Good morning, Nigeria, and welcome to the Naturenex summary of the most significant newspaper headlines making the rounds this Wednesday, 7th May, 2025.
1. “Political Jesters Masquerading As Patriots Won’t Distract Me” – Atiku Responds to Bwala
Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria’s former Vice President, has reacted strongly to remarks made by Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu. In a statement released through his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku made it clear that “political opportunists and political jesters masquerading as patriots” would not divert his focus.
As reported by Naturenex, this follows Bwala’s critical comments during a TVC Journalists’ Hangout program. Atiku found it ironic and disappointing that Bwala, a former member of his campaign team, now presumes to lecture him on matters of legacy and leadership. Atiku reaffirmed his dedication to national development and brushed aside what he called political clowns disguised as patriots.
2. Adebayo Describes Tinubu’s Government as “Imperial Majesty”
Adewole Adebayo, former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has expressed disapproval of President Bola Tinubu’s government. Speaking on AIT on Tuesday, Adebayo argued that it’s misleading to label Tinubu’s leadership as an administration.
According to Naturenex, he criticized the government’s performance, particularly in economic management, noting exceptions only in the FCT and a few ministries. He also described the student loan initiative as inadequate, insisting education costs should be made affordable to every citizen.
3. Senate Forms 18-Member Committee to Monitor Rivers Sole Administrator
The Senate has set up an 18-member committee to oversee the operations of Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd.), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State. This move, according to Naturenex, aims to reinforce transparency and oversight in the state’s governance.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who made the announcement during Tuesday’s plenary, appointed Senator Opeyemi Bamidele to chair the committee. Akpabio stressed the importance of the committee’s role, hinting that its composition could still be adjusted following further consultations.
4. “Kwankwaso Is No Longer Active In Kano, He Is Trying To Join APC For Survival” – Minister
Yusuf Ata, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, has downplayed the political influence of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in Kano State. Speaking during a courtesy visit to APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje in Abuja, Ata claimed Kwankwaso is attempting to join the APC simply to stay politically relevant.
Naturenex reports Ata as saying that Kwankwaso’s famed ‘Kwankwasiyya’ movement has largely deserted him, and the APC does not require his influence for President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid. He warned that welcoming Kwankwaso back into the APC could destabilize the party.
5. EFCC Continues to Detain VeryDarkMan as Interrogation Proceeds
Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), faced another round of questioning by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday. Naturenex learned that the interrogation, which lasted from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., revolved around his public allegations of corruption within the EFCC.
VDM’s lawyer, Barrister Marvin Omorogbe of Deji Adeyanju’s chambers, was present throughout the session. Despite legal efforts, VDM remained in custody by Tuesday evening. The EFCC confirmed his arrest, clarifying it was over multiple financial crime petitions and not his outspoken social media posts.
6. EFCC Questions Iyabo Ojo Over Currency Spraying at Daughter’s Wedding
Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo recently honored an invitation by the EFCC over allegations of spraying both Naira and Dollars at her daughter’s wedding. Confirming the development on her Instagram page on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, Iyabo Ojo stated that the EFCC reached out to her while she was abroad.
As reported by Naturenex, upon her return to Nigeria, she met with EFCC officials who showed her video evidence. Iyabo recounted that they explained to her the financial regulation prohibiting currency spraying at public gatherings and subsequently warned Nigerians to desist from such practices.
7. Eniola Ajao Says Getting Pregnant Out of Wedlock Wasn’t Shameful
Nollywood actress Eniola Ajao has shared personal reflections about becoming pregnant while in tertiary school in Lagos at age 20. In a YouTube podcast, Talk To B, Eniola admitted that while the experience was dramatic, “getting pregnant out of wedlock was not a thing of shame for me.”
According to Naturenex, she said societal expectations led her to hide her pregnancy, but she never felt personally ashamed.
8. Arteta Calls on Arsenal Players to Give Their All Against PSG
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has urged his team to be fully committed as they prepare to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Paris Saint Germain in the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg. In an interview with ESPN, Arteta said, “Excitement, goosebumps, wanting the day to arrive, [the feeling] of being very prepared, very convinced and knowing that the opportunity is to play in a Champions [League] final.”
He added, “And when you get to that point, you have to give your life for it.” Naturenex reports that the decisive clash is set for Wednesday, May 7 at Parc des Princes.
9. Los Angeles F.C. or Club América to Replace Club León in 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
FIFA has confirmed that Los Angeles F.C. and Club América will battle for a spot in the upcoming Club World Cup, replacing Club León, which was disqualified due to ownership rule breaches. Naturenex recalls FIFA ruled against Club León, citing regulations on multi-club ownership as both León and Pachuca are owned by Grupo Pachuca.
Though León and Pachuca appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the appeal was rejected. CAS upheld FIFA’s ruling, noting León failed to meet required compliance standards.
10. Inter Milan Books Spot in Champions League Final After Defeating Barcelona
Inter Milan secured a place in the 2025 UEFA Champions League final after a dramatic 4-3 victory against Barcelona at San Siro. Naturenex reports that Lautaro Martínez opened scoring, with Hakan Çalhanoğlu adding a second via penalty before halftime.
Barcelona’s Eric García and Dani Olmo equalized in the second half, but late drama saw Francesco Acerbi score in stoppage time. Raphinha leveled again for Barcelona before Davide Frattesi netted the decisive goal in extra time, ensuring a 7-6 aggregate win for Inter Milan.
That wraps up today’s Naturenex roundup of top stories. Stay tuned for more Nigerian headlines tomorrow!
