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Gaddafi Should ‘Ve Been Spared –Zuma
President Jacob Zuma of South Africa, says the slain former Libyan leader, Col. Muammar Gaddafi should have been captured alive to face prosecution.
Zuma told newsmen last Friday in Pretoria at the reception for the visiting President Obiang Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea that Gaddafi had been on the warrant list of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
He said,”given that there was a warrant of arrest against Gaddafi, those who found him should have arrested him and handed him to ICJ.
“There is a trend across the world where former leaders accused of injustice are not given an opportunity to stand trial in a court of justice.
“That is surprising. I think even those who accused him would have wanted to see him become answerable.”
He expressed the hope that the death of Gaddafi would lead to a cessation of hostilities and the restoration of peace in Libya.
He urged the Libyan National Transitional Council to begin in earnest, the process of building national unity and reconciliation, disarmament of all combatants and their reintegration into society.
In his remark, Mbasogo who is also the Chairperson of African Union (AU), said Africa was concerned with further political developments in Libya.
“The AU was looking forward to a situation where it would play a major role in helping to create a government that will be totally inclusive.
“It is believed that the lasting solution is possible through an all-inclusive political process that will culminate in the holding of the first ever democratic elections,’’ Mbasogo said.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu in his comment, said, “the manner of the killing of Muammar Gaddafi last Thursday totally detracts from the noble enterprise of instilling a culture of human rights and democracy in Libya.
“The people of Libya should have demonstrated better values than those of their erstwhile oppressors’’.
Mr Jackson Mthembu, the Africa National Congress spokesperson, said Libyans needed help in rebuilding their country after the devastation caused during the conflict.
“We are as convinced now as we were then that a peaceful approach would have saved many lives in Libya,’’ he said.
The Congress of South Africa Trade Unions also decried the way the media reported and broadcast the images of Gaddafi’s body.
The congress spokesperson, Mr Patrick Craven said, “this `triumphalism’ is an example of imperialist barbarism at its worst.
“The only force which has the right to overthrow a dictatorial regime are the Libyans, not the military might of imperialist powers whose sole concern is to safeguard and promote economic interests.
“Gaddafi should have been charged to ICJ, he should not have been executed in a manner that resembled cold-blooded murder.’’
In a related development, the African Union Commission Chairperson, Dr Jean Ping, urged the new Libyan authorities to immediately commence efforts that would ensure the fulfillment of the aspirations of all Libyan people.
Ping made the call in a statement issued in Addis Ababa in reaction to the killing of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
“Today, more than ever before, there is the need for the new Libyan authorities to spare no effort in ensuring that those aspirations are fulfilled.
“From the onset of the crisis in Libya, the AU has called for, and tirelessly worked towards a solution that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Libyan people for democracy, respect for human rights and good governance’’, Ping said.
He reiterated AU’s conviction on the need for national reconciliation among all Libyans, in line with the stated commitment of the new Libyan authorities.
He said this would ensure stability and the establishment of viable, democratic and accountable institutions.
Ping further stressed the continuing commitment of the AU to support the Libyan people and to work with the new authorities towards genuine national reconciliation, respect for human rights and an inclusive transition leading to the establishment of a new democratic dispensation.
He said the Commission would soon establish a liaison office in Tripoli to be headed by a Special Representative.
“In line with the decision adopted by the Peace and Security Council (PSC) on 20 October 2011, the AU is taking steps for the early establishment of a liaison office in Tripoli to be headed by a Special Representative.’’
Ping said the step, together with the effective participation of Libya in the work of the AU organs, including the PSC, would go a long way in assisting the country to step up efforts aimed at completing all actions needed to bring about lasting peace, stability, security, development and democracy to Libya.
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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