Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Sunday, 31st August, 2025.
1. Fubara: ‘The Coast Is Clear For The State Of Emergency To Be Lifted In Rivers’ – Wike
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed hope that the state of emergency in Rivers State will expire on September 18.
Naija News recalls that President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State following the political crisis between Governor Sim Fubara, the House of Assembly members, and Wike.
Tinubu also suspended Fubara, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly for a period of six months and appointed a Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas.
Speaking with journalists after casting his vote in the ongoing local government election in Rivers State, Wike said the coast is clear for the state of emergency to be lifted.
The Minister maintained that with the expiration of the state of emergency, the Rivers State Assembly is expected to resume its duties.
He said, “As far as we are concerned, this election is peaceful, people are trooping out and at the end of the day the election has been conducted successfully and peacefully.
“I do know that by September 18, the state of emergency will expire and the state assembly will come back to their job and we will have a government at the grassroots level.
“The coast is clear for the state of emergency to be lifted, being that the state government has its representative and the local government has its representatives, so we are good to go.”
2. Atiku Abubakar Has The Right To Contest On Any Platform – Obidient Movement
The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, has declared that the group is not loyal to any political party.
Speaking in Abuja following speculations that the movement had become divided along party lines, he stated that their loyalty lies with Obi.
Tanko asserted that former vice president, Atiku Abubakar and other candidates have the right to contest in the 2027 presidential election, but the Obidient Movement would stand with Obi.
Obi, who is yet to make an explicit declaration on his political future, has been linked with a possible return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), despite continued membership of the Labour Party and alliance with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking on the matter, Tanko said, “Democracy guarantees freedoms, including association and choices about election participation. Anybody who wants to contest an election is free to do so. Atiku Abubakar has the right to contest on any platform, just like any other person. Nobody can deny him that right.
“But what we have resolved as a movement, with followers across the country and beyond, is that we will stand with our presidential candidate anywhere he goes.
“We are together and indivisible. The vision is the same, the agenda is the same, and we will stand firmly with Mr Obi anywhere he goes. We believe in his ideas and we will not abandon him.”
Tanko described political parties as mere vehicles in democracy, noting that the Obidient Movement’s support for Obi transcends party affiliation.
3. ‘Why Tinubu Must Arrest, Investigate, Prosecute Peter Obi, Aisha Yesufu And Sarah Ibrahim’
The factional Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party (LP), Arabambi Abayomi, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to arrest, investigate, and prosecute the former presidential candidate of the LP, Peter Obi.
In an open letter to Tinubu, Abayomi said the President needs to uphold the rule of law and restore public decorum.
The factional LP spokeswoman also called for the arrest, investigation and prosecution of activists Aisha Yesufu and Sarah Ibrahim for their roles in inciting treasonable felony, cyber-stalking and cyber-bullying.
He stated that he is set to file a Mandamus suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja to compel Tinubu, as the President and Chief Security Officer of the nation, to direct relevant agencies to perform their constitutional duty of investigating the trio.
According to him, Tinubu must ensure that the same laws that protect Peter Obi from defamation are applied equally to hold him and his associates accountable for their own extensive and inflammatory statements.
4. It Makes No Sense That You Are Abandoning Your Own House – Jonah Jang Slams PDP Defectors
Former Plateau State Governor, Senator Jonah Jang, has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been one of the most united political parties in Nigeria since its formation in 1998.
Jang stated this at a caucus meeting in the Plateau North Senatorial District of the PDP.
He argued that the party has continued to stand firm at the national level without any form of division threatening its existence.
He noted that although some members had left the party over time, the PDP is still rooted in the dedication and sacrifices of its genuine founding fathers.
He said, “Since 1998, the PDP has remained one of the most united political parties in Nigeria. No faction has been able to shake its foundation.
“It makes no sense to me when I hear founding members of PDP defecting to another party. How can a founding father abandon his own house? A true and genuine founding father will not abandon his house, no matter the level of provocation.”
At the meeting, party stakeholders in the senatorial district endorsed Plateau State governor Caleb Mutfwang for a second term in office. His deputy, Josephine Piyo, and the state PDP chairman, Chris Hassan, also received unanimous support for their respective terms.
5. Stop the Blackmail, I Was At That Meeting! – Journalist Blasts Adeyanju Over Peter Obi’s Bribe Claim
A renowned journalist, author and columnist, Ike Abonyi, has dismissed claims made by Human Rights Activist and Lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, that former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, tried to offer him money for his support.
Abonyi, who alleged that he was present during the meeting which he brokered between Adeyanju and Obi in the run-up to the 2023 elections, explained that Obi never made any such offer.
Speaking via a statement released in Abuja on Friday, Abonyi stated that he would not remain silent and allow lies to thrive.
Abonyi wrote, “I am at pains joining issues with a friend in public but at this instance, I cannot keep mum and allow untruths to thrive. My friend Deji Adeyanju just tweeted that why he stopped supporting the Labour Party, Presidential Candidate, Mr Peter Obi, was when he told him that he invested Anambra state money in his family business.
“I was at the meeting Deji had with Obi and was there all through and left with him after about three hours of frank discussion of Obi telling his life story in and out of government, none of which is new as he had said similar things repeatedly in public. I was shocked to my marrow reading from Deji what I did not hear. In my shock today, July 26, 2022, after reading the post, I wrote this to him -“Deji, Did you and Obi meet again or the one I was present. Haba! Deji, I’m shocked, you are free to support whoever without all these funny blackmails. You didn’t even factor my friendship with you.”
