Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Friday, 21st March, 2025

Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the IDOMA VOICE News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Friday, 21st March 2025

1. President Bola Tinubu has expressed gratitude to the National Assembly for approving his state of emergency declaration in Rivers State. The Senate and House of Representatives backed the move, which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and state lawmakers. Tinubu, through his media aide Bayo Onanuga, emphasized that the decision was crucial to restoring stability after months of political turmoil that threatened national security.

2. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and ex-governors Nasir El-Rufai and Kayode Fayemi have launched a coalition to challenge President Tinubu in the 2027 election. At a press conference in Abuja, Atiku confirmed that the alliance marks the beginning of a united front against the APC-led government. Several other political figures, including former SGF Babachir Lawal, were also in attendance, reinforcing the coalition’s strength.

3. The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, has announced that corps members will begin receiving a monthly stipend of ₦77,000 from March 2025. Speaking in Abuja, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to corps members’ welfare and urged them to remain disciplined and patriotic. The announcement has been met with excitement from corps members, who previously earned ₦33,000.

4. The National Judicial Council (NJC) has dismissed claims that the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, directed the release of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu. The NJC called the reports “false and misleading,” stressing that the judiciary does not interfere in political or security matters. Meanwhile, Kanu is set to appear in court today, March 21, to face fresh legal proceedings under a new judge.

5. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized President Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State, accusing him of violating constitutional provisions. Atiku and other opposition figures claim Tinubu bypassed legal processes by suspending an elected governor and legislature. They argue that the president failed to meet the necessary conditions for declaring a state of emergency and are calling on Nigerians to demand accountability.

6. Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, appointed as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has assured residents of his commitment to restoring governance. In a statewide address, Ibas emphasized that he is not a politician but a stabilizing force tasked with ensuring law and order. He pledged to protect citizens’ rights and work towards economic recovery, thanking Tinubu for his swift intervention in the state’s crisis.

7. Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has condemned the National Assembly for approving the emergency rule in Rivers State through a voice vote. Obi insists that such a major constitutional decision requires an individual roll-call vote rather than a general “yes” or “no” response. He described the move as an insult to democracy and accused lawmakers of rubber-stamping executive overreach.

8. Controversial street-hop artist Portable has publicly apologized to Fuji legend King Saheed Osupa after hurling insults at him. The feud began after Osupa filed a copyright claim, leading to Portable’s song being removed from streaming platforms. In a new video, Portable expressed regret for his words, blaming his temper. He pleaded with Osupa to forgive him and “adopt him as his son” in the music industry.

9. Zimbabwe’s President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, has promised a $150,000 cash reward to the national football team if they defeat Nigeria’s Super Eagles in their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. Zimbabwe, currently struggling in the qualifiers, will first face Benin before traveling to Nigeria for the crucial match in Uyo. The incentive is part of Mnangagwa’s push to boost national pride and secure Zimbabwe’s first-ever World Cup appearance.

10. French football star Kylian Mbappe has downplayed comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, insisting that no player can replace them. Speaking after scoring his 30th goal for Real Madrid this season, Mbappe acknowledged the duo’s legendary status in football history. While he is on track to break some of their records, he stressed that he is not trying to fill their shoes but instead carve his own legacy.