Politics
Wike, Symbol Of National Unity – El- Rufai
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has been described as a great Nigerian leader who believes in the unity and progress of the nation.
Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai made the remark while inaugurating the Eneka/Igbo Etche Road at Eneka in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, last Thursday.
El- Rufai commended Governor Wike and the people of Rivers State for voting a president of southern extraction, noting that the decision was in the interest of national unity and justice rather than political sentiments.
The Kaduna State governor pointed out that the decision of the Northern APC Governors that power should shift to the South after the eight years of President Muhammadu Buhari was not only in the interest of national unity but based on the onerous need to make Nigeria a prosperous and egalitarian society.
El-Rufai who commended Governor Wike over his development strides in Rivers State, urged him to work with other patriotic leaders in the country to work for the common good of Nigerians.
Governor Wike, still on Thursday, inaugurated the new library, archive and museum project constructed by the Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council at its Secretariat in Port Harcourt.
Speaking during the inauguration, Governor Wike said the facility would preserve the cumulative cultural heritage, norms and values of Rivers people for posterity.
Describing Rivers State as rich in divers culture and historical precepts, Governor Wike lauded the vision of the Traditional Rulers Council under the leadership of the Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, King Dandeson Dauglas Jaja (Jeki V) for puting in place the monumental project that would serve as the custodian of customs, practices, artifacts, and indigenous values of Rivers people, noting that history will be kind to the Opobo monarch and his royal colleagues for their initiative.
On Wednesday, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State inaugurated the newly constructed Mgbuoba/Ozuoba/Ada George junction flyover.
In his remark, the Benue State Governor who described Governor Wike as a bridge builder and an epitome of good governance, said the litany of projects delivered by him in Rivers State has impacted positively on the lives of the people.
He rated Governor Wike as foremost among the 36 state governors in the delivery of critical infrastructure and commended the Rivers State Governor for his uncommon leadership vision.
Earlier in the week, on Tuesday, Governor Wike had in company of his Benue counterpart, among other dignitaries, inaugurated the newly reconstructed Government Secondary School, Kpor in Gokana Local Government Area.
Meanwhile, Governor Wike has, in commemoration of the 2023 Easter celebration urged christians to use the period of Easter to emulate Jesus Christ by making sacrifices that will advance the course of development.
In an Easter message, signed by the Governor’s Special Assistant on Media, Kelvin Ebiri, Governor Wike said that Easter exemplifies the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ to save mankind, noting that as individuals, Christians must take into consideration the welfare of others.
He called on the people of Rivers State to re-dedicate themselves to the service of the state as they reflect on the ideals of Good Friday and Easter celebrations.
Governor Wike, who thanked Rivers people for their unflinching support, assured the people that he will continue to make sacrifices for the state and Nigeria as a whole, defend her interests and ensure that the people always enjoyed good governance.
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.