Politics
RSG Denies Political Undertone On Urban Renewal Policy
The Rivers State Government
says its urban renewal war has no political undertone as it was not targeted at political enemies.
The State Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Hon Chinyere Igwe who stated this while answering questions during a radio interview programme, ’View Point’ in Port Harcourt, noted the law empowered the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning to demolish, impound, confiscate and prosecute offenders.
Igwe explained that the ongoing implementation of the urban renewal programme in the state capital was not an effort to witch-hunt political opponents but an attempt to ensure and maintain the physical plan of the city of Port Harcourt.
He also said that the inauguration of Urban Guard was to regulate and stop street trading and illegal motor parks.
According to him, ’’if the previous government failed to adhere to the law, the present administration would not because they own the people responsibility and duties to do so”.
The Commissioner regretted that the efforts by the present administration to implement the law have made the government as though it is fighting its political enemies, adding that politics and elections are over, but the government has to work to sustain the city structure.
He noted that the law specified the areas to site residential, industrial and commercial structure, noting that people site filling stations in residential areas which cannot be accepted.
The commissioner explained that his ministry had met with politicians, Christians and some professional bodies on the issue of bill board, adding that it is wrong to mount bill board at every point.
“They have to get approval from the ministry before mounting any bill board. Any billboard without an approval would be dismantled’’, he warned.
He urged those castigating the state government and accusing it of witch hunting politicians to desist forthwith, insisting that the right thing has to be done.
He appealed to people of the state to appreciate the developmental strides of Governor Nyeson Wike in the areas of road network, infrastructural development, education and in decongesting motor parks at Bori, Ahoada, Degema and Port Harcourt slaughter.
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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