Politics
Wike Harps On Religious Tolerance
Rivers State Government House, Port Harcourt, which is known for its beehive of activities recorded low events last week. Significant drop in the number of activities has remained the case since curtain closed on the third anniversary celebration of Governor Nyesom Wike’s administration, few weeks ago.
However, the Governor used the occasion of the Eid-el-Kabir, celebrated by Muslims last Tuesday and Wednesday to call on Nigerians to embrace religious tolerance as to promote peace across the country and enhance national development.
The call was contained in his Sallah message. Noting that Eid-el-Kabir is a season of love, peace, togetherness and sacrifice, the Governor prayed God to use the Sallah period to impact positively on the lives of Nigerians.
He felicitated with Nigerian Muslims and charged them to emulate the Holy Prophet Mohammed by imbibing the ideals of sacrifice exemplified by the prophet.
Wike particularly thanked the muslim community in Rivers State for the consistent support to his administration, assuring them of continued partnership of his administration in order to move the state forward.
He equally assured the people and residents of the state that the state government would work with the security agencies to ensure that all citizens celebrate the Sallah in peace and harmony.
As the death of the Attorney-General of the state, Honourable Emmanuel Aguma (SAN), continue to attract visitors from far and near to the Brick House, a delegation of the national working committee and board of trustees of the Peoples Demotratic Party (PDP) paid a condolence visit on Governor Wike last Thursday.
The delegation, which was led by the National Chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus described the death of Aguma as painful.
“We received the news at the national headquarters with shock. It was very painful, especially when we remember his activities during the two national conventions in Port Harcourt.
“We recall that he was the chairman of the screening committee of the party during those conventions. He did a very wonderful job,” Secondus said.
Late Aguma served the party as screening committee chairman during the national conventions which were held in Port Harcourt.
Secondus remarked that during the trying times of the party, the late Aguma applied his professional competence to assist the party.
In his response, Governor Wike thanked the delegation for the visit and urged them to participate in the burial activities of the legal icon as a mark of honour.
He said since 1998, late Aguma remained a loyal member of PDP who never defected at anytime, adding that he (Aguma) was committed, trusted and served the state to the best of his ability.
“With your condolence visit, we are comforted that our friends are with us at this trying moment,” Wike said.
He charged all PDP members to unite and work for the victory of the party in 2019 as a tribute to the late legal giant who was a committed party man.
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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