Politics
Cardinal Onaiyekan Cautions Politicians Against Vengeful Politics
The Catholic Archbishop
of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, yesterday cautioned politicians in the country against vengeful politics.
Onaiyekan gave the warning in his homily at St Rita’s Catholic Church, Nasarawa, as part of activities lined up to mark the 70th birthday of Mr Emeka Asoegwu, President of the Catholic Men Organisation.
He urged politicians to desist from using their power and authority to seek revenge against perceived enemies and to learn to forgive.
He said that forgiveness had the capacity to promote peace and development in the country.
“Politicians should learn to forgive and stop using their powers to hunt down their enemies.
‘We should learn to share and care for others and our neighbours like the disciples did with the five loaves of bread and two fishes in the Bible,“ he said.
The cleric also called on Nigerians not to indulge uncontrollably in worldly pleasures such as drinking.
While citing the turning of water into wine by Jesus at a wedding feast as recorded in the Bible, Onaiyekan said that wine should not be abused.
According to him, wine is meant to be consumed moderately, and not excessively, to help cheer up the spirit.
The cleric congratulated the celebrant for attaining 70 years of age and wished him many peaceful years ahead.
In his remarks, the host, the Bishop of Lafia Diocese, Most Rev. Mathew Ishaya, said that Onaiyekan’s visit was a show of humility as taught and exemplified by Jesus Christ.
Ishaya wished Asoegwu more fruitful and healthy years ahead.
On his part, Asoegwu said that he was overjoyed that God had preserved his life.
“I feel very proud and elated; to all my friends that have come to celebrate with me, I am grateful.
“I am most grateful to God for his kindness and mercy upon me all these years of my life.
“I have decided to dedicate all the funds that will be raised today for the foundation of the church because all my life, all that I own belong to God and this is just my own way of saying thank you to Him,“ he said.
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike (right), swearing-in the new Acting Chief Judge of the state, Justice Adama Iye Iyayi- Lamikanra at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Friday.
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.