Politics
‘Why Ojukwu Should Be Celebrated’
Former Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili said the late Ikemba of Nnewi, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu’s dreams and aspirations were to have a better economic and political equity in Nigeria.
Dr. Odili, who was speaking at the public lecture organised by the Rivers State Government as part of burial ceremony for the late Ojukwu, noted that the former Biafran War Lord wanted a true federalism as he urged all tribes and regions to continue to live in peace.
While noting that his first contact with Ojukwu, the former Eastern Region Governor, was during the Constitutional Conference of 1994, he said.
“Ojukwu’s contribution revealed that he had the unity of the country at heart”.
He noted that the dreams and ambition of Ojukwu for Nigeria was for everybody, irrespective of where you come from, to be treated equally.
The former Rivers State Governor thus commended the State Government for putting together the lecture and urged Nigerians, despite their religious background, to respect one another.
Odili also described Ojukwu as “a brilliant, focused, vibrant and noble citizen of Nigeria whose actions are usually executive ones”.
Also speaking at the occasion, Onueze C.J. Okocha noted that “Ojukwu fought for the unity of Nigeria and not for the Igbos.
“Ojukwu should not be a man to be forgotten easily because of his contributions”, he said, and commended the planning committee for putting together the open lecture in his honour.
On his part, Governor of Abia State, Chief Theodore Orji, who also graced the occasion, expressed satisfaction over the honour done to the late Ikemba, and hailed Governor Chibuike Amaechi for the gesture,
Orji said , “Ojukwu was a man of unity and peace…
He never fought back when majority of the Igbos were killed.”
According to him, “Ojukwu took the part of peace and went into exile with the intention to maintain peace”.
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.