Good morning, Nigeria. Welcome to your Gossip News Now roundup of today’s leading headlines for Saturday, 22nd November 2025.
1. ‘Who Ordered Troops To Withdraw Before The Abductions?’ – Kebbi Governor Demands Answers
Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has raised concerns over the sudden withdrawal of military personnel from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, shortly before the abduction of students by bandits.
Speaking on Friday in Birnin Kebbi while receiving the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, who visited to sympathise with the state, Idris said a full investigation has been requested to uncover the circumstances behind the withdrawal.
According to him, the government had earlier received intelligence reports about a possible attack and immediately held a security meeting.
The governor disclosed that security agencies initially assured him that troops would be deployed to the school, only for them to withdraw shortly before the kidnapping took place.
He stressed that both the state and Federal Governments are working relentlessly to secure the safe return of the abducted students.
2. ‘I Begged Bode George Not To Go Into Exile After My Victory’ – Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu has disclosed that he personally urged PDP chieftain Bode George not to follow through with his public declaration to go into exile if Tinubu won the 2023 presidential election.
Gossip News Now reports that the President made the remark on Friday during George’s 80th birthday celebration and the launch of his memoir.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, Tinubu said the light-hearted recollection reflects the deeper sense of nationhood that transcends political divides.
“I pleaded with him that he would have a change of heart, because we would all remain in Nigeria and work together to achieve the peaceful and prosperous Nigeria that was our collective dream,” Tinubu said.
The President stressed that political differences must never override the unity binding the country together.
He commended Bode George for inviting him to the event despite their long-running political rivalry, describing the celebrant as a “distinguished Nigerian” and an “accomplished public servant” whose life at 80 reflects resilience and grace.
Tinubu added that though they had often found themselves on opposing sides of public debates since 1999, George has consistently provided thoughtful counsel on national matters.
3. Christian Genocide: Ribadu Meets U.S. Defence Chiefs After Trump’s Military Threat
Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, met on Thursday with U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Dan Caine, following former U.S. President Donald Trump’s warning to deploy American troops to Nigeria over alleged anti-Christian violence.
According to ABC News, two U.S. defence officials confirmed the meeting, which did not appear on the public schedules of either Hegseth or Caine. Ribadu’s arrival at the Pentagon was also shielded from the press, highlighting the sensitivity of the talks.
The discussions come after Trump earlier in November instructed the Pentagon to prepare for potential rapid military action in Nigeria if the government in Abuja fails to curb the reported killings of Christians.
The issue has gained momentum among conservative political groups in the United States, drawing support from lawmakers such as Senator Ted Cruz and Representative Riley Moore.
4. Plateau Government Orders Immediate Closure of All Basic Schools
The Plateau State Government has directed all basic schools across the state to shut down immediately due to rising security concerns.
Gossip News Now reports that the decision, announced on Friday, was triggered by recent attacks on schools in neighbouring states, prompting Plateau authorities to take early preventive action.
The Public Relations Officer of the Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (PSUBEB), Richard Jonah, confirmed the directive in an interview with PUNCH Online.
Jonah stated that the government’s move was a proactive step to avoid a similar tragedy in Plateau State.
“You are aware of attacks in schools in some states. So, here in Plateau, the government is being proactive because we don’t want anything like that to happen here,” he said.
He added that the temporary shutdown will allow the government to implement necessary security measures before academic activities resume.
A circular from PSUBEB outlined the staggered closure schedule:
- Government Junior Model Secondary Schools: Close Saturday, November 22, 2025
- Primary and Day Schools: Close Monday, November 24, 2025
The board emphasised that the swift action was taken “to forestall potential threats” and assured parents and guardians that the closure is only temporary.
5. Premier League Approves New Squad-Cost Rules to Replace Financial Fair Play Next Season
Premier League clubs have voted to adopt a new set of financial regulations — the Squad Cost Ratio (SCR) system — which will take effect from next season, officially replacing the long-standing Profit and Sustainability Rules.
The decision was reached on Friday, November 21, during a meeting in London where clubs considered three proposals for overhauling the league’s financial framework.
The SCR model received the minimum 14 votes needed for approval, while six clubs opposed it. A second proposal, known as “anchoring,” which would have capped club spending in line with the revenue of the league’s lowest-earning side, was rejected by 12 clubs, supported by seven, with one abstention.
Meanwhile, updated sustainability rules — which govern medium- and long-term financial planning — passed unanimously.
In a statement confirming the reforms, the Premier League said the new system aims to “promote opportunity for all clubs to aspire to greater success and align the league’s financial controls with UEFA’s existing SCR rules.”
The league added that the revamped framework will feature transparent in-season monitoring, clearer sanctions, protection mechanisms against sporting decline, flexibility to spend ahead of revenue, stronger support for off-pitch investment, and reduced regulatory complexity by focusing primarily on football-related costs.
6. 2Face Idibia Appointed National Fire Safety Ambassador by Federal Government
The Federal Government has named iconic musician Innocent “2Face” Idibia as Nigeria’s National Fire Safety Ambassador.
