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Rep Cautions Buhari Over Comments
Member of the National Assembly representing Degema/Bonny Federal Constituency, Dr. Sokonte Davies, has criticised former presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) over his recent comments on Boko Haram and the 2015 general elections, saying, the comments are sad, unfortunate and unbecoming of a former Head of State of the country.
According to him, the former Head of State is supposed to be more circumspect in his utterances, instead of using them to fan the embers of war, and parading himself as a sectional war lord, champion and hero.
Davies who made the remarks in an interview with The Tide in Port Harcourt described Buhari’s outburst as one of the most irresponsible statements from a former Head of State in the country, and wondered why security agencies had not arrested and interrogated him for threatening violence and bloodbath.
The lawmaker noted that Buhari is not as clean as some people want Nigerians to believe, alleging that a lot of things happened under the former Head of State when he was Minister of Petroleum, stressing that his comments about the Federal Government were typical of opposition members whom he described as narrow-minded and naïve, “who are grumbling because they feel they are the ones that should have been in government”.
While decrying sectional politics in the country, Davies opined that only true nationalists were qualified to rule the country, as the North or South alone could not make any Nigerian the President of the country.
The Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Land Transport noted that Nigerians who were of the view that they could lead the country based on their sectional inclinations and cleavages were merely day-dreaming, and urged them to have a rethink as well as strive to become true nationalists.
According to him, “the North alone can not make anybody |President. The South alone cannot make anybody President”.
If you want to be President, he said, no matter how big you are, the ground rules are there.
“It is so sad for somebody like Buhari in particular after being Head of State to begin to see himself as a sectional champion and hero”, he said.
Davies equally noted that the country’s democracy which on May 29, 2012 would be 13 years has steadily made progress inspite of what he described as political, social, economic and security challenges,and urged Nigerians to continue to be hopeful and prayerful, as well as wary of those who would seek for their votes in future, people he said were today threatening fire and brimstone.
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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