Politics
Ex-Reps Dep Speaker Declares Support For Fubara
Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Austin Opara, has declared his support for Governor Siminalaye Fubara.
Rt Hon Opara, who made his position known when he played host to the Port Harcourt City Local Government Area chapter of the Simplified Movement, also said he was not prepared to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He commended the Movement for standing behind Governor Fubara even in the face of the intimidation of the Governor by political opponents
Rt Hon Opara pledged his support for the Simplified Movement, adding that he was ready to support them any time he is called upon to do so
Earlier, the Rivers State Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Engr. Charles Amadi who led the delegation, said they were at his residence to tap from his fountain of political knowledge to help them galvanize and pilot the affairs of the Simplified Movement in the local government area.
He informed former federal lawmaker of the upcoming PHALGA thanksgiving service over the affirmation of the election victory of Governor Fubara by the Supreme Court.
He said modalities for the upcoming event had been put in place and solicited the support of Rt Hon Opara.
Among those i who paid the visit to Rt. Hon Opara are: Permanent Secretary Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Pastor Mbadiwe Ichemati; Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals, Barrister Aminayanasam Fiberesima and Former member of the Rivers State House of Assembly who represented Port Harcourt State Constituency I, Hon. Ogbonda Jones.
Others are: Former Caretaker Committee Chairman of PHALGA, Hon. Orukwem Opara-Eli; Sole Administrator Rivers State Muslim Pilgrims Board, Abdurrazaq Diepriye; Former Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the PDP in PHALGA, Honourable Ikechi Chinda and Honourable Ted Boms, respectively.
Also on the entourage are: Former Coordinator of the Grass Democratic Initiative (GDI) in PHALGA, Mr Kinikanwo Amadi, and Chief Ogbams Ojimah.
John Bibor
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.
