News
FG, Not Serious With Anti-Graft War -Insists On Trial Of Indicted Ex-RSG Officials – Condoles Nigerians Over Ekwueme’s Demise
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has stated that the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government’s fight on corruption can only be taken seriously, if it prosecutes indicted persons who siphoned resources belonging to the Rivers State Government.
Wike said that documents and evidence from the State Judicial Commission of Inquiry have been transmitted to the police and the anti-corruption agencies, but no action has been taken.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the members of the Okpo Club of Nigeria (Ikwerre Lawyers Worldwide), yesterday, at the Government House, Port Harcourt, Wike said that the sale of Rivers assets was done in a manner to defraud the state.
He said majority of the assets were sold to Sahara Ltd in very questionable circumstances as determined by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry.
According to him, the sad aspect of the transactions by the immediate past administration was that it paid back $50million to Sahara Ltd on the allegation that the company loaned that amount to the Rivers State Government.
He directed the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to commence the process for the unilateral implementation of the recommendations of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry, since the anti-corruption agencies have refused to act.
On interventions in the construction of federal courts in Rivers State, Wike said that his administration was interested in advancing the course of justice, hence the diligent investments.
He said that the National Industrial Court will be completed by January 2018.
Wike said despite the hostilities of the Court of Appeal, the administration undertook to remodel the Port Harcourt Division of the court in the interest of justice.
On state-wide development, Wike noted that the administration has visible projects presence in 22 out of the 23 local government areas of the state.
Earlier, Chairman of Okpo Club of Nigeria (Ikwerre Lawyers Worldwide), Chukwuma Chinwo lauded the Rivers State governor for investing in the revival and growth of the Judiciary in the state.
Chinwo stated that achievements in the area of education, health and road infrastructure have changed the landscape of the state.
He assured Wike of their support, noting that they were proud of his achievements as a lawyer.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has commiserated with Nigerians, the government and people of Anambra State and the family of the former vice president, Dr Alex Ekwueme over his passage.
The governor, who described the late former vice president, Alex Ekwueme, as an outstanding democrat, compassionate leader, true patriot and exemplary statesman, said he would be missed by all lovers of democracy and development.
While extending his deepest condolences to Nigerians, Wike noted that he was pained by the death of the former vice president.
He prayed God to grant the family of the former vice president the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Meanwhile, the Senate has urged the Federal Government to immortalise former vice president, late Dr Alex Ekwueme, who died in a London hospital.
The upper chamber also called on Federal Government to immediately name the Federal Polytechnic, Oko and other federal assets after him.
This followed a motion moved by Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekwerenmadu, who officially informed the Senate of Ekwueme’s demise.
He noted that the deceased was an intellectual giant who had lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation.
The senators took turns to eulogise late Ekwueme, whose statesmanship and leadership qualities they described as outstanding.
The Senate consequently resolved to send a high-powered delegation to commiserate with his family, government and the people of Anambra State.
The lawmakers also observed a minute’s silence in his honour.
President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, had in his statement, last Monday, said that the death of Ekweme was a loss for the country, saying that the deceased was a detribalised Nigerian that put Nigeria first and showed loyalty to the former government headed by Shehu Shagari.
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.