Politics
Ikanya Heads Rivers APC Interim Exco
Former Commissioner for Special Duties, Rivers State and a one-time governorship candidate of the Accord Party, Chief Davies Ibiamu Ikanya is to head the Interim Executive Council of the rejuvenated All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
The Interim State Executive constituted on 9th December, 2013 also has Chief Emeka Beke as State Secretary, Chief Andy Nweye, erstwhile Rivers State Director of National Orientation Agency (NOA), as the Publicity Secretary, Chief Mike Nweleighi, Organising Secretary and Dr. Abel Tariah, State Treasurer.
Already, the Interim State Exco has annexed the former complex of the Amaechi Gubernatorial Campaign Organisation at 38 Forces Avenue, Old GRA, Port Harcourt, where Chief Nyesome Wike, once held sway as Director General of Amaechi’s campaign team.
While taking over possession of the new APC State Secretariat, Dr. Ikanya declared that the APC had come to liberate Rivers State from the shackles of undemocratic elements that have seized PDP and democracy in Nigeria.
According to him, “we shall begin the struggle to enthrone proper democratic culture in Rivers State. Today, we bring hope and salvation to our people through a rescue mission which the birth of APC portends. This message of hope shall be published and taken to all the nooks and crannies of Rivers State”.
Dr. Ikanya urged both President Jonathan and the embattled Chairman of the PDP Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, to accept and face the reality of leading PDP as an opposition political party based on the various undemocratic acts of impunity associated with the party under their watch.
“If Chief Benjamin Apugo, a member of the Board of Trustee’s (BOT) of PDP could join other notable Nigerians including the G5 Governors to leave the party, the years of the reign of PDP is gone for good of the country as the process of PDP becmong minority is a fact”, he said.
The State Interim Chairman commended the G5 Governors, including, Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara) and Rotimi Amaechi 9Rivers), for deciding to choose the path of democracy by dumping the PDP.
He commended Governor Amaechi immensely for all his sacrifices towards the birth of genuine democracy in Nigeria and urged him not to relent even in the face of brazen persecution by undemocratic elements in Abuja.
The Tide learnt that the APC flag has been mounted at the state secretariat of the party.
Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Victor Giadom (left), flanked by former Gokana Council Chief of Staff, Second Bakor with APC flag and broom, addressing Gokana people at a rally in Kpor, recently.
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.