In this post, we digest some top stories that make up the front pages of major Nigerian newspapers on Thursday, 29 August, 2024, and provide key advocacy asks.

WASSCE: NASS wades into controversy

The National Assembly yesterday waded into the controversy generated by the Federal Government’s plan to peg the age limit for students to write the West Africa Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) at 18 years.

We call on the education minister to focus on holistic education sector reforms that ensure all children have access to quality education and the root causes of out-of-school children are addressed.

We also call on the National Assembly; federal lawmakers to review the conditions for accessing grants as provided for in the Universal Basic Education Act 2004.

NLC plans mass procession as Ajaero honours police invitation

Barring any last-minute change in plans, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, will today (Thursday) honour the summons by the police over allegations of treason and terrorism financing.

With reports of the police violating the fundamental human rights of some citizens frequently emanating, the police authorities in Abuja must ensure that they respect the rights of the NLC president as he honours their invitation.

Flooding kills over 170 in 15 states

Floods have so far killed a total of 179 persons in 15 states and displaced 208,655 others in 22 states within this year, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has said.

State governors need to urgently prioritise flood disaster preparedness and response to protect lives and prevent further displacement across the affected states.

Concern as Abuja Photographer Spends Ten Months in Detention over ‘Intentional Insult’

A youth, Nicholas, has spent 10 months in detention by the police in Abuja for allegedly committing ‘intentional insult’ against his boss, the owner of a photo studio in the Federal Capital Territory.

It is unfortunate that the law that is meant to protect the poor, the vulnerable and the victims are now being used to victimise them. The police should stop abusing their powers and trampling on the fundamental rights of citizens.

Whistleblowing Policy: FG Recovers over N83bn, $609m, 5.4m Euros in Six Years

The federal government said it recovered over N83 billion, $609 million and 5.4 million euros in liquid assets between 2017 and 2023 following the introduction of the Whistleblowing Policy by the immediate past administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

We urge President Bola Tinubu’s government to uphold its commitment to guaranteeing the whistle-blower’s protection from possible reprisals.