Politics
Wike Heralds Yuletide In Rivers
The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike last Friday Lit the Christmas tree to flag off the Christmas season in the state.
Wike who performed the ceremony at the Port Harcourt Pleasure Park urged people to troop to Port Harcourt to celebrate the season that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ.
Wike hinted that many activities have been lined up for the entertainment of the people within the period.
The Governor had earlier in the week told visiting delegation of Rivers State Chapter of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) that Christian Trust Fund would become operational in the State as members of the board of trustees is constituted.
He also promised that Rivers State Government would assist the PFN in developing their secretariat in Port Harcourt, stressing that his administration would always partner with the church.
Rivers State Chapter Chairman of PFN, Apostle Zilly Aggrey commended the Governor for his support to the church and for building the state Ecumenical centre, assuring that Christians would continue to pray for the success of his administration.
The Amayanabo of Abonnema, King Disreal Bob-manuel and his council of Chiefs were in Brick House last week.
Bob-manuel had intimated Wike of plans to depose him by a group of persons in the area with intent to cause crisis.
The Amayanabo said the group who claim to have suspended him as the King planned to enthrone another person against all traditional order of the area.
However, the Governor, while responding restated Government support and recognition of Bob-Manuel as Amayanabo of Abonnema, insisting that nobody can depose a first class traditional ruler in the state without Government approval.
He said: “Nobody has deposed you. It is only the State Government that has the power to depose a First class traditional ruler and we have no intention to depose the Amayanabo of Abonnema”.
The Governor who holds a basket of both local and international awards was again bestowed another award on Saturday by the Anglican Diocese of Mbaise in Imo-State.
Bishop of the Diocese, Rt Rev. Chamberlain Ogundo bestowed on Wike the Diocese Award for Outstanding service (DAOS) which is the highest honour and said it was in honour of wike’s commitment, dedication and positive disposition to God’s work.
Wike commended the diocese and assured that he will sustain the support and partnership to the church and to also continue to uplift the standard of project delivery to the people.
Another major event that took place last week in Government House was the endorsement of Gov Wike for second term by teachers in the state.
The National Union of Teachers, Rivers State wing led by its chairman, Comrade Nkpogone Dumnaatah Lucky said teachers are satisfied with Wike strides on the education sector especially on regular payment of salaries and their general welfare and have decided to endorse him for a second term.
The NUT boss said the large number of teachers would vote for Governor Wike to enable him continue with his good work.
Wike commended the union for the visit and announced an introduction of incentive to teachers in the rural areas.
He said he will continue to invest massively on the sector because of it strategic importance.
By: Chris Oluoh.
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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