Politics
Clergy Chides Politicians Over Violence
The Diocesan Bishop of Christ Army Church of Nigeria, Okrika Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sunday Iwo, has charged politicians in Rivers State to shun politics with bitterness in their pursuit for political positions in the forthcoming general elections.
Bishop Iwo who also doubles as the Vice President of the Christ Army Church of Nigeria Synod was speaking during the 9th Session of the Annual Diocesan Conference held at the Saint Bartholomew Christ Army Church Ozuboko-Ama Area Four (iv) Archdeaconry of the Diocese in Port Harcourt Local Government Area of the state.
The clergy-man particularly reiterated the need for understanding among politicians to remain on the path of non-violence and seek legitimate and political means to better the lots of people in the nation.
He also urged politicians to remain focused in addressing the problem of their constituency despite challenges so that others nursing same ambition will have rethink.
Speaking to newsmen on behalf of the host church, Archdeacon-Elect E.D. Nonju stated that Christians must learn how to keep their promises to God.
Highlights of the five days conference include lectures, Rally, fasting and Prayer Bible Symposium, musical jamboree, Deliverance, Award, launching of ten million naira Evangelical buses among others.
Two eminent Bible Scholars Rev. (Dr) Solomon Godknows Ibulubo (Fabs) and Pastor J. Kinsley Iyowuna presented papers on topics, “Ye Shall Receive and The Benefits of Giving,” respectively.
Also speaking, the Diocesan Secretary, Wari-Senibo Isaac Amoni Abam called on the members of the Diocese to remain focused, faithful and above all put their trust in God as the author and finisher of our faith.
He condemned the recent violence inflicted in B-Dere and K-Dere communities in which houses, cars and properties worth millions of naira were destroyed and implore the services of the state government to leave no stone unturned in fishing out those perpetrators and their sponsors.
The conference also featured the confirmation and elevation of 20 candidates among who are the Chaplan of the Diocesan, Bishop, Rev. Deacon Anderson Peri to the position of Rev. Priest and Rev. Canon E.D. Nonju to an Archdeacon-Elect.
The Bishop charged the newly elected men of God to live above board while discharging their sacred functions in line with their oath of office and the scripture.
Alozie Ifeoma
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.