Politics
Youth Leader Seeks More Electoral Wards In Rivers
A youth leader in Oyigbo Local Government Area, Comrade Desmond Nnamdi Akaya, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to consider increasing the number of polling units and electoral wards in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 general elections in Nigeria.
Comrade Akaya, a chieftain of the National Youth Council Of Nigeria (NYCN), Oyigbo Chapter, who made the call recently in Port Harcourt while exchanging views with journalists on contemporary political issues in Rivers State especially and the country at large, pointed out the need to restructure electoral wards in the state and increase the number of voting units to check complaints arising from recent electoral exercises in the state.
He also stated that the call became imperative going by the peculiar geographical conditions of Rivers State which has always made it difficult for voters to have access to polling units during elections.
He explained that the many rivers and creeks in the state separate communities from one another, making access quite difficult.
Comrade Akaya urged the INEC to embark on the process of reviewing extant electoral laws without further delay in order to enable the commission discharge its functions more creditably, going forward.
The youth leader also called on political leaders and youths in Oyigbo Local Government Council of Rivers State to eschew all acts capable of igniting tension and violence which are likely to truncate quality service delivery by serving representatives of the area in the current dispensation.
Comrade Akaya who extolled the leadership dexterity demonstrated by the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and his team within the past six months running of this administration, described the state Chief Executive as an astute and accomplished technocrat, whose visionary leadership and people oriented development programmes have impacted positively on Oyigbo people.
He enjoined Rivers people to extend their hands of fellowship to the Governor as he strives to achieve the full implementation of the consolidation agenda of the government in the state.
Comrade Akaya also appealed to the governor to reconstruct the Kpite-Umuosi link road, as well as, that of Obunku – Obete road network that had been abandoned by successive administrations in the state, describing the condition of these roads as pathetic.
On the attitude of the political class in Rivers State, the youth leader decried the conduct of some new entrants into the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in particular and other political parties in general, who have allegedly hijacked the parties, describing their characters as that of “Roman mob who shout crucify today and hail him tomorrow”.
Concerning chieftaincy upheavals in the LGA, Akaya called on Governor Fubara and the agencies of government charged with the responsibilities of ensuring virile traditional institutions to wade into the problem which, he lamented, had torn the royal fathers apart due to marginalization, greed and inordinate ambition to take what belongs to others to themselves for posterity.
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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