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Mitee Explains Exit As MOSOP Leader
Immediate past President, Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), Mr. Ledum Mitee said he was bowing out as leader of the organisation in order not to be seen as a sit tight leader.
Mitee explained that it was time to move on, after being at the forefront of the struggle for a better deal of the Ogoni people, under the aegis of the Pan Ogoni organisation for nearly two decades.
Speaking during the 20th Ogoni Day Celebration in Bori in Khana local government area on Wednesday, Mitee said that he would not be offering himself for election, despite persuasion from some quarters to do so.
“In my last Ogoni Day statement on the 4th of January 2011, I had said that would be my last speech as MOSOP President, as I would not be offering myself up for re-election during the MOSOP elections due later in the year.
“I want to restate for emphasis as I did then that, my decision is not borne out of any diminished zeal or love for the struggle, but after nearly two decades in the front row of the struggle, the time has come when one has to move on,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said ahead of the elections of a new MOSOP executive later this year, a caretaker committee has been set up to run the affairs of the body until the outsanding election are concluded, just as he said the people stand to achieve a lot when they are united.
He added, “The best tribute we can give to the memory of those gone, those of us alive today and the many yet unborn, is to stay united and focused on our collective interest as a people.
“The fact that I have decided not to seek re-election for MOSOP President therefore should not be misconstrued as an indication that I am leaving the organization.
“Let me repeat here that for better or for worse, I remain committed and all of us must commit ourselves to the MOSOP struggle which carries our collective conscience until we realize our promise and restore our dignity.
“One thing that gladdens my heart is that we took over the helm of affairs of this organization at a most difficult time in the history of our people, when we were severely and bitterly fractionlized but we were able to bring about an impressive level of unity across the land.
“The Electoral Committee set up to conduct the elections reported at the last meeting of the Steering Committee of MOSOP that it had completed elections at all levels except the national elections in respect of which they encountered some challenges. “Confronted with this situation, the Steering Committee therefore decided to set up a Caretaker Committee to run the affairs of the organization until the conclusion of the outstanding elections,” he explained, while urging the people to support the committee and the in-coming executive.
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.