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Rivers East Senatorial Re-Run Polls, Peaceful
The Rivers East senatorial re-run election which took place yesterday in eight local government areas, has been described as peaceful, free and fair.
As at the time of filing this report, results were being collated at the various collation centres in Emohua, Ikwerre, Etche, Okrika, Ogu/Bolo, Omuma, Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt local government areas.
Our correspondentds who monitored the election in the eight affected local government areas report that there was general apathy and low turn out of voters.
An official of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) at Unit One, Ward Eight, Rumuomasi, an outskirt of Port Harcourt, who did not want his name in print described the low turn out as worrisome.
He noted that the people had lost confidence in government because of the removal of petroleum subsidy on the first day of January, noting that since their arrival at the polling unit as early as 8.00am till 11.35 am only six voters have been accredited in Unit One, in Rumuomasi.
At Ogu/Bolo and Okrika local government areas the election went on smoothly without any security breach but the low turn out was evident.
The chairman of Okrika local government council, Mr Tamuno Williams and a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) agent, Mr Ibiba Walter described the process as peaceful, free and fair.
Our reporters who observed the counting of votes at the various units said that the PDP candidate appeared to be on the lead.
In Port Harcourt Ward Four, the PDP and ACN agents attributed the poor turn out to loss of interest in the electoral process by the people following the removal of petroleum subsidy by the federal government.
According to them, “imagine that by 2.10pm only a handful of persons have voted.” They indicated that they were still expecting more voters, and commended INEC for early arrival of materials and smooth conduct of the election.
However, our correspondents report that materials arrived late in some wards in Emohua local government area and it may affect early conclusion of the process.
Efforts to speak with the Action Alliance candidate, Mr Michael Chizi Atata proved abortive but his PDP counterpart, Senator George Sekibo while casting his vote at Ward 2, Unit 6 in Ogu/Bolo local government area described the election as free and fair, and thanked the electorate for trooping out to exercise their franchise. Also speaking, the PDP leader in the area, Chief Jonah Tamuno said the support for Senator Sekibo was an indication of his quality representation. The Ogu/Bolo local government chairman, Dame Maureen Tamuno thanked the people for turning out enmasse and for conducting themselves peacefully during the exercise.
Speaking to newsmen, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Elder Aniedi Ikoiwak, said the Rivers East senatorial re-run election was successful and free of violence.
Elder Ikiowak explained that materials for the conduct of the election arrived at the polling units before 7.30am, noting that the commission would continue to improve on the electoral process in the country.
The state Director of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Chief Andy Nweye, commended the political parties for their peaceful conduct during the re-run election, explaining that it was a culture that Nigeria should build upon.
He attributed the low turn out of voters to the problem of fuel subsidy removal and the festive holidays while lauding INEC for making electoral materials available in good time.
Soye Young Itiye, Ike Wigodo, John Bibor, Collins Barasimeye & Akujobi Amadi
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.