Good morning, Nigeria, and welcome to the Naturenex roundup of today’s top newspaper headlines for Wednesday, June 4th, 2025.
1. Presidency Replies Afenifere Over Claims Of Hardship And Democratic Setback
The Presidency has responded to recent criticisms from a faction of the Afenifere group, which alleged that President Bola Tinubu’s policies have worsened economic conditions and weakened Nigeria’s democratic values.
According to Naturenex, the pan-Yoruba group claimed that the administration’s midterm report reflected a regression in human development and sociopolitical indices.
However, in a statement issued on Tuesday by Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, the Presidency dismissed the group’s comments as a targeted attack lacking objectivity.
Dare argued the remarks were based on a jaundiced perspective, one that aligns with opposition figures. The Presidency labelled the group’s conclusions as “deceitful,” “prejudiced,” and lacking factual foundation.
2. Reuben Abati Advises Tinubu To Be Cautious Of Wike
Former presidential spokesperson, Reuben Abati, has urged President Tinubu to be cautious in his dealings with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Abati warned that Wike’s tendency to disparage those who supported his political career could eventually be directed at the President himself.
Speaking on Arise Television’s The Morning Show, Abati pointed to Wike’s recent verbal jabs at key political players as evidence of his reckless approach, attributing it to “hubris.” He further recalled the minister’s past criticism of Peter Odili, a figure instrumental in Wike’s political ascent.
Abati suggested Tinubu should brace for similar treatment in due course.
3. Judicial Workers Call Off Nationwide Strike
The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has announced the suspension of its nationwide strike, which commenced on Monday.
As reported by Naturenex, the decision followed a critical meeting involving representatives of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, officials from the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and other stakeholders.
A communiqué issued after the talks confirmed that the industrial action would be halted for one month, during which the Federal Government is expected to address the union’s grievances, particularly regarding funding for the Judiciary.
JUSUN has instructed its members nationwide to resume work on Wednesday and expressed optimism that authorities would uphold the terms of the agreement to avert future disruptions.
4. APC Denies Reports Of Automatic Tickets For Lawmakers
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed claims suggesting plans to automatically grant party tickets to serving National Assembly members.
In a statement on Tuesday, APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, declared the reports false, urging party members and the public to disregard them.
He stated: “We urge all Party members and the general public to disregard the report as FAKE and of mischievous origin.”
Earlier speculations alleged that the Abdullahi Ganduje-led APC and President Tinubu had finalised arrangements for automatic tickets for federal lawmakers, a move reportedly opposed by some party governors.
5. NCC Orders Banks To Deduct USSD Fees From Airtime, Not Bank Accounts
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a directive for banks to cease debiting customers’ accounts for USSD transaction fees, effective June 3, 2025.
As seen in a customer notice from United Bank for Africa (UBA), Naturenex confirms that charges for Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) services will now be deducted directly from mobile airtime balances under the End-User Billing (EUB) model.
The statement reads: “Effective June 3, 2025, charges for USSD banking services will no longer be deducted from your bank account. These charges will now be deducted directly from your mobile airtime balance.”
Each USSD session will now attract a ₦6.98 fee per 120 seconds, payable to mobile network operators.
6. Minister Vows CBT Will Curb Exam Manipulation
Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Education, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to adopting a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and National Examination Council (NECO) exams.
Speaking during an inspection of WASSCE examinations in selected Abuja schools, Ahmad told Naturenex that every effort is being made to ensure students and regions aren’t disadvantaged as the CBT system is implemented by 2027.
She said the move would address prevalent exam malpractices and logistical challenges, noting that students increasingly favour CBT over the traditional paper format.
7. Angela Okorie Reveals Mercy Johnson’s Health Struggle
Nollywood actress Angela Okorie has disclosed that fellow actress Mercy Johnson is seriously ill.
In an Instagram live session reported by Naturenex, Okorie announced she had forgiven Mercy following their rift and expressed deep concern over the health issue, remarking that it was an illness she wouldn’t wish on her worst enemies.
Okorie urged Mercy Johnson to seek reconciliation with those she had wronged and refrain from what she described as insincere religious displays.
8. Actress Biola Adebayo Confirms End Of Marriage
Yoruba movie star Biola Adebayo has publicly announced the end of her marriage.
In a post on her Instagram page, the actress revealed, “It is better to stay alive to tell the story,” explaining that although she and her husband had separated since April 2024, they have agreed to co-parent their child amicably.
According to Naturenex, Biola extended birthday wishes to her estranged husband while apologising to followers who may be disappointed by the news, adding that despite wishing for a lasting union, it was best to part ways peacefully.
9. Super Falcons Defeat Cameroon In WAFCON Warm-up
Nigeria’s Super Falcons delivered a solid performance on Tuesday, defeating the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon 2–0 in a friendly match at Abeokuta’s MKO Abiola Sports Complex.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade scored both goals for the African champions — the first via penalty in the 28th minute, and the second from open play after a superb assist from Rinsola Babajide in the 43rd minute.
Head Coach Justine Madugu described the win as a “psychological boost” ahead of the 2025 Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, where the Falcons are targeting a record 10th title.
10. Lamine Yamal Rules Out Real Madrid Move
Spanish and Barcelona football prodigy, Lamine Yamal, has categorically ruled out the possibility of joining Real Madrid.
During an interview with COPE Radio in Spain’s national team camp, Yamal responded to a question about playing for Madrid by saying: “No, never. Impossible.”
Discussing the upcoming Spain vs France match and potential Ballon d’Or candidates, he added: “I’d vote for the one who performed best throughout the year. But if you insist we’re deciding it on Thursday, then let’s go head-to-head… I’d choose myself.”
Yamal also revealed his unique way of staying motivated — friends sending him critical social media posts before games. He shared, “Before the match against France, I was sleeping on the team bus, and a friend called me and said, ‘Remember what Rabiot said about you.’ I told him, ‘Of course I remember.’”
He noted that his performances have begun earning him greater respect from defenders.
That concludes today’s roundup of top Nigerian newspaper headlines. For more updates and in-depth reports, stay connected to Naturenex. See you tomorrow.
