Good morning, Nigeria. Welcome to the Naturenex roundup of the country’s top newspaper headlines for today, Saturday, 31st May 2025.
1. Killings Report ‘Exaggerated’ — DHQ Replies Amnesty International
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed a report by Amnesty International concerning the increasing wave of killings in Nigeria, particularly within the last two years under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In a statement on Friday issued by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, the DHQ described Amnesty’s report as lacking proper context and ignoring the significant efforts of the Nigerian military in tackling criminality and terrorism nationwide.
As previously reported by Naturenex, Amnesty International alleged that over 10,217 people have been killed and 672 villages destroyed in two years, with Benue State recording 6,896 deaths and Plateau State 2,630.
The organization also accused the Nigerian government of failing in its duty to protect citizens from constant attacks by criminal elements. In response, Kangye said while the contributions of civil society groups are valued, the report failed to acknowledge the asymmetric nature of Nigeria’s security threats and the complex socio-political environment in which the military operates.
2. Edo Governor Extends Political Amnesty To PDP’s Asue Ighodalo
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has granted an unconditional political amnesty to Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2024 governorship election.
According to a statement shared with Naturenex on Friday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Okpebholo’s gesture towards Ighodalo, who has allegedly been abandoned by his allies, is a demonstration of genuine statesmanship.
The Governor acknowledged Ighodalo’s current political predicament following his election loss and extended an invitation to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), contributing to Edo State’s development agenda.
“I want to publicly invite Mr. Asue Ighodalo to join us in the APC so that, together, we can advance the cause of development in our dear State. Since his vision aligns with what we are already doing through God’s help, we believe he still has a role to play.
“Godwin Obaseki, who lured Asue Ighodalo to come and run for elections, is hiding in the United States of America. Half of Obaseki’s cabinet members who regarded Ighodalo as their own personal vending machine have all deserted him and are hiding abroad.
“As a brother who truly cares for Ighodalo’s wellbeing, I believe that this political amnesty will save him from this humiliation and loneliness. As a people, we have a task of ensuring that we continue to develop Edo State, protect our people, and work hard to re-elect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. Asue Ighodalo can be useful in these key areas,” Okpebholo said.
3. PDP Ex-Chairman Urges Makinde To Gear Up For 2027
A former Oyo State PDP Chairman, Kunmi Mustapha, has advised Governor Seyi Makinde to begin preparations for a presidential run in 2027.
In a message shared with Naturenex to commemorate Makinde’s sixth year in office, Mustapha described the Governor as courageous and capable, asserting that the internal crisis within the PDP does not imply it cannot reclaim national power in 2027.
Mustapha, who serves as Special Adviser on Political Affairs to Makinde, encouraged Nigerians to back leaders with genuine intentions for the populace and commended other PDP leaders such as Umar Damagum, Taofeek Arapaja, and Bode George for their unity efforts.
4. Tinubu Cannot Fix Nigeria Alone — Ortom Praises Wike
Former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has called on Nigerians to set aside party affiliations and support President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking on Friday during a project inspection tour with Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, Ortom praised Wike for his transformative work in Abuja and commended Tinubu for appointing the former Rivers State Governor as Minister.
Naturenex reported that Ortom noted Wike’s remarkable performance since his ministerial appointment.
5. Gov Eno Hints At Exit From PDP
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has indicated that he may leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
During a state banquet on Thursday marking his second year in office, Eno expressed his admiration for the PDP but implied a forthcoming political shift.
“I respect our party, the PDP. I love the PDP. But we all know the way things are.
“So, whatever happens, wherever the journey of life takes me, I will always love you. We’ve built strong friendships, and we will always keep them.
“If you have anything to do, invite me—I will come. I will always be there. But it’s time to progressively move. That again will not affect anything in this state. We do not govern based on political affiliations,” Governor Eno remarked.
6. House Of Reps Summons WAEC Over 2025 WASSCE Irregularities
The House of Representatives’ Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies has summoned the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) over irregularities in the ongoing 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
Naturenex confirmed that the committee, led by Oboku Abonsizibe Oforji, gave WAEC 24 hours to appear on Friday, May 30, after failing to honour an earlier invitation on May 27.
The 2025 exams, which began on April 24 and will end June 20, faced disruption when the English paper, slated for May 28, was delayed for hours in multiple centres, forcing late-night sittings and widespread frustration.
WAEC blamed logistical problems tied to anti-leakage efforts, but this explanation did little to appease the public. Oforji criticised WAEC’s absence at the hearing and highlighted the rising complaints about the examination’s management.
7. Edo Governor Hails APC Court Victory
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has hailed what he called the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s uninterrupted victories in the state.
In a statement to Naturenex, Governor Okpebholo celebrated recent legal wins over the PDP, which he described as validation of the APC’s dominance.
A celebratory motorcade was held in Benin City on Friday following an Appeal Court ruling that upheld the APC’s governorship election victory. The Governor, Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, and party loyalists paraded the city’s streets.
“God will continue to give Edo people victory as He is in charge of the affairs of the State,” he said, listing PDP defeats at the poll, tribunal, and court as evidence of divine favour.
8. Court Approves Substituted Service In Defamation Case
A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted an application for substituted service against Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, representing Ebonyi North, in a defamation lawsuit by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central.
As reported by Naturenex, Justice Angela Otaluka gave the order on Wednesday after an ex parte motion by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Yahuza Zakari.
The application requested permission to serve Nwaebonyi via a national newspaper or through the National Assembly Clerk, as personal service was impractical.
9. Tinubu Praises Ogun’s National Sports Festival Hosting
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has applauded the Ogun State Government for successfully hosting the 22nd National Sports Festival, calling it a “world-class event” showcasing Nigeria’s unity and athletic talents.
The 12-day competition, which concluded on May 30 at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, saw attendance from Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Dapo Abiodun, and Bayelsa’s Governor Douye Diri, among others.
Tinubu’s message, conveyed by Akpabio, praised both athletes and organisers, noting that the festival reaffirmed Nigeria’s unity through sports.
10. Cobhams Asuquo: Why I Work Harder Than My Peers
Renowned singer and producer, Cobhams Asuquo, has revealed he works five times harder than his industry colleagues despite his blindness.
Speaking to Hip TV in a chat relayed by Naturenex, the ‘One Hit’ crooner said that societal stereotypes about visually impaired people being incapable drive him to excel.
Cobhams clarified he is completely blind and encouraged others with disabilities to embrace their circumstances and draw strength from them.
That wraps up today’s top Naturenex newspaper headlines. Stay tuned for more updates tomorrow.