The appointment was formally announced on Friday in Abuja by the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Samuel Adeyemi, during the closing ceremony of the 2025 National Fire Safety Week held at the Service Headquarters.
According to the government, 2Face will spearhead a nationwide behavioural change campaign aimed at boosting public awareness of fire prevention and safety practices.
Adeyemi, represented at the event by the Deputy Controller General, Aliyu Tambari, said this year’s theme — “Building a Culture of Fire Safety Across Nigeria: Overcoming the ‘Not My Portion’ Mentality” — underscores the need to replace complacency with proactive safety habits.
He noted that the Fire Safety Week began with a virtual town hall meeting to engage Nigerians, followed by the presentation of Bankers’ Cheques under the Group Life Insurance Scheme to families of fallen and injured fire officers.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of the “CG’s Cup” and medals sponsored by Kabir Lateef, aimed at motivating Fire Service personnel across the country.
7. Terrorism Now an Existential Threat to West Africa – ECOWAS Warns UN
The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, has cautioned that rising terrorism across West Africa and the Sahel has reached a level that threatens the region’s very survival.
Gossip News Now reports that Touray delivered the warning while briefing the United Nations Security Council during its 10,047th session on regional counterterrorism responses.
In a statement issued by ECOWAS on Friday, Touray explained that extremist groups are now engaging in “economic warfare,” disrupting fuel supply lines, trade corridors, and key infrastructure across several member states.
“This wave of attacks is no longer limited to physical violence. Terrorists are now targeting the economic lifelines of our region,” he said.
Touray outlined the bloc’s ongoing stabilisation plans, including renewed efforts to rebuild relations with Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger—countries that recently withdrew from ECOWAS following successive military coups.
He also highlighted programmes aimed at addressing the socio-economic conditions fuelling violent extremism.
According to the statement, Touray briefed the Council on both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies, including the accelerated deployment of the ECOWAS Standby Force.
He reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to collaborating with the UN, African Union and other international partners to restore stability across the region.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who also addressed the Council, expressed deep concern over the worsening security and humanitarian situation in the Sahel and called for stronger coordinated action to halt the expansion of extremist networks.
8. ‘Everyone Wanted To Be Vice President’ – Jonathan Says Political Greed Stalled Niger Delta Development
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has attributed the persistent underdevelopment of the Niger Delta to decades of leadership failure, weak political will, and the inability of regional stakeholders to implement long-standing development plans.
Speaking on Friday in Abuja at the launch of The Hidden Treasures, a 202-page book authored by former Delta governorship aspirant Chris Iyovwaye, Jonathan said attempts he made in the past to rally South-South governors and federal lawmakers were undermined by personal ambitions.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Mike Oghiadomhe, the former President, who chaired the event, recounted how several regional economic initiatives were abandoned as political rivalry and the pursuit of high offices overshadowed a collective push for progress.
9. ‘Calm Is Needed’ – Tinubu’s Minister Criticises Nnamdi Kanu’s Life Sentence
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has criticised the conviction and life sentence handed to IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, describing the judgment as a painful setback for the South-East.
Gossip News Now reports that Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday found Kanu guilty on all seven terrorism-related charges brought against him by the Federal Government.
Reacting in a statement on Friday, Bianca said the ruling was “not the outcome Ndigbo anticipated nor prayed for.”
She urged citizens to remain calm, warning that any provocative reaction could escalate tensions across the country and among Nigerians in the diaspora.
Bianca, who is the widow of the late Biafran leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, appealed to residents of the South-East and Nigerians at large not to respond with anger or violence.
She stressed that only a united front by Igbo leaders could open the door to a political resolution.
Bianca called for broad consultations involving South-East governors, federal lawmakers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, political stakeholders and business elites to engage the Federal Government on charting a peaceful path forward.
10. Nnamdi Kanu Transferred From DSS Custody To Sokoto Prison
The legal representative of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, Aloy Ejimakor, has revealed that the detained separatist has been moved from the Department of State Services (DSS) facility in Abuja to a correctional centre in Sokoto State.
Gossip News Now reports that Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday convicted Kanu of terrorism and handed him a life sentence.
Ejimakor, in a post on 𝕏 on Friday, confirmed the development, noting that the transfer places Kanu far from his legal team and family members.
He wrote: “MAZI NNAMDI KANU has just been moved from DSS Abuja to the correctional facility (prison) in Sokoto; so far away from his lawyers, family, loved ones and well-wishers.”
Meanwhile, IPOB has challenged Justice Omotosho to explain the basis of the conviction.
In a statement issued on Friday by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the group alleged that the ruling was riddled with contradictions and legal irregularities.
Powerful reiterated that Kanu and his defence team had argued that the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act (2013), under which he was charged, had been repealed by the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.
These are the major Nigerian headlines for today. Stay informed by following Gossip News Now , and check back tomorrow for the latest updates.
