Good morning, Nigeria. Welcome to the Naturenex roundup of today’s top newspaper headlines from across the country for Wednesday, 14th May, 2025.
1. Group Life Assurance Not For Tinubu, Shettima Alone – Presidency
The presidency has clarified that the Group Life Assurance Scheme recently sanctioned by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) was not designed solely for President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, or other top-ranking government officials.
According to a statement on Tuesday by President Tinubu’s Special Assistant on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, the scheme is a life insurance policy meant for every public servant and member of the military, ensuring that, in the event of death, their next-of-kin would receive benefits to ease the family’s burden.
He cautioned against what he described as the sensationalizing and politicizing of the scheme by sections of the media.
Naturenex recalls that the FEC had, on Monday, given approval for the implementation of the Group Life Assurance Scheme for government workers, paramilitary operatives, and other uniformed services.
2. Our Helicopter Didn’t Deliver Food To Bandits – Police
The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed viral social media claims that one of its helicopters was used to deliver food supplies to bandits.
Naturenex reports that Police spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, explained that the armed men in the widely circulated video were actually joint security forces, including local hunters.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Adejobi urged Nigerians to disregard the misleading claims circulating on social media, asserting that the helicopter’s mission was to provide aerial support for security personnel stationed at Obajana axis in Kogi State.
3. Reps Reject Bill On Rotational Presidency
The House of Representatives has turned down a proposed amendment to the 1999 Constitution that sought to institutionalize a rotation of the presidency and vice presidency among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Naturenex reports that the bill, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu, was titled: ‘A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Cap. C23, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Provide for the Principle of Rotation of the Offices of the President and the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria among the Six Geopolitical Zones of the Country, Namely: North Central, North East, North West, South East, South South, and South West and for Related Matters (HB. 2291).’
Listed among seven constitutional amendment proposals for second reading on the House’s Tuesday, May 13, 2025, Order Paper, the Deputy Speaker presided over the session, inviting lawmakers to share their positions on the bill.
After a round of intense deliberations, a voice vote was taken, with the majority responding with ‘nays.’ The Deputy Speaker then ruled in favour of the nays.
4. Anambra Guber: Koshoedo Signed Our Letter, Not Anyanwu – PDP Clarifies
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has debunked claims that Senator Samuel Anyanwu signed the party’s nomination form sent to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its Anambra State governorship candidate.
Naturenex reports that PDP spokesperson, Debo Ologunagba, in a statement on Tuesday, clarified that it was Acting National Secretary, Setonji Koshoedo, who signed the nomination form.
He described as false and baseless, claims making the rounds on social media that Anyanwu appended his signature.
Ologunagba confirmed that the nomination form submitted to INEC for candidate Jude Ezenwafor was signed by the PDP Chairman, Umar Damagum, and Koshoedo. He urged party members, the media, and the public to dismiss the circulating document and accompanying reports.
5. Justice Nyako To Deliver Final Judgment On Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension Case On June 27
Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has fixed June 27, 2025, for the final judgment in the case involving suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Naturenex understands that Akpoti-Uduaghan is contesting her suspension from the Senate, which she claims was unfair and politically motivated.
The senator filed a lawsuit listing the National Assembly, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Senate, and Senator Neda Imasuem, who chairs the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, as defendants.
Originally assigned to Justice Obiorah Egwuatu before his withdrawal, the matter was reassigned to Justice Binta Nyako. During the latest hearing on Monday, the court was informed that both parties had submitted all required documents.
6. Nigeria: Our Job Is Not Finished – Obasanjo
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has insisted that Nigeria has yet to attain its desired national goal.
Speaking at the public unveiling of former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido’s autobiography titled “Being True to Myself” at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja, Obasanjo maintained that it remained the duty of all patriots to persist in efforts towards nation-building.
He advised Lamido not to consider retirement from active engagement in the country’s affairs, emphasizing that “Nigeria has not gotten where it should be,” and it was the responsibility of all stakeholders to see the work through.
7. Juventus Sporting Director Debunks Links With Victor Osimhen
Juventus sporting director, Cristiano Giuntoli, has denied fresh reports suggesting the club is on the verge of signing Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen, presently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, carries a hefty €75 million release clause, placing him at the center of transfer speculations from clubs seeking a lethal finisher.
The 26-year-old forward, long linked with Juventus due to Giuntoli’s past role in his transfer from Lille to Napoli, has now seen those rumours dispelled.
Giuntoli addressed the matter in an interview with Derin Football, saying, “I’m not interested in Osimhen. The rumours that you read in the Italian media are only meant to put pressure on us. Juventus does not want the player.”
8. Carlo Ancelotti Finally Speaks On Real Madrid’s Exit, New Job In Brazil
Following widespread speculation about his imminent departure, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has publicly addressed his future plans.
In his first press conference since the story broke, Ancelotti looked back on his memorable stint at Madrid and shared thoughts about his next chapter.
The veteran coach, who has guided Real Madrid to an impressive 11 trophies in four years, confirmed he would assume the role of Brazil’s national team coach starting May 26, 2025.
However, he emphasized his current priority remains with Madrid. “I want to end it well,” Ancelotti declared.
Though Real Madrid has yet to issue an official statement, Ancelotti dismissed any notions of internal conflict. On a possible successor, he remarked, “I don’t have any advice. He has all the tools to be a great coach,” referring to Xabi Alonso.
9. I Promised Rivers United Continental Ticket Not NPFL Title – Finidi George
Rivers United coach Finidi George has reiterated that he never promised to deliver the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title this season.
With Rivers United currently second in the standings with 61 points, battling for a CAF Champions League slot, Naturenex reports that Finidi clarified his initial promise was solely to secure a continental ticket.
Despite Remo Stars already crowned champions and Abia Warriors close on their heels by just a point, Rivers United still have one final match on May 25 to determine their continental fate.
Although a recent 3-0 defeat to Kwara United in Ilorin was a setback, Finidi remains optimistic about achieving the club’s season target.
10. ‘Davido Is Hustling Like Underground Artist’ – Orezi
Afrobeats star Orezi has praised music heavyweight Davido for his persistent work ethic and unwavering competitive spirit.
Naturenex reports that Orezi, during a guest appearance on Hip TV’s ‘Trending’, attributed his own career decline to becoming complacent and losing ambition.
Reflecting on Davido’s resilience, Orezi stated that the ‘Feel’ singer still operates with the hunger of a rising artist, despite his affluent background and accomplishments.
