NRTC LIST: Top 10 major topics in the political field for 2023

Friday Omosola Featured 11/12/2023

As 2023 draws to a close, numerous significant political events have left a lasting impact on the collective memory of Nigerians.

News Round The Clock (NRTC) has delved into these pivotal issues, spotlighting ten major events that will influence the understanding and awareness of the Nigerian populace.

General Election.

The recently concluded general election, which ushered in President Bola Tinubu, senators, representatives, and members of the State House Assembly, stands out as arguably the most pivotal political event of 2023.

In the lead-up to the elections, Nigerians were inundated with campaigns and advertisements daily, guiding them on the choice of the right candidate. The February 25th election was hotly contested, and its aftermath – a triumph for Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) – remains a subject of ongoing debate, with several parties continuing to voice discontent even after legal proceedings concluded.

2024 Budget.

In 2023, Nigeria faced another pivotal political issue with President Tinubu’s presentation of the 2024 Budget to the joint national assembly in October. Following the presentation, Nigerians took to social media to scrutinize various budget items.

One notable point of contention in the presented budget was the allocation of funds for renovating the presidential, vice-presidential, and other listed residences, forming part of the comprehensive N20.5 trillion 2024 budget proposal.

President Bola Tinubu. Source: NRTC Library.

Breaking down the proposed budget, key allocations include N4.12 trillion for capital expenditure, N6.31 trillion for recurrent (non-debt) expenditure, N5.97 trillion for debt service, and N411.73 billion for statutory transfers.

The allocation specifically earmarked for residence renovations sparked diverse reactions. Critics deemed the proposed spending excessive, especially given the country’s prevailing economic challenges. Conversely, proponents defended the budget, asserting that the renovations are essential and that the overall spending aligns with the government’s priorities.

Insecurity.

In 2023, Nigeria grappled with persistent insecurity. Boko Haram and other terrorist groups maintained their attacks in the North-East, while banditry and kidnapping inflicted other regions. Criticism of the government’s response to these security challenges as ineffective was widespread.

Despite ongoing ransom payments to free kidnapped individuals, the recent killing of innocent civilians in Kaduna drew severe condemnation. The people argued that, in attempting to defend themselves, the Army mistakenly took the lives of numerous individuals, causing profound grief in the community.

Strongly condemning these acts, Nigerians demand accountability and justice for the perpetrators of these crimes. The call is clear: those responsible must be brought to justice to address the deeply rooted issues of insecurity in the country.

Constitutional Amendment.

Another topical political issue is the effort made by the to amend the Nigerian Constitution continued in 2023, with proposals aimed at addressing issues such as devolution of power, electoral reform, and gender equality. However, progress on these amendments was slow and fraught with political disagreements.

Economy.

In 2023, the Nigerian economy faced significant challenges in 2023, with inflation rising to a 17-year high and the naira depreciating against major currencies. These economic difficulties contributed to rising poverty and unemployment, particularly among young people.

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Corruption.

The fight against corruption continued to be a major focus of the government in 2023— the effectiveness of these efforts was questioned by many, with some accusing the government of selective prosecution and of failing to tackle high-level corruption. Some Nigerians’ even tackled the president by appointing into his cabinet people that have smuggled the country money overseas.

National Population and Housing Census.

Following the 2006 census in Nigeria, there has been a persistent call for a fresh count to accurately determine the country’s population. While the initiative was initially proposed by ex-president Muhammadu Buhari, it was later entrusted to Tinubu’s administration.

The eagerly awaited national population and housing census, originally slated for April 2023, faced delays attributed to logistical challenges. The census holds significant importance for effective planning and resource allocation, and the postponement has sparked concerns regarding the precision of government data.

Education.

The Nigerian education sector remained under-resourced and plagued by poor infrastructure and strikes by teachers and academics. These challenges hampered the quality of education and access to learning for many Nigerian children. With signing into law Students loan bill, Nigerians were hopeful the educational sector will be revived. The student loan will kick-off next year.

Healthcare.

The Nigerian healthcare system also faced significant challenges in 2023, with inadequate funding, shortages of medical personnel and equipment, and outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and Lassa fever. These issues contributed to a high rate of infant mortality and a low life expectancy in Nigeria.

Climate Change.

During COP28 in Dubai, the Nigerian government’s involvement highlighted the escalating impacts of climate change within the country in 2023. The prevalence of more frequent and severe droughts, floods, and heatwaves underscored the urgency of the situation.

While the government initiated efforts like investing in renewable energy and climate-smart agriculture, substantial additional measures are imperative to effectively mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on Nigeria’s environment and its populace.