Politics
Why Rivers PDP Zoned Gov Seat To Rivers South-East – Sekibo
The Senator representing Rivers East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator George Thompson Sekibo, has given reasons for the zoning of the governorship seat by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to Rivers South-East Senatorial District.
The Senator, who explained his absence at the People’s Democratic Party gubernatorial primary stated that he has yielded to the party’s decision.
Sekibo made the disclosure in a statement he signed and made available to The Tide in Port Harcourt, stating that he had received several calls from his teeming supporters and well-wishers on his absence at the PDP gubernatorial primary.
He said, “I have received several calls and comments from delegates, supporters and well-wishers from within and outside Rivers State, asking why I was absent at the governorship primary in our beloved State.”
According to the Senator, “ elders and stakeholders of the party met two days to the primary and discussed some crucial issues bordering on areas that have produced governors in the past and those that haven’t been given an opportunity to produce gubernatorial candidate”.
Sekibo noted that their decision which was premised on the fact that Rivers East had produced governors, effectively aborted his campaign and participation in the process, adding that it was a hard decision to take considering his leading position in the contest.
Sekibo noted that the shortness of time made it impossible for him to reach out to all his supporters on the new development even as he had decided to accede to the party.
He said, “I was only able to inform a few of our supporters and delegates about the sudden development and my resolve to abide by the decision of the party as a loyal party man and a team player who has been a beneficiary of party decisions in my political career.”
He urged his supporters and well-wishers to accept the reality that power comes from God, adding that he had personally congratulated the winner of the primary election, Chief Siminialayi Fubara.
He enjoined his teeming supporters to accept and respect the decision of stakeholders of the party and strategise to achieve victory for the party in the elections next year.
By: Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
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.