Politics
Shun Factionalism, Embrace Unity, Council Boss Urges PDP Members
The Chairman of Degema Local Government Council of Rivers State, Hon Michael John Williams, has enjoined leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ward One, Bakana, to work in synergy and avoid acts that promote division within the party.
The Council boss made the appeal on Monday, when he played host to the leadership and stakeholders of the PDP in Ward One, at the Council Secretariat in Degema.
The Council chairman, who hails from Ward One in Iyalla’s Compound, Bakana, told his kinsmen that they were blessed and fortunate to have a full political Ward and have benefited greatly from the party, adding that it is only when they continued to work together, that they could achieve greater results for the good of their people.
He noted that though politics is a game of interest, it should however be played with decorum and decency, as not everyone, including close family members, were expected to support the political aspirations of anyone.
While calling for support for the party and his administration, the chairman stated that power comes from God alone, adding that more opportunities will come to members of the PDP when they work together and win the forthcoming general elections.
On their appeal for more appointments and construction of a shore protection for Iyalla’s Compound, the Council boss, who disclosed that his administration had appointed over 150 persons, assured that more people would be given appointments, after a cabinet reshuffle that is in the offing.
He added that the administration would equally look into the issues of soil erosion and shore protection.
The DELGA boss also gave the assurance that the ongoing Memorial Hall reconstruction would soon be completed, as his administration had fully committed funds to it.
Earlier, leader of the PDP in Ward One, Dr Deinbo Bagshaw, who presented gifts to the Council Chairman, commended him for his infrastructural revolution in the LGA.
Dr Bagshaw particularly thanked the Council Chairman for undertaking the reconstruction project of the Memorial Hall of their progenitor, Chief India John Yellowe (Iyalla), as well as other numerous projects, spread across the LGA.
The Ward leader, however used the occasion to appeal for the Chairman’s support to address the issues of soil erosion and shore protection, as the area was adversely impacted by oceanic waves.
While thanking the chairman for the appointments given to members of the party in the Ward, Dr Bagshaw asked for more opportunities, as well as empowerment programmes for their people.
The meeting was attended by the leadership of the Ward, including ward and LGA executives of the PDP.
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.
-
News5 days agoRSU Unveils Five-Year Strategic Dev Plan …Calls For Collective Commitment To Institutional Excellence
-
Nation5 days ago
Rumuji Youth Leader Condemns Protest, Disowns Alleged Government Empowerment Claim
-
Featured5 days agoFubara Pledges Support For Corporate Organisations In Rivers …Says PPP Business Model Responsible For NLNG’s Success
-
Niger Delta5 days agoCSOs, Bille Community Urge Solution To Persistent Underwater Gas Eruption
-
News5 days agoYou Can Now Print Your Exam Slips, JAMB Tells 2026 UTME Candidates
-
News5 days agoOdu Urges Collaboration Among Stakeholders To Improve Health Service Delivery In Rivers
-
Nation5 days ago
World Health Day: Rivers Govt Urges Regular Medical Check-Ups, Healthy Living
-
News5 days ago
Maternal Family Honours Rivers Chief of Staff, Two Others