Editorial

INDICATIONS that the Federal Government’s Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) may be discontinued from this year are not surprising, considering its projected failure from the outset.

REPORT, the other day, that allocations to the Amnesty programme in the Niger Delta have been cut by half to N20 billion this year needs official clarification. The Medium Term Expenditure Framework document showed that the allocation for the Amnesty Programme was halved to N20 billion for 2016, and subsequently, it was not included for 2017.

THE backlash from civil rights organisations and other groups over the bloody clash between soldiers and members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, has only pointed to the necessity to view the incident first as a matter of national security, more than anything else. The clash resulted in the death of 62 persons in Zaria.…

THREE issues, namely greater financial discipline, prudent expenditure and strict observance of due process are among those thrown up by the recommendation of stiff sanctions on government officials (especially state governors) who misapply loans meant for overall improvement of the people’s living standards.

IN every way, the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) support programme for victims of the Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast is significant, considering the vast damage the insurgency has wrought on several communities.

THE year 2015 will go on record as a watershed in the affairs of Nigeria. Of the many momentous events in the period, the democratic change of baton at the centre stands out boldly.

CRIME inventory in Lagos State in the past 11 months, as reeled out the other day by the Commissioner of Police is alarming, to say the least.

AS the December deadline given by President Muhammadu Buhari for the military to put an end to the Boko Haram insurgency draws to a close, Nigerians must be under no illusion that ending the war is automatic.

THE municipal election, the other day in Saudi Arabia represents a commendable milestone in the history of the country, especially the women’s struggles to have access and presence in a theocratic society.

TODAY is Christmas day, when the fulcrum of a defining episode in the emergence of Christianity, namely the birth of Jesus Christ, is commemorated and celebrated. Christians in Nigeria and their counterparts worldwide mark the Incarnation, the “Word of God taking flesh and becoming man,” in order to save humanity from sin and damnation.

THE success of the world climate conference by parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is worth celebrating.

COMING from the Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, the announcement that the Senate would soon commence its code of ethics, by sanctioning erring members, is gratifying and worthy of encouragement. It is particularly significant because in the past years, corridors of government, including the Senate, have too often been traversed by men and women of questionable integrity.