Here is a roundup of some Nigerian newspaper headlines with our advocacy calls for today, 19 March, 2025.
1. ‘Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers, Suspends Fubara’
In a move that feels more like a power-hungry emperor flexing his muscles than a constitutional leader safeguarding democracy, President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and, wait for it, suspended the Governor, Deputy Governor, and State House of Assembly members for six months.
You would almost think Rivers State was suddenly at war with an alien invasion.
Our Take: The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has rightfully called out this democratic sacrilege, pointing out that under Section 305 of the 1999 constitution, the president has no such powers to unseat elected officials under the guise of emergency rule.
Nigeria is not a monarchy where one man’s discomfort with political tension can automatically dissolve elected governance.
If this power grab goes unchallenged, what stops any president from casually kicking out elected governors every time political tension arises?
The National Assembly must reject this unconstitutional move, not just to protect the people of Rivers State but to preserve democracy across the federation. If we allow this to slide, we are basically saying goodbye to the rule of law and hello to executive tyranny.
2. ‘Bill Seeking Physical Offices for Bloggers Scales Second Reading in Senate’ – Daily Trust
In a bold move to ensure that Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, and the ghosts of MySpace past have a proper Nigerian address, our distinguished senators have advanced a bill mandating social media platforms to open physical offices in the country.
Because, of course, the real threat to national security is not poor data protection enforcement, cyber fraud, or even government agencies leaking personal data.
Our Take: Nigeria’s data protection laws should be about protecting citizens, not forcing tech companies into unnecessary office rentals. Let’s focus on real solutions, not theatrics.
3. ‘Tuberculosis Kills 71,000 Nigerians in One Year’ – Daily Trust
Nigeria has just set a new record, over 400,000 tuberculosis (TB) cases in 2024 alone, with 71,000 lives lost. That’s 71,000 funerals, 71,000 families in mourning, and 71,000 reasons for urgent action. But guess what? The disease is still spreading faster than our leaders’ willingness to do something about it.
Our Take: While other countries are busy eliminating TB, Nigeria seems to be embracing it. Dear Ministry of Health, take urgent, decisive action to address this crisis. What are you doing to stop TB from claiming more lives?
Increase tuberculosis funding, expand access to free treatment, launch a nationwide TB awareness drive, and strengthen primary healthcare facilities.
