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I’ll Bring Peace To Rivers PDP, Ag Chair Assures
The Acting Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Hon Chukwuemeka Aaron, has given assurance that his tenure would bring peace between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, and advised party faithful to intensify prayers.
Addressing the congregation during the bi-weekly prayer and worship session tagged, “One Hour With Jesus”, at the party’s office on yesterday, Aaron said what was needed to bring enduring peace to both men was consistent prayers.
The acting chairman said enemies of the state were not happy with the cordial relationship that has existed between the FCT minister and the state governor, and were doing everything possible to scatter them, but expressed optimism that with persistent prayers, the plan of the enemies would fail.
Aaron, who said he was happy to talk about Amb Desmond Akawor at any time, noted that throughout Akawor’s stay as PDP chairman, they never had any disagreement, and thanked Akawor for handing over to him with happiness.
“I am very happy to talk about Amb Desmond Akawor. Throughout my working with him, we never had any issue. I thank him for handing over to me with joy. I thank the FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike; Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara; and Amb Desmond Akawor; for agreeing that I should take over as acting chairman, because if they didn’t agree, I won’t have been here”, he said.
He warmed those perpetuating crisis in the state to desist, disclosing that the FCT minister and the governor were like father and son, and whatever was between them would soon be resolved.
“For those who are writing, blackmailing, gossiping and spreading false rumours, they need to stop. They should thread with caution because it is a family affair and once it is resolved they would be the looser. People are not happy that this is a PDP state and also a Christian state. Those who want to destroy the state will fail”, he warned.
Aaron, who asked for wisdom, knowledge, grace and understanding to pilot the affairs of the party, solicited the support of the Executive Committee of the party, staff and the entire congregation to enable him succeed.
The acting chairman congratulated Governor Fubara over his victory at both the Election Petitions Tribunal and the Appeal Court, emphasising that the judgement had solidified the unity in the party.
Aaron said PDP had expected nothing than victory due to the massive campaigns the party embarked upon across the state and the overwhelming support it received through the people’s votes during the election.
He also stated that the party was proud that after eight years as governor of Rivers State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Chief Nyesom Wike as FCT minister, adding that with the appointment, the President has shown that he loves Rivers people, and thanked the President for the gesture.
He explained that within few months of Wike’s appointment as minister, many Rivers people have also been given federal appointments, saying that the development had lessen the burden on the governor.
He advised staff to remain committed to their duties and also pray for peace in the state.
“For the staff, you have the capacity, you have shown commitment, you supported Amb Desmond Akawor. I need your support, Exco I need your support. We will work as a team”, he said.
The acting chairman also held separate meetings with staff of PDP office and members of the State Executive Committee.
At both fora, Aaron emphasized on team work, commitment, dedication to duty and loyalty.
Present at the event were the State Secretary, Dr Benibo George; State Woman Leader, Mrs Miriam Ogbonda; PDP Vice Chairman, Rivers South East, his Rivers East counterpart, and state publicity secretary of the party, among others.
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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