Here is a roundup of some Nigerian newspaper headlines with our advocacy calls for Friday, 28 March, 2025.
1. ‘Reps rescind decision to strip Vice President, governors of immunity less than 24 hours after’ – Vanguard
The House of Representatives has rescinded its decision on the second reading of a bill seeking to strip the Vice President, governors, and deputy governors of immunity, as well as a bill advocating the death penalty.
Our Take: We call on the lawmakers to revisit and pass the bill stripping immunity from top officials to ensure true accountability. Rescinding it so quickly suggests self-preservation over justice. In a democracy, no one should be above the law, leaders must be held to the same standards as the people they govern.
2. ‘Tinubu’s second term assured – Akpabio’ – Daily Trust
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has assured President Bola Tinubu that his second term is secure, despite opposition efforts to unseat him in the 2027 election.
Our Take: At a time when Nigerians are grappling with severe economic hardship, it is troubling that conversations are already shifting to President Tinubu’s second term instead of how to alleviate the suffering of the people. Shouldn’t re-election be earned through good governance rather than political assurances? Senate President Akpabio’s bold claim raises serious concerns, does this mean the 2027 election is already decided, regardless of the people’s will? In a true democracy, leadership is determined by the electorate, not by political proclamations. Rather than focusing on securing another term, the priority should be fixing the economy, reducing inflation, and ensuring Nigerians can afford basic necessities. Let the people, not politicians, decide 2027.
3. ‘Tinubu marks 73rd birthday today, seeks spiritual guidance for Nigeria’ – Punch
President Bola Tinubu will on Friday join fellow Muslims at the National Mosque in Abuja for a special prayer session for the nation to mark his 73rd birthday, which is on Saturday.
Our Take: As President Bola Tinubu marks his 73rd birthday with prayers for the nation, perhaps he should also pray for a way out of the crushing hardship Nigerians face daily. While divine guidance is commendable, Nigerians would appreciate some earthly interventions, like policies that actually ease inflation, reduce fuel costs, and make basic necessities affordable.
Mr. President, as you thank God for preserving you in office, Nigerians are hoping for a miracle too, one that puts food on their tables and money in their pockets.
4. ‘CISLAC says Rivers’ Sole Administrator’s actions threaten democracy’ – The Guardian
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has warned that the dismissal of political appointees by the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), poses a significant threat to democracy.
Our Take: The actions of Rivers State’s Sole Administrator set a dangerous precedent that undermines democratic governance and accountability. Unilateral dismissals of political appointees without due process raise serious concerns about executive overreach. Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the people of Rivers State must challenge this erosion of constitutional order to prevent a slide into authoritarian rule. Democracy thrives on checks and balances, not on the whims of appointed officials.
