Politics
RVHA Pledges Support To Wike
Notwithstanding the fact that there was no plenary session last week in the Rivers State House of Assembly, normal administrative activities resumed in earnest in the House after the Christmas and new year celebration.
Last Tuesday, some lawmakers including the speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani joined Rivers State Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike to commission the Ozuoba-Rumuoparaeli-Choba Road in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking with journalists, Rt. Hon. Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani said the State house of Assembly is overwhelmed with the projects so far embarked upon by the State Governor.
He said, the Assembly will continue to give legislative support to the Governor to deliver on his electioneering promises to Rivers people.
Last Wednesday the Speaker joined the State Governor to receive the Nigerian Police Special Joint Investigation Panel on Rivers Rerun at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
Though, there was no official comment from the Assembly Speaker at the Government House, but in a chat with newsmen after the courtesy call in Government House, he joined the State government to reject the constitution of the panel by the Police Authority on the December 10, 2016 Rivers legislatives rerun poll.
The panel, the speaker said, is biased and incompetent to investigate Governor Wike being the state’s Chief Security Officer.
He said that the Police have already politicized the last rerun election, despite several alarms raised by the Governor over the activities of some security personnel in the state.
Ibani assured that Rivers people will continue to support the Governor in his untiring efforts at ensuring that dividends of democracy get to all nooks and crannies of the state.
The Speaker and some lawmakers of the Rivers State House of Assembly joined other arms of the state Government to celebrate the 2017 Armed Forces Remembrance Day held yesterday, at Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Ibani joined the State Governor and other top government functionaries which included service chiefs in the state to perform wreath laying ceremony.
Ibani, who spoke with newsmen after the wreath laying ceremony expressed the need for the total reappraisal of the rules and regulation governing the conduct of officers and men of Nigerian Armed Forces.
He also called for a law to support the families of fallen heroes, saying that such gesture would spur the Nigerian Armed Forces into being more dedicated to their duties without fear of favour.
It would be recalled that, the Rivers State House of Assembly had penultimate week swore-in 12 new and re-elected members including Hon. Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani who was re-elected Speaker after the former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adams Dabotundima vacated the office.
Enoch Epelle
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.