Inside the February 15, 2001 Edition of P.M. News: Tinubu’s Leadership, Lagos Politics, and Rising Crime in Nigeria

A look back at the 2001 P.M. News front page that captured the pulse of Lagos under Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the challenges shaping Nigeria’s urban life.

A Snapshot of Nigeria in 2001

The P.M. News front page from Thursday, February 15, 2001, offers a revealing glimpse into Nigeria’s political and social landscape at the dawn of the new millennium. The headlines reflect a country in transition — one grappling with economic pressure, urban insecurity, and evolving democratic institutions barely two years after the end of military rule.

At the centre of the edition was Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu, then serving as the Governor of Lagos State under the Alliance for Democracy (AD). His leadership style and governance strategies were often the subject of national attention, especially in a state considered Nigeria’s economic heartbeat.

“Why I’m The Best” — Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Bold Claim

The lead story, titled “Why I’m The Best – Gov Tinubu,” showcased Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s confidence in his administration’s early achievements. At the time, Tinubu was only midway into his first term (1999–2003), and Lagosians were beginning to experience the initial stages of his vision for urban reform.

In the article, Tinubu was reported to have defended his record in office, highlighting his efforts in improving infrastructure, traffic management, and public service delivery despite limited federal allocations. His statement reflected not only a defence of his administration but also a tone of competitive pride, as Lagos remained under intense scrutiny due to its population density, economic importance, and political vibrancy.

This headline symbolised the political climate of Lagos in the early 2000s, where reform, public accountability, and state autonomy were hotly debated.

Lagos Legislators Push for Autonomy

Another key headline on the front page read: “Lagos Legislators Want Autonomy.” This reflected an ongoing struggle between the Lagos State Government and the Federal Government over financial and administrative independence.

At the time, the Lagos State House of Assembly was actively advocating for legislative and fiscal autonomy to enhance governance efficiency and reduce federal interference. This debate would later evolve into broader constitutional conversations about true federalism — an issue that continues to shape Nigerian politics today.

Domestic Tragedy: “Man Kills Wife Over Feeding Money”

Beyond politics, the front page also highlighted the darker realities of domestic violence and economic stress in Nigerian homes. The heartbreaking headline, “Man Kills Wife Over Feeding Money,” captured a tragic domestic incident that resonated with the struggles of many families during that era of financial difficulty.

The early 2000s were marked by rising unemployment, inflation, and household tensions, and such stories underscored the social costs of economic instability. Newspapers like P.M. News often brought these personal tragedies to public attention, sparking national conversations about family welfare, mental health, and community justice.

Crime and Urban Security: “Robbers Kill 5, Injure 20”

The front page also carried a grim report under the headline “Robbers Kill 5, Injure 20.” This reflected a period when armed robbery and violent crimes were on the rise, particularly in Lagos and other urban centres.

The report highlighted the need for improved security measures and police reform, as residents lived in fear of attacks on highways and residential areas. It also revealed how urban growth without adequate policing created fertile ground for crime, an issue that successive Lagos administrations have continued to address.

“Urgent Vacancies” – The Job Market in Transition

Interestingly, the P.M. News front page also featured an “Urgent Vacancies” section, advertising job opportunities across various sectors. This small yet telling inclusion served as a reminder of Nigeria’s growing unemployment challenge.

For many readers in 2001, scanning the job listings was a daily ritual — a sign of hope amid an uncertain economic climate. The listings also reflected how P.M. News served not only as a source of political commentary but also as a community hub for information and opportunity.

Contextualising the Headlines

By early 2001, Nigeria was under the civilian leadership of President Olusegun Obasanjo, marking the second year of the Fourth Republic. The media landscape was vibrant and politically charged, with newspapers like P.M. News and The Punch leading in investigative reporting and public discourse.

In Lagos, Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu was laying the groundwork for what would later become his political legacy — one centred on urban renewal, state revenue generation, and institutional reform. His statements in the February 15, 2001 issue hinted at the determination that would later define his career, eventually leading him to become President of Nigeria in 2023.

Legacy of P.M. News

Founded in the 1990s, P.M. News earned a reputation for bold journalism, tabloid-style energy, and a focus on grassroots stories. The February 2001 front page exemplifies this — balancing hard politics, social justice issues, and human-interest stories in a way that appealed to everyday Nigerians.

Its mix of headlines reflected the pulse of Lagos society — ambitious, chaotic, and full of contrast — where the elite and the ordinary citizen shared the same daily concerns about governance, safety, and survival.

References

P.M. News Nigeria, February 15, 2001 Edition (Print Archive)

Vanguard Nigeria: “Tinubu and Lagos Reforms: A Retrospective Analysis” (2023)