Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Friday, 4th April, 2025

Scope 31 Mar 2025

Good Morning Nigeria! Let's Dive Into Today's Top Stories

Welcome to the Naija News roundup of the top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Friday, 4th April, 2025. As we kick off the day, here’s what you need to know:

1. President Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers State

In a bold and decisive move aimed at restoring stability and governance in Rivers State, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency on Tuesday, 18th March 2025. This decision comes after months of escalating political unrest and the inability of the state leadership to resolve the crisis. The situation in Rivers State has been deteriorating, with legislative processes suspended and widespread unrest gripping the region.

President Tinubu's announcement follows a protracted political crisis involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his administration. The administration has been embroiled in constitutional violations, including the illegal dissolution of the state legislature. Despite numerous interventions, including a Supreme Court ruling in February 2025, the situation has only worsened. In his address, President Tinubu expressed deep concern about the ongoing crisis, which has prevented the people of Rivers State from experiencing good governance.

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To address these issues, President Tinubu has suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months. This move aims to bring stability and restore order in the state.

2. FCT Minister Wike Revokes PDP's National Secretariat Land Title Over Unpaid Ground Rents

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has officially revoked the land title of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national secretariat in Abuja. The reason? A staggering 20 years of unpaid ground rents. In a letter dated March 13, 2025, Wike informed the PDP of the revocation, citing a breach of the Land Use Act, which mandates the payment of ground rents for properties in the FCT.

The letter, signed by the Director of Land Administration (FTC), Chijioke Nwankwoeze, stated that despite repeated public notices, the PDP failed to remit the required payments for the years 2006 to 2025. According to the letter, the FCT Minister used the powers conferred by the Land Use Act of 1978 to revoke the PDP’s rights to the plot due to their failure to pay annual ground rents for two decades.

Wike emphasized that the FCTA administration will immediately take possession of the PDP’s national secretariat until all outstanding payments and bills are settled. Furthermore, the breaches committed by the PDP contravene the provisions of Section 28, Subsection 5 (a) and (b) of the Land Use Act. This move sends a strong message about accountability and compliance with the law.

3. President Tinubu Accuses Fubara of Demolishing Rivers Assembly Complex

In a nationwide address on Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu condemned Governor Siminalayi Fubara for demolishing the Rivers State House of Assembly complex. This demolition is part of an escalating political crisis in the state, driven by a power struggle between Governor Fubara and the state legislature.

The demolition occurred during an intense effort to impeach Governor Fubara, following mounting political tensions that have gripped the state in recent months. The conflict began when the state legislature, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, initiated impeachment proceedings against the governor. In response, President Tinubu noted that Governor Fubara, whom he claimed was responsible for the demolition, should have rebuilt the Assembly complex instead of destroying it.

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This action highlights the growing rift between the executive and legislative branches in Rivers State, and underscores the urgent need for resolution and accountability in the region's governance.

4. Sultan of Sokoto Denies Plans to Islamize Nigeria

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has categorically denied claims that the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has any intention to Islamize Nigeria. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Deputy National Legal Adviser of the NSCIA, Imam Haroun Muhammad Eze, described a recent social media post attributing such intentions to the Sultan as "mischievous" and baseless.

Imam Eze clarified that the Sultan has not been in Nigeria for the past two weeks, further emphasizing that the claim is unfounded. He urged Nigerians to disregard the trending statement on social media and to always verify information before propagating it. This clarification aims to dispel misinformation and promote unity in a diverse nation.

5. House of Representatives Passes Key Tax Reform Bills

The House of Representatives has approved four crucial tax reform bills that were transmitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu in October 2024. These bills, which aim to overhaul the country’s tax administration system, now await passage by the Senate before being sent to the President for final assent.

The bills, covering various aspects of tax administration, were considered and passed after the House Committee on Finance presented its recommendations, particularly on contentious issues like Value Added Tax (VAT) and inheritance tax. The reforms are expected to bring significant changes to Nigeria’s tax framework, addressing key areas such as revenue collection, tax dispute resolution, and the establishment of new institutions to manage tax-related matters.

