Good morning, Nigeria! Welcome to the Naturenex roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Monday, 24th March, 2025.
1. Presidency Defends Fubara’s Suspension as Rivers Governor
The Presidency has dismissed claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other political figures in Rivers State was a power grab. Instead, it insists that the President acted to prevent the state from descending into chaos.
In a statement released on Sunday, March 23, 2025, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasized that delaying intervention could have led to a governance breakdown.
Naturenex reports that the crisis in Rivers State stems from an ongoing power struggle between Governor Fubara and members of the State House of Assembly loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike.
Onanuga further disclosed that intelligence reports indicated that militants in the region were planning to sabotage critical oil infrastructure, posing a serious threat to the country’s economy.
2. PDP BoT Rejects President Tinubu’s State of Emergency in Rivers, Demands Reversal
The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has firmly rejected President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it an unconstitutional move.
The party also criticized the National Assembly for approving the decision through a voice vote instead of securing the two-thirds majority required for such an action.
In a statement issued on Sunday, PDP BoT Chairman Adolphus Wabara, a former Senate President, described the move as reminiscent of military rule and a clear violation of democratic principles.
The PDP urged an immediate reversal of the state of emergency and condemned the suspension of the governor, deputy governor, and state lawmakers, citing it as a dangerous precedent.
3. PDP Chieftain Showunmi Blames Atiku and Wike for Party’s Crisis
Segun Showunmi, a former PDP governorship aspirant in Ogun State, has blamed Atiku Abubakar and Nyesom Wike for the ongoing crisis within the party.
Naturenex reports that despite a Supreme Court ruling, conflicts persist over the party’s national secretary position, with Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye both claiming the role.
Showunmi, responding to criticism on his 𝕏 handle, distanced himself from both Atiku and Wike, suggesting that their rivalry has weakened the party’s stability.
4. Governor Fubara Debunks Relocation Rumors, Makes First Public Appearance in Rivers
Suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara made his first public appearance following the state of emergency declaration and his removal from office.
Fubara was spotted attending a church service at the headquarters of Salvation Ministries in GRA, Port Harcourt, on Sunday, alongside his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie.
Naturenex reports that his appearance follows speculations that he had relocated to Bayelsa State due to security concerns.
5. Atiku’s Aide Compares Tinubu’s Actions to Obasanjo’s Era
A senior aide to Atiku Abubakar, Demola Olarewaju, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to impose a state of emergency in Rivers State, comparing it to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s political maneuvers.
According to Olarewaju, Obasanjo was able to remove governors in his time due to the absence of social media and a slower news cycle. However, he warned that such controversial moves would face stronger resistance in today’s digital age.
He further criticized Tinubu’s appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as Sole Administrator of Rivers State, calling it a dangerous precedent.
6. Former Governor Sule Lamido Slams Tinubu’s Administration
Former Jigawa State Governor and PDP chieftain, Sule Lamido, has expressed pessimism about President Tinubu’s government, stating that “nothing good” will come from it.
In an interview with Sunday Sun, Lamido accused the administration of being driven by selfish interests rather than national progress.
He also pointed out that Nigerians who voted for the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the PDP are now experiencing the realities of their choice.
7. Police Officer Goes on Shooting Rampage in Calabar, Kills Multiple People
A police inspector reportedly went on a shooting spree in the Watt Market area of Calabar, Cross River State, on Sunday, killing and injuring several people.
Naturenex reports that the officer, who was said to have “run mad,” left his station, cocked his weapon, and began shooting randomly.
A video circulating on 𝕏 showed dead bodies at the scene. The Cross River State Police Command has confirmed the incident, stating that the officer has been arrested and is in custody.
However, authorities have yet to confirm the death toll or disclose the officer’s identity.
8. Police IG Warns Against Illegal Detentions
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has reminded officers of the Nigeria Police Force to uphold the rights of suspects in pre-trial detentions.
Naturenex reports that the IGP, through a statement issued on Sunday by Force Spokesperson ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, emphasized that prolonged detentions violate constitutional rights and could undermine public trust in law enforcement.
The IGP urged officers to adhere strictly to legal protocols and uphold accountability in handling suspects.
9. Former Minister Solomon Dalung Speaks on Political Alliances Against Tinubu
Former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Solomon Dalung, has revealed that the Social Democratic Party (SDP) is in talks with former senators and ministers to challenge APC in the 2027 elections.
In an interview with Punch, Dalung described the SDP as a growing political force, arguing that both PDP and APC have failed Nigerians.
He urged Nigerians to consider an alternative political path to restore democracy and eradicate poverty.
10. Brown Ideye Predicts Remo Stars Will Win NPFL Title
Former Super Eagles striker, Brown Ideye, has named Remo Stars as the favorites to win this season’s Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title.
Naturenex reports that Remo Stars currently lead the league table with 57 points, while Rivers United trails by eight points.
With 11 matches remaining, Ideye believes the Sky Blue Stars have a strong chance to secure their first league title after finishing as runners-up in the past two seasons.
