Politics

Amaechi Decries Dictatorship, Bad Governance

Published

12 years ago

July 7, 2014

Last week began on a poltical note with the unveilment
of a fleet of new saloon cars by chief of Staff, Governmet House, Sir Tony Okocha, as part of a new transport scheme in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. The event was held at the Obio/Akpor Council Secretariat Complex.
The new vehicles, about 17 of them, according to Sir Okocha will serve as an empowerment scheme, adding that it was not meant to manipulate people but to ameliorate their sufferings.
Apart from the taxis scheme, the Government House Chief of Staff also disclosed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Obio/Akpor LGA has trained 65 women in different skills and crafts. Non-indegnes, according to him, have equally benefilled.
Governor Chibuike Amaechi came back from Abuja on Monday ahead the Energy, Environment and Investment forum slated for the next day, shortly after his arrival, he went round to inspect ongoing projects which include the new stadium at the Sports Village, Omagwa, and International Convention Centre named after Ikwerre Icon, Dr. Obi Wali.
The International Energy, Environment and Investment Forum kicked off on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, No fewer than 12 top diplomats and ex-leaders of Spain, France and Poland, including former President of Ghana, Mr. John Kuffour spoke at the conference.
Former Prime Minister of Spain, Jose Zapatero also advocated better governance and accountability from African and Nigerian leaders. He noted that Nigeria’s democracy was growing strong coupled with a booming economy, but warned that total reliance on oil was not healthy for the country’s economy.
Earlier in his remarks, Governor Chibuike Amaechi reiterated the commitment of his administration to provide uninterrupted power supply in the State by 2015.
He stated that the state government decided to build a new city Greater Port Harcourt in order to decongest Port Harcourt with adequate provision of sustainable energy.
According to the governor, the new city is designed with adequate consideration of the reduction of environmental impacts minimization of energy consumption and destructive eulogical footprints
Later in the evening, a special reception and banquet was held in honour of the participants.
The banquet was held at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Port Harcourt with Governor Amaechi and quests in attendance. After the display by the State Troupe, Comedian and member of the Funky +, Tekena Tamuno, treated the quests to jokes.
Governor Amaechi spoke at the event and called on World Leaders in the developed countries to evolve ways of curbing bad governance and dictatorship in Africa and Nigeria.
“So, we must put a system in the global picture that will compel third world country leaders who don’t want to obey rules, because, they have institution of the Police or the army”.
Also on Tuesday, the State Government, through Ministry of health, introduced palliative measures to cushion the effects of the Medical doctors’ strike that commenced last Tuesday. Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sampson Parker announced the plan to collaborate with some selected private clinics to provide emergency services to the citizens.
Dr. Parker also disclosed that a Memorandum of Understanding had been reached with eight private hospitals in the state. They include Princess Medical centre, Prime Medical Consultants, Sonabel Medical Centre, Atinu Critical Care and Prof Kelsey Harrison Hospital.
The hospitals, among other things, will offer services to women in labour, accidents victims and surgical intervention.
“when the strike is over, the patients will return to government hospitals. I must make it clear, that these patients were registered under the free medical care programme”, Parker stated.
On Wednesday, Energy, Environment and Investment Forum continued with Special foas on women and on Thursday, the forum ended, but before then Rt. Hon. Smaechi had led former Ghanaian President, Ibn Chambas and other diplomats n a project tour. He took them to Nne Kurubo Model Secondary School, new Craft and Technology Development College, Model Primary School, Elekahia and the Port Harcourt Monorail Project site.

Politics

Alleged Coup: Protests Rock N’Assembly As Detained Officers’ Children, Wives Demand Justice

Published

5 days ago

April 2, 2026

The Tide

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.

Politics

APC Resumes Electronic Membership Registration Nationwide

Published

5 days ago

April 2, 2026

The Tide

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced the resumption of its electronic membership registration exercise across the country.

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.

Politics

AKPABIO, DIRI, OBOREVWORI, OTHERS VOW TO REELECT TINUBU …AS GIADOM RETAINS APC ZONAL CHAIR

Published

1 week ago

March 30, 2026

The Tide

Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has declared that with the six South-South states now being controlled by the All Progressives Congress (APC), the zone is set to return the highest votes cast for the reelection of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

He stated this in Asaba, Delta State, at the party’s zonal congress, noting that the coming together of the governors of the region in the APC was made possible by its zonal Vice Chairman, Chief Victor Giadom.

Senator Akpabio also praised the outgone zonal chieftains of the party, saying they worked hard for the unity of the party and the zone.

“Now that we are complete and focused, we will be the geo-political zone in Nigeria that will turn out the highest votes in 2027 for President Tinubu.

“In the last 46 years or so, our region had not produced a senate president. But under President Tinubu, the South-South region is recognised. We thank the president for giving the South-South a senate president”, he said.

In his speech, the Bayelsa State Governor, and Chairman of the South-South Governors Forum, Senator Douye Diri, described the APC adoption of the consensus option for electing its officials as the best way to foster unity and consolidation in the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He expressed satisfaction that politically, the South-South zone now speaks with one voice under the APC, stressing the need for the region to be part of the decision-making process at the national level.

The governor recalled that when he contested for the governorship in 2019, the delegate election process for primaries in the political parties made the exercise rancorous, saying

the slogan then was that without delegates, there will be no governor, but that that has since changed with the consensus mode.

“I like to align myself with the previous speakers on the unity of the South-South zone. In this region politically, the South-South now speaks with one voice. This is important because of the strategic nature of the zone.

“If you are not on the sharing table, in terms of decision-making process, you will be left behind. We need to be united that we will not allow petty divisions among us.

“Let us work together for the unity and protection of APC in the South-South and God willing, all our candidates will come out tops in the 2027 elections. There cannot be anything better than a united family.

“Let me congratulate President Bola Tinubu for his remarkable achievements so far. Political events such as elective congresses like this were usually filled with rancour and violence. But, today, we have adopted the consensus model to produce our party executives from the wards to the regional level”, Senator Diri said.

In their goodwill messages, the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and others all spoke on unity of purpose to be able to re-elect the President for a second term.

Meanwhile, Chief Victor Giadom was returned as the party’s zonal chairman alongside seven other zonal executives of the party.

Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor, moved the motion for the dissolution of the immediate past zonal executive of the party and was seconded by his Bayelsa State counterpart, Abraham Ingobere.

In his remarks, the reelected zonal Vice Chairman, Chief Victor Giadom, said the gathering of the six governors of the region, lawmakers, ministers and other major stakeholders was an indication of the zone’s commitment to return all APC candidates in next year’s poll.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa