Politics
Sheathe Your Sword Against Fubara’s Govt, Monarch Tells Wike, Others
The paramount ruler of Obunku- Ndoki Kingdom, Oyigbo Local Government Area, Eze Isaac Nwogbo, has sounded a note of caution to former governor of Rivers State and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike to resist the temptation to continue to antagonize the administration of Governor Siminialaye Fubara.
The royal father also warned the State Chairman, Caretaker Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Tony Okocha and the embattled Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule – led Rivers State House of Assembly, among other opposition elements, to desist from further engaging in activities aimed at distracting the Governor Fubara from delivering good governance to Rivers people.
Speaking with newsmen in his palace at Obunku -Ndoki recently, Eze Nwogbo reminded Chief Wike how Rivers people supported his government to achieve success within the eight years that it lasted, and therefore should allow his successor to do same, without causing unnecessary bickering and crisis.
He maintained that Sir Siminalayi Fubara’s governorship was orchestrated by God Almighty, and not the making of any mortal, lest any should boast.
Eze Nwogbo, a coopted member of Oyigbo Local Government Area Council of Traditional Rulers and Nwankume of Ndoki land, said, instead of fanning the embers of war and crisis in the state over nothing, it behoves of the opposition to rally round the Governor to ensure that he succeeds in the business of governance in the state for the well- being of the people.
“I use this opportunity to admonish you all who are sons and daughters of Rivers State to continue to give your support and prayers to the Governor to excel for the good of all, by shunning inimical act of pull him down, capable of destroying the state and the legacies of previous administrations.
“Do not be the one to condemn, fight and cause havoc in the state, because of power, fame, and wealth. Remain a positive engine room and watch dog for the state.
“While others are trying to drag him down, you should try to make him stand firm. This, to all of us , is important. To have a vibrant, articulate and sound – minded son of the soil as Governor, speaks volume, no matter where he comes from”, he said.
The monarch, therefore, appealed to the warring lawmakers and their sponsors to have a re- think.
“Be mindful of the utterances you make, and the legacy you are planning to create which may make or mar your children and generations yet unborn. Let us follow the path of peace, love, unity and progress”, Eze Nwogbo submitted.
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.