This move is a step towards modernizing Nigeria’s tax system and ensuring a fairer, more efficient process for all citizens.

6. IPOB Calls for Unconditional Release of Nnamdi Kanu to End Sit-At-Home Protests

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has reiterated that the ongoing Monday sit-at-home protests in the South-East are not their directive but rather a response by Ndigbo to the continued detention of their leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. In a statement issued by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, the group dismissed claims that it is enforcing the weekly shutdown.

IPOB accused the Nigerian government of using intimidation tactics to tarnish its image while ignoring the core issue: the demand for justice and self-determination. The group emphasized that the only way to end the sit-at-home protests is by unconditionally releasing Nnamdi Kanu. They argued that Kanu’s incarceration is being used as a tool of oppression against Ndigbo, fueling further resistance.

Additionally, IPOB accused the Nigerian Army and Police of actively enforcing the sit-at-home protests to discredit the movement. They alleged that security forces have been arresting young men in rural communities on Mondays to create the illusion that IPOB is behind the disruptions. This highlights the ongoing tension between the government and the South-East region.

7. Atiku Criticizes Tinubu's Declaration of State of Emergency in Rivers

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for declaring a State of Emergency in Rivers State. In a nationwide broadcast, Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu for six months, while declaring a state of emergency.

Reacting in a statement on Tuesday night, Atiku described Tinubu’s declaration as disgraceful. He argued that Tinubu cannot evade responsibility for the chaos his administration has either enabled or failed to prevent in Rivers State. This criticism underscores the political divide and calls for accountability in governance.

8. Another Explosion Rocks Oil Facility in Rivers State

Reports have emerged of another explosion at an oil facility in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) of Rivers State, following a similar incident just hours earlier. According to an anonymous source in the area who spoke with Vanguard, the explosion occurred on Tuesday morning at a Manifold Connecting federal line in the Okwawriwa area of ONELGA.

Local residents woke up to witness a raging fire at the facility, which is located at a considerable distance from nearby homes. The facility handles petroleum products and serves as a key conduit for transporting oil from Seplat, Agip, and Shell through ONELGA and parts of Imo State, ultimately directing the products to Brass in Bayelsa State.

This explosion follows another incident less than 12 hours earlier, when the Trans-Niger Pipeline, operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), erupted into flames. This pipeline transports oil to the Bonny Terminal. As of now, the cause of the fire at both locations remains undetermined, raising concerns about potential human activities.

9. Timaya Speaks Out Against Herdsmen's Destruction of Farmlands in Bayelsa

Nigerian Afrobeats singer Timaya has raised alarm over the destruction of farmlands by herdsmen in his home state of Bayelsa. In a post via 𝕏 on Tuesday, the ‘Dem Mama’ crooner appealed to the government to intervene in the situation. Timaya described the current destruction of farmlands as "sad" and urged the marauding herders to ranch their cattle.

He wrote, “Pls the government should do something. They are destroying farms in Bayelsa. Aboki, take your cow inside and feed them. This is so sad.” This call for action highlights the ongoing tension between farmers and herders in Nigeria and the urgent need for a lasting solution.

10. Bobrisky Questions Nigeria's Focus on Him: "Am I That Special?"

Nigerian crossdresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, expressed surprise at the attention he has received from Nigerian ministers and senators during his 2024 ordeal with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). In a video shared on Snapchat, Bobrisky discussed betrayals that drove him into exile and his romantic relationships with celebrities in the country.

He confessed to having intimate relationships with seven Nigerian celebrities and announced plans to list their names, exposing what he described as "fake people" in the country. Bobrisky added that while Nigeria refuses to recognize his gender choice in official documents, his current location respects his identity. This highlights issues of identity and acceptance in modern Nigeria.