Politics
PDP Crisis Deepens As Orbih Appoints CTC Excos For Bayelsa, Edo
The leadership crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a new phase as the the Chief Dan Orbih-led South-South Zonal Working Committee appointed its zonal Secretary, George Turnah and Hon. Nosa Ogieva as caretaker committee Chairmen for the Bayelsa and Edo States chapters of the party.
In a statement by the zonal spokesman of the party, Prince Etim Isong, the party noted that the decision to appoint caretakers for the two States was taken during a meeting held at the Zonal Secretariat in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
Prince Isong noted that the interim committees will function for three (3) months, beginning from Tuesday, 22nd April, 2025.
The statement reads in part, “The decision to set up Caretaker Committees for both States follows the dissolution of the State Working Committee of Bayelsa State and the Caretaker Committee in Edo State on account of various acts of gross misconduct by the dissolved executives which are in clear breach of the party’s Constitution.
“Another reason was the poor performance and woeful outing by the party in Edo State at the last governorship election, and the poor handling of internal crisis rocking the party in both States.
“The Zonal Working Committee took these decisions in the best interest of the party after a careful review of the activities of the party in both States in line with the Constitution of the party as amended in 2017, particularly Articles 10(1),(f),(g),(k), and (4) as well as Articles 26(2),(a), 27(2)(a&b), 58(1),(a),(c),(i),(j), and 59(1)(f)”.
The party’s image maker stated that the Zonal Working Committee believes that the move will strengthen the party’s foundation and ensure effective leadership in the two States.
Others appointed as caretaker committee members for both states include Bayelsa: Tony Gabriel, Deputy Chairman; Ebilade Ekerefe, Secretary; Didi Ebiekake Werilaghebofa, Vice Chairman, Central.
Also appointed were Andy Majors, Vice Chairman, East; Evelyn Bolouebi Odi, Vice Chairman, West; Biobelemoye Igoniwari, Treasurer; and Barrister Awudumapu Agorodi, Esq, Legal Adviser.
They also include, Erepagamo Eke-Spiff, Financial Secretary; Amain Oyeintariperedei, Auditor; Derri Alasuote Wright, Publicity Secretary; Christian Koffah Akuraku, Organizing Secretary; Ato Alfreda, Woman Leader as well as Nicholas Eferebo as Youth Leader.
In Edo State those appointed alongside Nosa Ogieva as Chairman included Chief Sunny Okomayin, Deputy Chairman; Hillary Otsu, Secretary; Nosa Iseleomon, Vice Chairman, South; Ehisota Oriakhi, Vice Chairman, Central; Richard Ehimigbai, Vice Chairman, North and Mrs. Tes Sorae, Woman Leader.
Others were Benjamin Ehinlebodiaye, Treasurer; Emma Akhaba, Auditor; Daniel Okojie, Organising Secretary; Bob-Manuel Umoru, Publicity Secretary; and Barrister William Umoru – Legal Adviser.
They also included Moses Izobo, Financial Secretary; and Destiny Oreye as Youth Leader.
In the same vein, the statement from the zonal secretariat of the party quoted the National Vice Chairman, South-South, Chief Orbih, as having stressed the need for unity and discipline within the party.
He tasked the newly appointed party leaders to pursue genuine reconciliation among members in order to foster the cohesion necessary for repositioning the party for future political success in both States.
Ariwera Ibibo-Howells,
Yenagoa
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.