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#Bring Back Our Girls: Group Attacks Campaigners In Abuja
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Engr Tele Ikuru, representing Governor Amaechi cutting the tape to officially commission the Port Harcourt Local Government Council Legislative building. With him are Mayor of Port Harcourt, Chimbeko Akarolo and Eze Victor N Woluchem, Eze Epara Rebisi XII and other dignitaries, during the commissioning, last Tuesday
Hell was let loose today at the Unity Fountain in Abuja as a government-sponsored #ReleaseOurGirlsNow protesters used axes, machetes and cudgels to disrupt the rally of a group led by former Minister Oby Ezekwesili that is demanding more serious action by the Jonathan administration to rescue more than 200 schoolgirls abducted April 14 from their dormitories in Chibok, Bornu State.
SaharaReporters had reported recently that the government-funded group of protesters was organized to undermine efforts by the Ezekwesili-led group that feels the Jonathan administration has done too little, too late to find and save the abducted girls. The mandate of the government-sponsored group is to change the conversation by laying exclusive blame on the Islamist group, Boko Haram, that carried out the abductions.
Several eyewitnesses told SaharaReporters that the group organized by allies of Mr. Jonathan wielded dangerous weapons to intimidate those who were protesting government ineptitude alongside Ms. Ezekwesili, a former minister in the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo. In addition, the pro-government group destroyed chairs and smashed journalists’ cameras.
The #BringBackOurGirls campaigners led by Ms. Ezekwesili had gathered peacefully at the fountain early this morning to press their case for more focused action by the government. However, they got the shock of their lives when an armed gang from the rival group stormed the same venue came to interrupt them. The gangsters marched round the circle of the Ezekwesili group blowing whistles and chanting abusive songs.
Then, as a cameraman from AFP news agency recorded Ms. Ezekwesili’s speech to her group, the members of the government-created group attacked him, smashing his camera. They also broke chairs the protesters had brought, seized numerous mobile phones from their owners, and beat up some members of the Ezekwesili group. A source said anti-riot police who were at the scene turned a blind eye as the hoodlums carried out their attacks.
“The policemen were there and did nothing even when our attackers started smoking India hemp [marijuana] openly at the fountain right in front of them,” one of the protesters told our reporters. He added that many of the protesters sustained various injuries.
Ms. Ezekwesili told a reporter that her group had sent a letter to the Inspector General of Police as well as the Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory to apprise them of their plan to hold a series of peaceful rallies to draw attention to the plight of the Chibok schoolgirls and their families. She showed a copy of an acknowledgement from the police, indicating that the group had received approval for their protests at the Unity Fountain.
The former minister expressed her displeasure with the indifferent attitude of the Nigerian police which allowed thugs from another group to attack members of her group. She pleaded with members of her group not to be deterred by the attack, describing it as the handiwork of detractors who were hell bent on scuttling their efforts.
The Ezekwesili group has scheduled another event for Thursday, May 29 to mark Democracy Day. The venue will be ThisDay Dome, a few meters away from the Unity Fountain.
SaharaReporters disclosed a few days ago that the pro-Jonathan group had been recruited from various villages and slums around Abuja and given a mandate to pose as patriots who contend that the government has risen to the challenge of finding the missing girls. The Chief of Defense Staff, Alex Badeh, and other top military officers, held a high-profile meeting with the pro-government group at the Eagle Square.
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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