News
Reps Speakership Race: N’Delta, Civil Society Groups Insist On North Central Zone Candidate
As the contest for the office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives in the coming National Assembly raises up, a coalition of Niger Delta groups and the amalgamation of Civil Society organizations under the umbrella of Citizens United to Save Democracy (CUSD), have insisted on zoning the office to the North Central Zone of the Country by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Both groups made their positions known in press statements made available to news men in Abuja on Sunday as against the position of the leadership of the party which favoured the South-West zone for the position.
In the separate statements, the groups threw their weight behind the candidature of Hon John Dyegh, Plateau State North Central Zone, for the speakership slot.
The Nigeria Delta coalition in a statement signed by Comrade Nwokoma Messiah of the Niger Delta Renaissance Organisation (NDRO), Comrade Collins Obilor of the Niger Delta Project (NDP) and Ibiye Douglas of Ijaw Justice Forum (IJF) urged lawmakers from the Niger Delta to vote for Hon John Dyegh based on available facts to the Coalition.
According to the Coalition, “for the purpose of justice, equity and fair play, we in the Niger Delta region through this coalition have decided to endorse Hon John Dyegh for the position of speaker of the House of Representatives.”
“Aside the issue of competence, which we believe a lot of the members have from all sections of the country and party divide, we believe in justice and equity and it our stand that it will be morally wrong not to consider the north central, which has been the most politically marginalised since the advent of the present democracy in the country.”
“On the issue of who voted for the party and the president, the coalition is saying north central showed strong support for the president despite the challenges from other areas, it will be morally unacceptable for them not to be given the position of speaker.”
The Niger Delta group observed that “it is also imperative to recognise the fact that Hon. John Dyegh emerged victorious despite such challenges and the best we can do is to give him the support that will ensure the party makes further inroads in Benue and the region as a whole.”
On its part, the CUSD in a statement issued by its publicity secretary, Comrade Fashola Adams said: “Hon. John Dyegh as speaker of the 9th House of Representatives is an idea whose time has come and e call on the entire members of the House to support his historic candidacy irrespective of sectional, ethnic or religious affiliation.”
The group explained that “this is due to his proven track record of competence, honesty, dedication, transparency, efficiency, humility, inclusiveness and widespread acceptance cutting across the length and breadth of the hallowed green chamber.”
President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence that the country would win the fight against insecurity.
The President gave the assurance at the Argungu International Fishing Festival in Argungu town, Kebbi State, on Saturday.
He noted that the relative peace currently being enjoyed in Kebbi and neighbouring states was the result of sustained investments in security intelligence, coordination among security agencies, and community engagement.
Tinubu assured farmers and fishermen of sustained federal support to guarantee food security and safety across the country.
“The peace we are witnessing today is not accidental. It is the outcome of deliberate and sustained efforts. I assure you that the fight against banditry, insurgency, and insecurity will be won.
“Our farmers, fishermen, traders, and families will go about their lawful activities without fear,” he assured.
The President commended the organisers of the festival for sustaining the cultural event for decades, noting that it had endured for 83 years despite social and security challenges.
Describing the Argungu festival as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence, Tinubu stated that it reflects the richness of the country’s culture and the opportunities to harness its natural and human resources for national growth.
He said, “Today, this festival stands as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence among our people.
“It reflects the richness of our culture, the strength of our traditions, and the opportunities inherent in harnessing our natural and human resources for national development.”
The President was received by a large crowd of residents, traditional rulers, fishermen, tourists, and government officials from across the country.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth and women empowerment, irrigation development, rural electrification, and agricultural productivity.
Earlier, the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, said his administration was determined to elevate the Argungu Fishing Festival to full international standards while pursuing aggressive development across critical sectors of the state.
The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed today, in observance of Presidents’ Day.
The mission made this known in a notice shared on its official X page, yesterday.
“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents’ Day,” the post read.
According to the embassy, Presidents’ Day was originally established to honour the birthday of the former US President, George Washington, but has evolved into a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents and their leadership in shaping the country’s history.
The embassy noted that the holiday also recognises the influence of U.S. presidents on global affairs.
In a related message, the mission highlighted that Washington created the first “Badge of Military Merit,” which later became the Purple Heart. The medal still bears Washington’s image today.
Presidents’ Day is observed on the third Monday of February annually in the United States as a federal holiday.
News
Guterres Backs Nigeria’s Bid For UN Security Council Seat …Hails Tinubu’s Reforms, Regional Security Role
United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has charged Nigeria with spearheading Africa’s quest for a restructured global order, describing the country as uniquely positioned to lead the continent toward superpower status.
Guterres, who backed Nigeria’s bid for the world body’s security council seat, also praised the economic reforms of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration as well as Nigeria’s leadership in stabilising the Sahel and ECOWAS regions, despite facing its own security challenges.
The UN scribe made the remarks last Friday night during a high-level bilateral meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima on the sidelines of the 39th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Speaking during the meeting, Guterres said Nigeria’s large population, sustained democratic governance, vast natural and human resources, and longstanding commitment to multilateralism placed it in a unique position to lead Africa in the evolving global order.
“Given Nigeria’s demographic strength, democratic continuity and deep resource base, the country stands a real chance of leading Africa to becoming the next superpower in the evolving global architecture,” he said.
The UN Secretary-General and the vice president discussed key developments in Nigeria and the country’s expanding leadership role in promoting regional stability across West Africa and the Sahel.
Guterres commended the remarkable and outstanding reforms of the administration of President Tinubu, noting that Nigeria’s bold economic restructuring and security commitments have strengthened its continental standing.
The meeting focused on strengthening Nigeria–UN collaboration to advance global economic growth, peace and security, sustainable development, and a coordinated humanitarian response across Africa.
In his remarks, Shettima thanked the UN Secretary-General for his leadership in advancing global peace, noting that Africa has benefited immensely from his tenure, even as the United Nations undergoes internal restructuring.
“We remain committed to multilateralism and to deepening our partnerships with the United Nations and other global institutions,” the vice president said.
Shettima also reiterated Nigeria’s longstanding call for comprehensive reform of the United Nations system to reflect evolving global realities.
He emphasised that Africa must have stronger representation in global decision-making structures and declared that Nigeria deserves a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Both leaders pledged to deepen cooperation, with Guterres reaffirming the UN’s support for Nigeria’s reform agenda and its growing leadership role in advancing peace, security, and development across Africa.
