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Rivers CJ Pardons 24 Inmates Of PH Correctional Centre
The Rivers State Chief Judge , Justice Simeon Chubuizor Amadi, has granted pardon to 24 awaiting trial inmates at the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre.
Speaking at a special gaol delivery exercise, last Friday at the Port Harcourt Maximum Correction Centre, Justice Amadi said that the special gaol delivery exercise was part of activities designed by the state judiciary to mark this year’s Easter celebration.
He explained that the exercise was in compliance with the provisions of the Criminal Justice Release From Custody Special Provision Act, Cap 40 laws of Federation of Nigeria 2024 and section 34 sub section 1 of the Rivers State Administration and Criminal Justice Law of No.7 of 2015 to conduct gaol delivered exercise in Port Harcourt correctional centre.
The state chief judge recalled that on November 2, 2023, the same exercised was conducted where 55 inmates were released from custody, adding that the gaol delivery exercise has a special place in the justice administration system.
Justice Amadi stated that the exercise underscores the commitment of his administration and the state judiciary at large in ensuring that justice is rightly served and to ensure that the correctional centre is not overcrowded.
According to him, the state judiciary under his watch is dedicated to ensuring that every individual irrespective of their status has right to interface in the society as law abiding citizen.
“Today we have the chance to offer compassion dignity and extend the hand of hope to those who have erred in the past that they deserve to have a change for the features.
“Our correctional center should not be warehouses for breeding ground criminal. Rather it should be an institutions for transformations where individuals can be and reflect on their actions and learn from their past mistakes and receive the necessary tools and support for a better living.
“With the collaboration among stakeholders involved in the criminal justice administration, the judiciary, the Correction Services, law enforcement agencies, legal aids organisations and community leaders must work hand in hand to ensure justice prevail and that they should create a safe and equitable service delivery as they embark on this gaol delivery exercise”, he stated.
The chief judge disclosed that the names of the freed inmates were compiled by a joint committee where all the stakeholders were represented.
Justice Amadi advised the freed inmates to be of good behaviour as they unite with their family and friends and avoid any act and misbehaviour that may bring them back to the custody, adding that they may not be lucky the second time.
“Change your behavior and do not go back to the behavior that will bring you back to the Correctional center again”, he admonished.
Earlier in his welcome address, the State Controller of the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre, Mr Felix Lawrence, thanked the Chief Judge for taking his time to visit the Centre, saying the gaol delivery exercise is essential in decongesting prisons.
By: Akujobi Amadi & Kiadum Edookor
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.