Politics
Legislators Visit Customary Court Complex
Activities at the Rivers State House of Assembly peaked last week with the oversight visit of the House Committee on Judiciary led by Hon. Sam Ogeh to the State Customary Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt.
The committee was recieved by the President of the Court, Justice Christy Nwankwo, who led the lawmakers in a tour of the judiciary complex in Rumuobiakani.
Justice Nwankwo also intimated the Hon. Ogeh-led committee on the achievements of the court in the last three years, since she assumed office.
Ogeh on his part had informed the Customary Court President that the lawmakers were in the court to assess the progress made and confirm some of the laudable projects driven by the Wike-led administration in justice delivery in the State.
Also last week, Chairman of the House of Assembly Committee on Education, Hon. Doctor Farah Dagogo underscored the need for the country to adopt the “Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics and Sports” (STEAMS) in the education sector.
He made the call when he received an award of excellence bestowed on him by the National Union of Rivers State Students, NURSS, at the Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic.
Farah observed that STEAMS as an educational policy, would help improve the quality and impact of teaching, as he expressed fears that the country would lag behind if nothing was done in that direction.
“The benefits are enormous and unqualifiable to our future,” Farah said, “I am a firm believer that our children, pupils, students are our future. STEAMS approach education is a must”.
The lawmaker representing Degema State Constituency further stated that, “In a general sense, what STEAMS is telling us is that with this approach of education, you are not looking for jobs, you are creating it with solid learning background of inquiry, critical thinking and process based learning that has already been foisted in you”.
He revealed that he was already fine-tuning modalities on introducing a bill that would rejig the State educational curriculum to accommodate STEAMS.
Against this backdrop, he expressed hope that the State will adopt STEAMS educational policy, especially into the Rivers State College of Health Science and Management Bill currently before the committee.
President of NURSS at the polytechnics, Comrade Emeka Ekele, said the honour bestowed on Farah was to acknowledge his contributions in making the institution a force to be reckoned with.
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.