Good morning, Nigeria — welcome to Naturenex’s roundup of the top stories making headlines across the country this Sunday, 11th May, 2025.
1. “I Don’t See Why Anybody Would Say Tinubu Has Not Done Well” — Wike
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed admiration for President Bola Tinubu’s contributions to the infrastructural development of Abuja. Wike made this known while touring several ongoing projects in the FCT on Saturday.
He remarked that only individuals who are “blind” would deny the president’s achievements in the nation’s capital.
Listing out the projects lined up for commissioning to mark Tinubu’s second year in office, Wike said it would take around two weeks for the events.
In his words: “Mr President has given first-class infrastructure to Abuja. All of you can attest to the fact that, indeed, Abuja has really changed. So, we are happy for it. I want to thank God Almighty for providing the right leadership to Mr President to provide the dividends of democracy to the residents of Abuja. I don’t see why anybody would say that Mr President has not done well, except you are just blind. Except, you don’t want to admit something that you know that is good. We are happy that we have fulfilled the promises that we have made.
“I think by next week, we will be able to provide all the projects that will be inaugurated during Mr President’s second anniversary but this Gishiri interchange is one of them, the OSEX to Wassa Junction is also one of them, the International Conference Centre is another one. The ₦5 is also another one. We have so many roads, both in the satellite towns and in the city. Even the Abuja Greater Water will also be inaugurated. So, we have a lot of projects. It will take us about two weeks to inaugurate most of our projects.”
2. Hardship: “I’m Not Shocked, Tinubu Is Face Of Bad Governance” — Adebayo
Former presidential aspirant under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has sharply criticised President Tinubu’s handling of the Nigerian economy.
Adebayo, speaking with the Nigerian Tribune, accused the president of being responsible for the current nationwide hardship and insecurity.
He stated that the government’s policies have worsened the economic situation and that Tinubu has fallen short in delivering his constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property.
3. FG Denies Reports On Simon Ekpa Extradition Plans
Nigeria’s Attorney General, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has denied reports that the government has commenced extradition proceedings against separatist figure, Simon Ekpa.
In a statement from Kamarudeen Ogundele, Special Adviser on Communication and Publicity (Office of the AGF), it was clarified that the reports had misrepresented Fagbemi’s remarks at a recent stakeholders’ forum.
“To set the record straight, what the AGF said during the question and answer session was that the Nigerian government had been engaging with Finnish authorities to ensure that Simon Ekpa is held accountable for his actions,” the statement said.
The AGF further urged media platforms to avoid speculation and exercise restraint on sensitive national security matters.
4. Kano APC Divided Over Kwankwaso’s Alleged Defection Plans
Fresh political tension has surfaced in Kano as speculations grow over the possible defection of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
While APC’s state chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, confirmed that ward chapters had been alerted to prepare for potential new entrants, some chieftains and youth wings have expressed concerns over the implications.
Abbas said: “We advise all those desirous of joining our esteemed party to go to their respective wards and register… Also, we want to assure our elected party officials… that they will continue to function as provided by the tenure of their office in the party constitution.”
However, insiders reveal the prospect of Kwankwaso’s return has unsettled some members aiming for the 2027 governorship ticket.
5. “How Does Atiku’s Potential Candidacy Affect The Price Of Garri, Rice, Tomatoes?” — Ibe
Paul Ibe, media adviser to Atiku Abubakar, has dismissed calls for the former Vice President to step aside ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Responding to critics like Hakeem Baba-Ahmed and Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, Ibe told Vanguard that democracy permits all candidates to pursue their ambitions.
He stated: “Those who argue that His Excellency should not run are entitled to their opinion. Let them present their preferred candidate, support that candidate, and mobilise resources for their campaign. That is the essence of democracy — sometimes messy, but it allows people to express their choices freely. His Excellency will not stand in their way.”
6. APC Will Always Respond To Critics — Morka
APC spokesperson Felix Morka has asserted that it’s undemocratic to expect the ruling party to remain mute in the face of constant attacks from opposition parties and figures.
Speaking with News Central, Morka dismissed the significance of recent coalition talks aimed at challenging the APC, maintaining that no new alliance can rattle the party’s confidence.
He noted: “Utomi is a very prolific creator of systems and arrangements and experiments that have never materialized. It’s a fact. That’s what he does. And that is fine. Utomi is a great guy. We are friends. So there’s nothing that he’s doing that is really exceptional now that he didn’t do before… There’s no formation that they are up to now that begins to threaten the APC or to make us lose sleep.”
7. Afenifere Urges Tinubu To Suspend SGF George Akume
The Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has called for the immediate suspension of Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, over corruption allegations linked to his aide, Torhile Uchi.
In a statement by its publicity secretary, Bayo Adenuga, the group accused Akume of interfering in investigations and urged President Tinubu to act.
It stated: “It is unacceptable that verifiable cases of corruption, such as the one supervised by the SGF and his aide, will be swept under the carpet during the tenure of an administration that has sworn to fight corruption to a standstill.”
8. El-Rufai And Peter Obi Meet In US
Former governors Peter Obi and Nasir El-Rufai were spotted together at the 11th Cambridge Africa Together Conference, University of Cambridge, UK.
El-Rufai, now associated with the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and Obi, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, were part of African leaders invited for the event.
The meeting has fuelled further speculation of an emerging opposition coalition possibly uniting under the SDP platform ahead of the next election cycle.
9. ‘Lisabi: The Uprising’ Clinches Three AMVCA Awards
Nollywood blockbuster ‘Lisabi: The Uprising’ emerged one of the major winners at the 2025 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), claiming three technical category awards.
The ongoing ceremony, held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, celebrates African film excellence across diverse categories.
10. Taiwo Awoniyi: “My Best Guideline Is Bible”
Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, says his guiding principle in life remains biblical teachings.
Speaking on Rasheedat Ajibade’s podcast, Rash4Christ, the footballer revealed how the Bible gifted to him by a pastor during the 2013 U-17 World Cup Thanksgiving has remained his most cherished possession.
Awoniyi added that while religion is personal, his life continues to be shaped by biblical values.
