Politics
Cleric Urges Politicians To Shun Violence
The Anglican Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Olisa Chukwuma, has charged Nigerians especially the political class to eschew violence, bitterness and rancour, to produce a stable democratic structure in the country come 2011.
He, also, assured Nigerians that the church would continue to impact on the socio and spiritual lives of the people, as the 2011 general election draws nearer.
He made this assertion while briefing newsmen in preparation for the 40th Anniversary celebration of the Enugu Anglican Diocese, at the Bishop’s Court, said election violence would reduce if political office seekers play the game in line with the laid down rules.
The Cleric also stressed the need for Christians not to shy away from politics, stressing that their leaders through the Church should be on the toes of politicians at all times, in order to check arbitrary rules as the “Church is the conscience of the nation”.
His words: “Even if I am not in partisan politics but I am involved in politics by keeping our politicians on their toes. We are going to mobilise our people for the forthcoming general elections so that we can have credible elections. We need political leaders with integrity and selflessness. Political office holders should give account to us for us to know whether we shall elect them or not.”
On the 40th anniversary celebration, of the Enugu Diocese, Bishop Chukwuma traced the history of the Diocese to the era of the pioneer Bishop, Rt. Rev. Gideon Otubelu of the blessed memory who, he recalled, served the Dioceses meritoriously for no fewer than 27 years before he departed this sinful world.
He disclosed that he (Bishop Chukwuma) took over the mantle of leadership of the Diocese in 1998, noting that the Diocese was carved out of Niger Diocese from the ruins of the Nigerian civil war.
“We had challenges but we saw them as developmental challenges. Today, we are happy that there is peace and joy in the Enugu Diocese. What we are celebrating is a celebration of goodness of our Lord and the women are not left out, as they have equally made a mark especially in schools, health and campaign against indecent dressing”.
While expressing gratitude to God for sustaining the Diocese in the last 40years, the Bishop also thanked all their benefactors and friends of the Church for their support and encouragement at all times, praying the good Lord to reward them abundantly.
However, he said that the laying of foundation stone of the Diocese Micro-Finance bank would be one of the events lined up for the anniversary celebration, which would end on Sunday October 31, 2010 with a thanksgiving service at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, Independence Layout Enugu.
He named Dr Mrs. Chika Ndiokwelu , and the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) , Professor Chinedu Nebo, as some of the distinguished Nigerians expected to deliver lectures during the celebration.
According to him, apart from the launching of a book entitled: “History of Diocese of Enugu at 40”, on Saturday, October 30, the week long event would also feature Prize giving and Award of Honours to deserving members of the Church including post humous awards.
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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