Politics
Make Yourselves Relevant In Politics, Council Boss Challenges Women
The Chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Council of Rivers State, Hon. Hope Ikiriko, has challenged women in the country to make themselves relevant in the social, political and economic development efforts in Nigeria.
According to him, the expected spate and scope of development of the country could not be achieved until women were adequately engaged in the leadership structure of the country at all levels.
Hon. Ikiriko made the assertion in his office at Akinima, headquarters of the LGA, while playing host to a non governmental organization, the Niger Delta Non-violence Agitators Forum (NDAF) who paid him a courtesy visit on Tuesday.
He said that the country would continue to shortchange itself as long as women were relegated to the background in political leadership and called on the female gender to take advantage of their number and assert themselves with a view to making the required changes that will give the country a fresh lease of life.
The grassroots politician admonished women to change their attitude towards their fellow women, noting that the ugly narrative of women marginalization will not change if they did not learn to accept and defend their own against men who tend to belittle and disregard them.
The two term council chairman and former state legislator encouraged women to aquire capacity and competence through high level education and other self development efforts in order to favourably compete with the men in politics.
He appreciated former Governor Nyesom Wike for the policy that made women vice chairmen of the 23 local government councils in the state and expressed the hope that they will leverage on the opportunity to climb to the top soon.
The Council Chairman, who expressed delight with the composition and mission of NDAF, commended the group for its vision, reiterating that only non violent agitations based on knowledge, tact and diplomacy was capable of ushering in the needed development of the Niger Delta region.
Hon. Ikiriko pointed out that superior argument rather than the force of arms was what compelled the Federal Government to defer to the youths of the region in their agitation for development.
He, therefore, urged the youths to completely shun violence and stay on the cause of dialogue in constantly engaging with the oil multinationals and the government for economic, social and environmental justice for the people of the region.
Opaka Dokubo
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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