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Ikwerre, Etche Pass Confidence Vote On Amaechi …Support Ogoni Governor
The people of Ikwerre and Etche ethnic nationalities in Rivers State under the aegis of Ikwerre/Etche People’s Forum have passed a vote of confidence on the State Governor and Chairman, Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi for his development strides, which according to them cut across all spheres of human endeavours that are visible in all the 23 local government areas of the state.
The group further renewed their unflinching support and commitment to Governor Amaechi’s government in the state.
A six-point communiqué issued at the end of the forum’s meeting held at the state College of Arts and Science, Rumuola, Port Harcourt, was read by President, Engr. Emmanuel Amadi.
The Communique was signed by General Secretary, Dr. Gift Nwiyi, Hon. Uzodinma Nwafor, ELGA Cordinator, Collins Wali, Ikwerre, Okwu Anokwuru, Phalga, bar. Jude Obodo Chukwu, Emuoha, Hanachor Amadi, Obio/Akpor and Bar Sylvanus Nwankwo, Omulga Cordinator.
The forum appreciated the governor for his developmental strides, especially in the areas of education, Health, Road, Infrastructural development, Agriculture, Security, Employment and human capital development, adding that the projects have direct bearing on the people of the state.
The forum also congratulated Governor Amaechi and Rivers people for accepting and embracing the All Progressives Congress (APC), adding that the massive turn out witnessed in all the 23 Local Government Areas of the state during the recent APC membership registration exercise was an eloquent testimony of people’s acceptance of the party in the state.
The forum further commended the new State Commissioner of Police, Tunde Ogunsakin for acknowledging the status and office of the state governor as the Chief Security Officer in the state, noting that such recognition has resulted in the peace and security being witnessed in the state since his assumption of office.
The Ikwerre/Etche people’s Forum pledged their support for the zoning of the next governorship in the state, to the South East Senatorial District with particular interest in candidates from Ogoni extraction for equity, justice and fair play, noting that the Ogonis have not produced deputy governor, Speaker or Chief Judge since the creation of the State.
The forum said that the Ogoni people have suffered much in the state and contributed to the development of the state and the nation, adding that all the six local government areas in the forum have decided to support the governorship bid of the Ogoni people in 2015 general elections.
The group used the medium to call on Rivers people to join hands in prayers with Governor Amaechi to ensure that candidate who will advance his developmental gains succeeds him come 2015.
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.
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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.