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Tam-George Drums Support For Wike …Tasks Staff On Dedication, Hardwork
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike (right), flanked by the Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dabotorudima Adams (middle), and Hon. Ken Chikere at the memorial service of late Chief Robert Chikere at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Port Harcourt, Saturday
The Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Dr. Austin Tam-George, has urged the people of the State to work together to resist and defeat the rapacious politics of the former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, who seems to be desperately seeking a third term in office in the state, by using Mr. Dakuku Peterside as his proxy.
In a press statement issued in Port Harcourt to felicitate with the people at Christmas, on behalf of the State Government, Dr. Tam-George reminded the people of Rivers State that despite receiving over 3 trillion Naira in revenue in eight years, the Amaechi government left the most abandoned and uncompleted projects in the history of Rivers State, since 1967.
“The Amaechi administration broke the social contract between the government and the Rivers people. They left a disastrous legacy of rot, corruption, deceit and months of unpaid salaries. To call them a “government” would be a misuse of words. They behaved more like a criminal syndicate,” Dr. Austin Tam-George said.
Dr. George asked the people of the State to put partisan politics aside, and stand solidly in support of Governor Nyesom Wike in order to develop and save the State.
“Governor Nyesom Wike has shown a clear determination to develop the state and deliver service to the people. Governor Wike has achieved more in six months, what the previous administration failed to achieve in six of its eight inglorious years”, Dr. Tam-George said.
The Commissioner particularly urged Mr. Dakuku Peterside to abandon his meangingless quest for power, and support the efforts of the Wike administration to develop the State, and lift the people out of the poverty and depression imposed upon them by the previous administration.
“Mr. Dakuku Peterside was never a serious political candidate. He is like the victim of an identity theft. His image has been taken up by Rotimi Amaechi who wants to return to rape the State yet again. But people of Rivers State will continue to resist and defeat them” the Commissioner maintained.
Meanwhile, the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Dr. Austin Tam-George, has enjoined management staff of the Ministry to re-double their efforts in the discharge of their duties.
The Commissioner gave the charge in Port Harcourt during his maiden meeting with the Heads of Department shortly on assumption of duty.
He described the Ministry as strategic which would be repositioned to carry out its statutory functions effectively.
According to Dr. Tam-George, the times had changed and required a more robust and realitic approach in the dissemination of information on government policies, programmes and activities.
He stated that the present administration, under Chief Nyesom Wike, has redefined governance and restored confidence in public administration, adding that the administration had achieved so much in so short a period, particularly in the provision of municipal infrastructure within the state capital and immediate environs.
Dr. Tam-George, who stressed that the task ahead is enormous, said there is bound to be a new approach in the interaction between government and the people.
In their responses, the Directors pledged to identify with his vision and aspirations for the ministry and the state at large.
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.
