Politics
Group Tasks Politicians On Societal Dev
A body attached to the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri, Justice, Development, Peace and Caritas Commission, has drawn the attention of Imo politicians once again to the required democratic demands expected of them to move the society forward.
The call was made last weekend by the Director of JDPC, Rev. Fr. Dr. Gerald C. Njoku in a Dinner Night in Owerri.
The occasion drew most of the governorship candidates of some political parties like Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, Barr. Ngozi Olehi, Barr. Humphrey Anumadu, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim and Ihedioha’s Representative.
In his short address, Rev. Fr. Gerald C. Njoku unfolded the focal position of JDPC in the area of good governance, advocacy, entrepreneurship development, medical outreaches, skill acquisition, education sponsorship, legal and humanitarian interventions.
He admitted that JDPC could not in any way be partisan in all her dealings and must continue to strive towards the development of the society through active participation in those progressive things.
The renowned priest maintained that the partnership of the church and the government would always be sought for in order to fill the gap created by a failed society with the anticipation of achieving a recorded improvements.
He equally posited that the JDPC of Owerri Catholic Archdiocese must continuously be promoting peace and development through the use of advocacy, empowerment and capacity building.
Njoku opined that the body would not shy away from the enthronement of good governance in 2019 general election, noting that adequate mobilization of voters for registration and collection of their PVCs had dominated their earlier mounted advocacy via seminars and workshops in Imo state.
According to him, a credible and non-violent election would be achieved next year with their preparation to organized series of debates for various political office seekers in the state, including the governorship.
The chairman of the event, Engr. Charles Ugwu, commended the church for striving to find a solution to the failure of many sectors in the state owing to bad governance, adding that young and credible politicians should be encouraged to assume leadership in 2019.
Nduka Val, Owerri
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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