Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naturenex roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Friday, 30th May, 2025.
1. Tinubu Is Nigeria’s Most Incompetent President – Atiku
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized President Bola Tinubu, describing his two years in office as unproductive and lacking results.
In his assessment of the administration’s performance on Wednesday, Atiku labeled President Tinubu’s leadership as the “most incompetent and disconnected Nigeria has ever had.”
Naturenex reports that Atiku accused the government of inflicting unprecedented hardship and hunger on Nigerians, noting that no previous administration had imposed such poverty or failed so conspicuously in maintaining transparent governance.
2. Appeal Court Affirms Okpebholo’s Victory, Dismisses PDP, Ighodalo’s Appeal
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has thrown out the appeal lodged by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, challenging the election of Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
Naturenex reports that Justice Mohammed Danjuma, in delivering the judgment on Thursday, upheld the validity of Okpebholo’s election as conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The court unanimously ruled that the appellants failed to establish any miscarriage of justice in the earlier ruling by the Edo State Election Petition Tribunal.
3. Hardship: Change Is Never Easy – Benjamin Kalu Tells Nigerians
Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, has urged Nigerians to remain patient amidst the country’s economic struggles.
Naturenex reports that Kalu, in a statement on Thursday, defended President Tinubu’s removal of fuel subsidies, describing it as a bold move aimed at preventing national financial collapse.
He emphasized that the National Assembly would continue to support the President’s policies and reforms.
4. Ground Rent: I Can’t Stand And Watch You Take People’s Property – Sen. Kingibe Tells Wike
Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has spoken against the sealing of properties in Abuja over unpaid ground rent.
Naturenex reports that despite President Bola Tinubu’s instruction for a 14-day grace period, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has yet to act on the directive.
Senator Kingibe asserted in a statement on Thursday that penalizing residents by sealing properties was illegal, adding that the law prescribes fines or surcharges, not property seizure.
5. Bugaje Insists Polytechnics Will Offer Degree, Faults ASUU
The Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Idris Bugaje, has faulted the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over its stance on reforms that would authorize polytechnics to award degrees.
Naturenex reports that Bugaje, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), clarified that polytechnics are not subservient to universities and are not mimicking them. He added that the proposed Bachelor of Technology Honours (B.Tech Hons) degrees would differ from university offerings.
6. Immigration Confirms Arrest Of Suspected Notorious Ritual Killer, Obi Obieze
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has confirmed the capture of Obi Levi Obieze, also known as Levi Obu Onyeka, a suspect wanted by the Nigeria Police in Enugu for alleged abduction, kidnapping, and ritual killing.
Naturenex reports that the suspect, linked to the kidnapping of a 13-year-old girl, was apprehended while attempting to flee the country via the Badagry-Seme border on a motorcycle.
According to a statement by the NIS Public Relations Officer, AS Akinlabi, Obieze’s identity was confirmed using a National Identity Management Commission enrollment slip found in his possession.
7. WAEC Apologizes For Conducting Late Night Exam In Benue, Explains What Happened
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has issued an apology for the late-night administration of an exam in Benue State.
Naturenex earlier reported that students had to write the English Language Paper 2 under phone torchlights and lanterns due to a delayed delivery of exam papers, with some centers concluding as late as 11:00 p.m.
In a statement on Thursday, WAEC’s Acting Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, cited logistical challenges but assured that objectives were still met despite delays.
8. You Have Taken Sycophancy To Another Level – Charly Boy Slams Orji Kalu Over Outfit Endorsing Tinubu
Renowned entertainer and activist, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has condemned Senator Orji Kalu for openly endorsing President Bola Tinubu’s second-term ambition via his attire.
Naturenex reports that Kalu attended Tuesday’s Senate plenary wearing an outfit emblazoned with ‘Tinubu for President 2027’.
Charly Boy, sharing Kalu’s picture on Instagram, described the lawmaker as a clown and remarked that he had “taken sycophancy to another level.”
9. S3x With Minor: Fresh Trouble As NAPTIP Invites Speed Darlington For Questioning
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has summoned controversial singer Darlington Okoye, better known as Speed Darlington, over allegations of sexual misconduct involving a minor.
Naturenex reports that this followed public outrage after Speed Darlington claimed in an Instagram live session that he had sexual relations with a 15-year-old.
Although the singer later claimed it was a publicity stunt for a new song and apologized, NAPTIP confirmed on Thursday that he had been summoned and warned of further consequences for non-compliance.
10. Malaysia’s Prime Minister Mocks Manchester United After Embarrassing Defeat
Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, took a swipe at English football club Manchester United after their unexpected 1-0 defeat to the ASEAN All-Stars in a friendly on Wednesday.
Naturenex reports that Anwar’s humorous Facebook post stated: “Oh no! Manchester United failed to win a trophy again. Looks like you guys are going to have a ‘headache’ next season. Hopefully, you don’t get relegated to the Championship.”
The match, witnessed by over 72,000 fans, was initially considered a routine fixture as part of United’s preseason tour.
That concludes the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Catch more news updates on Naturenex. See you tomorrow.
