Op-ed Editor, Author at Parliament Reports

Nigeria: Democracy, data, and nation-building

Op-ed EditorJune 11, 20255 min

In this opinion piece, Michael Olaogun argues that Nigeria’s democracy gains are limited by lack of data-driven nation-building efforts Since the fifth century, the concept of democracy as a “people-oriented” system of government has permeated different parts of the world, adapting to various cultural and historical contexts with its intention to promote citizens’ government. This is defined as “government of the people, by the people, for the people” attributed to Abraham Lincoln. As such, it...

Citizens Speak House of Representatives Senate

Fubara: NASS must end the state capture in Rivers now | OPINION

Op-ed EditorApril 10, 20256 min

“Let us not be deceived. This is a deliberate, coordinated, and well-funded assault on Governor Siminalayi Fubara.” By Charles Jiduwah By any stretch of democratic logic, what is happening in Rivers state today is nothing short of a full-blown constitutional crisis – and the National Assembly (NASS) is complicit. The Nigerian Constitution makes no provision for a sole administrator in any state. Yet, here we are, witnessing a dangerous political experiment unfold in full view...

Citizens Speak House of Representatives Senate State Assemblies

State of Emergency: Tinubu’s power grab and assault on democracy | OPINION

Op-ed EditorApril 3, 20256 min

Where is the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)? Where is the Labour Party (LP)? Their collective silence in the face of this constitutional breach is a national embarrassment. By Charles Jiduwah The political crisis in Rivers State has laid bare the troubling weaknesses of Nigeria’s democratic institutions. What started as a battle for control between Gov. Siminalayi Fubara and his estranged political benefactor, Minister Nyesom Wike, has escalated into a full-blown constitutional crisis—one now exacerbated by...

Citizens Speak

We Are All Ushie Uguamaye

Op-ed EditorMarch 19, 20256 min

In recent days, Nigeria has been gripped by the unfolding story of Ushie Rita Uguamaye, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving in Lagos, who courageously voiced her concerns over the nation’s escalating economic hardships. Opinion piece by ANTHONY UBANI In a video shared widely on social media, Ms. Uguamaye criticized government policies she believes have exacerbated the rising cost of living, referring to President Bola Tinubu as a “terrible leader” and questioning his...

Citizens Speak National Assembly Politics

The imperative of passing the early voting and diaspora voting bills

Op-ed EditorMarch 17, 202515 min

As citizens become increasingly engaged with the global and technological landscape, it is imperative that the National Assembly passes laws enabling both early voting and diaspora voting. By Anthony Ubani In a dynamic and rapidly changing world, the principles of democracy must evolve to meet the needs of all citizens, wherever they may be. In Nigeria, two crucial reforms—early voting and diaspora voting—are long overdue, with the potential to significantly enhance electoral participation, inclusivity, and...

Citizens Speak

Tax Reforms: Examining the controversial bills

Op-ed EditorFebruary 18, 202510 min

Nigeria’s proposed tax reform bill has ignited fierce debate, with supporters hailing it as a necessary step to modernise an outdated system and boost revenue, while critics warn of economic strain and regional inequality. By Michael Olaogun As the year 2024 was drawing to a close, Nigeria’s political climate was engulfed with conversations and counter conversations on the proposed tax reform bills that are currently being considered by the Nigerian National Assembly. The imbroglio continues...

Citizens Speak RemTrack

REMTRACK: A tool for public accountability in Nigeria’s oil, gas and mining reforms

Op-ed EditorDecember 18, 202413 min

For over five decades, Nigeria has relied on its oil and gas sector for its major foreign exchange and revenue earnings. Environmental degradation, loss of livelihoods, strange diseases, lack of portable water etc unfortunately instead became the lot of the citizens in the host communities who wondered what went wrong in the midst of so much prospects, hopes and now, dashed dreams. Since the discovery of Oil in 1956, Nigeria has not transmuted to the...

Citizens Speak

The 2024 US Presidential elections: Lessons from an outsider | OPINION

Op-ed EditorNovember 25, 20249 min

Laz Apir in this opinion piece shares perspectives on the presidential election and imminent second coming of Donald Trump as president of the US Trump’s entire campaign was built and hotly running against incumbent President Joe Biden up until July 2024 when like Trump, the world woke up to the news that President Biden would no longer be running for a second term due to inability to function optimally as a result of his old...

National Assembly Politics

FRA: Fiscal reforms key to addressing Nigeria’s rising debt

Op-ed EditorJuly 22, 20244 min

With a rise in the country’s debt burden from N457.5 billion ($3.33bn) in 2007 to N121.67 trillion ($42.12bn) in 2024, the National Assembly’s moves to amend the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) is welcome When the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) was enacted in 2007, Nigeria’s external debt was N457.5 billion ($3.33bn). As of 2024, it has ballooned to N121.67 trillion ($42.12bn). This dramatic increase raises questions about the efficacy of the current legislation, which...

Citizens Speak

OPINION: Judgement without justice

Op-ed EditorFebruary 15, 20249 min

Judgement without justice is an opinion article by Sesugh Akume, a public policy analyst, who wrote from Abuja. Two weeks ago, on Monday 29 January, the Honourable Mr Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court (Court 9) sitting in Abuja held in the matter of Sesugh Akume v Chief Registrar, Supreme Court of Nigeria (FHC/ABJ/CS/1491/2020) that the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court erred when a Freedom of Information (FOI) application I had made...

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