Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naturenex roundup of major newspaper stories making headlines across the country this Sunday, April 20, 2025.
1. “While You Complain Cost Of Living, People Are Making Money” – Onanuga Fires Back At Critics
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has encouraged citizens to take advantage of the economic openings provided by the administration.
This statement came after he commented on a video showing a Nigerian businessman who reportedly made ₦200 million during this period of economic difficulty.
According to the entrepreneur, his business success came from capitalizing on an agreement reached by President Tinubu during a diplomatic mission to Saudi Arabia. The deal, which involves exporting agricultural produce and meat to the Middle East, has allowed him to hire 500 workers and build a thriving export business.
Onanuga, sharing the video on social media, urged Nigerians to focus less on the rising cost of food and hardship and instead seek out the economic opportunities being unlocked through Tinubu’s international engagements.
2. “You Are Insulting The Same Party That Made You Governor For Eight Years” – Buhari’s Ally Rebukes El-Rufai
Farouk Aliyu, a staunch supporter of former President Muhammadu Buhari, has strongly criticized former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of disloyalty and opportunism.
Speaking on Arise Television’s The Morning Show on Friday, Aliyu suggested that El-Rufai’s current criticisms of the Tinubu administration are driven by bitterness over not being appointed a minister.
El-Rufai, who was initially a vocal supporter of Tinubu’s presidential ambition, has lately emerged as one of his critics, branding Tinubu’s government as the worst Nigeria has seen.
3. “If You’re Smart, You Will Keep Quiet And Leave Politics” – Presidency Slams Datti Baba-Ahmed
The Presidency has responded harshly to recent remarks made by Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, regarding President Bola Tinubu’s political future.
Appearing on Arise TV’s Prime Time, Datti stated that Tinubu would not run for a second term in 2027 if he were a truly “smart” politician, adding that the APC would face defeat.
In a swift response, Tinubu’s media aide, Sunday Dare, described Datti’s words as “illogical, empty, and devoid of reason.” Dare further mocked Datti, calling his presence in politics a torment and referring to him and his presidential running mate, Peter Obi, as a “double whammy” for Nigeria.
He dismissed Datti’s comments, asserting that Tinubu’s strong performance and economic policies show his readiness for a second term.
4. Fubara Urges Unity, Support For Tinubu In Easter Message
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called for peace, unity, and national reconciliation as Christians across Nigeria observe Easter.
In a statement released in Port Harcourt and personally signed by him, Governor Fubara emphasized that Easter presents a moment for national healing and reaffirming common values.
His message, titled Renewed By The Resurrection: Advancing Peace, Unity and Good Governance, reiterated his administration’s commitment to upholding the democratic mandate and fostering good governance in Rivers State.
5. Labour Party Disclaims Baba-Ahmed’s Statement Against Tinubu
The Labour Party has moved to distance itself from Senator Datti Yusuf Baba-Ahmed’s recent controversial statements targeting President Tinubu.
In a Saturday statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Arabambi Abayomi, the party denounced the comments as “undemocratic” and potentially a call for civil unrest.
Reacting to a gathering hosted by Governor Alex Otti and Peter Obi on April 9 at Transcorp Hilton, the party said it was surprised by Baba-Ahmed’s repeated labeling of Tinubu’s government as “questionably constitutional.”
“For us in the Labour Party, this statement is clearly inciting and a call for mass action against a constituted authority,” Abayomi said.
He added: “We think there should be a limit to whipping up public sentiments against a legitimate government.”
The party referenced Baba-Ahmed’s interview in which he claimed: “The appointments they are issuing are fraudulent, the appointments they are issuing are unlawful. The trappings of government, they are relishing, ruining our nation, squandering our resources, are merely temporary.”
6. 2027: “We Will Shock The Powers That Be” – Adebayo Vows
Adewole Adebayo, a former presidential candidate under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), remains confident that unseating the ruling party in the next general election is achievable.
Posting on his 𝕏 handle in response to a media report that described opposition prospects as bleak, Adebayo wrote: “We the Nigerian people will shock the establishment and powers that be. There will eventually be that one day when the arrogance of the leviathan will be met with the Verdict of the Public.
“The problem here is the definition of ‘the opposition’. We oppose the system.”
He earlier remarked that unless President Tinubu drastically reformed his governance approach, his chances in 2027 were slim. Adebayo pledged to lay out alternative policy ideas for Nigerians ahead of the next election.
7. “You Are Behind Failure Of Buhari’s Govt” – APC Forum Attacks Malami
The North-Central APC Forum has held Abubakar Malami, former Minister of Justice, responsible for the alleged missteps during Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
Reacting to Malami’s criticism of ex-Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-Makura, the group said Nigerians have lost interest in Malami’s political views, accusing him of giving poor advice that weakened the Buhari government.
In a statement signed by Forum Chairman Saleh Zazzaga, the group argued that Malami lacks the credibility to represent the CPC bloc within the APC, given his alleged controversial role in Buhari’s cabinet.
8. “You Are Not In A Position To Talk About Sincerity, You Betrayed PDP” – Atiku Fires Back At Wike
Atiku Abubakar, PDP’s 2023 presidential flagbearer, has responded to Nyesom Wike’s recent remarks suggesting that opposition leaders are not sincere in efforts to unseat President Tinubu.
Wike, who is now the FCT Minister, had said that politicians such as Atiku are not concerned about PDP’s challenges but only focused on gaining power.
Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, in a reaction published by Punch, accused Wike of lacking the moral ground to discuss sincerity, arguing that Wike himself betrayed the PDP during the 2023 election cycle.
He maintained that the current opposition movement consists of Nigerians committed to replacing the APC’s governance style.
9. Bayern Edge Closer To Bundesliga Glory With 4-0 Win
Bayern Munich delivered a dominant 4-0 performance against Heidenheim on Saturday, strengthening their grip on the Bundesliga title race.
Harry Kane, who scored his 24th league goal this season, was joined on the scoreboard by Konrad Laimer, Kingsley Coman, and Joshua Kimmich.
Naturenex reports that Bayern now sit nine points ahead of second-placed Bayer Leverkusen, who face St. Pauli on Sunday.
Speaking after the match, Kimmich told Sky Germany: “It was a very important step towards the title… We’re now nine points ahead — and Leverkusen have to win. But we’re not really looking at them. We have to win at least two more games to secure the title.”
The win comes after Bayern’s Champions League exit to Inter Milan earlier in the week. Kane’s goal tally now stands at 60 in his first 60 Bundesliga appearances since joining from Tottenham.
10. Popular Gospel Singer, Big Bolaji, Passes Away At 50
The gospel music community in Nigeria has been thrown into mourning following the death of popular singer Bolaji Olarewaju, widely known as “Big Bolaji” or “Big B.”
Naturenex confirms that the singer died on Saturday, April 19, 2025, after a brief illness.
His passing comes just months after celebrating his 50th birthday in November 2024. The news was shared in a family statement published by gospel colleague Beejaysaxb.
Big Bolaji was renowned for his powerful voice and uplifting gospel songs that inspired many across Nigeria. He leaves behind a legacy cherished by fans, friends, and fellow artists.
That’s a wrap on today’s leading headlines from across Nigeria. Stay tuned to Naturenex for more updates.
