“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...
In this episode of the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) tracker, we explore the push for greater inclusivity in Nigeria’s political landscape, which has gained momentum through a series of constitutional amendment bills in the House of Representatives to ensure better representation for marginalized groups. These bills seek to provide special seats for women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), youths, and other underrepresented groups in legislative and political appointments. Bill Analysis and Proposed Impact Special...
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...
The quest for gender equality and social inclusion in Nigeria’s governance framework has taken another step forward with the introduction of several constitutional amendment bills aimed at promoting fair representation and women’s rights. Three bills, currently through to the second reading stage in the House of Representatives, collectively address long-standing legal gaps that have hindered gender parity in key political and social structures. This editio of GESI tracker examines the significance and potential impact of...
“The idea of a Prime Minister in Nigeria’s current system is, at best, an unnecessary distraction and, at worst, a costly addition to a government that is already bloated and inefficient” Nigeria is a country facing serious, pressing challenges—crippling inflation, widespread insecurity, a struggling economy, and a populace growing weary of governance that feels more disconnected from their needs by the day. Yet, rather than focusing on policies that could bring immediate relief, our lawmakers...
In this episode of the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Tracker, we consider a bill on the importance of safeguarding the rights of the older persons and ensuring their full inclusion in the benefits and opportunities of society. The Older Persons Rights Bill, 2025, sponsored by Rep. Tochukwu Okere (LP, Imo) and Rep. Olubodun Festus Olugbenga (Oyo) has been presented for its first reading in the House of Representatives. It seeks to safeguard the...
How well has the much talked about cash transfers impacted on vulnerable and marginalized households and groups in Nigeria? In a bid to alleviate poverty and support vulnerable households, the Nigerian government, in collaboration with the World Bank, launched the Household Uplifting Programme – Conditional Cash Transfers (HUP-CCT) in September 2016. This initiative was designed to provide direct financial assistance to low-income families, enhancing their access to basic needs and improving their overall well-being. However,...
Whether for their outspoken nature, legal troubles, or power struggles, these Kogi senators dominated national politics in their hey days The political contributions from Kogi state have been anything but dull. From dramatic arrests and heated senate debates to high-profile legal battles, senators from the north-central state have been central figures in Nigeria’s political drama and controversies. Here’s an in-depth look at the notable senators from Kogi State and the controversies surrounding them. Dino Melaye:...
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...
OrderPaper and BudgIT, leading civic tech organisations in Nigeria, have launched the advocacy to improve separation of powers in Nigeria. Two leading civic organisations, BudgIT and OrderPaper, have expressed deep concern over the weakening of Nigeria’s democratic institutions, citing increasing executive overreach, a compromised legislature, and a judiciary struggling to maintain independence. In a joint statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, both organisations decried the steady erosion of the constitutional principle of separation of powers,...
