Politics
LG Boss Scores Administration High On Service Delivery
The Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Council of Rivers State, Dr. Enyiada Cookey-Gam, says his administration is poised to unleash more developmental initiatives in the local government.
Speaking with journalists shortly after commissioning some projects embarked upon by his administration to mark its second anniversary in office, Cookey-Gam said he was ready to drive the council area to another level of industrialisation in the last lap of his government.
Cookey-Gam, who spoke highly of his performance in the past two years, stressed that he will redouble his achievements in grassroots transformation and work harder to surpass the gains of the past years.
“I want to really thank the people for being exceptionally supportive. They are of high capacity and quality in their support to this government. We did so well in our transformation efforts and the quality of service delivery to the local government and its citizens, especially in human capital development”, Cookey-Gam said.
Recounting various economic challenges encountered in the recent past, Cookey-Gam asserted that his administration will work harder to weather every storm in order to move the local government to an enviable height.
He assured that he will embark on more pro-people and life-touching development projects for the wellbeing of Opobo/Nkoro people, who he said have remained supportive through prayers for fruitful results.
Meanwhile, Dr. Cookey-Gam has eulogised members of his cabinet for their laudable contributions toward the development of the local government as well as helping his leadership to provide the needed democracy dividends.
He also berated what he termed sponsored media reports scoring his administration low in performance and called on the public to disregard the reports.
“I carried the youths, women, elderly even stranger elements along in governance. I am emphatically passing a vote of confidence on my cabinet members and the electorate in the area for their good works despite some daunting challenges surrounding the administration.
“We have been able to touch the lives of the people and I am particularly grateful to all of them and pray God’s continuous grace to enable us move the area forward developmentally.
“We did not let our people down as we operate an ‘open-door policy’ administration while in the leadership of the local government as leaders. Our several development projects are scattered across the communities in the LGA. “I am deeply happy that we were able to empower our people, including youths who were empowered with varieties of welfare largesse, among other empowerment programmes which speak volumes for our tenure”, Cookey-Gam said.
By: Bethel Toby
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.
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