Good morning Nigeria, and welcome to the Naturenex roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Monday, 2nd June, 2025.
1. ‘Tinubu Turned Promise Of Renewed Hope To Nightmare’ – Afenifere
The pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has voiced strong criticism against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, alleging that the much-publicized promise of “renewed hope” has turned into a nightmare for Nigerians.
This was contained in a statement released on Sunday by Afenifere’s Leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, alongside the National Publicity Secretary, Justice Faloye. The group noted its disappointment with the Tinubu administration’s midterm performance.
According to them, the government’s policies have led to setbacks in critical areas of human development and the country’s socio-political standing. Afenifere accused the government of pushing out “massive propaganda” to mask its shortcomings.
2. Nine Killed As Explosion Hits Borno
Tragedy struck in Borno State on Saturday when nine people lost their lives in an explosion at a local bus stop in Mairari village, Guzamala Local Government Area.
Reports reaching Naturenex confirmed the incident was triggered by an improvised explosive device (IED), leaving several others injured.
According to Punch, the device targeted passengers waiting to board vehicles. Confirming the tragedy, the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan, expressed his sorrow over the incident, describing the deceased as “resilient constituents.”
3. Coalition: ‘You May Call Amaechi And I Conspirators’ – Atiku
Former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has openly identified himself and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as “conspirators” against the present government.
Atiku made this statement during Amaechi’s 60th birthday celebration in Abuja on Saturday. He remarked that the duo, alongside other opposition members, were united in resisting the policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He further accused the government of weaponising poverty and pledged that their coalition would remain firm in dismantling the practice.
4. Supreme Court, NJC Withdraw From Proposed JUSUN Strike
The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) chapters at both the Supreme Court and the National Judicial Council (NJC) have opted out of the nationwide industrial action announced by the union.
On Friday, May 27, JUSUN’s national body declared a strike starting midnight on Sunday, citing unresolved grievances with the Minister of Labour and Employment.
In a circular dated May 31, 2025, the Supreme Court chapter explained via its Chairman, Danladi Nda Y., that it was unable to comply with the short notice. They emphasized that under the leadership of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, efforts were already underway to improve workers’ welfare.
Likewise, the NJC branch, in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Joel Ebiloma, confirmed ongoing internal efforts to “resolve all pending issues.”
5. ‘I’m Not Afraid To Say There Is No Govt’ – Bode George
Prominent PDP leader and Board of Trustees member, Bode George, has dismissed the current administration led by President Tinubu, declaring that there’s essentially no government in place.
In an interview with The Sun, Naturenex gathered that George highlighted Nigeria’s worsening economic situation.
He stated, “There is no government. I am not afraid to say there is no government. Look at the economic indices, the pain and anger. Now note that before, the southerners headed into western education while the northerners delayed. Now, the northern young men are university graduates. They are in every profession now. Education makes people easy to govern, but impossible to be deceived. All the internal insecurity in the North are the young minds reacting because they are asking, where is future.”
6. NDLEA Busts Hajj Cocaine Syndicate, Seizes ₦9.3 Billion Worth Of Drugs Nationwide
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully uncovered and dismantled a drug trafficking ring that used Hajj pilgrimages as a cover to smuggle cocaine to Saudi Arabia.
The agency disclosed that several arrests were made in Kano after operatives intercepted two pilgrims attempting to board an international flight.
The arrested suspects — Abubakar Muhammad, Abdulhakeem Muhammed Tijjani, and Muhammad Aji Shugaba — were nabbed between May 27 and 28, 2025. This followed the earlier arrest of two other suspects, Ibrahim Umar Mustapha and Muhammad Siraj Shifado, on May 26 at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport. They were found to have ingested a total of 90 pellets of cocaine.
7. Manchester United Complete £62.5 Million Deal For Matheus Cunha
Premier League giants Manchester United have secured the services of Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers in a £62.5 million transfer.
The 26-year-old completed a medical over the weekend before leaving Salford’s Lowry Hotel on Sunday morning to join Brazil’s national team ahead of their World Cup qualifiers.
Cunha, formerly of Atletico Madrid, signed a five-year deal with an optional one-year extension at Old Trafford. Although visa approvals and registration formalities remain, the club anticipates finalizing the move once he returns from international duty later this month.
8. Peter Okoye, Mikel Obi Collaborating To Bring Osimhen To Chelsea
Renowned Nigerian musician, Peter Okoye (Mr P), has revealed his ongoing joint effort with former Super Eagles captain, Mikel Obi, to persuade striker Victor Osimhen to join Chelsea.
In a post shared via X (formerly Twitter), Mr P, a staunch Chelsea supporter, disclosed their continuous attempts to influence Osimhen’s decision after an unsuccessful bid in 2024.
He wrote, “Dear Chelsea FC fans, last summer, Mikel Obi and I made every effort to secure the signing of Victor Osimhen for Chelsea. Including engaging in a three-way call right up until the transfer deadline. I want to reassure all of you that we remain steadfast in our pursuit and will continue our efforts this summer. Fingers crossed.”
9. Why I Deleted My Husband’s Photos – BBNaija’s Queen Atang
Reality TV star and former Big Brother Naija housemate, Queen Mercy Atang, has addressed the removal of her husband David Oyekanmi’s pictures from her Instagram page.
Naturenex reports that the couple married in March 2024, but by October, she had deleted their wedding photos, sparking speculation about a possible separation.
In a video shared online, she clarified that the decision was personal and aimed at keeping their relationship private, particularly as her husband’s inbox was reportedly flooded with messages from other women.
10. How Tems Made Me Realize She Was Different – Manager Shares Singer’s Early Struggles
Muyiwa Awoniyi, manager to Grammy-winning Afrobeats sensation Temilade Openiyi (popularly known as Tems), recently recounted the artist’s difficult early days.
Speaking on the Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast, Awoniyi revealed that when they first met, Tems had a mere ₦200 left in her bank account.
He emphasized that her grit, determination, and focus were what convinced him to start working with her, despite the financial odds.
That’s it for today’s top Nigerian newspaper headlines. Stay updated with more breaking stories at Naturenex. See you tomorrow.
