The Mazi Organization (TMO) has urged the Imo State Government to reconsider its ongoing empowerment programme, warning that the initiative could compromise data privacy and be used for political purposes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Cajetan Duke, JP, and made available to INNONEWS, TMO said the scheme, currently driven by the Ministry of Rural Development and Economic Empowerment, follows a recurring pattern where questionable empowerment projects emerge close to election cycles.
“We are deeply troubled by the recurring pattern of data mining when it is getting close to every election cycle through fraudulent empowerment schemes,”
“This mischievous tactic was first introduced by the Uzodimma-led administration prior to the Imo North Senatorial bye-election. Subsequent elections in Imo State under this government have consistently been preceded by similar questionable data collection efforts disguised as empowerment programs.” part of the statement read.
The group expressed particular concern over the demand for citizens’ personal information, including Bank Verification Numbers (BVN), National Identification Numbers (NIN), and Permanent Voter Cards (PVC).
“The demand of sensitive personal information, such as BVN, NIN, and PVC, is as suspicious as it is equally highly alarming. Genuine empowerment programs designed to uplift citizens do not require such invasive data collection,” the statement added.
TMO alleged that the scheme is less about economic empowerment and more about political manipulation.
“We are aware that this scheme is another thinly veiled attempt to harvest citizens’ data for potentially malicious purposes, including pre-election manipulation of the 2027 general elections,” the statement noted.
The organisation condemned the initiative as “illegal and criminal”, insisting that Imo residents deserve genuine support rather than exploitation.
“Such actions are not only illegal but also criminal, and we condemn this blatant disregard for citizens’ privacy and security. The people of Imo State deserve better than to have their personal information exploited for political gain,” the statement declared.
The group urged citizens to resist attempts to lure them into the scheme.
“The insistence on collecting BVN, NIN, and PVC details clearly indicates that this scheme is not about empowerment but about control and manipulation. We call on the people of Imo State to remain vigilant and resist this dangerous bait,” TMO said.
It also called on relevant authorities to investigate the matter.
“We urge relevant authorities to investigate this matter thoroughly and take necessary actions to safeguard citizens’ data,” the statement read.
TMO reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for citizens’ rights.
“The people of Imo State deserve transparency, accountability, and genuine support from their government. The Mazi Organization will continue to monitor this situation and advocate for the rights of citizens to have their data protected and their welfare genuinely supported” the statement concluded.
