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Rivers Governorship Tussle …Appeal Court Adjourns Soberekon’s Suit To Jan 25
The Appeal Court sitting in Port Harcourt has adjourned to January 25, next year further hearing in a case brought before it by Chief Bekinbo Soberekon challenging the declaration of Hon Chibuike Amaechi as the winner in the April 14, 2007 governorship election in Rivers State.
While adjourning the case, the presiding judge, Justice Abubarkar Jega said the decision was to enable the court receive all written addresses from the parties involved in the case to ensure quick dispensation of justice.
For this reason, the Court of Appeal also gave 14 days ultimatum to Chief Soberekon to file all his written addresses to the court and inform all the parties involved in the case.
In like manner, the court also gave all other parties in the suit seven days to respond to Soberekon’s written addresses for further argument.
The court advised all parties involved in the case to put their house in order to enable the case to be disposed off without further delay, adding that the judges and most counsels are coming from different locations.
Counsel to Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) did not raise any objection to the oral application for adjournment by Mary Obey, holding brief for Femi Falana who was unavoidably absent due to flight problem.
Counsel to the Peoples Democratic Party, J.B Daudu also did not object to the adjournment, saying that it would be unfair to continue with the application without the presence of Chief Femi Falana.
Mr Kanu Agabi, counsel to the Resident Electoral Commissioner also adopted the adjournment, but urged the court to note that the petition of the appellant was struck out by the lower court because of lack of diligence in proceeding.
In another development the Appeal Court in Port Harcourt, yesterday adjourned indefinitely another application filed by the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate, Mr Ashley Emenike, seeking substitution of Sir Celestine Omehia with Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.
In his statement, Justice Jega said that a date for motion on ruling for the substitution would be communicated to the parties in due course
Earlier, Chief Ake Omurejiri made reference to section 15 of the Appeal Court act saying that the court has full jurisdiction to dismiss the application on false substitution and so prayed for dismissal.
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.