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PDP Defends Soludo’s Choice For Anambra
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has again defended its choice of former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Prof. Charles Soludo as its governorship candidate for the 2010 gubernatorial election in Anambra State, even as it berrated critics of both Prof Soludo and the Party over its decision to field Soludo.
The Party in defence of its action in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja, and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Rufai Ahmed Alkali condemned the reckless remarks made by Action Congress, AC, spokesman, Alhaji Lai Mohammed in the media about the selection process that led to the choice of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, saying that the party had consistently ignored comments by Alhaji Lai Mohammed who, like Emperor Nero seems to be fiddling while AC burns.
“Given the fact that Lai Mohammed spends most of his time talking and thinking less of Party organization and mobilization, we do not expect him to understand the dynamics of administering a Party as large as the PDP.
“In view of this therefore, we sympathize with him for finding himself in a small party whose influence in the nation’s political environment has been dwindling to a point of extinction.
“There is no way anybody can compare the democratic credentials of the PDP, where 47 candidates were contesting to fly the Party’s flag and the AC which has a lone anointed candidate ab initio. That 47 credible citizens of Anambra State sought to be candidates of the PDP bears ample testimony to the strength and acceptability of the Party in that state. We therefore do not owe Alhaji Mohammed any apology on how our candidates emerge.
“For the avoidance of doubts, we wish to once again state that the choice of Professor Chukwuma Soludo as the PDP candidate was arrived at after all options for choosing a candidate were exhausted.
“The NWC relied on Article 17.1 of the PDP Constitution which vests on the NWC, acting on behalf of the National Executive Committee the power as the final authority for resolving all disputes relating to the choice of candidates for the Party in any election and for confirming the names or list of names of candidates for the Party in any elective public office in the federation.
“The choice of Prof. Soludo cannot therefore be described as an imposition, neither is it a predetermined option but a product of wide consultation and the need to present a formidable candidate capable of uniting all political forces in Anambra State and ensuring our victory in the forthcoming gubernatorial election.
“We wish to advise Alhaji Lai Mohammed to concentrate on selling his candidate and desist from meddling into the internal affairs of the PDP. We also wish to ask which AC is Alhaji Mohammed speaking for? Nigerians are all aware that the Action Congress (AC) as presently constituted is an empty shell without a compressor. Leaders of the AC are known to be holding meeting for the formation of an illusionary mega Party because they have lost faith in the AC as a political platform. Alhaji Mohammed would therefore be wallowing in self delusion if he still thinks he has any one listening to his empty statements.
“On the threat by a nebulous organization called the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) to go to Court over the purported late submission of the names of the PDP flagbearers to INEC, we wish to state that the PDP adhered to the deadline given by INEC and will be ready to present its case before any court or panel that requires it.
”We once more appeal to our stakeholders in Anambra State to ignore the diversionary antics of discredited politicians and rally round our candidate Prof. Chukwuma Soludo and his running mate, Senator Emmanuel Anosike to ensure our victory at the forthcoming poll.”
The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.
The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.
The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.
The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).
The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.
“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”
It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”
The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’
In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.
In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”
Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.
The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.
In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.
The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.
“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.
This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.
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