Politics
Wike, Key To PDP’s Electoral Victory In 2023 – Jang
Former Governor of Plateau State and stalwart of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Jonah Jang has described the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, as an asset to the PDP , Rivers State and Nigeria in general, whose role in ensuring the party’s electoral victory in 2023 can not be undermined.
Addressing PDP supporters and the people of Omagwa community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers during the flag-off ceremony of the construction of internal road network in the area, the elder statesman said Governor Wike is a pillar of PDP who has made enormous contributions towards its development and sustainability.
He urged stakeholders of the party to settle their differences and position the party to achieve victory in the 2023 general elections.
Jang particularly called on the Presidential Candidate of PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, to mend fences with Governor Wike by keying into his strong support base to ensure total victory of the party in 2023.
The former Plateau State Governor, who decried the continuous depletion of the nation’s economy as a result of maladministration, described Governor Wike’s development strides in Rivers State as unprecedented and commended the people of Rivers State for choosing “ a dynamic, hardworking man who has put in all his energies and passion towards providing the dividends of democracy in the state, even at the twilight of his administration”.
Addressing the mammoth crowd, Governor Wike said his administration was concerned about providing good governance and dispensing the dividends of democracy in Rivers State, and will remain committed to that objective till the last day of his administration.
He restated his earlier decision to clamp down on any hotel or event centre that provides coverage or venue for cultists to hold meetings intended to cause chaos in the state, and warned against plots by some political dissidents in the state to destabilize the state.
Governor Wike decried the ingratitude exhibited by some Rivers politicians who are working against the interest of the state, after benefiting immensely from the state, and described such attitude as the bane of political development in any society.
The Rivers State Governor urged the people of the state to be wary of those whose only attraction to rule the state was to loot its resources, but be vigilant and decisive in casting their votes for credible candidates who will develop the state.
Similarly, the Rivers State Government, within the week under review played host to prominent Nigerians who were in the state to commission projects and flag off new ones.
Last Thursday the 11th flyover to be constructed by the Rivers State Government at Rumuokwuta round- about by Ikwerre Road, was flagged off by the former Governor of Cross Rivers State, Donald Duke, while the 12th flyover located at Mgbuoba, Ozuoba by Ada George Road in Obio /Akpor LGA was flagged off by elder statesman and foremost PDP leader, Prof Jerry Gana.
Last Tuesday, the Rivers State Governor had inaugurated the reconstructed VIP Lounge built by the Rivers State Government at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa.
By: Taneh Beemene
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.