Here is a roundup of some Nigerian newspaper headlines, accompanied by our advocacy-driven demands for government action in addressing citizens’ concerns.
1. Punch: Tinubu to Meet Service Chiefs over Rising Killings
President Bola Tinubu is planning to meet with the service chiefs to discuss the rising killings in Plateau, Benue, and other parts of the country on his return to Abuja from his two-week working visit to Paris, the French capital.
Our Take: President Tinubu must act decisively and urgently by not only meeting with the service chiefs but also ensuring that concrete, people-centred security measures are implemented to end the cycle of violence in Plateau, Benue, and other affected regions. Beyond dialogue, there must be visible outcomes, swift justice for victims, improved intelligence gathering, and increased protection for vulnerable communities to restore public trust and safeguard lives across the country.
2. Vanguard: Unity Colleges Boil over Illegal Racketeering Levies, Admission Racketeering
Vanguard reports that all is not well in federal government colleges, also known as unity schools, as parents are alleging various misconduct against the management. They also accused leaders of Parents/Teachers Associations (PTAs) of imposing illegal levies on them in connivance with school management.
Our Take: The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, must urgently launch an independent investigation into the growing allegations of illegal levies and admission racketeering in federal unity colleges. It is imperative that those found culpable are held accountable to restore transparency and integrity in the education system. Immediate steps should also be taken to review and regulate PTA operations, establish clear channels for reporting misconduct, and protect parents and students from further exploitation.
3. Daily Trust: Zamfara Residents Pay Millions for Safety
Findings by Daily Trust have revealed that residents across Zamfara State are being extorted by armed bandits who demand levies running into hundreds of millions of naira in exchange for allowing the people to remain in their homes.
Our Take: It is unacceptable for citizens to pay for their own safety in a sovereign state. The federal and Zamfara State governments must immediately move to dismantle the extortion networks operated by armed bandits and restore law and order in affected communities.
