Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has urged members of the Nigerian judiciary and  political class to place legacy and justice above personal interests, saying the true measure of leaders lies  in how their service ends.

Fubara, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi, made the call during a state banquet in honour of  Justice Obietonbara Owupele Daniel-Kalio, held at the Government  House, Port Harcourt, last Wednesday.

Justice Daniel-Kalio retired from the Court of Appeal, Asaba Division,  recently.

Addressing a gathering of jurists, government officials, traditional rulers and other dignitaries, the governor stressed the need for high standards in public service, noting that despite challenges, excellence can be restored through collective resolve.

“It  is about  us coming together,  believing in setting a standard and not allowing our personal interest to over-ride the standards, that is the only way that we can restore the good old days,” he said.

The governor  who described the retired jurist as a model, charged the younger lawyers and politicians, to always uphold  the primacy of truth and integrity in their career and every other  endeavour in life.

“The message tonight is about how a career ends. The conclusion of Justice Daniel-Kalio’s service brings honour to the state. It is a lesson for the upcoming young ones, and those of us in politics.

“When we leave the stage how would our story be told? It is not about us winning now, it is how did it end? We must strive to do the right things to defend the most important thing, and that is justice. Always stand on the side of truth so that at the end, you will be remembered for what is right,” he said.

The governor  remarked that though Justice Daniel- Kalio may have retired, he was not tired but still strong enough to contribute to the development of Rivers State.

He said the state government would seek further ways to tap from his wealth of knowledge and experience,  and urged him to be available whenever the state calls on him to share in  his expertise.

Fubara expressed appreciation to the guests for their presence during what he described as a significant period for his administration, and acknowledged their support when it mattered most.

“Our vision and desire here is to ensure that Rivers State continues to grow from strength to strength. It hasn’t been easy, but I feel very humbled and opportune to say that those of you that are here today, celebrating one of your own are very special to us in Rivers State. We can’t pay you for doing that, but God will reward you,” he said.

In her welcome address, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, Vera Sam-Dike, said the event was designed to  honour an illustrious son of the State and a jurist of exceptional integrity who served with loyalty, fairness and commitment to the rule of law.

She described Justice Daniel-Kalio’s retirement as both the end of an era and a celebration of a career that upheld justice while impacting many lives.

Mrs Sam-Dike praised the retired jurist’s courage, wisdom and intellect and said the banquet was a token of appreciation and a wish for a peaceful retirement.

Responding, Justice Daniel-Kalio thanked the governor for what he called a rare show of love and candour in organising such a state reception in his honour.

He described his years on the Bench as deeply rewarding and stressed that the judiciary remains a stabiliser of any sane and progressive society.

Justice Daniel-Kalio is  the immediate past Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Asaba Division.

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.