Good morning Nigeria, and welcome to the comprehensive Naturenex roundup of the major news making headlines across the nation this Friday, 13th June, 2025.
1. Tinubu Grants National Pardon To Ken Saro-Wiwa, Others
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially granted a posthumous pardon to Ken Saro-Wiwa, the leader of the Ogoni Nine, alongside other activists. The announcement was made on Thursday during the president’s address to the National Assembly in honour of June 12 Democracy Day.
Tinubu disclosed that other names would be revealed later in collaboration with the National Council of State. It will be recalled that Saro-Wiwa was executed in 1995 after being tried by a military tribunal under General Sani Abacha’s regime — a move that sparked global outrage and led to Nigeria’s suspension from the Commonwealth for over three years.
2. I Defeated Obasanjo In 1999, But Military Denied Me — Olu Falae
Chief Olu Falae, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has alleged that he was the actual winner of the 1999 presidential election, claiming he polled 1.5 million more votes than Olusegun Obasanjo. According to Falae, the military manipulated the election results to favour Obasanjo, fearing he would investigate the military’s activities if he emerged president.
Falae made these remarks during an interview with Arise News as part of this year’s Democracy Day commemorations.
3. Tinubu Fails To Reinstate Fubara, Maintain State Of Emergency In Rivers
Contrary to expectations, President Tinubu did not use his Democracy Day address to reinstate Siminalayi Fubara as Governor of Rivers State or lift the ongoing state of emergency. Despite granting national honours and presidential pardons, the president maintained the suspension of Fubara, his deputy, and the State Assembly, a measure that has been in effect since March 18.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan was reportedly spearheading discreet negotiations with Tinubu to facilitate Fubara’s reinstatement ahead of June 12, but no resolution was announced.
4. Tinubu Mocks Opposition, Declares Pleasure At Their Crisis
During his address to a joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday, President Tinubu took a swipe at the country’s major opposition parties, notably the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP), mocking their internal divisions.
Tinubu welcomed defectors into the All Progressives Congress (APC) and expressed satisfaction at what he described as the opposition’s disarray, drawing applause from ruling party lawmakers.
5. Abacha Never Stole Nigeria’s Money — Al Mustapha
Hamza Al-Mustapha, the former Chief Security Officer to late military ruler Sani Abacha, has defended his ex-boss against longstanding accusations of looting public funds. In a BBC interview, Al-Mustapha insisted that the monies allegedly stashed abroad were actually deposited in national accounts to stabilize the economy.
He explained that the funds were part of an economic strategy to assist Nigerian-owned businesses in importing essential goods for affordable resale to citizens.
6. National Assembly Approves June 12 As Annual Presidential Address Day
The National Assembly has formally endorsed June 12 as the official day for Nigeria’s president to address lawmakers in a joint session annually. The resolution was passed during Thursday’s Democracy Day special sitting, presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio following a motion presented by House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
A voice vote ratified the proposal, institutionalizing the presidential address as part of the Democracy Day observance.
7. Tiwa Savage: ‘I’m Also Struggling In This Economy’
Popular Afrobeat star Tiwa Savage has opened up about the financial hardships she faces amid Nigeria’s harsh economic realities. In a post on her Instagram story, the singer revealed that, as a single mother, she works relentlessly to meet obligations and sustain her lifestyle.
Savage appealed for empathy, noting that the economy has dealt her a tough hand too, even as people regularly seek financial aid from her.
8. Solomon Buchi Criticises BET For Glorilla’s Gospel Award
Nigerian social commentator Solomon Buchi has condemned the British Entertainment Television (BET) Awards for awarding American rapper Glorilla the Best Gospel Artiste prize. The awards, held last weekend, saw Glorilla honoured, sparking controversy.
Buchi argued via a video message that a collaboration with a gospel singer does not qualify one as a gospel artiste, particularly given Glorilla’s image and public persona. He lamented the current state of gospel music, stating it has become more of a commercial venture than a ministry.
9. NPFL Opposes Unauthorized Use Of League Name For Golden Boot Award
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has raised concerns over the unauthorized use of its brand name by corporate organizations awarding football accolades. NPFL Chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye expressed displeasure over the Eunisell Golden Boot Award, set to be presented to 2024/2025 season top scorer Anas Yusuf, without official league endorsement.
Elegbeleye emphasized the need for organizations to adhere to formal partnership protocols when using the league’s identity and warned against encroaching on NPFL’s commercial rights.
10. Cunha, Alexander-Arnold Complete Big-Name Transfers To Europe’s Elite Clubs
In major European football transfer news, Brazil’s Matheus Cunha has sealed a £62.5 million move to Manchester United from Wolverhampton Wanderers, while England’s Trent Alexander-Arnold has been unveiled by Real Madrid.
United triggered Cunha’s release clause after his successful medical and visa clearance. Meanwhile, Real Madrid secured Alexander-Arnold’s services before his contract with Liverpool expired, paying an early-release fee to feature him in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.
That wraps up today’s roundup of major stories across Nigeria. Stay updated with more national news and reports daily on Naturenex.
See you tomorrow.
