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Take PVC Message To Opposition, Fubara Tells GDI Members …As Sensitisation Moves To Obio/Akpor
As the Grassroot Development Initiative (GDI)sensitisation rally anchored at Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, the Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, has charged members of the GDI to step up the PVC sensitisation message by taking it to the opposition, whom he referred to as “enemies” in the state.
Addressing GDI members and supporters, who assembled at the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Rumuola, Port Harcourt, for the sensitisation rally, last Saturday, Fubara, hinted that with what had been demonstrated so far during the rally, it was evident that almost all GDI members have their PVC.
He, therefore, advised them to direct the message to “our enemies” who will become our “friends” tomorrow.
He said the evangelism should be to encourage everyone residing in the state, including those with opposing political leaning who may become our friends tomorrow.
Fubara also stated that due to the limited time left for the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, it had become expedient that the programme be taken to another level.
“This PVC sensitisation will end on the 31st of this month, so, we have limited time left; and because we have limited time, this sensitisation has to move to another level. The programme has to be aggressive, high and forceful”, Fubara said.
He commended the people of Obio/Akpor for their massive turn out for the programme, and solicited their continuous support.
He added that the support was not only for him but for their son, who is also the Governor of the state as well as leader and grand patron of GDI, Chief NyesomWike.
Earlier, the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Amb Desmond Akawor, had thanked the leadership of GDI for the very good work they were doing in mobilising and educating the people of the state on the need to register and obtain their Permanent Voters Cards, which he noted,was the only instrument through which they could exercise their voting right.
“When we were at Ikwerre, I thought it was just a ‘Tsunami’. We went to Ahoada West, and I saw ‘intercontinental ballistic missiles’. Today, I am seeing in Obio/Akpor, a repetition of ‘Hiroshima’. I don’t know what will happen in Ahoada East”, Akawor said.
Welcoming the governorship candidate and his running mate to the LGA, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Barrister George Ariolu, noted that it has become necessary to continue the voters’ education to enable the area retain its position of having the highest number of registered voters in any local government council in the Niger Delta.
Speaking also, the President General of GDI, Chief Bright Amewhule, used the occasion to call on INEC to investigate the alleged discovery of buried PVCs in a politician’s compound in the area and ensure that the outcome was made public.
The Obio/Akpor PVC sensitisation rally featured solidarity messages from leaders and stakeholders from the area, including, Hon KingsleyChinda;Hon Martins Amaewhule; GDI President-General, Chief Bright Amaewhule;chairmen of Obio/Akpor and Emohua local governments, Barrister George Ariolu; and Dr Chidi Lloyd; Prince WeliWosu; Chief AnugbumOnuoha; Rivers East Senatorial candidate, Chief AllwellOnyesoh; among others, who underscored the importance of the Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs).
The event attended by a cream of political juggernauts from within and without Obio/Akpor LGA, including the PDP Deputy Governorship candidate, Prof NgoziOrdu; members of the National Assembly and State House of Assembly, local government chairmen; PDP State Exco, led by the State Secretary, Dr Benibo George; former commissioners; and special advisers; as well as women, youth and students groups also featured ward-by-ward gyration with PVCs on display.
By: Nelson Chukwudi
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.