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Editorial

Page 10 of 43

  1. Editorial

    Bloodshed in Plateau: Who’s pulling the strings of chaos?

    The recent brutal attacks in Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State, which left at least 52 people dead and many others injured, are a stark reminder of the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria. These senseless killings unprovoked and systematic raise serious concerns about the safety of ordinary citizens, especially in vulnerable rural communities ...

  2. Editorial

    Endless power struggle in Rivers state

    Since the failed impeachment attempt on Governor Siminailayi Fubara in 2024, the political landscape in Rivers State has been in turmoil. The subsequent explosion that damaged part of the State House of Assembly, which led to its demolition by the Governor, further exacerbated tensions in the state. The Governor cited structural integrity concerns as the ...

  3. Editorial

    Operation. Stamp. Out. Vaccine. Hesitancy!

    The recent tragic death of a child from measles following an outbreak in Texas has served as a stark reminder of the deadly consequences that vaccine hesitancy can have. The outbreak, which affected multiple states, is a harrowing example of how preventable diseases can resurface when immunisation rates fall. Measles, a disease that was nearly ...

  4. Editorial

    Economic protectionism: The West African standoff

    The recent decision by the military juntas of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to impose a 0.5% levy on goods imported from Nigeria marks a significant turning point in West African trade relations. This move comes in response to Nigeria’s support for the sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) against ...

  5. Editorial

    Nigeria’s crumbling public education system

    Nigeria’s public primary education system is in a dire state, suffering from years of neglect and mismanagement. Without immediate intervention, the situation will only deteriorate further, placing the future of millions of children at risk. Across the country, public schools are crumbling. Many lack essential infrastructure, learning materials, and adequate teacher support. Classrooms are overcrowded, ...

  6. Editorial

    Governance must take priority over 2027 election speculations

    The growing wave of political endorsements urging President Bola Tinubu to seek re-election in 2027 is premature and risks diverting attention from the nation’s immediate challenges. With less than two years completed in his first term, such discussions shift focus away from the pressing issues that require urgent attention. Rather than engaging in early political ...

  7. Editorial

    The menace of touting in Port Harcourt

    Driving through the streets of Port Harcourt has become a distressing ordeal, largely due to the unchecked rise of touting, which has now become a deeply entrenched practice. Commercial drivers and motorists are the worst affected, as virtually every bus stop has been transformed into a so-called ‘pit’—a term used by the touts themselves. Each ...

  8. Editorial

    Land dispute: An avoidable communal crisis

    The 1999 Nigerian Constitution, specifically Section 43, guarantees every citizen the right to acquire and own immovable property. However, this right is not absolute and may be subject to limitations, including compulsory acquisition for public use, provided that adequate compensation is given and individuals have access to legal recourse for determining their interest and entitlements. ...

  9. Editorial

    Unimagined emergencies: Edo vs Rivers

    In Nigeria, the term “State of Emergency” is often associated with political crises, security breakdowns, or natural disasters. It signifies an urgent intervention to restore order and stability. Yet, as recent events unfold, the interpretation of what constitutes an emergency seems to be shifting. Two states—Edo and Rivers—have seen vastly different approaches to governance under ...

  10. Editorial

    2027: On the viability of emerging opposition coalition

    As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, a new opposition coalition has emerged, capturing the attention of political observers across the country. This coalition, comprising influential figures such as former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and other key players from various political factions, has ...

  11. Editorial

    Outsourcing polytechnic accreditation: A risk to quality education

    The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has announced its decision to outsource polytechnic accreditation to private consultants—a move that has already drawn criticism from the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) and other stakeholders in Nigeria’s technical education sector. ASUP has strongly condemned the decision, describing it as an attempt to commercialise the core ...

  12. Editorial

    Neo-imperialism and the masks of globalization

    America’s Vice President, JD Vance’s remarks at the recent American Dynamism Summit expose a harsh reality that many in the so-called Global South—particularly Nigeria—have long understood but rarely had articulated in the corridors of Western power: globalisation, in its current form, has been a mechanism of exploitation masquerading as progress. His critique of American industry’s ...

  13. Editorial

    Niger State: Women in leadership, a test of inclusion

    Despite ongoing efforts to advance gender equality, women in Nigeria remain significantly underrepresented in both elective and appointed political positions. The national average of women’s participation in politics stands at a mere 6.7%, a stark contrast to the global average of 22.5%. This disparity not only reflects entrenched cultural and structural barriers but also underscores ...

  14. Editorial

    The dilemma of military attacks on EKEDC without sanctions

    Recent reports of military personnel attacking Ikeja Electric and the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) have sparked public outrage. These incidents, which involved members of the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Army, raise serious concerns about accountability and the rule of law. The first incident occurred on 7 March 2025, when soldiers from the ...

  15. Editorial

    The looming food crisis

    Nigeria is on the brink of a severe food crisis, threatening the lives of millions. According to the latest Cadre Harmonisé (CH) analysis, an estimated 30.6 million Nigerians, including nearly 151,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs), will face acute food insecurity between June and August 2025. While this projection represents a slight improvement from previous estimates, ...

