Politics
Wike Clears Air On Paris Club Payment
The hosting of the United States Ambassador in Government House last week dominated activities in the Brick House.
But before the hosting of the US envoy, the governor, Chief Nyesom Wike had commenced the week, attending the first session of the 8th Synod and Thanksgiving Service of the Anglican Province of Niger Delta held at St. Stephen, Rumuene.
He used the church service to dismiss claims by the Federal Government that it has given the state the N34 billion as part of the Paris Fund Refund.
The governor challenged the federal government to publish the account where it paid N34 billion in respect of the Paris fund accrued to the state.
Chief Wike accused the Federal Government of deliberately shortchanging Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Delta States by ignoring the approved payment plan.
On Monday last week, Chief Wike granted audience to the House of Reprsentatives Ad Hoc Committee on Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Relocation. He said, “If any thing happens here it will have negative social implications.
He pledge the resolve of Rivers State Government to protect and secure facilities of oil and business firms, while reminding them that the state is the only one that did not record any violence or sabotage during recent upsurge in militancy.
Also on the same day, the deputy governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry-Banigo made case for educating children as part of activities to make World Day Against Child Labour. She insisted that children are to be loved and catered for.
After receiving House of Representatives Members Committee on Shell Relocation, Chief Wike took time out on Monday last week to inspect ongoing projects. He visited the ultra modern market at Rumuokoro and the Motor Park.
He had before the project inspection promised that the project will curtail street trading and touting around the Rumuokoro area.
The Deputy Governor on Tuesday, represented Chief Wike at the State Environment Summit organised by the State House of Assembly Committee on Environment, Dr. Ipalibo Harry -Banigo said, the State Government is committed to a sustainable environment present and for the future.
On the same Tuesday last week, Governor Wike in company of prominent political leaders of the state attended the burial of Late Mrs Patience Chinwo at Rumuodara.
On the evening of the same day, the governor hosted the American Ambassador to a state Banquet. The United State Ambassador, Mr. William Symington was accompanied by Us Consul General, Mr. John Bany.
On Wednesday last week, the governor received the American envoy on a courtesy call. He reiterated his call on the US government to establish a visa office in the South South at Port Harcourt. The governor offered to provide office space if necessary .
Chief Wike also used the visit to condemn activities of the NDDC, which he observed has deviated from its main function.
The deputy governor on Saturday evening through a press-statement commended fathers all over the world for a Fathers Day celebrations to be held on Sunday. She said fathers are symbol of discipline and mentorship in homes.
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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