Good morning, Nigeria — and welcome to the Naturenex collection of today’s leading newspaper headlines across the country for Saturday, 17th May, 2025.
1. Tinubu, Service Chiefs Discuss New Military Strategy
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has reaffirmed the military’s commitment to tackling rising insecurity nationwide, unveiling fresh measures to boost the country’s defense framework.
Addressing reporters after a closed-door session with President Bola Tinubu and other military chiefs at Aso Rock, General Musa disclosed that the President had sanctioned the procurement of new air assets to enhance the anti-insurgency campaign.
Confirming the arrival of new equipment, Musa noted that “Mr. President has given a directive on what to do next to intensify all efforts, and we are collaborating with all our neighboring countries. The porous nature of our borders is exacerbating the security issues.”
He further revealed that alongside military operations, government attention is shifting towards community development projects aimed at addressing insecurity from its roots.
2. ‘Tinubu Only Becomes A Tyrant When They Can’t Get What They Want’ – Presidential Aide Blasts Pat Utomi
Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, has taken a swipe at former presidential hopeful Pat Utomi over his remarks against President Tinubu’s leadership.
Following allegations by the DSS accusing Utomi of plotting to unlawfully usurp presidential powers through a shadow government, Ajayi, via his 𝕏 account, reminded Nigerians of Utomi’s earlier political ambitions.
He wrote: “Every four years and ahead of every election, @UtomiPat will come up with one grand illusion and mega coalition that had always ended up being a mirage. The latest venture is Big Tent Shadow Government. The same man calling President Tinubu names now wanted his endorsement and funding to become APC Governorship candidate in Delta State. Tinubu only becomes a tyrant when they can’t get what they want from him.”
3. El-Rufai’s 2027 Bid Hits A Wall As He Fails To Secure North-West Allies
Former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai is reportedly grappling with setbacks in his new political alliance with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as he struggles to attract key Northern politicians.
El-Rufai had announced his departure from the APC on March 10, 2025, citing a growing “misalignment between his values and the direction of the party.”
Despite unveiling a bold plan to unify opposition forces against the ruling party before 2027, weeks of intense consultations have yielded little progress, particularly in Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, and Kebbi.
Sources noted El-Rufai made “frantic efforts” to lure regional powerbrokers, though with no meaningful outcome so far.
4. PDP Is In Shambles, No Political Parties Will Exist In 2027 – Akpabio
Senate President Godswill Akpabio declared on Friday in Akwa Ibom State that political parties would cease to exist in the state by the next general election.
During his midterm empowerment briefing at the Ikot Ekpene township stadium, Akpabio remarked that the PDP’s emblematic umbrella has become incapable of protecting its followers.
He asserted: “As I speak with you, there is nothing like a political party in 2027 in Akwa Ibom State again. For the Senate of Ikot-Ekpene Senatorial District, all political parties have collapsed to vote for Senator Godswill Akpabio. For the office of the governor in 2027, all political parties have agreed to vote for Governor Umo Eno. Akwa Ibom has moved to vote for President Bola Tinubu, Eno for governor of Akwa Ibom State, and Senator Akpabio for Senate.
“The Peoples Democratic Party is in shreds and the umbrella can no longer protect.”
5. Court Restrains Federal Agencies Over Osun LG Chairmen Dispute
A Federal High Court in Osogbo has barred the Accountant-General of the Federation, CBN, and Attorney General of the Federation from opening local government accounts for a faction of dismissed council chairmen.
The directive, according to Naturenex, maintains the legal status quo, effectively freezing financial operations tied to the ousted officials.
Sources indicated the dismissed chairmen had unsuccessfully attempted to open accounts with the CBN, even while acknowledging their sack and filing an appeal.
The state government, alarmed by this move, sought judicial restraint to prevent unauthorized access to council funds.
6. Simon Ekpa Charged With Terrorism-Related Crimes In Finland
Finnish prosecutors announced on Friday that separatist agitator Simon Ekpa has been formally charged with inciting terrorism online.
An investigation conducted between 2021 and 2024 in Lahti led to the charges, Naturenex reports.
While authorities did not explicitly name Ekpa, Finnish broadcaster YLE confirmed his identity, linking him to activities aimed at creating a breakaway Biafra region in Nigeria.
7. Akpabio Calls For Law Mandating 30% Local Value-Addition On Exports
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has voiced support for legislation requiring at least 30 percent value addition to any raw material before exportation from Nigeria.
Speaking during a visit by the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Akpabio described the move as a strategic economic necessity and “a moral compass” for other African nations.
The visit was led by RMRDC Director-General Nnanyelugo Martin Ike-Muonso.
8. ‘Oloyede Should Be Fired’ – Dele Farotimi Reacts To UTME Glitch
Human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi has condemned JAMB’s handling of the recent UTME results crisis, which left over 300,000 candidates—mostly in the South East and Lagos—failing.
Despite Registrar Ishaq Oloyede’s apology and explanation of a system error, Farotimi insisted the situation warranted accountability.
He stated: “In a place governed with vision, inhabited by the rational, and ruled by law, Yakubu would be resident in a prison cell, Oloyede fired, and public hearings would have been scheduled by the government at multiple levels. But this is Nigeria. Nothing will happen. We are different,” he wrote on 𝕏.
9. Taiwo Awoniyi Still Hospitalized, Says Nottingham Forest Coach
Nottingham Forest’s manager Nuno Espirito Santo has confirmed that Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi remains hospitalized following abdominal surgery after an on-field injury.
Speaking to reporters, Santo shared: “He is on observation now. He is recovering. We still have to wait for the doctors to allow visits. His family are there. We are concerned, but we are positive. The concern of the injury that he had, the situation that he went through. It has been hard on us.”
10. Veteran Actor Yemi Ayebo Opens Up About Financial Struggles
Renowned Nollywood veteran Yemi Ayebo, famously known as Yemi My Lover, has publicly appealed for help amid financial hardship.
In a YouTube interview with Mr LilGaga, Ayebo lamented the economic effects of piracy on his 1993 blockbuster.
He said: “I wrote and produced the movie in 1993. The movie cut across Nigeria, especially in the Yoruba-speaking part of the country. But I didn’t make money from it because 90% of the money was gotten by piracy.
“I didn’t make profit from the film because there was no social media, so I don’t have opportunity to promote it widely. As a result of this, the movie was pirated, and the marketers waged war against me for handling the marketing myself. It was distributed illegally, and people made profit from it.
“That marked the beginning of my problems. I’m broke right now. The industry is about connections, I need more connections to get back on my feet.”
That’s all for today’s Naturenex Nigerian newspaper roundup. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s top stories.
