Welcome to Friday’s roundup of Nigerian newspaper headlines, accompanied by our advocacy-focused calls on issues that impact citizens.
1. Daily Trust: ADC, Obi Flay Tinubu over Early Campaign
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the coalition-led African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have criticised President Bola Tinubu for engaging in early campaign through the distribution of vehicles to the state coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA) across the country.
Our Take: Citizens must demand clarity and accountability from the Presidency rather than watch governance cruise on ‘campaign mode’. If public resources and political energy can mysteriously find their way into mobilisation structures, then Nigerians should be equally energetic in insisting that the same enthusiasm be channelled into fixing electricity, securing communities, and lowering the cost of living.
2. The Guardian: Insecurity: Defence Minister Vows Swift Gains as NSA Warns Enemies, Labour Talks Tough
Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has assured citizens that noticeable improvements in national security will emerge ‘within the shortest possible time’, pledging to strengthen coordination among the armed forces, deepen collaboration with security agencies and mobilise public support in the fight against insecurity.
Our Take: As General Musa settles into his new role with promises of swift improvements, Nigerians should actively hold him and the entire security apparatus to those commitments, insisting that he truly walks the talk rather than letting lofty words remain slogans.
3. Punch: Big diplomatic overhaul: Tinubu’s 65 envoy picks brace for Senate storm
The Punch reports that President Bola Tinubu’s 65 ambassadorial nominees will face rigorous Senate grilling next week as part of their confirmation process.
Our Take: The Senate must treat the upcoming ambassadorial screenings as more than a ceremonial nod to political favourites and hold nominees to a standard that matches the weight of representing Nigeria on the world stage. Lawmakers should grill, probe, and demand concrete evidence of competence, patriotism, and integrity, rather than simply rubber-stamping another round of ‘thank-you-for-your-loyalty’ appointments.
