Politics
Newly Appointed Bayelsa PDP CTC Chair Unveils Agenda
As the leadership crisis rocking the South-South zone of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continues, the Chief Dan Orbih-led factional zonal executive, during the week, appointed its zonal scribe, Barr George Turnah, as Caretaker Committee Chairman of the party in the State.
Speaking to newsmen midweek, Barr Turnah said he was delighted over his new appointment as Caretaker Committee Chairman of the party in his home state of Bayelsa.
He commended the party’s Zonal Working Committee for finding him worthy to lead the party in the state, pledging to carry out holistic reforms aimed at improving welfare of members of the State Working Committee (SWC), Local Government, and Ward levels.
“My CTC members and I are committed to ensuring the execution of our responsibilities creditably with utmost humility, honesty and respect.
“For me, my primary focus would be to reposition the party to secure victories in all elections in Bayelsa State come 2027.
“We’ll consult with stakeholders on the need for a more suitable state secretariat for the party so that, like others, I’ll not be operating as leader of this great party from the ‘Super Lodge’ in Government House, Yenagoa.
“For the past five years, my predecessor has been operating from the Super Lodge in Government House, making things difficult for party faithful.
“My leadership will prioritise engagement and consultation with stakeholders so as to foster discipline within the party. We’ll maintain an open-door policy aimed at bringing together party faithful for synergy”, Barr Turnah said.
Reacting to the appointment of Caretaker Committee for the state’s chapter of the party, the Mr Solomon Agwanana-led State Working Committee in a statement by its spokesman, Ebiye Ogoli, on Wednesday, maintained that Chief Orbih lacked the powers to dissolve the SWC and appoint a caretaker committee.
The Statement read in part: “Tenure of the former Zonal Executive Committee of the PDP elapsed on the 13th of March, 2025 and in order to avoid a vacuum, a Caretaker Committee was appointed and constituted by the National Working Committee (NWC) on the 13th March, 2025 and headed by Chief Emmanuel Ogidi to oversee the affairs of the party pending the convocation of an elective South South zonal congress of the party.
“Additionally, the National Working Committee (NWC) had equally pronounced the factional Zonal PDP congress which was held in Calabar, Cross River State that produced Chief Dan Orbih and his ilk as unconstitutional and a nullity.
“We also place it on record that the Zonal EXCO of the party, even when it is properly constituted, still lacks the constitutional powers to dissolve a State Working Committee of the party.
“Similarly, the state High Court which sat in respect of the suspension slammed on Mr George Turnah by the State EXCO of PDP is yet to determine the case brought before it and in which case Mr. George Turnah still remains suspended from membership of the PDP in Bayelsa State”.
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.
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