  16. Editorial

    Maintaining balance between individual rights and institutional integrity

    The ongoing controversy surrounding Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s unauthorised participation in the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in New York has sparked intense debate about parliamentary diplomacy, procedural integrity, and political accountability in Nigeria. While much of the discussion has focused on her breach of protocol, it is crucial to explore the broader implications of her actions ...

  17. Editorial

    Rivers state political crisis: A lingering inferno

    Since early 2024, when an unsuccessful attempt was made to impeach the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, the political atmosphere in the state has remained turbulent. The botched impeachment attempt escalated into the burning of the State House of Assembly, and to this day, the political turmoil shows no sign of abating. The central ...

  18. Editorial

    Osun LG crisis: Political power play at the expense of the people

    The protracted battle for control of local government councils in Osun State between the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) has ground governance to a standstill, leaving ordinary citizens to bear the consequences. While political gladiators wrestle for dominance, residents are left without essential services, businesses are disrupted, and ...

  19. Editorial

    Pornography ban: Looming fascism or common sense?

    The recent directive by Nigeria’s House of Representatives ordering the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to block access to pornographic websites has sparked widespread debate. While some see it as a long-overdue move to protect societal values, others view it as a distraction from more pressing national concerns, or worse, a dangerous step towards authoritarianism. This ...

  20. Editorial

    Telecom tariff hike: A turning point for reform

    The Nigerian telecommunications sector stands at a pivotal moment. The recent decision by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to approve a 50% hike in telecom tariffs, particularly for voice calls and data, has sparked widespread concern. This decision comes at a time when Nigerians are already grappling with severe economic challenges—rising inflation, increasing unemployment, and ...

  21. Editorial

    Need for transparency in Nigeria’s tax reforms

    Nigeria’s ongoing tax reform discussions have reached a pivotal stage, presenting an opportunity to strengthen economic stability or, if mishandled, deepen existing inequalities. The recent public hearings at the National Assembly have underscored the complexity of the proposed tax bills and the far-reaching consequences they could have on individuals, businesses, and the broader economy. On ...

  22. Editorial

    Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan: A test of Nigeria’s commitment to women in politics

    The recent treatment of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Nigerian Senate is a stark reminder of the systemic obstacles women continue to face in political leadership. Her forceful ejection from the chamber, following a dispute over her designated seat and alleged obstruction of her legislative duties, underscores the entrenched institutional bias against women in Nigeria’s ...

  23. Editorial

    FG must act now to stabilise the exchange rate

    The urgent task of reducing and stabilising Nigeria’s exchange rate—and, by extension, reviving the nation’s economy—has become critical in light of the severe economic hardship facing the country. As the saying goes, when two elephants fight, the grass suffers. In this case, it is ordinary Nigerians who bear the brunt, struggling not just to make ...

  24. Editorial

    Adeleke’s visit to Baba Akande: A new chapter in Osun politics?

    On 4 March 2025, the Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, paid a courtesy visit to Chief Bisi Akande, a former governor of Osun and the interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), at his residence in Ibadan. According to the Governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the two leaders held a ...

  25. Editorial

    Deadly cargo on Nigerian roads

    The devastating explosion of a commercial vehicle on the Abeokuta-Sagamu Interchange Expressway, which claimed 16 lives, is yet another grim reminder of the dangers posed by the unsafe transportation of flammable materials. Governor Dapo Abiodun’s call for transport unions to educate their members on these risks is both timely and necessary. However, given the frequency ...

  26. Editorial

    Lassa fever crisis needs action not excuses

    The alarming statistics from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) are an urgent call to action. In February 2025 alone, 80 people succumbed to Lassa fever, with 413 confirmed cases reported across 11 states. This surge in fatalities highlights the critical gaps in Nigeria’s response to a disease that has plagued the ...

  27. Editorial

    Curbing the kidnapping epidemic

    Kidnapping for ransom in Nigeria has transitioned from an occasional crime to a nationwide epidemic, devastating families, communities, and the national economy. The frequency of abductions has reached alarming levels, affecting all sectors of society and fuelling widespread fear and insecurity. In February 2025 alone, high-profile kidnappings underscored the urgency of this crisis. One such ...

  28. Editorial

    Dangote’s fuel price reduction: A call for NNPCL to step up

    The recent move by Dangote Refinery to reduce the fuel pump price is commendable and highlights the potential for locally refined petroleum products to ease the economic burden on Nigerians. However, this development also serves as a wake-up call to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), which must do more to fulfil its role ...

  29. Editorial

    Nigeria’s rising debt: A looming crisis or necessary investment?

    Nigeria’s increasing reliance on external borrowing, particularly from the World Bank, has become a focal point of economic discourse. With the World Bank set to approve another $2.2 billion loan in 2025, bringing the country’s total approved loans from the institution to $9.25 billion over three years, concerns over debt sustainability are mounting. While these ...

  30. Editorial

    Preserving Nigeria’s artistic legacies

    The preservation of Nigerian art, in all its forms, is not just a matter of preserving aesthetic beauty but a vital undertaking to protect cultural identity, environmental resources, and the link between generations. From the intricate beadwork of the Yoruba people to the vivid landscapes in traditional painting, Nigeria’s art holds within it the stories, ...