Here is a roundup of some Nigerian newspaper headlines with advocacy calls.
1. ‘Federal government asks Adeleke to halt Osun election’ – Daily Trust
The federal government has asked Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State to suspend the local government elections scheduled for Saturday.
Our Take: The Osun State Government must prioritise peace and the rule of law over political battles. With lives already lost and tensions high, pushing forward with the local government elections despite legal uncertainties risks further chaos. We call on Governor Adeleke to prioritise dialogue, uphold court rulings, and ensure that democratic processes are not overshadowed by violence.
2. ‘Presidential panels gulp N21bn in seven years’ – Punch
Since taking office 20 months ago, President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima have inaugurated at least 42 committees across sectors like education, health, and security. Reports reveal that running key presidential committees since 2018 has cost Nigeria N21.17 billion.
Our Take: President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, with 42 committees and N21 billion spent in just seven years, Nigerians deserve more than fancy inaugurations and photo ops! Where are the tangible results? Have these committees solved problems or just created new ones, like the mystery of vanishing funds? We call on Nigerians to demand accountability. If these committees are truly working, let’s see the impact, not just the expense. Governance isn’t a reality show, it is about real results.
3. ‘CBN defends hike in ATM withdrawal charges’ – Vanguard
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has said that its decision to increase charges on cash withdrawals from automated teller machines (ATMs) of other banks was needed to incentivise banks to ensure improved access to cash at the ATMs.
Our Take: The CBN’s claim that higher ATM withdrawal charges will improve cash access sounds like asking Nigerians to pay more for their own inconvenience. With rising costs of living, should citizens now be punished for using the nearest available ATM? Instead of burdening struggling Nigerians, the CBN should push banks to expand ATM networks without making access to cash more expensive.
