Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Saturday, 13th September, 2025.
1. I Have Fulfilled Tinubu’s Directive – Rivers Sole Administrator
The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd), has said the mandate entrusted to him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been “sufficiently achieved.”
He stated that it was fulfilled following the restoration of democratic governance at the grassroots level.
Naija News reports that he made this known during the presentation of the comprehensive report of the recently concluded local government elections by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
Ibas stated that the peaceful conduct of the polls and the swearing-in of democratically elected Chairmen and Councillors across all 23 Local Government Areas marked the direct fulfilment of the presidential directive he received on March 18, 2025.
While praising RSIEC for organising a fair, credible, and transparent electoral process, the Sole Administrator added: “For once, an election was conducted where nobody was harassed, where people went out freely to express themselves and to select whom they wanted as their leaders. This is a testament to the peaceful and enabling environment we have collectively fostered.”
The Administrator assured that his administration would carefully review the RSIEC report and issue a government white paper in due course.
He also expressed gratitude to his team, security agencies, and state officials for their synergy and cooperation, noting, “this is what it takes to build nations.”
2. DSS Summons NUPENG, Dangote Refinery
The Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly summoned the management of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).
Naija News understands that they were called to an emergency meeting following rising tension over an alleged breach of an agreement on workers’ right to belong to the union of their choice.
According to Vanguard, the meeting, scheduled for 3 p.m. on Friday, will also be attended by representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and other key stakeholders.
Recall that on Tuesday, the management of Dangote and NUPENG signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, at the DSS Headquarters, Abuja, granting workers the freedom to join any union of their choice without interference.
The signing was witnessed by officials of the NLC, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, government ministers, and other stakeholders.
However, barely 24 hours after the signing, NUPENG accused Dangote’s management of violating the pact, an allegation the company denied.
On Friday morning, NUPENG again accused the Dangote Group of being “economical with the truth.”
In a statement jointly signed by NUPENG President Prince Williams Akporeha and General Secretary Afolabi Olawale, the union said Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s press release of September 11, 2025, misrepresented facts about its relationship with workers and their freedom to join NUPENG.
3. Details Of Peter Obi’s Meeting With Goodluck Jonathan Emerge
There are indications that former President, Goodluck Jonathan and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, may soon resolve the growing permutations over a united opposition ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Naija News reports that the two leaders held a meeting behind closed doors on Thursday, according to details shared by Peter Obi on his X account.
In an interview with Daily Trust, sources familiar with the meeting said the engagement was a continuation of earlier conversations between Peter Obi and Jonathan on the permutations for 2027.
One of the sources stated that both men have acknowledged sharing the same political base, and a separate bid by each could hand President Bola Tinubu an easy victory.
The source also confirmed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been wooing Jonathan, but he is wary of the internal crisis in the party.
Another source also stated that Peter Obi’s camp has raised concerns about being sidelined in the coalition they helped build.
He said, “The ADC has not been able to fully convince the Obidient Movement that the party was not structured to deliver an Atiku presidency.”
4. ‘Those Determined To Kill PDP Are Still Entrenched’ – Dele Momodu Dismisses Jonathan’s Return
Chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has dismissed speculations that former President Goodluck Jonathan may return to active politics to contest the 2027 presidential election on the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)’s platform.
Naija News reports that the veteran journalist made this known on Friday while fielding questions on Channels Television’s Sunrise programme.
Momodu noted that entrenched interests within the PDP remain opposed to Jonathan’s return bid.
At the meeting between Goodluck Jonathan and the Labour Party (LP) 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, Dele Momodu explained that such a political meeting should not be interpreted as a sign of an alliance.
According to him, speculation is common in politics, citing public reactions to a recent meeting between the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) 2023 presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso and President Bola Tinubu.
5. ‘Serious President With Kind Of Problems Nigeria Has, Don’t Go On Vacation’ – Kenneth Okonkwo Knocks Tinubu
Veteran Nollywood actor cum politician, Kenneth Okonkwo, has slammed the incessant foreign trips of President Bola Tinubu despite the series of problems in the country.
Naija News reports that Okonkwo, while responding to questions in an interview on Sunrise Daily, a programme on Channels Television, referenced the insecurity situation in Zamfara, Katsina states, instability in the educational system and the health sector.
He said most serious presidents with the kind of problems Nigeria has should not be vacationing in foreign countries.
He said, “The All Progressives Congress, or whatever name it’s called, is now a curse in this country.
“Look at the things going on in Nigeria. Where is your president? Vacation in France. People are dying in Zamfara, dying in Katsina. He said he’s going on vacation.
“See our educational system. ASUU is threatening to go on strike. This is telling you the instability in the educational system. The doctors and nurses are threatening to also go on strike, telling you the instability in healthcare. How about the oil sector? NUPENG going on strike.
“A country where the education, the healthcare, and infrastructure are in problem is a country in distress. We have more malnourished children in Nigeria now than in Sudan.
“Most serious presidents with the kind of problems Nigeria has, I don’t see them vacationing in foreign countries.”
