Politics
Silence Over Rivers Bomb Blast, Stain On Tinubu’s Gov’t – APP
The Action Peoples Party (APP) has said that the alleged silence of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, and the Department of State Services (DSS), over the deadly bomb blast by some protesters in Rivers State was becoming a stain on the image of the President Bola Tinubu-led government.
The opposition party said this while reacting to the detonation of an explosive device during a protest march in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, last Tuesday, by supporters of a gladiator in the Rivers political crisis, culminating in the death of one person and others seriously injured.
APP, at a press briefing by Comrade Achilike A, said the deafening silence of the security agencies, which are expected to take action against the masterminds and perpetrators of the violent incident, was casting aspersions on not just them alone but the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government for being insensitive to the security of lives and property of people of the State.
It said though Governor Siminalayi Fubara is the Chief Security Officer of the State, he lacks powers to control the relevant security agencies as only President Tinubu, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, can direct the heads of the agencies to bring those behind the dastardly act to book.
“We as an opposition party are worried about the continued silence of the NSA, IGP, CP and DSS since Tuesday when protesters believed to be supporters of the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, allegedly detonated an explosive device in Rivers State, killing one person and injuring several others.
“Ordinarily, we would have kept quiet in order not to meddle into the affairs of what looks like clash of interest of the main opposition PDP and its siamese twin, the APC. But as one of the vibrant opposition in the country, we are living up to our responsibility of holding the government and the two bigger political parties to account”.
“Therefore, we make bold to say that the prolonged silence of these security agencies, apart from emboldening the supposed Wike supporters to further foment trouble in Rivers, their action or rather inaction is a dent on the image of the Tinubu government because it shows careless attitude to security and welfare of the people of Nigeria from any state of the federation.
“We therefore call on President Tinubu to rise up to the letters and spirit of the oath he took to uphold the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which made security and welfare of the people the primary responsibility of government.
“The earlier the President orders his appointed heads of security agencies to secure the people of Rivers state and bring the masterminders and perpetrators of the ugly incidence in Rivers, the better for his image and perception as the leader who can protect their lives and spirit,” the APP stated.
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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