Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Monday, 25th August, 2025
1. Labour Warns RMAFC Over Plan To Increase Tinubu, Political Office Holders’ Salary
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has rejected the planned upward review of remuneration for political office holders by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, warning that the move could exacerbate inequality and trigger public outrage.
The warning comes weeks after RMAFC Chairman, Mohammed Shehu, lamented that President Bola Tinubu earns only ₦1.5 million monthly, while ministers receive less than ₦1 million, figures that have remained unchanged since 2008.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, NLC President, Joe Ajaero, described the proposed review as “insensitive, unjust, inequitable, and a direct threat to social stability.”
The labour leader dismissed RMAFC’s justification as inadequate, arguing that public office should not be turned into a wealth-making venture.
The NLC lamented that the review was being considered at a time when workers continue to grapple with stagnant wages and skyrocketing living costs.
It noted that the current ₦70,000 minimum wage remains grossly inadequate, adding that the last wage adjustment for civil servants was less than 50 per cent. At the same time, political office holders reportedly enjoyed increments exceeding 800 per cent.
According to the union, civil servants’ pay has always been tied to resource availability, whereas politicians have consistently benefited from uniform pay structures nationwide, irrespective of states’ fiscal conditions.
2. Benue State House Of Assembly Gets New Speaker
The lawmaker representing Makurdi North Constituency, Alfred Emberga, has emerged as the new Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly.
He emerged at an emergency plenary session by the Benue State House of Assembly on Sunday, which was presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Lami Ogenyi.
Emberga was immediately sworn in as the new Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly after taking the oath of office administered by the Clerk of the House, John Hwande.
Prior to his emergence, the lawmakers set aside his suspension, along with those of three other lawmakers.
The Assembly had earlier set aside its operating rules to allow them to carry on with the business of replacing the Speaker.
Emberga, who enjoys the support of Governor Hyacinth Alia, pledged to work with the lawmakers to pursue the development agenda of the state.
Emberga emerged following the sudden resignation of Aondona Dajoh as the Speaker of the State Assembly on Sunday.
3. Atiku Reveals Who He Will Support For 2027 Presidency
Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has disclosed that he can’t determine who will emerge as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 election.
He, however, promised to support whoever emerges as the flagbearer of the ADC in a free and fair primary election.
The former Vice President added that it would not matter whether he wins the party’s ticket or not.
Naija News understands Atiku made the submission while addressing party members during the welcome ceremony of the new defectors to the coalition party in Lagos State on Saturday.
The defectors were received into the ADC by its National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola; Senator Kolawole Ogunwale; and the Lagos State ADC Chairman, Mr. George Ashiru.
Speaking at the event as the guest speaker, Atiku, who was represented by Prof. Ola Olateju, said the ADC would present a level playing ground for all aspirants on its platform.
On the question of who would emerge as the presidential candidate of the party, Atiku said only the party would determine that.
4. Declare State Of Emergency In Zamfara, Katsina – ADC To Tinubu, Fires PDP Governors
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the massacre in Malumfashi, Katsina State, where dozens of worshippers and villagers were brutally killed.
The party described it as further proof of Nigeria’s collapsed security architecture.
It made this known in a statement to Naija News on Sunday signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi.
The party linked the killings to a broader wave of terror in Katsina and Zamfara that has claimed over 140 lives in two months, and called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to stop “jet-setting across the world” and urgently declare a State of Emergency in the affected states.
The party also criticised the decision of PDP Governors to hold their political meeting in Zamfara only days after the tragic slaughter of dozens of people in the state, describing the action as insensitive.
5. Nigeria Police Repatriate Wanted Notorious Chinese Gang Leader
The Nigeria Police Force, in an operation executed through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja, has successfully repatriated a high-profile fugitive, Mr. Dai Qisheng, to the People’s Republic of China.
Naija News reports that this was disclosed in a statement on Sunday signed by Force Spokesperson, DCP Muyiwa Adejobi.
This decisive action, carried out in collaboration with INTERPOL NCB Beijing and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria, underscores the Force’s unyielding commitment to its fight against transnational organized crime.
Dai Qisheng, a notorious gang leader wanted in Guizhou Province, China, for orchestrating and leading violent organized crimes, fled his home country in 2024 after a warrant for his arrest was issued by the Public Security Bureau of Zhijin County.
