Politics
Councillor Empowers 100 In Rivers
The Chief Whip of Ikwere Legislative Assembly, in Rivers State, Hon Chamberlian Kinikanwo Woji has empowered over 100 persons from his Omademe/Ipo Ward 10 as part of efforts to fulfill his electoral promises.
The councillor, who spoke in an interview with newsmen in Ipo community in Ikwere Local Government Area recently, said the gesture was his childhood ambition to reach out to the people.
Woji noted that his determination to carryout the empowerment was to also demonstrate the good governance example of Governor Amaechi.
He said gone were days when politicians use winner-takes-all approach in dealing with the electorate, adding that “any politician thinking in that light may not go far in politics.”
The empowerment scheme, which gulped the sum of N2 million, saw 20 people go home with 20 motorcycles, while others received 10 grinding machines as well as 50 wrappers, which was given to 50 persons.
Also speaking, the chairman Ikwerre Local Government Council, Hon Welendu Amadi, said the councillor’s gesture was more an in-born character, than politics.
He stressed that the chief Whip had demonstrated that it took only someone who had the interest of the people at heart to take such a giant stride, while charging other councillors to borrow a leaf from him.
Welendu noted that “if other grassroot lawmakers can act the same way, the dividends of democracy will trickle down to every door step”.
On his part, the state commissioner for Lands and Survey, Chief Ezemonye Ezekiel-Amadi, who donated 10 out of the 20 motorbikes, given out at the occassion attributed the councillor’s gesture to mere “support of good representation”.
Ezekiel-Amadi promised to carry the councillors along, saying he had added to the list of his political friend. Welendu Amadi and others who are public spirited.
The items, valued at over N2 million, also included donation from individuals.
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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