Politics
Okorocha Left Empty Treasury – Ihedioha
The new Secretary to the Imo state Government, Chief Uche Onyeagucha, has berated the immediate past Governor of Imo state, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, over alleged mismanagement of the state’s resources throughout his reign.
Recall that, Okorocha disclosed that he has set aside N42.5 billion in the coffers of the State’s treasury for his successor, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, explaining that he set aside the amount so that the incoming Governor won’t have any excuse for not carrying out activities of government.
He made the disclosure while swearing-in eleven Permanent Secretaries as well as the new Accountant-General of the state, Deacon Donald Igbo, and the new Head of Service, Mrs Ngozi Ama Eluma, in Owerri, the state capital.
But Onyeagucha, in a statement issued to newsmen yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, MacDonald Enwere, insisted that no money was released to the present government of Ihedioha by the Okorocha-led past administration during the handover/swearing-in ceremony.
The SSG disclosed that not a single document was handed over to the present administration, and however, lambasted Okorocha for allegedly destroying and looting government property in Government House, Owerri, the state capital.
Onyeagucha added that the former Governor took away all vehicles in Government House, other property and sensitive government documents before leaving office.
Parts of the statement read, “I want to also use this opportunity to call on you (imolites) to give your unwavering support to the new Governor, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha.
“We should equally join hands with the present administration in ensuring that Imo State is taken to an enviable height. Again, I’m urging the Imolites to always pray for the new administration for God’s wisdom to pilot the affairs of the State.”
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.