6. Dangote Never Wanted To Build Any Refinery In Rivers – APC Chieftain Shuts Down Allegation Against Amaechi
All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has dismissed allegations claiming that former Rivers governor, Rotimi Amaechi, frustrated Aliko Dangote’s plan to build his 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Refinery in Port Harcourt.
Naija News understands that a former member of the House of Representatives, Chidi Wihioka, accused Amaechi of disrespecting Dangote when he visited Rivers State for negotiations on the construction of the refinery.
Wihioka said that Amaechi thwarted the plan not only by not giving Dangote the attention he needed but also by making personal demands of him.
Reacting to the allegation via a statement, Eze stated that Wihioka became the lawmaker representing Ikwerre/Emohua federal constituency due to Amaechi’s influence.
He wondered how the former lawmaker could allow himself to be used to attack the former governor.
According to him, when Dangote visited Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, it was to establish a gas plant and not a refinery.
7. Kaduna Police Probe El-Rufai’s Political Meeting That Turned Violent
The Kaduna State Police Command has announced the launch of an investigation into an alleged political meeting linked to former Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
According to the Command, the meeting degenerated into violence and sporadic gunshots.
The incident occurred after a political gathering, reportedly convened under the platform of the African Democratic Congress Coalition, was held without prior notification to security agencies.
The State Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, in a statement issued on Saturday, noted that despite repeated warnings, the organisers went ahead with the meeting, a development that allegedly created a fertile ground for thugs to unleash violence.
He explained that preliminary findings showed that “political gangsters and thugs attached to the former Governor” were involved in the shooting that disrupted public peace and order in the state.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the gathering led to a clash, during which thugs and political gangsters attached to the former Governor allegedly fired gunshots, causing chaos and disruption of public order and peace in the state,” the statement read.
Hassan noted that the command would not spare anyone found culpable, regardless of their position, warning that no one was above the law.
The police further disclosed that it had approached the ADC leadership to clarify the issue. According to Hassan, party officials denied knowledge of such a meeting and distanced themselves from any gathering allegedly linked to El-Rufai.
He also warned that hotels, event centres, and similar facilities would henceforth be liable if they hosted political gatherings without first notifying security agencies.
8. Palace Source Reveals Details Of Obasanjo’s Meeting With Alaafin
The visit of former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, reportedly centred on advancing the development of the Yoruba race and fostering unity among traditional institutions in the southwest.
Naija News reports that the ex-president, who was accompanied by his daughter, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, and a delegation of dignitaries, was warmly received at the Alaafin’s palace in Oyo Town.
A palace source who spoke on the condition of anonymity with Vanguard on Saturday revealed that the highly confidential meeting focused on the need for greater collaboration among Yoruba traditional leaders.
According to him, Obasanjo, a respected elder statesman with decades of political influence and a champion of national unity, emphasised that the prosperity of the Yoruba race can only be achieved through collaboration between political and traditional leaders.
The source said, “The meeting was highly confidential, and the primary focus was on strengthening the unity of our traditional institutions.
“Both leaders recognised that for the Yoruba people to thrive, the various traditional bodies must work together seamlessly. This meeting was a crucial step toward achieving unity. Our heritage and traditions are invaluable, but we must ensure they contribute to the progress of our people.”
The source further stated that the Alaafin also spoke on the importance of collective action.
9. ‘I Walked On Express Hoping Car Would Hit Me’ – Morayo Afolabi Opens Up About Struggle With Depression
Nigerian television host, Morayo Afolabi-Brown, has opened up about her struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts.
Naija News reports that Morayo made this known in an interview with media personality, Chude Jideonwo.
Brown, who recently resigned as host of TVC’s ‘Your View’ after 12 years, disclosed she became depressed at some point because she felt stuck in her job.
According to Morayo, she had long harboured thoughts of quitting and moving to the next level, but did not know how to go about it until last year, when she began to gain clarity.
She said, “I was depressed. At a point, I was suicidal. I walked on the express, hoping a car would hit me. It was that bad.
“It was when we [TVC] were ten years that I knew that it was time [for me] to go to the next thing. I have been harbouring that thought for a while but I didn’t know how to go about it. But last year, I got that light-bulb moment.”
10. Portugal Hand Late Diogo Jota’s Number 21 Shirt To Ruben Neves In Emotional Tribute
Portugal has confirmed that Ruben Neves will wear the number 21 shirt once worn by his late close friend and former team-mate, Diogo Jota.
Naija News reports that Diogo Jota, who played for Liverpool, tragically lost his life in July at the age of 28 following a car crash in northern Spain that also claimed the life of his younger brother, André Silva, 25.
Neves, 28, who currently plays for Al-Hilal, shared a deep bond with Jota both at Wolves and in the national team. He was one of the pallbearers at Jota’s funeral.
Explaining the decision, Portugal manager Roberto Martinez said: “The number 21 jersey will go to Ruben Neves because, that way, that number will remain on the field and with all of us. He had a very close relationship with Diogo and is the ideal person to represent him.”
Portugal will gather for their first training camp without Jota next week as it prepares for World Cup qualifying games against Armenia and Hungary.
It marks the beginning of a new chapter for Martinez’s side, who just three months ago lifted the Nations League trophy after a penalty shootout victory over Spain, a match in which Jota came off the bench and Neves scored the decisive spot-kick.
Martinez paid tribute to Jota’s enduring influence on the team, saying: “We know what Diogo meant to each of us and the impact he had on our lives. We want to honour his memory every day. He will be with us and will be another force helping us achieve our goals. Diogo’s example serves as a beacon for us. We will carry his spirit in our hearts.”
That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow.
The post Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Sunday, 31st August, 2025 appeared first on Naija News.
