(DDM) – The 72nd birthday celebration of His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, Archbishop of Onitsha and Metropolitan, has turned into a moment of moral and political reflection in Anambra State, drawing praise, emotion, and renewed calls for values-based leadership.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the felicitation message from John Chuma Nwosu (JCN), the African Democratic Congress (ADC) gubernatorial candidate, has gone viral online after he described Archbishop Okeke as “a moral compass whose life defines true leadership rooted in faith, compassion, and integrity.”

In his statement, Nwosu said Archbishop Okeke’s unwavering devotion to God and humanity remains one of the greatest examples of service in Nigeria today.

He noted that the Archbishop’s humility, guidance, and wisdom have not only inspired the Catholic faithful but also provided direction for political and community leaders seeking to build a more just and progressive society.

According to Nwosu, Archbishop Okeke’s leadership symbolizes the kind of moral rebirth Anambra needs, a leadership anchored in compassion, faith, and integrity rather than greed and division.

“The life of His Grace continues to stand as a shining example of the kind of selfless leadership our people deserve,” Nwosu said.

“It is this same spirit of humility and faith that inspires my commitment to serve under the African Democratic Congress, to build a better future for our state.”

DDM reports that Archbishop Valerian Maduka Okeke, who became the Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha in 2003, has been widely celebrated across the Catholic community for his discipline, pastoral outreach, and human development initiatives.

His projects include the Onitsha Archdiocesan Hospital expansion, the evangelization and education programs that have produced some of Nigeria’s top young clergy, and his continuous advocacy for peace and moral renewal.

Observers note that Nwosu’s message goes beyond birthday greetings, it serves as a subtle political statement, blending spiritual reverence with a call for moral reform in Anambra’s leadership culture.

Political analysts say the ADC candidate’s tone reflects a growing trend among young Nigerian politicians who seek to align governance with ethics and spirituality, contrasting sharply with the corruption and impunity that have long plagued the political space.

Across Anambra, the Archbishop’s birthday has sparked conversations about leadership standards, with residents on social media commending both Okeke’s exemplary service and Nwosu’s message of respect and reform.

As birthday tributes continue to pour in, the event has become more than a clerical celebration, it has evolved into a symbolic call for moral rebirth, accountable leadership, and the rediscovery of values that unite faith and governance.

(DDM) – Favour Michael Kanu, wife of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has made a passionate plea to Justice James Omotosho of the Abuja High Court, urging him not to allow her husband die in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that Favour Kanu’s emotional appeal comes amid growing fears about her husband’s deteriorating health and prolonged detention despite multiple court rulings ordering his release.

Speaking to journalists shortly after Thursday’s court session, Mrs. Kanu lamented that her husband’s condition had worsened under the harsh conditions of DSS confinement.

She pleaded with the court to consider his right to life and order immediate medical intervention or transfer to a proper medical facility.

According to her, “I am deeply worried because my husband’s health is failing by the day. I beg Justice Omotosho not to let him die in detention. He deserves proper medical care, and we cannot afford to lose him in this way.”

The plea follows recent findings by a medical panel constituted by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), which declared that while Kanu’s ailment was not life-threatening, he still required consistent treatment and monitoring.

Justice Omotosho, who is presiding over the trial, had previously approved private legal consultations between Kanu and his legal team, and fixed October 23 for the continuation of defence proceedings.

However, concerns persist among Kanu’s supporters and rights groups that the DSS is not complying with court orders granting him access to his doctors and adequate medical attention.

Human rights activists, including representatives of Amnesty International and the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), have repeatedly accused the Nigerian government of deliberately violating Kanu’s constitutional rights.

They argue that continued detention despite judicial directives not only undermines the rule of law but also sets a dangerous precedent for political and civil liberties in Nigeria.

Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the IPOB leader, has been in detention since June 2021 after being extradited from Kenya under controversial circumstances.

