Here is a roundup of some Nigerian newspaper headlines with our advocacy calls.
1. ‘Obasa returns as Lagos Assembly speaker’ – Punch
Mudashiru Obasa has been returned as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. Obasa was reinstated following the resignation of Mojisola Meranda, who stepped down from the role with immediate effect. He was returned as the speaker during Monday’s plenary session.
Mudashiru Obasa has been reinstated as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly because why retire when you can just reshuffle the chairs and keep things moving?
For those keeping records, Obasa has been speaker since 2015, and at this rate, he might just outlast some traditional rulers. The real question is: are Lagosians okay with this game of musical chairs, or is it time for fresh leadership?
Our Take: Lagos residents, 2027 is not that far away. If you do not like recycled leadership, the power to change it is in your hands. Register, vote, and hold your representatives accountable.
2. ‘Natasha: CSOs plan protest, seek Akpabio’s resignation as monarch backs Senate president’ – The Guardian
Meanwhile, in the red chamber, the heat is rising as CSOs are mobilising for a mass protest in Abuja, demanding that Senate President Godswill Akpabio resign over sexual harassment allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
But wait, there’s more. A traditional ruler has thrown his weight behind Akpabio, because in Nigeria, when there is a scandal, you can always count on some ‘elders’ to play referee.
Our Take: While the political class debates who’s right and who’s wrong, the real issue here is accountability. Sexual harassment claims should not be swept under the carpet like a bad budget proposal. Whether you support Natasha or Akpabio, an independent investigation is the only way to uphold the dignity of the Senate.
3. ’60 percent manufacturers forced off-grid due to unreliable power supply — Minister’ – Vanguard
Factories that should be churning out goods are now in the business of ‘self-power generation’. Meanwhile, government officials continue to discuss ‘roadmaps’ and ‘plans’ while industries crumble under the weight of outrageous production costs.
Our Take: Instead of announcing problems we already know, how about fixing them? The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, should incentivise industrial power access and fast-track renewable energy projects.
4. ‘2027: Tinubu must complete eight years – Kalu’ – Vanguard
Since when did Nigeria become a monarchy where kings rule until they please? Did we miss the memo that turned our ballots into mere decoration pieces?
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has declared that President Bola Tinubu must complete two terms in office, insisting the All Progressives Congress (APC) has only one presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
Our Take: Instead of allowing political elites to dictate their future, Nigerians should remind them that power belongs to the people Democracy is not a family inheritance, and Nigeria is not for sale.