Determined to evade justice, he sought refuge in Nigeria. Operatives of INTERPOL NCB Abuja tracked, surveilled, and apprehended the fugitive in Abuja on 8th August, 2025.
Following his arrest, the fugitive was repatriated on 15th August, 2025 to Beijing under the established framework of police-to-police cooperation, coordinated by INTERPOL.
6. No Igbo Will Contest Presidency Against Tinubu In 2027 – Ohanaeze
Apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has declared that no Igbo candidate will contest the 2027 presidential election against incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Naija News reports that the group said the earliest realistic opportunity for the Southeast to produce a president is 2035, not 2027.
In a statement issued in Abakaliki and signed by the Deputy President General of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo faction, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and the National Spokesman, Thompson Ohia, the group revealed that the decision followed a crucial meeting with Southeast political leaders, Imeobi, and Nzukoumunna.
Ohanaeze stressed that the most practical platform for an Igbo presidency lies within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2035, should the zoning formula be reviewed.
They further identified the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, as the most outstanding Igbo candidate with the strongest chance of emerging president when the opportunity arises.
The group acknowledged several prominent Igbo leaders, including Peter Obi, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Pius Anyim, Governor Hope Uzodinma, Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Rochas Okorocha, and Umahi, noting that all possess the capacity to lead Nigeria.
However, it maintained that Umahi stands out as the best chance for the Southeast in 2035. Ohanaeze also reaffirmed its commitment to support President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
7. Stop Unlawful Pay Rise For Politicians – SERAP To Tinubu
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to stop the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) from implementing what it described as an “unlawful and unconstitutional” pay rise for political and public office holders.
The group insisted that any increase in the salaries of the president, vice president, governors, deputies, and lawmakers would be unjustifiable, given the current economic realities.
In a letter dated August 23, 2025, and signed by its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP urged Tinubu to personally reject the proposal and encourage other political leaders to do the same.
The group also demanded that the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, ensure compliance with a subsisting judgment directing RMAFC to review downward the salaries and allowances of National Assembly members.
SERAP argued that the RMAFC has no constitutional or statutory power to raise the pay of political office holders arbitrarily.
8. Work For Your Money, Stop Waiting For Rich Husbands – Jemima Osunde Advises Women
Nollywood actress, Jemima Osunde, has addressed the growing mindset among some women who expect to date or marry only wealthy men.
The physiotherapist explained that this way of thinking is unrealistic, especially in today’s economy, where relying solely on a partner’s wealth is not practical.
Naija News reports that Osunde pointed out that not every woman can marry a billionaire, and depending on a rich partner should not be the main goal.
She questioned why women with this belief focus on dreaming of luxurious relationships instead of seeking opportunities to earn their own income.
The actress encouraged women to pursue work, develop skills, and engage in productive ventures.
She argued that self-reliance is crucial and that women should not wait for financial security to come from someone else.
9. I Almost Fell Into Depression When I Was Accused Of Stealing My Friend’s Husband – Veekee James
Celebrity fashion designer, Veekee James, has revealed that false stories about her marriage almost affected her mental health.
Naija News reports that the rumours claimed that she had a relationship with her husband, Femi Atere, while he was dating her friend and hair boss, Miz Nwanneka.
These allegations, she said, were completely untrue and caused her emotional distress.
Veekee, while appearing on The Nancy Isime show, shared that the false reports pushed her close to depression.
She recalled spending days alone in her room, crying and praying for strength.
Faith and patience helped her overcome the stress and regain her peace of mind.
10. Naira Marley Not Innocent, He Bullied My Son – Mohbad’s Dad
Joseph Aloba, father of the late Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly as Mohbad, has rejected claims by Marlian Music boss Naira Marley that he had no hand in the troubles his son faced while alive.
In an interview with Sunday Scoop, Aloba insisted that Mohbad suffered harassment under Marley’s watch despite the singer’s public denial.
Naija News reports that he explained that he once confronted Marley after hearing disturbing accounts from his son and later witnessed situations that confirmed Mohbad was mistreated.
According to him, even a close associate of Marley once reported incidents of physical assault against Mohbad.
That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow.
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