Politics
Ex-Minister,Tariah Justle For ACN’s GovernorshipTicket
Former Minister of Transport, Dr. Abiye Precious Sekibo and Dr. Abiye Abel Tariah may slug it out for the governorship ticket of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Rivers State.
Sekibo who last week publicly registered with Acton Congress of Nigeria ACN in Okrika his home town after dumping his former party, PDP, alleged that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State was undemocratic.
The former Secretary to the Rivers State Government, who was not happy with the Supreme Court ruling which brought Governor Chibuike Amaechi into government, contested it in the court but lost.
Sources hinted that, since separated from his former boss, Dr. Peter Odili, Celestine Omehia and Austin Opara, former deputy Speaker whom since after the PDP primaries in February in 2007, worked against Amaechi.
Governor Amaechi whom after emerging the flag bearer of the PDP in Rivers State was denied the ticket to contest the April 14 2007 election until the Supreme Court on October 25 declared him winner.
The Tide learnt that after the Supreme Court declaration, Dr. Peter Odili, Celestine Omehia, Abiye Sekibo and Austin Opara formed a strong opposition against Amaechi and relocated to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Meanwhile, Abel Tariah and Sekibo in the ACN have split the party into two camps, which has halted the party’s registration and harmonization.
Sources hinted that Abel-Tariah camp and Sekibo camp clashed over leadership recently which led to the cancellation of the party harmonization exercise.
Abel-Tariah, a chief of Kalabari Kingdom have started meeting with members of the party in his home town Buguma and promised justice and equitable distribution of available resources and not an ethnic sentiment.
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.