Politics
Rivers LG Elections: Forum Seeks ONOLGA Chairmanship Zoning
Kalama Patriotic Forum (KPF), a socio political organisation of Opobo Island 2 in the Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area (ONOLGA), has appealed to Governor Siminalayi Fubara to prevail on the political leadership of the LGA to zone the next council chairmanship seat to the island.
According to a press statement made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt, the forum said “Since 1999 nobody from our axis have occupied that office”.
It argued that Kalama community is yet to occupy the highest political office of the LGA even though Kalaibiama had produced an elected chairman and two times caretaker chairmen; Queens Town had produced two terms elected chairman for six years; and Opobo main town had produced two terms elected chairman and four appointed caretaker chairmen.
According to the forum, “To this end, fairness, equity and moral reasoning demand that the people of Kalama in Opobo Kingdom should produce the next Chairman come October LGA election, inorder to give the nine communities a sense of belonging”.
The statement, jointly signed by the president, Ferdinand Minima, and Warisenibo Tamunodipiri Opusunju, also commended Governor Fubara for the appointment of Warisenibo Joe Johnson as Commissioner for Information and Communications .
It also commended the Governor for the Opobo Town ring road project, as well as the approval for the construction of the Kalaibiama – Epelema road and bridge to link the entire Kalama communities from Ekereborokiri to Okpukpo and linking of Queens Town, adding that the feat was indication that Almighty God brought Governor Fubara to develop Opobo Kingdom and the entire Rivers state.
The statement urged retrogressive elements in the state working to destabilize the government to realize that God has a purpose for choosing Governor Fubara to lead the state at this time, and urged them to sheath their swords and join the Governor to develop the state.
The forum also called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, to understand that there can be only one governor at a time in Rivers State while calling on President Bola Tinubu to make peace in Rivers state by reining in the FCT Minister
According to the Forum, “That Lagos State is working is as a result of allowing the Governor the latitude to discharge his duties without federal or presidential intimidation”.
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.