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.”

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.