Nigerian Newspaper Headlines, Naija News For Friday 12th December 2025

Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines And Naija News For Friday 12th December 2025.

1. Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo Reportedly Dead
Bayelsa State was thrown into mourning on Thursday following the reported sudden death of Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

Naija News had earlier reported that the deputy governor reportedly collapsed in his office around 1:30 pm and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa, where he was confirmed dead shortly after arrival.

Born on September 5, 1965, Ewhrudjakpo was 60 years old at the time of his death. Sources close to the Government House described him as a “workaholic” who maintained a demanding schedule with little time for rest.

According to Sahara Reporters, the deputy governor was in serious condition as he was moved from his office to the hospital’s emergency unit.

A family source who spoke with the platform confirmed that he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Following the incident, security operatives cordoned off the Federal Medical Centre while top state government officials visited the facility to pay their respects.

2. Tinubu Seeks NASS Approval For 2026–2028 MTEF, FSP
President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the approval of the National Assembly for the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP).

Naija News reports that the President’s request was conveyed in a letter read on the floor of the Senate on Thursday by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin during plenary.

In the letter, President Tinubu noted that the documents had already been approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at its meeting held on December 3, 2025.

He urged lawmakers to give the documents prompt consideration and approval.

“I transmit herewith the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper for the kind consideration and approval of the distinguished senators,” Tinubu wrote.

He added that the 2026 budget proposal will be prepared based on the fiscal assumptions and parameters contained in the approved MTEF and FSP.

Following the presentation, Deputy Senate President Jibrin referred the documents to the Senate Committee on Finance and mandated the panel to submit its report by December 17.

3. Senate Clears Yakubu, Ikpeazu, Others For Appointment As Ambassadors By Tinubu
The Nigerian Senate on Thursday screened and confirmed former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for appointment as an ambassador.

Naija News reports that the lawmakers also approved the nomination of former Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and former Governor of Abia State, Victor Okezie Ikpeazu.

The nominees all appeared before the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Others cleared by the Senate Committee for appointment as ambassadors include the former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, former Minister of Interior Abdulrahman Dambazau, ex-special adviser on new media to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri, former presidential aide, Senator Ita Enang, and Senator Grace Bent.

The screening session was conducted in batches of five nominees each.

4. You Say You Surpassed Revenue Target, Yet Contractors Remain Unpaid – Peter Obi Blasts Tinubu
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has expressed concern over contractors’ claims of unpaid bills for completed projects.

Speaking via a statement on 𝕏 on Thursday, Obi wondered why the Federal Government has failed to pay the contractors despite President Bola Tinubu’s public claim that Nigeria has “met and surpassed” its revenue target for the year.

Obi pointed out that most of the affected contractors are small and medium-sized enterprises that play critical roles in regional economies and rely on timely government payments to stay afloat.

He argued that when the government fails to pay contractors, there are dire consequences, such as workers losing their jobs and families experiencing hardship.

5. Malami: EFCC Became Hyperactive After ADC Emerged – Atiku
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of turning itself into a willing tool in the hands of politicians against their opponents.

Atiku, in a statement made available to Naija News on Thursday by his media office, accused the EFCC and other anti-graft agencies in Nigeria of derailing in their constitutional duties.

According to him, the anti-corruption fight has been turned into a full-blown political witch-hunt.

He therefore cautioned the EFCC and other anti-graft bodies in the country to purge themselves of partisan contamination before they permanently lose the trust of Nigerians.

Atiku made the submission in his reaction to the arrest and detention of former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN).

He stated that the EFCC is straying far from the noble principles upon which it was created, and is instead weaponising its powers to serve narrow political agendas.

The former Vice President alleged that the EFCC suddenly became hyperactive the moment the African Democratic Congress (ADC) emerged as an opposition force, launching coordinated attacks on key figures such as Malami and Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, while conveniently ignoring glaring corruption cases involving allies of the ruling party.

6. ‘He Is Not Our Family Member’ – Fusengbuwa Royal Family Disowns KWAM 1
The Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode has insisted that Nigerian Fuji music icon and Olori Omooba of Ijebuland, Wasiu Ayinde, better known as KWAM 1, is not a member of the royal family.

