Good morning, Nigeria. Welcome to the Naturenex roundup of the leading newspaper headlines across the country for today, Tuesday, 3rd June, 2025.
1. If Tinubu Had Told Me, I Wouldn’t Have Backed Rivers State Emergency Rule – Wike
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed that he would not have supported any move by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State if it had been discussed with him beforehand.
Wike clarified that he is not at war with the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, though he accused Fubara of allowing himself to be manipulated by political rivals. Speaking in Abuja on Monday, Wike insisted that only the President determines the right moment to lift the emergency measure.
2. APC Responds to Atiku, Amaechi, El-Rufai: “In 24 Years, You Couldn’t Eradicate Poverty”
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has defended President Tinubu’s administration, asserting that the government’s ongoing reforms are transforming the economy.
In a statement on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the party criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai. The APC accused them of mismanaging their time in office between 1999 and 2023 and failing to tackle poverty.
According to the APC, the trio, who once thrived under Nigeria’s old political order, are now struggling to adapt to President Tinubu’s reform-driven agenda prioritising productivity, innovation, and hard work over personal ambition.
3. Orji Kalu: ‘Politics Has Done Me More Harm Than Good’
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North, says politics has been more dangerous to him than rewarding. In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Kalu stressed that he has never personally benefited from politics.
The former governor of Abia State explained that he is fundamentally a businessman, having made his fortune before entering public service. Kalu disclosed that he contributed $1 million to the formation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 1998, funds he said came from his business ventures.
4. Federal Government Declares Sallah Public Holidays
The Federal Government has officially declared Friday, June 6, and Monday, June 9, 2025, as public holidays for this year’s Eid-ul-Adha festivities.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior, Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo congratulated the Muslim faithful in Nigeria and around the world, urging them to embrace the virtues of sacrifice, faith, and obedience as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon Him).
5. Wike: ‘Nobody Can Sack Me From PDP’
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has declared that he remains a committed member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and insisted that no one possesses the authority to expel him from the party.
During a press conference in Abuja on Monday, Wike highlighted his significant contributions to the PDP’s survival and electoral success, especially in Rivers State. He argued that no individual could question his loyalty or value to the party.
6. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan: ‘Akpabio Has Turned Senate Into a Comedy Stage’
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has spoken out about her experience as Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content, accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of requesting “progress reports,” which she alleged were code for political or financial returns.
In an interview with media personality Adeola Fayehun, she explained how her refusal to comply led to tensions between them. She also lamented the undue influence of political godfathers over Senate proceedings, especially during key budget sessions.
7. Wike To Bode George: ‘He Should Sit In His House And Read Newspapers’
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike dismissed recent remarks by former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George, claiming he undermines the party’s interests.
In a media chat on Monday, Wike said he has contributed far more to the PDP than George has and dismissed him as an elderly man who should “sit in his house and read newspapers.” Wike challenged George to name anyone the PDP has successfully produced in Lagos State.
8. Falz: ‘I Might Not Raise My Kids In Nigeria’
Popular Nigerian rapper and activist, Folarin Falana, widely known as Falz, has admitted that he might consider raising his future children outside Nigeria.
In a conversation on the Dear Ife Series Podcast, Falz cited insecurity, poor governance, and risks associated with his activism as reasons. Nevertheless, he expressed optimism that Nigeria could one day improve.
9. Daniel Etim-Effiong Shares Lessons From Womanising
Nollywood actor Daniel Etim-Effiong has reflected on a period in his life when he engaged in multiple romantic relationships.
Speaking to media host Chude Jideonwo, the actor described the phase as a learning experience. He now cautions young men against womanising, warning that it could jeopardise their future relationships and marriages.
10. Super Eagles Unveil Updated Squad for Russia Friendly
The Super Eagles have released an updated squad list for their upcoming international friendly against Russia, following injuries and withdrawals.
The team, under coach Eric Chelle, arrived in Moscow on Monday and will hold its first training session on Tuesday ahead of the match on Friday, June 6, at Luzhniki Stadium.
Squad List:
Goalkeepers:
Maduka Okoye (Udinese, Italy), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania)
Defenders:
Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce, Turkey), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos, Greece), Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Brom, England), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Rep), William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia), Sodiq Ismaila (Remo Stars, Nigeria), Benjamin Fredericks (Brentford, England)
Midfielders:
Saviour Isaac (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio, Italy), Chrisantus Uche (Getafe, Spain), Frank Onyeka (Augsburg, Germany), Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes, Nigeria)
That’s a wrap on today’s top stories from across Nigeria. For more updates, visit Naturenex. Catch you again tomorrow.
