Politics
I Don’t Have Blood Ties With Gov. Fubara – Commissioner Nominee … Assembly Commiits Two Bills To Committee Stage
A commissioner nominee, Barr Emmanuel Frank-Fubara, has said that he has no blood ties with Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He gave the clarification while reacting to questions during his screening and confirmation by the Rivers State House of Assembly on Monday.
Barr Fubara, a private legal practitioner from Abonnema in Akuku Toru Local Government Area, said the clarification became necessary in order to address speculations, especially in the social media, over his relationship with the Governor since both of them bear the same surname.
He also said he had served in several boards and committees in the state, adding that with his qualifications and years of experience, he has the capacity to handle any position assigned to him.
The Commissioner nominee said if confirmed, he will be committed to the service of the state as he has the capacity to discharge the duties of his office.
Earlier, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo, read a correspondence from Governor Siminalayi Fubara requesting the House to screen and confirm Barr Emmanuel Onengiye Fubara as a member of the Rivers State Executive Council.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly has committed two Bills to commitee stage.
The Bills include, Rivers State Emergency Agency Bill 2024 and Rivers State Transport Reform Bill 2024.
The two Bills were referred to Adhoc Committees after they passed second reading in the House.
Speaker of the Assembly, Rt Hon.Victor Oko-Jumbo, directed the committees to call for public hearings on the two bills and submit the reports within the next two weeks.
The Speaker said the two Bills, when passed into law, will address some challenges facing the state such as robbery and emergency situations.
He particularly said the Rivers state Transport Reform Bill will address the one chance robbery issue in the state.
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.