager to change the negative narrative they bandy about the state.
Nsirim, in an exclusive interview with The Tide in Port Harcourt, Tuesday, recalled how the first phase of the advocacy campaign mobilized the masses of the people and changed the negative narrative about the state orchestrated by those he described as detractors, said the opposition is so overwhelmed that it has pocketed self pride prefatory to drumming support for Governor Nyesom Wike over his infrastructural development of the state.
Notwithstanding their antics, the Information and Communications Commissioner insisted that with the avowal of Governor Wike to persistently deliver democracy dividends until his handover day, Rivers people should start counting their blessings and be well involved in the renewed advocacy campaign now hinged more on citizens’ participation.
Recalling how the first phase of the advocacy campaign laid bare “the see-it-yourselves evidence of Wike’s uncommon efforts at galvanizing the state into greater heights”, Nsirim hinted that the past administration which could not pay workers’ salary for four months and which predicted Wike’s failure in project execution is now hiding its face in shame, given the prompt payment of workers salary and massive infrastructural development in the twenty three local government areas of the state.
The commissioner stated that the awards Governor Wike has won and keep winning from reputable media organizations are a testimony of his hardwork, prudence and purposefulness, insisting that he remains the Governor to beat in the country.
He said while Wike’s contemporaries have been blaming the lull in projects executions in their state to the deleterious impact of Covid-19 on revenue generation, the state governor has continued to deploy his ingenuity to making Rivers State the reliable index of development in Nigeria.
“Here is a man who met an empty treasury upon assumption of office in 2015. He was not even given a handover note in 2015. He started from the scratch. He is thus a man with a vision, a man who has the backing of God Almighty, a prudent manager of resources”, Nsirim further stated.
Describing Wike as a God’s gift to the people of the state, Nsirim recalled how women in 2019, fought soldiers who were snatching ballot boxes at polling units, stressing that the governor has divine mandate to govern the state owing to his love for the people and the state.
He harped on the imperatives of citizens participation on the second phase of the #OurStateOurResponsibility advocacy campaign, adding that beyond the incentives that abound for winners of the various competitions, it was an opportunity for participants to showcase their talents to the world with a view to getting even greater opportunities from philanthropists and organizations.
By: Victor Tew
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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