Here is a roundup of some Nigerian newspaper headlines, accompanied by our advocacy-driven demands for government action in addressing citizens’ concerns.
1. Vanguard: Despite Concerns, FG Ramps Up Domestic Borrowing to N10.85 Trillion
In spite of mounting concerns over the huge level of the country’s public debt, and the severe impact of rising cost of debt servicing on the economy, the federal government increased borrowing from domestic investors to N10.85 trillion in the first four months of the year.
Our Take: Given the alarming rise in public debt and the unsustainable cost of debt servicing, now surpassing total revenue, it is time for the federal government to adopt more prudent fiscal measures, improve revenue generation through tax reforms and economic diversification, and ensure transparency and accountability in borrowing decisions to safeguard Nigeria’s economic future and prevent further financial instability.
2. The Guardian: SERAP Seeks CBN Disclosure on Released Fund to LGAs, Rivers Councils
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, to immediately disclose whether the bank has commenced the direct disbursement of allocations to the 774 local councils in Nigeria from the Federation Account and to widely publish the amounts so far directly sent to each of the councils, if any.
Our Take: To promote transparency and uphold constitutional principles of fiscal accountability, the CBN must promptly disclose details of any direct disbursements made to local government councils, including those in Rivers State, and ensure such information is publicly accessible in order for citizens to track public funds and hold their local government leaders accountable for the delivery of essential services.
3. Punch: Rivers Emergency Rule: FG Taps Ex-AGF, 11 SANs as Supreme Court Battle Looms
Punch reports that the federal government has assembled 12 Senior Advocates of Nigeria, led by a former Attorney General of the Federation, Akin Olujinmi (SAN) and six other lawyers to defend the emergency rule declaration in Rivers State in the suit filed by the 11 Peoples Democratic Party governors challenging the suspension of democratic rule in the oil-rich state.
Our Take: President Bola Tinubu must remember that democracy is not a buffet where one picks what to respect and what to toss aside. Suspending elected officials and imposing emergency rule in Rivers State tramples on the constitution. To avoid turning governance into a courtroom drama with tragic consequences, the President should promptly restore democratic order and let the law, not political convenience, lead the way.
