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PANDEF Vows To Resist Water Resources Bill
An official of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Ken Robinson, has vowed that the people of the Niger Delta would resist any attempt to pass the Water Resources Bill, which is being reintroduced to the National Assembly.
Speaking on Arise Television in an interview on the Reintroduced Water Resources Bill, Robinson said the passage of the bill would be for the betterment of a section of the country through the Federal Government to the detriment of other parts of the country, particularly the Niger Delta region.
He said, “We cannot have the Water Resources Bill under any disguise”.
He argued that considering that laws were being misguided and abused, the passage of the bill was a direct call to anarchy.
He faulted the composition of the directors of the new NNPC Ltd, saying it showed marginalisation of the people of the Niger Delta.
He queried the appointment of no fewer than seven people from a section of the country, saying it breaches the principle of equity, fairness and justice.
The PANDEF spokesman said the Water Resources Bill was another form of RUGA which should not be allowed to stand as current developments in the country suggest a grand desire to take over arable land and water resources of some parts of the country by the Federal Government, adding that if the bill was allowed to make its way to passage, whatever the consequences would be should be received in good faith by the Federal Government.
Arguing on the claim that the bill is in conformity with global best practices, Robinson said it was important for the government to introduce best practices in the country by ensuring inclusiveness in governance, ensuring the protection of lives and property, despite religious differences and geographical location, and directing attention to the principle of justice and fairness.
On his part, former Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Ita Enang, argued that there was nothing to fear about the Water Resources Bill as it was a good idea and an economic programme geared towards harnessing the resources of water across the country.
Enang’s position, which was basically on the side of the government, stated that the water that flows into the Niger Delta area has its tributaries in the River Niger and Chad, adding that the content of the Water Resources Bill was a standard practice globally and that Nigerians have a lot to benefit from it.
He juxtaposed the River Basin Authorities established in 1976, nearly five decades ago to the reintroduced Water Resources Bill.
He said the passage of the bill would boost animal husbandry and support crop production.
The law establishing the River Basin Development Authorities mandated 11 agencies to develop water resources to boost agricultural productions, especially irrigable crops.
The Water Resources Bill was first introduced in the National Assembly in the 7th and 8th Assembly, and was outrightly rejected as a result of public outcry.
It was reintroduced on June 29, 2022, with same controversy and rejection trailing its reintroduction.
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.
