Politics
Lawmaker Wants Early Completion Of PH-Oyigbo-Aba Expressway …Says It’s Pivotal To National Dev
The lawmaker representing Oyigbo Constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Chisom Dike has called for the early completion of the Port Harcourt – Oyigbo-Aba Expressway stressing that it is pivotal to national development.
Dike made the call last Saturday in an interview with newsmen at Oyigbo in Oyigbo local Government Area of the state. The lawmaker said that the call became necessary considering the sufferings and economic losses due to the dilapidated conditions of the road in the last five years.
He stressed that proactive steps must be taken by Federal Government to ensure early completion of the project before the rainy season.
The lawmaker said that the project constitutes vital network for the country’s road transport system as well as economy growth of the nation.
“I am calling on Federal Government not to play politics on the project. constitutes vital network of the country’s transport system including the economic growth of the nation.
Over five years ago movement and businesses were not free due to the bad road though the state government has done the little it could do, the Federal Government who is the direct bearer of the road neglected it. “Now that the Federal Government decided to do the road, it should jettison politics out of it and do the needful for to be ready before the rainy season”, the lawmaker said.
Dike, who is contesting for House of Representatives seat, said he will pursue the course of quality projects for the axis of the state if given the mandate.
The lawmaker commended the Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike for various developmental projects in Oyigbo area, ranging from roads construction to hospital and schools.
Dike promised to attract development to the constituency through constructive law making at the National Assembly if voted.
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.