Good morning, Nigeria. Welcome to the Naturenex compilation of the major headlines across national newspapers for Monday, April 14, 2025.
1. Nothing New in FBI, DEA Report on Tinubu – Presidency
The presidency has responded to a U.S. court ruling that directed American security agencies to release information concerning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the matter as long known and lacking fresh revelations.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, issued a statement on Sunday stating that details from the FBI and DEA investigations have been available to the public for over three decades and “did not in any way indict Tinubu.”
While lawyers are currently reviewing the U.S. court directive, the presidency insists the ruling is not groundbreaking. The court order, issued by Judge Beryl Howell, mandates the release of documents tied to an investigation from the 1990s involving Tinubu.
2. Tinubu Didn’t Travel to See a Doctor – Presidency Clarifies France Trip
Daniel Bwala, the President’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, addressed rumors about Tinubu’s recent trip to France, denying claims it was for medical purposes.
During a Sunday appearance on Channels Television, Bwala dismissed online speculation: “Sometimes on social media, somebody will be tweeting, you don’t even know who the person is… it can be somebody who has mental health somewhere.”
He added, “The president did not go to see a doctor; he’s on a working visit and we have been publishing his activities.”
3. Tinubu’s Adviser Claims Ndume Has Shifted Loyalty
In the same TV appearance, Bwala cautioned the ruling APC against Senator Ali Ndume, suggesting the senator may be aligning with opposition forces.
“Let me tell you today… Senator Ali Ndume’s spirit and soul are with the coalition; it is his body that is in APC,” Bwala said, warning party leadership to take note.
He further contrasted Ndume’s actions with those of Nasir el-Rufai, who openly declared his departure from the APC.
4. Tinubu Disowns 2027 Campaign Billboards
President Tinubu has called for the removal of campaign billboards promoting his and Vice President Shettima’s candidacy for the 2027 elections, which have appeared in cities such as Abuja and Kano.
According to Bayo Onanuga, while the President values his supporters’ enthusiasm, “the actions are outside the constitutionally approved time for election campaigns.”
Tinubu emphasized that he remains focused on governance and that his intentions regarding 2027 “will be revealed” at the appropriate time.
5. Tinubu Meets Trump Adviser, Discusses US-Nigeria Relations
While in Paris, President Tinubu hosted Mr. Massad Boulos, a Senior Advisor for Africa from former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration.
According to Onanuga, both sides explored strategies for a stronger Nigeria-U.S. partnership focused on “mutual respect, prosperity, and regional stability.”
The discussion also touched on U.S. investment in Nigerian infrastructure and joint peace initiatives, especially concerning the Sahel and the eastern DRC.
6. Kano Defends Blasphemy Laws After ECOWAS Ruling
Following a judgment from the ECOWAS Court declaring aspects of Kano’s blasphemy laws inconsistent with international norms, the state government stood firm.
Ibrahim Waiya, Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, said Kano will not be swayed by external pressures and that its laws reflect the values of its majority-Muslim population.
7. Reps to Inaugurate Committee for Rivers Assembly
The House of Representatives will, on Tuesday, inaugurate an ad-hoc committee to take over the legislative duties of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
This follows President Tinubu’s March 18 emergency declaration due to the political standoff between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the legislature.
According to spokesman Akin Rotimi, the proclamation was reviewed by the National Assembly to strengthen democratic accountability, including designating the legislature as the oversight body for emergency rule.
8. Eedris Abdulkareem Explains Meaning Behind ‘Tell Your Papa’
Eedris Abdulkareem has clarified that his song, “Tell Your Papa,” was not a personal jab at Seyi Tinubu, but a response to remarks made by the President’s son during a visit to Yola in March.
“It’s not an attack,” Abdulkareem said on Channels TV, explaining the track urges Seyi to encourage his father to address citizens’ challenges.
He stressed that praising President Tinubu as “the best” seems out of touch when “Nigerian youths lack basic amenities and are without jobs.”
9. Fireboy DML Recounts Pre-Fame Struggles
Fireboy DML has opened up about how close he came to street hawking before being signed by Olamide.
Speaking on the ’90s Baby Show’ in London, the artist revealed: “I was considering selling rechargeable lamps. I met one guy under Ajah Bridge; he was telling me about the business, and I told him I was interested.”
10. Newcastle Thrashes Manchester United Without Onana
He expressed gratitude for the opportunity that changed his life and launched his music career.
In a Premier League showdown, Newcastle United crushed Manchester United 4-1, exposing defensive weaknesses in the absence of goalkeeper Andre Onana.
Sandro Tonali opened the scoring, while Alejandro Garnacho briefly leveled for United. However, Harvey Barnes stole the show with two second-half goals. Bruno Guimarães completed the rout with a 77th-minute strike, as United’s defensive woes deepened.
That wraps up today’s top stories. Stay informed with more updates on Naturenex. See you tomorrow.