6. ‘You Will Soon Enjoy 24/7 Uninterrupted Power Supply’ – Minister, Adelabu Tells Nigerians
The Federal Government has declared that Nigeria is on the path to achieving sustainability in its power sector, with signs pointing toward uninterrupted electricity supply in the near future.
Naija News reports that Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, stated this on Thursday in Abuja while inaugurating two blocks housing five training workshops and a 104-room hostel at the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN).
Adelabu described the projects as a milestone for both the institute and the sector, stressing that President Bola Tinubu’s administration was walking the talk and converting vision into action.
“In no time, we are going to witness a country where there is 24/7 uninterrupted power supply. This is possible and we have certainly seen the signs,” he said.
The minister noted that recent improvements had led to the highest power generation and transmission in Nigeria’s history, attributing this to the government’s renewed efforts.
He added that the government was deliberately lighting up universities, teaching hospitals, primary health centres, and public institutions, recognising electricity as the backbone of economic transformation.
7. Air Peace Flight Crew Test Positive For Alcohol, Drug
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has accused an Air Peace pilot and a Co-pilot for taking hard drugs and alcohol.
This was disclosed in a preliminary report signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, on Friday.
Naija News understands that NSIB investigators tested the crew positive for the substances after an Air Peace aircraft they flew was involved in a runway incursion at the Port Harcourt International Airport on July 13, 2025.
Recall that an Air Peace aircraft, on a Sunday morning of 13th June, had a runway excursion after landing at the Port Harcourt International Airport. The aircraft veered off the runway without any damage.
The NSIB report disclosed that the pilots who were flying an Air Peace Boeing 737 aircraft were involved in a serious incident while carrying 103 passengers.
The domestic flight, which took off from Lagos, experienced an unstabilised final approach before landing long on Runway 21.
The NSIB revealed that the aircraft touched down 2,264 metres from the runway threshold, well beyond the recommended touchdown zone, and eventually came to a stop at 209 metres into the clearway.
While all on board disembarked safely, the incident raised immediate safety concerns.
The preliminary reports, obtained by The PUNCH, say toxicological test results conducted on the flight crew turned out positive.
The Tests indicated the presence of alcohol in the system of the crew, while another crew member also tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active compound found in cannabis, colloquially referred to as “India hemp.”
The bureau noted that these toxicology results are being assessed within the scope of human performance and safety management, both critical factors in aviation incident investigations.
Following the development, the NSIB said it had issued immediate safety recommendations to the airline.
8. Actress Motunde Clears Air On Pregnancy, Abortion Involving Mr Macaroni
Nigerian actress Omotunde Sogunle, popularly known as Motunde in Mr. Macaroni’s comedy skits, has shared how a false story once left her deeply troubled.
Naija News reports that the actress in an interview recalled being accused of getting pregnant for her on-screen father, Mr. Macaroni, and even said to have aborted the pregnancy.
She explained that the allegation was shocking and completely untrue, as it was only a working relationship.
She admitted that the rumour caused her pain at the time, but she has since recovered from the experience.
According to her, she now looks back and laughs about it with Mr. Macaroni.
Motunde revealed that one of the greatest lessons she gained from the experience is learning how to stay silent when faced with false stories.
She said that responding to every false claim only keeps the matter alive.
9. I Am Not Leaving Anytime Soon – Chiwetalu Agu Debunks Death Rumours
Veteran Nollywood actor Chiwetalu Agu has dismissed reports that he is dead, describing them as false and misleading.
Naija News reports that the rumor, which spread on social media, alleged that the actor had passed away after battling diabetes and undergoing spine surgery.
The story quickly circulated, causing concern among fans and colleagues.
On Friday, Agu released a video on his official Instagram page, where he reassured the public that he is alive and in good health.
He described the rumour as baseless, blaming it on bloggers seeking attention through false news.
The Enugu-born actor also expressed disappointment that people could easily believe such reports without verifying them.
He urged the public to disregard the story and assured that he remains strong and active.
10. Diogo Jota’s Best Friend Speaks On Romantic Relationship With Widow Rute Cardoso After Viral Kissing Photo
Ruben Neves has denied reports linking him romantically with Rute Cardoso, the widow of his late best friend and Portugal team-mate Diogo Jota.
Naija News reports that clarification comes after a Portuguese magazine published a front-page photo that appeared to show Neves and Cardoso sharing a kiss.
The image was released alongside an article about the bond between Neves and Jota’s family following the Liverpool forward’s tragic death in a July car crash that also claimed the life of his brother Andre.
Neves, who currently plays for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, has been married to Debora Lourenco for more than a decade and has continued to stand by Jota’s widow and children since the tragedy.
He was visibly emotional at the funeral and later paid tribute to his late friend with a tattoo of them embracing.
Jota had tied the knot with Rute just days before the accident that left behind their three children.
Since then, Neves has remained close to the family, offering support during their difficult period.
The midfielder, who once captained Wolves, played alongside Jota at Porto, Wolves, and for Portugal, featuring together in 164 matches.
Following his friend’s death, Neves has now taken over Jota’s No. 21 shirt in the national team as a way to carry on his legacy, while Liverpool retired the No. 20 jersey in his honour.
Neves, unhappy with the magazine’s portrayal, insisted that his relationship with Rute has only been one of care and support.
That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow.
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