Here is a roundup of some Nigerian newspaper headlines, accompanied by our advocacy-driven demands for government action in addressing citizens’ concerns.
1. Vanguard: Hunger, Poverty Now Security Threat – NSA, CDS
The National Security Advisor (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, and Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), recently said that hunger and poverty are the catalysts fueling insecurity, violence and social disintegration in the country.
Our Take: If hunger and poverty are truly fuelling insecurity, as stated by the NSA and General Musa, then the federal government, particularly the Ministries of Agriculture, Humanitarian Affairs, and Finance, must urgently work together to implement transparent, pro-poor economic reforms and scale up social protection programmes. However, if the reverse is the case, that widespread insecurity is worsening poverty and food scarcity, then the Nigerian Police Force, the Armed Forces, and the Office of the National Security Advisor must intensify efforts to restore peace and stability, especially in farming communities. Either way, President Bola Tinubu must ensure that his administration’s interventions are not just symbolic gestures like tractor commissioning but are part of a broader, coordinated, and measurable plan to break this cycle.
2. Punch: Police impartial, not aiding election rigging, says IG
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has refuted claims that security agencies manipulate election outcomes in Nigeria, insisting such allegations are baseless and unfair.
Our Take: While IGP Egbetokun insists that the idea of police aiding election rigging is ‘pure imagination’, many Nigerians might argue it is the kind of imagination shaped by lived experience, like ballot box snatching under police watch or officers conveniently ‘looking away’ during voter suppression.
If the police truly want to shake off this tainted image, they must go beyond denial and actively prove neutrality in future elections through transparent deployments, live monitoring, and public accountability mechanisms.
3. The Guardian: Tinubu Urged to Investigate Alleged Complicity of Security Chiefs
Perturbed by the resurgence of violence and killings in the country, the Bishop of Enugu Diocese (Anglican Communion), Rt Rev Samuel Obiajulu Ike, has called on President Bola Tinubu to investigate the alleged complicity and collusion of security and intelligence chiefs with terrorists and bandits in Nigeria.
Our Take: To restore credibility and improve Nigeria’s global security ranking, the government must prove that no official is above scrutiny or accountability, President Tinubu must urgently order an independent, transparent investigation into the conduct of top security and intelligence officials. Ignoring these allegations not only deepens public distrust but also emboldens insurgents.
