Index to Nigerian Newspapers

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has reportedly backed the emergence of an Igbo president in 2019, despite mixed reactions from prominent Igbo politicians. Some argue that the challenges facing Nigeria have gone beyond who becomes president and that the best approach is to restructure the country and allow each region to develop at its own pace. However, some believe that the Igbo cannot be considered serious when they argue that they are marginalized, as they have always been part of the leadership. For instance, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe supported military President Ibrahim Babangida as de facto vice president from 1985 to 1986, and Dr. Alex Ekwueme served as vice president from 1979 to 1983. Additionally, several Igbo sons and daughters have held sensitive positions in government since the return of civil rule in 1999. Some also believe that the Igbo have been deliberately relegated to the background in politics, arguing that their achievements can be attributed to their resourcefulness, industry, and hard work.

Nigerian media has played a crucial role in promoting democracy since 1999, advocating for good governance, human rights, and democratic values. The media's advocacy role is even mentioned in the titles of Nigerian newspapers like Vanguard, Guardian, Punch, and Tribune. The role has been recognized in Section 22 of the constitution. The media's opposition to military dictatorship in the 1990s was another heroic moment. The advocacy role led to the resignation of Hon. Salisu Buhari as Speaker of the House of Representatives in 1999 over allegations of age falsification, the easing out of office of Ms Stella Oduah in 2014 for corruption-related charges, and the current ordeal of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, David Babachir Lawal, over allegations of grass-cutting contract scandal. However, the advocacy and reform-oriented role of the media came at a significant cost to practitioners and their organizations. Journalists continue to suffer intimidation from state officials, including arrests, prosecutions, and persecution of critical journalists. Additionally, Nigerian journalists work under poor working conditions, with low salaries and irregular working conditions.

Nigeria's politicians and civil society groups are urging for the country's restructuring to reflect true federalism. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar brought back restructuring in the country's political lexicon last year, stating that the structure is heavily defective and does not provide an enabling environment for growth among the 36 component states of the federation. Since then, the clamour for restructuring has continued, with former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Alani Akinrinade, launching a book called Alani Akinrinade: My Dialogue With Nigeria, highlighting the need for restructuring. The Southwest region has always been at the forefront of the agitation for restructuring, with speakers at the book launch supporting Akinrinade's call for restructuring. Some speakers, such as Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, governors of Osun and Ondo states, and Ray Ekpu, have also backed Akinrinade's call, stating that restructuring will bring about the real change the country needs.