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Omehia, Sekibo, No Threat To PDP …As Catholic Church Backs Amaechi –Wike
Contrary to speculations about the calibre of personalities in the Rivers State gubernatorial race, the Director-General of Amaechi’s campaign organisation, says the entry of Sir Celestine Omehia and Dr Abiye Sekibo into the governorship race is not a threat to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Speaking at a press briefing to flag-off Governor Amaechi re-election campaign at the weekend in Port Harcourt, Chief Wike noted that going by the political history of Rivers State, the people never align themselves with a minority party.
Chief Wike was quick to ask: Are the duo of Sir Celestine Omehia and Dr Abiye Sekibo of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and Action Congress of Nigeria (CAN) moving forward or backward? He said that the question had become necessary because the two political big wigs were members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before now, but deflected to APGA and ACN respectively.
He contended that APGA or ACN could not win councillorship seats in any of the 23 local government areas of the state, let alone governorship seat.
His words, “As far as I am concerned, Sir Celestine Omehia who had subjected PDP to unnecessary legal tussle can never come back to the same party”.
Chief Wike further argued that going by the political history of Nigeria, Rivers State had never aligned with a minority party, insisting that the people of Rivers State would continue to move forward, not backwards.
He maintained that he would go personally to Sir Celestine Omehia in his house and challenge him to rescind his decision for joining APGA.
Any serious party, he said, should start going to the field to battle with the PDP for the soul of the oil rich Rivers State, rather than practising arm chair politics of bitterness and acrimony.
Meanwhile, Catholic Bishop of Port Harcourt Diocese, Most Rev Camillus Archibong Etukudo, has pledged total support for Governor Chibuike Amaechi’s second term bid.
Speaking at a special campaign dedication thanksgiving service at the Corpus Christi Cathedral, Port Harcourt organised by the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the party’s campaign in Port Harcourt, yesterday, Rt Rev Etukudo said the ambition had been divinely ordained.
He said, “we have dedicated the whole campaign to God because if God says yes, nobody can say no”, saying that the church was solidly behind the governor and his administration.
The Catholic Bishop thanked God for His mercies and commended those who attended the church service.
In another development, Governor Chibuike Amaechi has urged his supporters and party faithfuls to rededicate themselves to God, while urging them not to be blinded by the victory and position they occupy.
He observed that though it was easy for man to be blinded by his present comfort and power, it would be foolish to forget the mercies of God at all times.
The governor used the forum to recall the travails he went through sequel to his assumption of office in 2007, noting that the experience had always strengthened his faith in God, hence, the coinage of the slogan “I believe”
According to him, the ‘I believe” slogan represents the unwavering faith he had and the anchor on which his administration was tied upon.
The governor said that his second tenure if given the chance would aim at consolidating on the success recorded in his first term especially in the area of employment generation and security.
Governor Amaechi was emphatic that without creating employment, it would be futile to maintain security because both were dependant on each other.
He therefore urged the church and the citizenry to pray for the administration and ensure they vote and protect their votes during the upcoming elections.
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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