He faces multiple charges bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony, and unlawful possession of arms, charges his lawyers describe as politically motivated and unsupported by evidence.

Kanu’s prolonged incarceration has fueled widespread agitation across the South-East, with IPOB members regularly calling for his release and accusing the Federal Government of bias and persecution.

Mrs. Kanu’s latest appeal has reignited public debate about the fairness of Nigeria’s judicial process, particularly in cases involving political figures and separatist movements.

Observers note that Justice Omotosho’s next ruling on the matter could have major implications for both the ongoing trial and the government’s handling of politically sensitive prosecutions.

As the October 23 defence session approaches, supporters of Kanu continue to demand that the court enforce his fundamental rights, calling for transparency, medical access, and adherence to the rule of law.

With emotions running high, Mrs. Kanu’s tearful plea serves as a reminder of the human cost behind Nigeria’s most contentious political trial in recent history.

(DDM) – The Nigerian Senate officially resumed plenary on Tuesday after a 10-week recess, marking the beginning of a new legislative session at the National Assembly complex in Abuja.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the session was presided over by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, following the absence of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who was noticeably missing at the time the sitting commenced.

The absence of Akpabio, who has often been the focal point of both praise and criticism in the 10th Senate, sparked discussions among observers about internal political realignments within the upper chamber.

Some insiders suggested that the Senate President may have stayed away for official engagements, while others believe his absence was strategic, given recent political undercurrents between the executive and legislature.

A major highlight of Tuesday’s plenary was the return of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, who made a dramatic comeback to the Red Chamber six months after her suspension.

Her reappearance drew significant attention from colleagues, aides, and journalists in attendance. Many described her return as “symbolic” and “defiant,” especially given her reputation for confronting corruption and advocating for transparency in public projects.

Senator Natasha’s earlier suspension, which occurred in April 2025, followed a heated altercation during a plenary debate over alleged irregularities in federal constituency project allocations.

The Senate leadership had accused her of making “unsubstantiated remarks” against the Appropriation Committee, an allegation she consistently denied.

Her suspension triggered public outrage, with several civil society groups and women’s advocacy organizations calling for her immediate reinstatement, arguing that the action was politically motivated and a reflection of the systemic suppression of outspoken female lawmakers in Nigeria.

Her reinstatement, DDM learned, was facilitated after intense pressure from the public and several senior legislators who reportedly appealed to the leadership of the National Assembly to reconsider her case in the spirit of justice and inclusivity.

During her return to plenary, Natasha was seen exchanging pleasantries with fellow lawmakers, while her supporters in the public gallery applauded her re-entry into the chamber.

A legislative source told DDM that her comeback could reshape internal power dynamics in the Senate, particularly among reform-minded legislators pushing for greater oversight and independence from the executive arm of government.

The session, which marked the end of the lawmakers’ long recess, also saw the presentation of new motions and bills aimed at addressing key national challenges such as insecurity, rising inflation, power sector reforms, and the implementation of the 2025 budget.

Senators reportedly discussed the need for improved collaboration between the legislative and executive branches, with some emphasizing the importance of oversight to ensure accountability in public spending.

Observers noted that the atmosphere in the chamber was lively and marked by renewed enthusiasm, as senators settled down to resume full-scale legislative duties.

Political analysts told DDM that the 10th Senate faces a critical period as it navigates public dissatisfaction over economic hardship, allegations of corruption, and concerns about governance effectiveness.

For Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, her return represents both a personal triumph and a political statement, reaffirming her resilience and determination to serve her constituency despite institutional pushback.

As plenary activities resume, Nigerians are watching closely to see whether the Senate will live up to expectations by passing impactful laws, ensuring executive accountability, and addressing the growing economic and social challenges confronting the nation.

With Senate President Akpabio’s absence still unexplained and political undercurrents intensifying within the chamber, the days ahead may reveal deeper realignments in Nigeria’s upper legislative house as it enters another defining phase of its tenure.