Here’s a roundup of major Nigerian newspaper headlines, along with urgent calls to action for those in power. 

1. ‘Despite court order, VIO returns to Abuja roads’ – Daily Trust

The operatives of the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), popularly known as VIOs, are now back on Abuja roads with the commencement of e-ticketing enforcement for all traffic offences.

Our Take: If the rule of law were a traffic light, it seems the VIO has decided to speed right through a red one. Despite a court order sidelining them, they’re back on Abuja roads. This blatant disregard for the judiciary sets a dangerous precedent, because if enforcement agencies won’t obey court rulings, why should ordinary citizens follow their directives? We call on the Director of the DRTS, Abdulateef Bello, to put the brakes on this lawlessness.

2. ‘Lagos Assembly crisis worsens, reveals deeper cracks in state’s power dynamics’  – The Guardian

Tensions rose at the Lagos House of Assembly yesterday as officers of the Department of State Services (DSS) entered the Assembly complex, taking strategic positions and disrupting legislative activities, including a scheduled plenary session.

Our Take: The DSS storming the Lagos Assembly like action movie extras is a plot twist nobody asked for, but here we are, witnessing democracy turned into a street brawl. Security agencies must remember that their duty is to uphold the rule of law, not play kingmakers in legislative scuffles. Meanwhile, lawmakers should focus on serving the people rather than treating political power like a game of musical chairs. If this drama must continue, at least let it follow the script of constitutional order, Nigerians are tired of watching yet another poorly directed sequel of political chaos!

3. ‘Federal government plans N2.3tn electricity subsidy in 2025’ – Punch

The federal government may spend N2.36tn on electricity subsidies for low-income consumers in 2025, a figure that comes amid plans to implement a cost-reflective tariff for electricity consumers.

Our Take: While the promise of a N2.36tn electricity subsidy in 2025 sounds like a bright idea, Nigerians have seen enough ‘shining’ policies that never make it past the headlines. The government must go beyond figures on paper and ensure that low-income citizens actually benefit from affordable electricity, because at this rate, the only thing truly cost-reflective is the struggle to survive.