News
PDP Raises Alarm Over Violence In Kogi
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders in Kogi state, on Thursday raised an alarm over the regime of violence and total breakdown of law in the State.
The PDP stakeholders have, however, called on the National Peace Committee under the leadership of General Abdulsalami Abubakar, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Inspector General of Police, the National Security Adviser, the Service Chiefs, the Civil Society Organizations and the International Community to pay special attention to the veritable flash point, which Kogi has become ahead of the 2019 election.
Blaming the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the dangerous trend, while speaking on behalf of the state PDP, the State Chairman of the party, Engr. Samuel Ohotu, said, “the Kogi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is constrained to bring to the attention of the Nigerian public and the international community the ominously dangerous security situation in the State which is attributable to the ruthlessness and excessive intolerance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which has degenerated into home grown insecurity and State-sponsored violence.
“This has led to a worrisome pattern of intimidation, harassment, unprovoked disruption of political meetings and gatherings which invariably involves the infliction of injuries to our party members and innocent citizens.
“It also involves the destruction of campaign materials of opposition party candidates like posters, banners and bill boards all over the State.
“These incidents of violence and thuggery have become more brazen, dangerous and rampant in all the three senatorial districts of the State in the last few weeks.
“The foregoing is a recipe for chaos and a flagrant attempt to circumscribe our right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association as well as our right to take part in the government of our country as guaranteed by Articles 20 and 21 of the United Nations Fundamental Human Rights, Articles 10 and 13 of the African Chartter on Human and Peoples’ Rights as well as Section 14 (1) (c) and Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).”
Analysing the trend the worrisome situation has taken, the PDP State Chairman listed the violents the APC government has committed against the PDP in the state.
“What started like rumours of a grand design to exclude all other political Parties from the political space by making it impossible even to campaign is now assuming a frightening reality as can be seen from the following well documented acts of violence and thuggery:
“On March 6, 2018 and July 31, 2018 Senator Ahmed Ogembe’s empowerment programmes were violently disrupted by armed APC thugs who beat up the would be beneficiaries leaving many of them with serious injuries.
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.
-
Editorial5 days ago
Resurgence Of Illegal Structures In PH
-
Opinion5 days ago
The Girl Who Didn’t Dance
-
News5 days ago
NELFUND Warns Students Against Fake Loan Portal
-
News5 days ago
Tinubu Mourns Newswatch Co-Founder, Agbese
-
Sports5 days ago
New W.W. Whyte Tournament Focuses On Talent Discovery – Engr. Alabere
-
News5 days ago
UNICEF Condemns Kebbi Students’ Abduction, Urges Stronger Security
-
News2 days agoMAN Tasks Rivers, Bayelsa On Blue Economy
-
News5 days ago
Rivers Community Marks Annual Wrestling Festival