Politics
Rivers LG Polls: Group Makes Case For PDP, Aspirant
Ahead of next year’s local government elections in Rivers State, a group, the United Oyigbo Intellectuals (UOI), has assured Oyigbo people that the chairmanship aspirant under the umbrella of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the local government, Pastor Joe Opanwa, will reduce poverty in the area to the barest minimum through job creation and accessible governance.
In a statement made available to newsmen shortly after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, the group said that Opanwa as chairman of council would focus on building a modern local government which would be the envy of all.
The statement which was signed by its President, Engr. Ishmael Jamike Okere, Secretary, Sir Onyewuchi Ogbonna and Public Relations Officer, George Ndudi Ekeke respectively, reiterated that an Opanwa-led administration will establish an economic philosophy from which council’s economic vision will be derived, pointing out that such a vision will make clear the respective roles of the area and its position on capitalism and its various adaptions.
The body said that the PDP’s leadership under the headship of Pastor Opanwa will create and vigorously execute a concrete economic diversification plan that will ensure a prosperous path beyond dependence on federal allocation.
The group remarked that the 2024 local government polls would be peculiar because recycled and corrupt politicians will be removed by the electorate, adding that it was time for the local government, to close the era of waste, corruption and incompetence that had held the area back from achieving its political relevance and potentials.
According to the body, “it is a choice between freedom and perpetual slavery under our regrouped and corrupt political class, and an unending instability in the polity.’’
It appealed to Oyigbo electorate to believe in the PDP as it would live up to its name of being democratic, as well as being an agent of raising standards across board in politics and policy.
The organisation, therefore, urged the Oyigbo people to give full support to the aspiration of Pastor Apanwa to facilitate the desired result in 2024.
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.