Nigeria, a nation constantly brimming with political intensity, social discourse is in the news.
On Thursday 17 April, headlines are dominated by stern political warnings, welcome economic shifts, and the cheerful anticipation of the Easter season.
But what’s really capturing the nation”s attention about Nigeria? Here is what we found.
Atiku Declares a ‘State of Emergency’ Over Nigeria’s Security Collapse
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has stirred intense political conversation after describing Nigeria as being in a “full-blown state of emergency.”
In a statement released on April 16, he condemned President Bola Tinubu’s prolonged stay in France while insecurity escalates across the country.
Atiku highlighted brutal killings in Plateau State’s Zike community, with over 100 lives lost, as well as renewed violence in Benue and a resurgence of Boko Haram attacks in the North-East.
He accused Tinubu of abandoning his constitutional responsibilities, stating that his 59-day cumulative stay in France since assuming office amounts to “dereliction of duty on a catastrophic scale.”
He challenged the justification of Tinubu’s visit as a “working trip,” insisting that any tasks being done abroad could be more appropriately handled at home, especially in light of the current crises.
While critics argue this may be part of Atiku’s political strategy ahead of 2027, many Nigerians see his concerns as a wake-up call to the government’s handling of national security.
Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, reinforced the statement by stressing the constitutional obligation to ensure citizens’ security and welfare.
Nigerians Speak
Online platforms like X (formerly Twitter) have exploded with reactions, many of which echo Atiku’s sentiment that Nigeria is facing a leadership vacuum during its darkest hour.
Peter Obi Pressures Tinubu to Return and Confront Insecurity
Labour Party leader and former presidential candidate, Peter Obi has added his voice to the growing demands for accountability.
Through a post on X, Obi urged President Tinubu to cut short his France trip and return to deal with Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, which has claimed more than 150 lives in recent weeks across Plateau, Zamfara, and Borno states.
Obi questioned the opacity surrounding the President’s travels, criticizing its poor timing amid national crisis.
Unlike Atiku, Obi stopped short of calling it a state of emergency but emphasized the urgent need for on-ground leadership.
Obi’s stance has resonated strongly with Nigerians frustrated by rising violence and economic hardship.
Observers say Obi’s measured tone still delivered a powerful message, that leadership must be seen and felt, not just spoken of from abroad.
Meanwhile, the Presidency has offered limited details about the France visit, vaguely labeling it a move to attract foreign investment.
Dangote Refinery Eases Burden With Petrol Price Cut
Amid the political unrest, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery announcement of a reduction in petrol ex-depot price — from ₦865 to ₦835 per litre, also makes Nigeria trend
The slash in price is effective April 16.
This 3.5% cut, the second in just under a week, comes in response to falling crude oil prices globally (now at $64 per barrel).
With a refining capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, the Dangote refinery is quickly becoming a powerful influence in Nigeria’s downstream oil market.
Consumers are hopeful this development will translate into lower pump prices and reduced transport costs. However, there’s growing pressure on independent marketers to reflect the drop, with IPMAN advocating for direct refinery purchases to bypass NNPC bottlenecks.
FG declares public holidays for Easter
The Easter season is also making Nigeria tick at the moment, especially the Federal Government news declaring April 18 (Good Friday) and April 21 (Easter Monday) as public holidays.
This announcement has sparked joy nationwide, offering families and communities a moment to pause and celebrate.
Churches, markets, and parks are gearing up for the festivities, and social media is already flooded with posts of Easter programs and shopping hauls.
Despite excitement, authorities have been urged to strengthen security nationwide, especially in areas recently affected by violence.
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