Naija News reports that the Fusengbuwa Ruling House is next in line to produce the Awujale of Ijebuland following the demise of the late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona on July 13, 2025, who reigned for over 65 years and passed at the age of 90.

KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

The musician also stated that his candidacy aligns with Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.

However, according to a letter signed by the late Oba Adetona, KWAM1 is from the Fidipote ruling house, as evidenced by the chieftaincy title of Olori Omooba of Ijebuland that he conferred on him.

KWAM 1’s submission has sparked mixed reactions among Ijebuland princes and princesses, with many questioning how a member of the Fidipote house could contest a stool meant for Fusengbuwa princes.

The Jadiara unit subsequently wrote a petition to the Fusengbuwa chairman and the Ogun State Government, asserting that KWAM 1 is not part of their family.

7. How 2Baba Ended My Music Career – Klint Da Drunk Opens Up
Ace Nigerian comedian, Afamefuna Klint Igwemba, popularly known as Kint Da Drunk, has recounted how the legendary singer, Innocent Idiba, better known as 2face or 2Baba, made him quit music.

Naija News reports that Klint Da Drunk, in a recent interview with Naija FM Lagos, said he initially pursued a career in music while studying at the Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Enugu State.

The comedian said he gave up music after watching 2Baba perform at the campus event.

According to Klint Da Drunk, he has no regrets about quitting music for comedy, stressing that he is happy with his career path.

8. We’ll Just Go Back To Our Multi-Billion Dollar Business – Davido Speaks On Adeleke Losing Osun Election
Afrobeats singer Davido has hinted that the Adeleke family may focus on their business ventures if they lose the upcoming Osun governorship election.

Naija News reports that the comment came amid online discussions about Governor Ademola Adeleke’s political future.

Some 𝕏 users were speculating on the impact of his possible loss under the Accord Party.

One Mr Lurvy wrote: “Osun APC blocking Ademola Adeleke, a sitting Governor, from joining the party is one for the history books. The plot twist would be if Ademola Adeleke wins with Accord and takes over Osun APC.”

Another netizen, Whemimor replied him: “If e lose na Davido go compose song for APC during 2027 campaign.”

Davido quoted Whemimor’s tweet by saying: “Or we can just go back to our multi-billion dollar company …”

9. Super Eagles: Eric Chelle Drops Maduka Okoye, Recalls Francis Uzoho For AFCON 2025
The Super Eagles of Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Sékou Chelle, has unveiled his final 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, leaving out Maduka Okoye while handing a recall to Francis Uzoho as preparations intensify for the tournament in Morocco.

Chelle confirmed his selection on Thursday, listing Stanley Nwabali, Calvin Bassey, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman among the core group expected to drive Nigeria’s campaign. With the competition kicking off in just ten days, the coach has opted for a mix of experience, strong form and a handful of exciting new names.

Cyprus-based Uzoho returns to the fold after months away from the national team. He is joined by defender Igoh Ogbu and striker Paul Onuachu, both making their way back into the squad. Chelle has also opened the door to fresh faces including Ryan Alebiosu, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Usman Muhammed, Tochukwu Nnadi and Croatia-based Salim Fago Lawal, all of whom will be linking up with the squad for the first time.

Nigeria will face Egypt in a friendly at the Cairo International Stadium on 16 December, their final test before heading to Fès, where they will play all three Group C matches. The Super Eagles begin their AFCON journey against Tanzania on 23 December, then take on Tunisia four days later before rounding off the group stage against Uganda on 30 December.

10. NPFL To Continue Uninterrupted Despite AFCON 2025
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has confirmed that its 2025-2026 season will proceed as scheduled, even as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) prepares to kick off in Morocco on December 21.

The tournament will run until January 18, 2026, but unlike several other African leagues, Nigeria’s top-flight competition will not pause for the continental championship.

The decision has elicited mixed reactions from players and coaches. Across Africa, many leagues have opted to suspend fixtures during AFCON to accommodate their players’ participation. South Africa, for instance, announced a league break from December 7 to January 23 after a significant number of Premier Soccer League players were named in their national squad.