Good morning, Nigeria. Welcome to the Naturenex roundup of major newspaper headlines across the country for Tuesday, 15th April, 2025.
1. Tinubu Condemns Plateau Attack, Directs Gov Mutfwang To Act
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conveyed deep sorrow over the recent violent attacks in Plateau State, which led to the death of over 40 individuals.
No fewer than 45 persons were confirmed killed in the gruesome attack on Zike Kimakpa community in the Kwall District of Irigwe Chiefdom, Bassa LGA of Plateau State.
This attack, which took place late Sunday, has left residents in mourning and shock.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu condemned the killings and urged Governor Caleb Mutfwang to demonstrate the political will required to resolve the crisis and secure peace in the state.
2. PDP Governors Reject Coalition Plan Aimed At Ousting Tinubu
Governors under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have stated that while the party is open to accepting new alliances, it is not interested in joining any planned coalition to unseat the ruling APC in the 2027 elections.
Speaking after a meeting held between Sunday and Monday in Ibadan, Oyo State, the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, reiterated the party’s position.
According to him, “Noting the nationwide speculations about possible merger of parties, groups and/or associations, the Forum resolved that the PDP will not join any coalition or merger.
“However, the PDP, as a major opposition party, welcomes any party, persons or groups that are willing to join with a view to wrestling power and enthroning good leadership in 2027.”
3. ‘I Have Endured Worse Situations’ – Peter Obi Speaks After Being Blocked From Visiting IDP Camps
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has responded to the Benue State Government’s alleged obstruction of his planned visit to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in the state.
Obi, who has been active in humanitarian efforts, had previously visited IDP camps in Plateau, Southern Kaduna, and Nasarawa States.
His attempt to extend his outreach to Benue, however, triggered political controversy.
In a post on his 𝕏 handle on Monday, April 14, 2025, Obi stated that he had faced more difficult challenges in his political journey since declaring his presidential bid.
He also mentioned his efforts to contact Governor Hyacinth Alia were unsuccessful, and that his planned visit was halted following security reports linked to decisions made by the state government.
4. NBA Tells Ibas: ‘₦300 Million Was A Gift, Not Refundable’
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has dismissed claims by the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd), that ₦300 million was paid to secure hosting rights for the 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC), which has now been relocated to Enugu.
In a statement released Monday, the NBA clarified that the money was a gift and not connected to any hosting agreement.
The Conference Planning Committee Chairman, Emeka Obegolu (SAN), emphasized that financial support for the AGC is standard practice and comes with no conditions.
The NBA stated this controversy erupted after its National Executive Council decided to shift the 2025 AGC venue from Port Harcourt to Enugu.
5. GenCos Warn Of Total Blackout Over ₦4 Trillion Debt
Electricity generation companies in Nigeria have cautioned that operations might shut down nationwide due to escalating financial burdens.
The firms, operating under the Association of Power Generation Companies (APGC), stated on Monday that outstanding debts have surpassed ₦4 trillion, endangering stable power supply.
In a statement signed by Board of Trustees Chairman, Col. Sani Bello (retd.), the GenCos highlighted that unpaid bills for electricity already supplied are pushing the sector to the brink of collapse.
They urged the government to urgently develop a financial rescue plan to address the sector’s challenges.
6. ‘If Atiku Gets PDP 2027 Ticket, That’s The End Of The Party’ – Bode George
Prominent PDP chieftain, Chief Bode George, has dismissed claims that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is the party’s leader.
He stressed that Atiku’s past presidential candidacy does not qualify him as the party leader, especially since he is advocating for a merger not sanctioned by the PDP’s internal leadership.
George insisted that the party is rooted in the principle of rotational leadership and that if Atiku secures the 2027 presidential ticket, it would mark the PDP’s downfall.
7. FUOYE Vice-Chancellor Suspended Over Sexual Harassment Allegations
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina, has been suspended by the university’s Governing Council over allegations of sexual harassment made by senior staff member, Engineer Folasade Adebayo.
According to sources who spoke to SaharaReporters, Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa criticized the initial handling of the case, prompting Senator Ndoma-Egba to convene an emergency council meeting.
Though Fasina requested to go on accrued leave instead of facing suspension, the Council granted him a six-month leave from his position.
8. NFF Denies Owing Late Christian Chukwu $128,000
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has denied reports that it owed late Super Eagles captain and coach, Christian Chukwu, the sum of $128,000 before his passing.
NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, stated that the federation’s records do not reflect any outstanding payments owed to Chukwu.
He called on anyone with credible evidence of such debt to come forward so it can be addressed.
9. Portable Sent To Prison After Failing To Meet Bail Terms
Controversial artist, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has been remanded at the Oke Kura Correctional Centre in Ilorin, Kwara State.
This followed his inability to meet bail conditions after he was arraigned for alleged defamation.
The court granted him bail set at ₦1 million, requiring two sureties—one of whom must be a PMAN official and the other a property owner within a Government Reserved Area in Ilorin.
As of Monday, Portable had not met these conditions and remains in custody.
10. Laide Bakare Lashes Out At Eniola Badmus, Calls Her An Ingrate
Actress Laide Bakare has taken to social media to express her frustration toward fellow actress Eniola Badmus following a heated altercation at a recent movie premiere.
In a post on April 14, 2025, Laide shared messages allegedly sent by Eniola, who accused her of “terrible animalistic behaviour.”
In response, Laide accused Eniola of being ungrateful, recalling how she helped her early in her career and financially supported her when others avoided her due to her appearance.
That concludes today’s top Nigerian headlines. Stay updated with more reports on Naturenex. See you tomorrow.
