Politics
Speaker Tasks Legislature On Service
Barely two weeks after the 8th Session of the State House of Assembly held its valedictory, last week, the State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike proclaimed the 9th Assembly Session.
The state governor tasked the legislators to join hands to transform the state, and to consolidate on the gains made in the first tenure, as he described the legislature as critical arm of government in democratic governance.
After the House was inaugurated, the 9th Assembly began proceedings in earnest. The first matter on the floor last Monday was the election of the House officers.
The election witnessed massive endorsement of Rt. Hon Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani to preside over the 9th Assembly with Hon. Edison Ehie of Ahoada-East II coming in as the Deputy Speaker. Ehie who as a second term legislator replaced Hon. Marshall Uwom of Abua/Odual State Constituency, who ended his term with the 8th Assembly.
Speaking after he was elected for the second term, Rt. Hon Ibani thanked his fellow legislators for giving him the privilege to preside over the House again.
The Andoni State Constituency legislator described his emergence as providence,as he did not expect that he would be re-elected to lead the legislature.
Rt Hon Ibani thanked the governor and his colleagues for their support in the first term as speaker, and promised that his second term would be memorable, “The office of the Speaker is not a personal estate, it belongs to Rivers people and so whatever I will do to improve it, I will do”.
The Speaker further pledged that he would give participatory leadership, as he enjoined members to provide the necessary advise that would propel the House to greater heights.
Member representing Ogu/Bolo State Constituency, Hon Evans Bipie told newsmen after the 9th Assembly was inaugurated that he dedicated his return to the House to women of the constituency.
Hon. Bipi promised to make his office open and effective, while promising to make the womenfolk the main focus of his legislative business.
Last Thursday, the House reconvened to elect the remaining officers of the Assembly. They include the office of the Majority Leader, Deputy Majority Leader, Chief Whip and Deputy Chief Whip.
After the House was put to vote, Hon. Martins Amaewhule returned as Majority Leader, Hon Bariene Deeyah came on board as Deputy Majority Leader, while Hon. Bipi came back as Chief Whip. Major Jack also came back as deputy Chief Whip of the House.
The speaker after administering oath of office urged them to put in their best to ensure that the 9th Assembly succeeds.
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.