Politics
Awards Have Marked Wike Out As Consummate Leader-Eke
The Eze Gbaka Gbaka, Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom in Obio / Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, King Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, has applauded the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for bagging two prestigious media awards in a row, the Leadership Newspaper’s 2020 Leadership Governance Award; and the SUN (Newspaper) Publishing Limited’s The Man Of Year 2020 Award, describing the feats as most rewarding not only for Rivers State but for the people at large.
Eke, who gave this indication in an interview in Port Harcourt, said the awards bestowed on the Governor by the reputable media organisations, are most deserving, as they are befitting rewards for good governance and hardwork.
The first class traditional ruler said the awards also epitomise the doggedness and astuteness of a leader, who has eminently distinguished himself in the service of his people, the state, the country and humanity.
According to him, the awards did not come to him as a surprise, as Governor Wike has, in the past six years, given governance a new expression, which all people of goodwill within Rivers State and beyond can see and feel.
Eke said the awards, coming at this critical time, when the entire world is grappling with the dreaded Covid-19 pandemic, have clearly marked out Wike as a consummate leader, and are, indeed, the beginning of many other good things for the Governor and the state, saying, Governor Wike surely deserves more laurels and appreciations for the good works he is doing.
The monarch further noted that the awards have also gone a long way in bolstering the rising political profile of the Governor, and advised him to continue working for the good of the state and the entire humanity.
The awards, he said, have further confounded the opposition and the Governor’s critics, who never gave him a chance in 2015, when he started this political relay race, and prayed God to continue to direct, guide and protect him.
Eke commended Governor Wike for the giant development strides of his administration, particularly in the area of infrastructural development, which he noted have continued to earn the Governor accolades across the country and beyond, and urged him to sustain the tempo of the transformation of the state.
By: Donatus Ebi
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.