Good morning, Nigeria. Welcome to the Naturenex roundup of major newspaper headlines across the country for today, Wednesday, 23rd April, 2025.
1. Tinubu, Fubara Allegedly Hold Private Discussions
Political tensions in Rivers State appear to be easing after several weeks of unrest, as President Bola Tinubu and Governor Siminalayi Fubara reportedly engaged in discreet diplomatic talks poised to influence the region’s power structure.
As reported by The Africa Report, President Tinubu convened a confidential meeting with Governor Fubara, who has been under suspension since March 18, 2025. This meeting was said to have taken place in London, shortly after Tinubu’s trip to Paris, and was allegedly initiated by Fubara, keen on reclaiming his office following the declaration of a state of emergency in the state.
It was further gathered that Fubara might be open to defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a strategic move to gain Tinubu’s support, which would enhance the ruling party’s position in Rivers State.
Interestingly, Nyesom Wike, the Governor’s estranged ally and the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, was reportedly excluded from these behind-the-scenes negotiations. Tinubu is, however, expected to facilitate a reconciliation meeting involving Wike, Fubara, and the Rivers Assembly in a bid to resolve the crisis.
2. Senate Responds To Pastor Bakare’s State Of Emergency Remarks
The Senate has strongly countered Pastor Tunde Bakare’s recent criticisms concerning the National Assembly’s role in declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Naturenex reports that the Senate dismissed Bakare’s comments as misleading, describing them as “unwarranted invective.”
On Sunday, during a sermon, the overseer of The Citadel Global Community Church criticized the Senate’s handling of both matters, accusing the country’s leadership of attempting to create a “mafia state” and calling their actions “institutional immorality.”
Responding in a statement on Tuesday, the Senate, through its Media and Public Affairs Committee Chair, Yemi Adaramodu, insisted it respects free speech but must react when such opinions “cross the line.”
Adaramodu labeled Bakare’s remarks as “sweeping generalisations” and “disparaging commentary” that could weaken public confidence in democratic processes, acknowledging Bakare’s past national contributions but condemning his recent tone as “contempt and unsubstantiated claims.”
3. Police: ‘Alabi Quadri Told Us He Is 18’
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Moshood, has said the Command remains unaware of any legal advice from the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) recommending leniency for Quadri Alabi.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, Moshood insisted the Police had received no formal communication regarding any directive to bail or discharge Alabi.
He clarified that, according to police records, Alabi was 18, not 17 as widely claimed.
Naturenex reports that the statement follows Alabi’s release from Kirikiri Prison by an Apapa Magistrate Court on Thursday, after being cleared of conspiracy and armed robbery charges. The teenager gained nationwide recognition in 2023 for courageously standing in front of Peter Obi’s campaign convoy.
4. Ribadu Assures Benue Governor Of Federal Support
National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s firm resolve to confront the persistent security challenges in Benue State.
During a media briefing on Tuesday at the Government House, Makurdi, Ribadu commended Governor Hyacinth Alia’s proactive response to insecurity while cautioning opportunists exploiting the violence.
Ribadu revealed, “The President has directed me to reaffirm his determination to eliminate this threat.”
Naturenex notes this comes amid heightened fears across the North Central region, where violence has claimed more than 120 lives. The NSA appealed for collective efforts to restore peace in the troubled region.
5. Bode George Rebukes Atiku Over 2027 Coalition Moves
Former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Bode George, has criticized ex-presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar’s efforts to build a political coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Arise TV on Tuesday, George accused Atiku of bypassing party leadership, treating the PDP like a personal fiefdom.
Referring to Atiku’s recent visit to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, George condemned the move as disgraceful, saying it was shameful for Atiku to visit someone who “flogged him” in the 2019 polls.
He also cautioned Atiku against creating disunity between Northern and Southern Nigerians in pursuit of personal ambition.
6. Ijora Bridge In Lagos To Close For Repairs
The Federal Government has confirmed that the Ijora Bridge in Lagos will be completely closed from April 27 to allow for urgent repairs.
Naturenex reports that the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olukorede Kesha, made this known during an inspection on Monday.
Kesha explained that significant deterioration in the bridge’s bearings necessitated the intervention. About 50 defective bearings will be replaced across three sections.
The Ijora Bridge serves as a crucial link to Apapa, home to two of Nigeria’s busiest ports. While acknowledging the anticipated disruptions, Kesha emphasised the repairs were indispensable for public safety.
7. Niger State Declares Curfew Over Security Concerns
Amid a surge in violent attacks and killings in Minna, Niger State Governor Umar Bago has declared a 6 pm to 6 am curfew.
This decision was disclosed during a security meeting on Tuesday at the Government House.
Bago stated that commercial motorcycles and tricycles are also restricted during the curfew hours, with exemptions for medical emergencies.
Local leaders have been instructed to properly document all visitors. Any residence found sheltering criminals or drug traffickers risks demolition.
The state government reiterated its readiness to restore calm and protect citizens.
8. MC Oluomo Defends Himself Over English Blunder
Lagos transport union leader, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly called MC Oluomo, has responded to criticisms following his English slip-up, where he mispronounced “kudos” as “Kundus.”
In a viral video, MC Oluomo defiantly addressed his critics: “I stayed there and worked hard, but I wasn’t educated. See, they said I said Kundus, is Kundus not my son? You are educated; what have you done? They should go and compete with my children. I raised my children in wealth. My children are citizens of America, citizens of the UK. I worked hard to get to that level. Kundus, kudos, what’s the difference? What do you want to hear? English is not my mother tongue, Yoruba is.”
9. 2Baba Introduces Natasha Osawaru To Idoma Elders
Nigerian music icon Innocent Idibia, better known as 2Baba, has formally introduced his fiancée, Honourable Natasha Osawaru, to the Idoma traditional council.
Naturenex reports that the event was held on Monday, April 21, 2025, during the Idoma Nation Peace and Unity Symposium at the Och’Idoma Palace in Otukpo.
According to Daily Post, 2Baba, dressed in Idoma regalia, presented Natasha to His Royal Majesty, the Och’Idoma V, and other elders.
Afterward, they visited Okpokwu, his hometown, to meet community elders, where 2Baba reaffirmed his commitment and sought their blessings for Osawaru, a former Edo State House of Assembly lawmaker.
10. Mbappé A ‘Failure’ At Madrid – Rothen
Former Paris Saint-Germain star Jerome Rothen has described Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé’s first season as a “resounding failure.”
In a chat with RMC Radio, Rothen said Mbappé, who joined Real Madrid with huge expectations, has struggled to make an impact worthy of the Ballon d’Or.
He noted the player dreamt of glory in Madrid but has fallen short of both team and individual success.
That wraps up today’s major Nigerian news headlines. Keep following Naturenex for more updates. See you tomorrow.
