Must Read
These are the top stories making headlines across Nigeria today, Tuesday, 3rd June, 2025:
1. Wike Rejects State of Emergency in Rivers State: ‘If Tinubu Had Told Me, I Wouldn’t Have Agreed’
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed strong opposition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to declare a State of Emergency in Rivers State.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Monday, Wike stated that he would not have agreed with the move if Tinubu had consulted him beforehand.
He emphasised that he is not at odds with the suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, but insisted that only the President has the constitutional right to determine when the emergency rule is lifted.
Wike further accused Fubara of allowing himself to be manipulated by political adversaries, creating unnecessary tension in the state’s governance.
2. APC Fires Back at Atiku, El-Rufai, and Amaechi: ‘In 24 Years, You Failed to Eradicate Poverty’
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has responded forcefully to criticisms from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
In a statement issued on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC defended President Tinubu’s economic reforms, stating they are transforming Nigeria from a consumption-driven economy to a production-based one.
The party labelled Atiku, Amaechi, and El-Rufai as desperate politicians who, despite holding key political positions between 1999 and 2023, failed to address the nation’s poverty challenges.
According to the APC, these politicians are now uncomfortable with Tinubu’s groundbreaking reforms, which prioritise hard work, productivity, and innovation over personal gain.
3. Orji Uzor Kalu: ‘Politics Has Been More Dangerous to Me; I Didn’t Benefit Anything’
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North, has admitted that politics has not benefited him personally.
Speaking on Channels Television’s *Politics Today*, Kalu stated that he considers himself a businessman first, highlighting that he made his fortune before venturing into politics.
Kalu also recounted that when the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was formed in 1998, he donated \$1 million to support its establishment — funds he said came from his businesses.
He reiterated that his primary motivation has always been to create jobs for Nigerians through his enterprises.
4. FG Declares June 6 and 9 as Public Holidays for Sallah Celebration
The Federal Government has declared Friday, June 6, and Monday, June 9, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Adha festival.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the decision through a statement signed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani.
Tunji-Ojo extended warm wishes to the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and abroad, urging them to embody the values of sacrifice, obedience, and faith as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim (Peace Be Upon Him).
5. Wike: ‘I’m Still in PDP; Nobody Can Sack Me’
The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has reiterated his loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring that no one can expel him from the party.
Speaking to newsmen in Abuja on Monday, Wike boasted about his contributions to the PDP’s growth and relevance, especially in Rivers State.
“I am still in PDP. I worked hard for the party. I have not seen anybody who will have the guts to tell me, ‘Wike, you are not a member of the party.’ Who is that?” he challenged critics.
Wike stressed that his political influence remains strong, despite speculations about his loyalty.
6. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan: ‘Akpabio Has Turned Senate Sittings into Comedy Shows’
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has made explosive revelations about her experience as Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content, accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of turning serious legislative sessions into a “comedy show.”
In an interview with Adeola Fayehun, Akpoti-Uduaghan disclosed that Akpabio’s request for a “progress report” was, in reality, a demand for financial or political favours.
She described the immense pressure senators face from influential political figures, especially during budget negotiations, and expressed disappointment at the lack of integrity in the system.
7. Wike Slams Bode George: ‘He Should Sit at Home and Read Newspapers’
Wike has also fired back at Chief Bode George, a former PDP Deputy National Chairman, who accused him of working against the party’s interests.
Dismissing George’s comments, Wike argued that he has done more to keep the PDP relevant than George ever did.
“I have ensured the PDP’s relevance in Rivers State and nationally. Bode George has not been able to win anything for PDP in Lagos. Let him sit at home and read newspapers,” Wike retorted.
He challenged George to name one person the PDP has made popular in Lagos, arguing that individuals — not parties — make political progress.
8. Falz: ‘I Might Not Raise My Children in Nigeria’
Popular rapper and activist Folarin Falana, also known as Falz, has revealed that he is considering raising his children outside Nigeria due to security threats and the country’s economic challenges.
Speaking on the *Dear Ife Series Podcast*, Falz acknowledged his deep love for Nigeria but expressed concerns about the safety and future of his family, given his activism.
He remains hopeful that Nigeria will eventually improve but prioritises his family’s well-being.
9. Daniel Etim-Effiong: ‘What I Learnt from Womanising’
Nollywood actor Daniel Etim-Effiong has opened up about his experiences with womanising, describing it as a phase of learning.
In an interview with Chude Jideonwo, Etim-Effiong said he now advises young men to avoid womanising as it can damage relationships and marriages.
He shared his personal struggles, noting that it’s not always easy to leave such a lifestyle behind once it becomes a habit.
10. Super Eagles Announce Updated Squad for Russia Friendly
Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has unveiled the updated squad for the upcoming friendly against Russia, following several injuries and last-minute player withdrawals.
The team arrived in Moscow on Monday, with training sessions set to begin on Tuesday ahead of the highly anticipated clash at the Luzhniki Stadium on Friday, June 6.
Here is the latest squad list:
Goalkeepers:
- Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy)
- Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania)
Defenders:
* Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey)
* Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos FC, Greece)
* Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England)
* Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
* William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia)
* Sodiq Ismaila (Remo Stars, Nigeria)
* Benjamin Fredericks (Brentford FC, England)
Midfielders:
* Saviour Isaac (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria)
* Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
* Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC, Italy)
* Chrisantus Uche (Getafe CF, Spain)
* Frank Onyeka (Augsburg FC, Germany)
* Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes, Nigeria)
The Super Eagles are determined to put on a strong performance in Moscow, with fans eagerly awaiting the outcome of this high-profile encounter.
Stay tuned for more updates on these developing stories and other top headlines across Nigeria.
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