Index to Nigerian Newspapers

The police authorities have said they would not condone any form of violence during the planned two-day demonstration declared by organised Labour in protest against the hardships and high cost of living in the country.The police handed down the Riot Act on Sunday as the Nigeria Labour Congress gave fresh conditions ahead of the minimum wage negotiation commencing on Monday (today.)The police warning is coming against the backdrop of the alarm by the African Development Bank that rising prices of fuel and other commodities could lead to social unrest in Nigeria, Ethiopia, Angola, and Kenya.The AfDB sounded the warning in its macroeconomic performance and outlook for 2024 in which it projected Africa’s economy to grow higher than the 3.2 percent recorded in 2023. “I am a teacher in one of the private schools; I have gotten nothing in the form of palliative from the government. We have been trusting in the Lord and we thank God for his grace has been sufficient for us,” she said. Mr Samuel Tijani, a resident of Ilisan Remo, did not benefit from the palliatives just as he appealed to the government to lessen the pains of the fuel subsidy removal. Tijani said, “I have received nothing in the name of palliatives from anyone since the crisis of this fuel subsidy removal began. I heard that the state government is planning to distribute another set of food palliatives soon. I sincerely hope that the government will ensure that it goes around this time.”

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that the number of associations seeking registration as political parties has increased to 171, following the submission of 19 additional letters of intent. The commission has published the updated list on its website and other official platforms. A review committee has completed its assessment of the applications and submitted recommendations for final consideration. A shortlist of pre-qualified associations is being finalized for the next stage of the registration process. The commission urged applicants to be patient and avoid practices that could delay their approval. The commission also reserves the power to deregister parties that fail to meet these standards. The latest list of proposed names reflects a wide spectrum of political ambitions, including the Key of Freedom Party, Absolute Congress, All Grassroot Party, Congress Action Party, United Social Democrats Party, National Action Congress, New Nigeria Congress, United People’s Victory Party, Allied Conservative Congress, Peoples Freedom Party, Abundant Social Party, All Nigeria’s Party, Citizens Party of Nigeria, National Freedom Party, Patriots Party, and Movement of the People.

A bill has been introduced to amend the 1999 Nigerian Constitution to allow governors to appoint state commissioners of police. The amendment aims to decentralise the Nigeria Police Force, which has struggled to address the country's security crisis. The bill, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and 14 others, puts the police on the concurrent list, allowing states to have state-controlled policing. Key innovations include transferring police from the exclusive legislative list to the concurrent list, introducing a comprehensive framework for cohesion and accountability, and providing rigorous safeguards to prevent unwarranted interference by federal police in state police affairs. The bill also acknowledges the financial challenges faced by state police and requires the federal government to provide grants or aid, subject to the approval of the National Assembly.The proposed legislation alters Section 214 of the Constitution to distinguish between federal and state police, stating that federal police maintain public security and preserve public order. They cannot interfere with state police operations or internal security affairs, except to contain serious threats. Supporters argue that military involvement is not necessary.