Good morning, Nigeria. Welcome to today’s headline roundup from Naturenex, bringing you the most significant news making waves across the country for Monday, April 21, 2025.
1. Pastor Bakare Warns Of Tyranny Under Tinubu’s Leadership
Pastor Tunde Bakare, head of the Global Community Citadel Church, has issued a stern warning regarding the current political trajectory under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that Nigeria is heading into authoritarianism and witnessing blatant power misuse.
Delivering his Easter state of the nation message, Bakare voiced his growing unease over the nation’s democratic backsliding, particularly pointing to the legislative arm’s diminished role, which he described as the “bastion of democracy” now crumbling under Tinubu’s regime.
He highlighted the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State as an example of what he called a “theater of the absurd.” Bakare censured both the President and the National Assembly, accusing the latter of being the “most spineless” in Nigeria’s history for failing to provide the necessary checks on executive powers.
2. Kukah Appeals To Tinubu: ‘The Nation Is Bleeding, Bring Us Down From This Cross Of Evil’
Archbishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto has made a passionate appeal to President Tinubu, asking him to ease the growing hardship and hunger gripping the populace.
In his Easter sermon, Kukah urged the federal government to shield citizens from what he termed “marauders, murderers, savages, and ravenous predators.” He added, “Mr. President, hunger, sickness, and desolation stalk the land. We still believe that removing the subsidies was the right decision,” while noting that Nigeria now possesses substantial domestic reserves.
The clergyman lamented the threats faced by farmers, branding agriculture as one of the most hazardous professions in Nigeria over the last ten years. He also criticized the government’s approach to palliative distribution, cautioning that such initiatives often end up dehumanising the people.
3. Kenneth Okonkwo Declares: ‘Whoever Is Against A Coalition In 2027 Is An Agent To Tinubu’
Kenneth Okonkwo, a well-known Nollywood actor turned politician, has voiced strong support for the formation of an opposition coalition aimed at unseating President Tinubu come 2027.
Okonkwo, via a post on his 𝕏 handle, expressed that the country is weary of the APC and asserted, “Whoever is against a coalition in 2027 is an agent to Tinubu.”
He further alleged that Tinubu helped elevate politicians with pending corruption cases to leadership positions within the National Assembly, thereby weakening institutional accountability. According to Okonkwo, although both the ruling and opposition parties share blame for Nigeria’s current woes, a united opposition front is necessary to challenge the APC’s dominance.
4. Amaechi Declares: ‘I Don’t Like Money, My Wife Doesn’t Even Have A Car’
Former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has described himself as a man with little interest in material wealth, despite his lengthy political career.
In an interview with The Sun, Amaechi noted that his wife drives his backup vehicle and insisted on living modestly. He reiterated, “I don’t like money, my wife doesn’t even have a car,” emphasizing a simple lifestyle despite occupying top positions for nearly 40 years.
5. Baba-Ahmed Explains Why He Quit Tinubu’s Government, Says North Will Decide 2027 Fate
Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, who recently resigned as Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Tinubu, stated that the North would soon define its political direction for the 2027 elections.
In a widely-shared online video, Baba-Ahmed appeared alongside Professor Usman Yusuf and advocated for Northern Nigeria’s political awakening. He criticised divisive politics and announced his intent to re-engage with efforts toward “northern emancipation.” He emphasized that no presidential aspirant can succeed without the backing of the North.
6. Tinubu’s Aide Responds To Pastor Bakare’s Concerns
Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Policy Communication, has acknowledged the concerns raised by Pastor Tunde Bakare, describing them as both “fair and objective.”
Reacting to the clergyman’s Easter address, Bwala emphasized Tinubu’s dedication to national progress. He remarked that while Bakare criticised the administration, he also provided constructive suggestions for improvement.
7. Burna Boy Gifts Portable ₦20 Million For Beating Speed Darlington
Afrobeats sensation and Grammy-winner Burna Boy has reportedly gifted ₦20 million to fellow artist Portable after his victory over Speed Darlington in a celebrity boxing match.
Portable took to Instagram to announce the gesture, saying, “₦20 million from Burna Boy. If you wanna be like Odogwu, can you do like Odogwu? God bless your family.”
Since his win against Speed Darlington, Portable has been in high spirits, celebrating the victory and the financial windfall from Burna Boy.
8. Frank Edoho Says: ‘Most Women Don’t Like Nice Guys’
Television host Frank Edoho has shared his perspective on modern relationships, asserting that many women are not drawn to kind men.
Speaking on The Black Table, a TVC talk show, Edoho said, “Most women don’t like nice guys,” and suggested that women often favour “bad boys” who occasionally show kindness. He added that there seems to be a peculiar psychological dynamic at play in such preferences.
9. Victor Osimhen Reportedly Agrees Terms With Manchester United
According to Turkish journalist Serdar Çelikler, Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has agreed personal terms with Manchester United, although negotiations with his current club Napoli are still ongoing.
Çelikler said during a podcast, “Victor Osimhen has reached an agreement with Manchester United. But there is also the club side of the matter.”
Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray, has had an impressive season with 29 goals and six assists in 34 appearances. United, seeking to bolster their attack due to Rasmus Hojlund’s poor form, are reportedly prioritising the Nigerian forward. Napoli’s €75 million release clause is in play, though a discount may be negotiated.
10. Ndidi’s Leicester City Relegated Again After Loss To Liverpool
Wilfred Ndidi and Leicester City have been relegated from the Premier League for the second time in two years following a 1-0 defeat to Liverpool.
Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold scored the winning goal in the second half, bringing the Reds within one victory of clinching their 20th league title.
Leicester’s loss leaves them stranded at 18 points after 33 matches, confirming their relegation with five games remaining this season.
That wraps up the top newspaper headlines across Nigeria for today. Stay updated with more reports on Naturenex. Join us again tomorrow.