In this post, we digest some top stories that make up the front pages of major Nigerian newspapers on Wednesday 02 October, 2024, and provide key advocacy asks.
P’Harcourt refinery misses seventh production rollout deadline – Punch
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has again failed to begin fuel production at the Port Harcourt refinery in Rivers State. This is despite the refinery failing to commence operations after about six postponements as of August 2024.
It is time for the Nigerian government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to take immediate, transparent, and accountable steps to resolve the persistent delays in the Port Harcourt refinery’s operations. Citizens deserve clarity on why these continuous postponements occur and urgent measures to ensure fuel production starts without further delays.
#Fearless in October protests: Soldiers, police crack down on protesters in Rivers, Abuja, Kano – Vanguard
Some protesters against bad governance had a raw deal in the hands of the army, police, other security agents and even political thugs, yesterday, in Rivers, Kano and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja.
The violent crackdown on peaceful protesters highlights a troubling disregard for citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and assembly. We call on the Nigerian Police and the Tinubu administration to uphold their constitutional duty to protect, not oppress, the people.
Independence Day: Governors salute Nigerians for resilience amid hardship – The Guardian
Governors across the country yesterday commended Nigerians for their resilience in the face of challenges, urging them to continue to keep hope alive, as the current effort to reposition the country would ultimately yield fruits.
Commending Nigerians for their resilience in the face of challenges is not needed. Nigerian governors must urgently take concrete action to curb the growing hardship faced by residents of their states. Through transparent governance and equitable distribution of resources, governors should work collectively to ensure that the current economic reforms yield tangible benefits for all citizens.
