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Wike Orders Demolition Of Shanties Along Eastern Bypass In PH …Oro-Abali Flyover Ready, Dec
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has ordered the demolition of all shanties disrupting the ongoing dualisation of the Eastern Bypass Road in Port Harcourt.
He remarked that these unauthorised makeshift buildings along the Eastern Bypass Road constitute nuisance to the physical development plan of the state.
Wike stated this after inspection of ongoing dualisation of the Ogbunubali, Eastern Bypass roads, Oro-Abali flyover and the Dr. Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease Diagnostic and Treatment Centre in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor local government areas, last Wednesday.
The Rivers State governor, who said he was impressed with the quality of work done by Julius Berger on the Eastern Bypass, however, observed that shanties built along the road were delaying the completion of the road.
“I have directed my chief security officer to make sure all the shanties along the Eastern Bypass must be demolished.”
The governor said the Rivers State Government had repeatedly warned people against unauthorised building of kiosks and other structures that do not conform to the physical development plan of the state.
“And so, all those makeshift buildings along Eastern Bypass must be demolished within the next one week.”
Wike said the Rivers State Government was quite pleased with the ongoing dualisation of the Ogbunubali Road and the unwavering support the community has continued to give to the contractor, Julius Berger.
He stated that by the time the dualisation of the road was completed, it would transform the landscape of the densely populated Ogbunabali community in Port Harcourt.
“We are quite happy that before March next year, the dualization of Ogbunabali Road and the second phase of Eastern Bypass will be completed.”
The governor said Julius Berger engineers working on the Oro-Abali flyover in Port Harcourt, have assured that the project would be completed by December.
According to him, the flyover ought to have been completed by November, but added that the Julius Berger engineers had said they would require additional one month to finish the drainage work around the flyover.
He observed that by the time the Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Rumuola, GRA and Oro-Abali flyovers; dualisation of Ezimgbu and Ogbunubali/Eastern Bypass roads were completed, residents of the state would heave a sigh of relief due to the traffic gridlock currently being experienced in these areas.
Wike described the quality of work at the Dr. Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Rumuokwuta in Obio/Akpor LGA as amazing.
He expressed optimism that Dr. Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, which was one of the major landmark projects of his administration, would be completed by June, 2022.
“We know that by June next year, by the grace of God, we will invite Nigerians to come and see what we have been able to do, as part of our own contribution to the healthcare system. This will be the first of its kind in the country.”
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.
