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DSS Places Politicians Under Watch
The Department of State Security (DSS) has told politicians in the leading parties in Bayelsa State that they were under its security radar ahead of the November 16 governorship election.
The DSS said that it was particularly watching the politicians to know their involvement in any attempt to recruit thugs and move arms into the state to cause violence.
Speaking at a seminar organised by the Nigeria Police Force for political party chairmen and other stakeholders, in Yenagoa, the state capital, the state Director of the DSS, Ishaku Yusuf, said persons under watch were politicians marked for having the capacity to instigate violence during the election.
The stakeholders’ seminar was spearheaded by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Zone 5, Mr D.P. Yakadi.
Yusuf said: “On the issue of identification of those intending to perpetrate crimes during the election; that is being done. Those who have the capacity have been put under security watch and homes under surveillance.”
He lamented that poor attendance of party chairmen and representatives showed their lack of readiness for the poll.
“Another source of worry I have for the coming Bayelsa election is the fact that we have 45 parties listed for the election, but 10 are in attendance here. It shows that security agencies are readier than the owners of the election,” he said.
In his lecture, the AIG, Zone 5, Mr D. P. Yakadi identified factors that could cause electoral violence, and advised stakeholders, including the media, political parties and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to step up preparations and work against corrupt tendencies before, during and after the election.
He assured the stakeholders of the preparedness of the zone under his watch to ensure a hitch-free poll.
Yakadi said: “Unemployment and poverty are some of the key factors that are responsible for election violence in Nigeria. Another factor is the get-rich syndrome, loss of societal values compared to what was attainable in the olden days. Another factor is proliferation of firearms, easy access and consumption of illicit drugs.
“We are here today to discuss with you on how we can have free, fair and credible election on November 16, 2019. The increasing problem of violence in our politics today is a source of security concern.
“The stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Nigerian Police Force today is centred on the need to create a peaceful atmosphere before, during and after the forthcoming Bayelsa governorship election.
“INEC should ensure that the Bayelsa governorship election meets and satisfies international best practices. They should regularly partner the security agencies, and create a conducive environment for stakeholders to ensure credible election in Bayelsa State. INEC should enlighten and sensitise parties on the need to comply with relevant laws and guidelines for the conduct of the election”, he emphasised.
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.