Good day, Nigeria! Welcome to our website's compilation of the top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Saturday, 17th May, 2025.
1. Tinubu Plans Strategic Defense Overhaul to Combat Rising Insecurity
Latest News Highlights from Leading Nigerian Newspapers on Saturday, 17th May, 2025:
President Bola Tinubu has stepped up measures against the recent escalation of insecurity, particularly in northern Nigeria. During a closed-door meeting with top defense officials, the President revealed plans to acquire essential air assets to bolster counter-insurgency efforts. A recently procured equipment upgrade is intended to intensify the fight against terrorists across the country.
"Our President has issued clear instructions on how to intensify all efforts. We're collaborating with our neighboring countries to tackle the porous nature of our borders," said General Christopher Musa, the Chief Defense Staff. He added that the military would focus on various operational theaters, enhance security equipment, and implement non-kinetic measures like community development to combat insecurity from the ground up.
2. Pat Utomi Slammed for Calling Tinubu a Tyrant
Presidential Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, has reprimanded former presidential candidate, Pat Utomi, for accusing President Tinubu's administration of tyranny. Ajayi noted that Utomi had sought Tinubu's endorsement and financial backing during the nomination process for Delta State governorship.
"Every four years, and ahead of each election cycle, @UtomiPat contrives a grand illusion and mega coalition that always ends up as a mirage," Ajayi tweeted, implying that Utomi only criticizes Tinubu when he can't get what he wants.
3. El-Rufai's SDP Campaign Loses Momentum in the Northwest
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, appears to be navigating rough political waters after his move to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) this past March. Despite his intentions to forge an opposition coalition, progress in the Northwest has been slow, with key political leaders reluctant to join the SDP. The party lacks a functional presence in several critical Northwestern states.
4. Nigeria May Have No Political Parties by 2027 - Akpabio
The President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, predicted during an event in Akwa Ibom State that there would be no political parties in the state by the 2027 elections. Akpabio claimed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) no longer has the capacity to protect the populace and is on the verge of collapse.
5. Court Holds Off on Opening Local Government Accounts for Sacked Chairmen
A Federal High Court in Osogbo issued a restraining order against the Accountant-General of the Federation, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Finance to prevent them from opening local government accounts for recently sacked council chairmen. The court order is in response to attempts by the ex-chairmen to circumvent ongoing legal proceedings concerning their removal from office.
6. Finnish Authorities Charge Simon Ekpa with Terrorism Incitement
Finnish prosecutors have charged Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), with inciting terrorism online, following an investigation into his activities between 2021 and 2024 in Lahti, Finland. The charges stem from his attempt to establish an independent Biafra region in Nigeria, a secessionist movement that has gained support among some Nigerian separatists.
7. 30% Local Value Addition Mandate for Exported Raw Materials Advocated by Akpabio
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has pledged the National Assembly's support for legislation requiring exporters to add at least 30% value to raw materials before they can leave Nigeria. Akpabio views this policy as crucial for promoting economic development and a moral compass for other African nations.
8. System Glitch Faulted for UTME Failures, Farotimi Demands Accountability
Dele Farotimi, a human rights lawyer, has criticized JAMB Registrar Ishaq Oloyede for inadequate explanation of a system glitch that led to exam failures for over 300,000 candidates, primarily from the South East and Lagos State. Farotimi compared the incident to indifference, calling for accountability from JAMB and other public officials.
9. Taiwo Awoniyi Hospitalized Following Surgery After Collision with Post
Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi continues to recover under observation in the hospital after undergoing abdominal surgery following a collision with a post during a Premier League match against Leicester City. The Football Club head coach Nuno Espirito Santo provided encouraging news during a press conference, but emphasized the importance of medical staff's assessment before visitors are allowed to see the player.
10. Veteran Nollywood Actor Yemi Ayebo Cries for Help Amidst Financial Struggles
Veteran Nollywood actor, Yemi Ayebo, has pleaded for assistance to regain financial footing amidst his ongoing struggle following the success of his seminal 1993 film, 'Yemi My Lover'. Ayebo attributes his challenges to movie piracy and lack of support from the industry during the film's initial release.
Headway: Information on the prevalence of secessionist movements in Nigeria, such as IPOB and the Biafra movement, might be of interest. The struggle of seceding regions and the impact on Nigeria's overall stability and unity could be a fascinating topic to explore.
Left Behind: The article could be bolstered by a more detailed examination of the ongoing legal proceedings involving the sacked council chairmen and the potential implications for local governance.
- Protests erupt in Lagos as the Department of State Services (DSS) arrests key IPOB leaders, allegedly linked to Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed IPOB leader in Finland, charged with terrorism incitement.
- The People's Democratic Party (PDP) members in the Senate, in solidarity with Akwa Ibom State, have demanded the immediate resignation of President Tinubu for his statement predicting the collapse of the PDP.
- Amidst the political tension, the Nigerian Premier League has announced a pause in matches due to increasing security concerns after the incident involving Nottingham Forest striker, Taiwo Awoniyi.
- The impact of the Biafra movement on the entertainment industry, particularly in Nollywood, has become a topic of debate, with veteran actor Yemi Ayebo urging for more industry support and recognition of historic contributions.
- The Senate has agreed to work on a bill requiring a 30% local value addition for exported raw materials as a means to stimulate economic development and set a moral example for other African nations.
- The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP) have traded accusations of tyranny and political grandstanding, further straining the already tense political landscape in Nigeria.
- Elections expected in 2026 have sparked concerns of votes being manipulated via online platforms, with calls for increased cybersecurity measures to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
- With the General Elections looming, the sports world has expressed worry over the potential impact of politics on the Nigerian Premier League, fearing a return to the days when matches were postponed due to political protests.
- The court hearings concerning the sacked local government chairmen have revealed a power struggle between the Federal Government and the States, with implications for the balance of power in Nigeria's decentralized system.
- In response to the growing prevalence of secessionist movements in Nigeria, international organizations have launched discussions on potential measures to promote national unity and prevent the disintegration of the country.
