Nigeria’s top headlines for wednesday, April 16, 2025

DDM News

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM) reports, the decision came after months of political unrest and a breakdown of governance in the oil-rich southern state.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Dr. Ngozi Ordu, were suspended from office.

The state legislature was also suspended as part of the emergency measures.

The trigger for the crisis can be traced back to December 2023.

During that period, Governor Fubara ordered the demolition of the state House of Assembly complex.

He claimed it was no longer fit for legislative use, but reconstruction never began.

Tensions heightened between the governor and state lawmakers, sparking concerns over political stability.

To restore order, President Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as the sole administrator.

The administrator has called on the suspended officials to explain recent political appointments and decisions.

Observers say the state remains tense as residents await further developments.

Meanwhile, in Benue State, violence erupted again in the Otobi-Akpa community of Otukpo Local Government Area.

Suspected Fulani herdsmen launched a late-evening attack on Tuesday.

Witnesses report that several people were killed during the assault.

Many homes were set on fire, and villagers fled into surrounding areas for safety.

This attack adds to a series of clashes that have plagued Benue for years.

The conflict between herders and local farmers continues to threaten peace in central Nigeria.

In a separate development, Nigeria’s economic outlook is being affected by global oil market fluctuations.

Farouk Ahmed, head of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, commented on the situation.

He linked the slump in crude oil prices to tariff actions by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

The tariffs disrupted international trade flows and impacted global demand for oil.

Nigeria, being heavily reliant on crude oil exports, is feeling the pressure.

Falling oil revenues could undermine key government programs and budget projections.

Adding to economic concerns, the National Bureau of Statistics reported a spike in inflation.

The annual inflation rate reached 24.23% in March 2025.

This marks a rise from the 23.18% recorded in February.

The increase is largely driven by higher food and beverage prices.

Analysts warn that the inflation trend could worsen if economic reforms fail to stabilize prices.

Since 2023, Nigerians have faced economic hardship following fuel subsidy removal and currency devaluation.

The Federal Government also announced upcoming Easter holidays.

Friday, April 18, and Monday, April 21, 2025, have been declared public holidays.

These dates are set aside for Good Friday and Easter Monday celebrations.

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, urged citizens to reflect on the values of love and unity.

He encouraged Nigerians to promote compassion and forgiveness throughout the Easter period.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress addressed the link between insecurity and unemployment.

The union said that joblessness is fueling issues like kidnapping and militancy.

It called on all levels of government to prioritize employment creation.

Sustainable jobs, according to the NLC, will reduce crime and social unrest.

In Niger State, tragedy struck in Lapai Local Government Area.

A boat carrying people and goods capsized during a strong windstorm.

Reports say three people, including two from the same family, are presumed dead.

The vessel had been loaded with over 200 bags of rice.

Rescue efforts were hampered by nightfall and poor weather conditions.

Elsewhere, a legal battle involving Rivers lawmakers has ended.

The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt dismissed a suit filed by the Labour Party.

The case challenged the defection of 27 lawmakers from the PDP to the APC.

Justice E.A. Obile ruled that the court lacked jurisdiction in the matter.

This decision appears to shield the defected lawmakers from losing their seats.

In financial news, the EFCC is probing a multi-billion naira fraud case.

The case involves CryptoBank Exchange, a digital investment platform.

Authorities estimate the fraud at N1.3 trillion.

CryptoBank reportedly collapsed, leaving investors unable to withdraw their funds.

The platform was run by foreign operators in partnership with Nigerian associates.

The EFCC is working to trace funds and identify culprits.

Finally, a major political development emerged from Oyo State.

Governor Seyi Makinde rejected suggestions of a political alliance or merger.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had earlier proposed the idea.

Makinde stated that such discussions lack official backing from the opposition.

He added that no consensus has been reached regarding the formation of a coalition.

This signals potential divisions within the opposition ahead of upcoming elections.

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