Politics
Rivers: Rep Urges Firms To Engage Locals
The member representing the Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon Kingsley Chinda, has urged company executives, and federal agencies to always ensure that they carry along the locals in the area where they operate, so as to avoid conflict.
He stressed the need for such operators to always discuss with their landlords, saying when there is dialogue, they will likely have a lasting solution to some of their problems.
Chinda who was speaking to journalists at the Port Harcourt International Airport, PHIA, on Friday, in reaction to the petition sent through him to the National Assembly, by the people of Omagwa, who are landlords to PHIA, said that the petition was before the House Committee on Public Petition.
“ I believe that Omagwa people will be invited any moment from now to state their case with those they complained against, of marginalisation.
“ As a true representative from Rivers State, I align myself with them. There is need for the operators and all companies working within this area to ensure that the locals were carried along.
“ One of the provisions of the Local Content Act is that operators need to ensure that a reasonable percentage of their staff, came from the place of their operations.
“ We are battling to ensure that this local content covers other areas, even the Aviation industry, and this will benefit Nigerians and bring peace and progress to the locals”, Chinda said.
The lawmaker however, opined that the second opinion available to the people of Omagwa was to take the matter to the right channel, through litigation, and get judicial pronouncement on their right.
He also urged the people of the community to be patient, and to allow the public Petition Committee to take a resolution on the matter, which he said would be tabled before the parliament for adoption of report.
By: Corlins Walter
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.