Good morning, Nigeria. Welcome to your Gossip News Now roundup of the leading newspaper headlines for today, Sunday, 23rd November 2025.
1. Christian Genocide Claims: Nigerian Government Reveals Key Discussions With U.S. Officials
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has revealed that the Nigerian delegation currently in the United States, led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, is vigorously addressing allegations of Christian genocide in Nigeria.
In an interview on Channels Television on Saturday, Idris said the high-level delegation has held meetings with the U.S. Secretary of War, lawmakers in Congress, officials of the State Department, and other key American stakeholders.
He explained that the delegation is presenting verified data and detailed briefings on Nigeria’s security landscape, including counter-terrorism operations and government efforts to combat extremism.
“We are not leaving any space for misinformation to stand. Our officials are in Washington with facts, data, and a clear message: there is no government-sponsored persecution of any religious group in Nigeria,” Idris said.
According to him, the engagements are crucial to correcting misconceptions that have gained traction in recent congressional hearings and advocacy efforts.
“Our mission is simple. We are giving our partners full context—showing them the realities, the government’s interventions, and the fact that extremists have killed both Christians and Muslims. These genocide narratives are not only inaccurate, they are dangerous,” he added.
Idris noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu takes the matter extremely seriously and has strengthened Nigeria’s security framework while deepening international partnerships to support counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, and regional stability.
2. ‘He Should Never Have Been Arrested’ — Peter Obi Reacts to Nnamdi Kanu’s Life Imprisonment
Labour Party (LP) 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has spoken out following the sentencing of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment.
Gossip News Now recalls that a Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, on Thursday found Kanu guilty on all seven charges bordering on terrorism and related offences. The judge ordered that he be held in a “protected custodial centre,” declaring the Kuje Correctional Centre unsuitable due to past prison breaks and persistent security concerns.
Reacting in a statement posted on his 𝕏 handle on Saturday, Obi said the judgment comes at a time when Nigeria is battling severe economic hardship, deepening insecurity, and the consequences of failed governance.
The former Anambra State governor reiterated that he has always maintained that Nnamdi Kanu should never have been arrested, insisting that constructive dialogue and inclusive governance—not force—are the pathways to genuine peace.
According to him, Kanu’s arrest, prolonged detention, and eventual conviction reflect a failure of leadership and a fundamental misunderstanding of the underlying issues.
3. ‘They Are Threatening Me to Stop Exposing Tinubu’s Government’ — Rev. Dachomo Raises Alarm
Prominent Plateau State clergyman, Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, has alleged that he is receiving threats from aides and loyalists of President Bola Tinubu who want him to stop speaking about what he describes as a Christian genocide in Nigeria.
In a video widely circulated on social media since Friday, the outspoken cleric claimed that for the past two months, he has been repeatedly warned to stop presenting evidence that contradicts the government’s denial of widespread attacks on Christian communities in Plateau and other Middle Belt states.
Dachomo, who serves as the Regional Chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, said his advocacy has made “those who want to deceive the world” uncomfortable, especially individuals who insist Christians are not being persecuted by Islamic extremists and Fulani bandits.
“They are threatening and warning me to stop exposing Tinubu’s government at the global level over the ongoing killings of Christians in Nigeria by Fulani terrorists. They say they’re watching my every move from Aso Rock,” Dachomo claimed.
He recounted one instance in which someone allegedly called him from the Presidential Villa to caution him against speaking out.
“Somebody from Aso Rock called me and said, ‘Reverend, stop exposing the government, your own government, your country.’ He told me they are monitoring every one of my moves. I said, ‘So I’m now exposing my government while they watch me on social media?’”
Despite the threats, Rev. Dachomo said he refuses to be intimidated, reiterating that he is unafraid of death and will not remain silent while Christians continue to face relentless attacks.
4. Government Can No Longer Give Excuses — Cardinal Onaiyekan Says FG Knows Those Behind Killings
Archbishop Emeritus of the Abuja Catholic Archdiocese, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, has delivered a strong message to the Federal Government, insisting that authorities are aware of the individuals and groups responsible for the rampant killings and kidnappings across the country.
Speaking in an interview on Arise News on Saturday, Onaiyekan said the widespread bloodshed reflects a breakdown of governance and a lack of decisive leadership.
“Nobody can counteract the fact that Nigerians are being killed. They are being killed. And we believe the government knows those killing Nigerians,” he stated.
The respected cleric lamented the worsening state of security, saying the current realities “should not be happening” in a nation with functional security institutions.
“Ordinary Nigerians should not be travelling on the roads with our hearts in our mouths. Children should not be picked from schools,” he added, noting that citizens have run out of patience.
Onaiyekan urged the government to “name, shame and deal with all the supporters and financiers of terrorism in Nigeria,” stressing that excuses are no longer acceptable.
He criticised the Federal Government’s repeated claims of progress, warning that continued denial only deepens the insecurity crisis.
5. Aiyegbeni Urges NFF to Look Beyond Siasia, Eguavoen in Search for New Super Eagles Coach
Former Super Eagles striker, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, has advised the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to move on from former coaches Samson Siasia and Augustine Eguavoen as it evaluates the future of the national team.
Aiyegbeni argued that the era of recycling coaches should be over, noting that Nigeria must adopt a fresh, forward-looking approach.
His comments come amid uncertainty surrounding current head coach Eric Chelle, following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup despite going unbeaten in regulation time across eight competitive matches.
With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations just weeks away, Aiyegbeni warned that making drastic changes now could be counterproductive. Speaking on the Home Turf podcast, he questioned why Nigeria struggles to commit to a long-term coaching blueprint.
“Why do we always find it difficult to get a decisive coach when it matters? We say we need a foreign coach, and I agree—we still need a foreign coach. It’s too close to the AFCON to bring in another coach,” he said.
He dismissed calls to return to Siasia or Eguavoen, insisting that the team must chart a new path.
“I don’t think Siasia or Eguavoen are needed anymore. We’ve gone past that era. I think we should sit together and decide who to bring in. It’s time to move forward, not backwards,” Aiyegbeni added.
6. Thugs Attack Obesere at Ondo Burial Ceremony, Guests Flee Amid Chaos
Popular Fuji star, Abass Akande Obesere, was reportedly attacked by suspected thugs during a burial ceremony in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State on Friday.
Gossip News Now gathered that the violent incident occurred at the Government Field in Okitipupa, where Obesere and his band were performing.
A witness, Bosede Akinyemi, confirmed the incident to The Nation on Saturday, saying the hoodlums stormed the venue unexpectedly and triggered panic among guests.
“I was at the party yesterday. It was a very shameful act as the group of boys, known thugs in the community, caused trouble. They attacked Obesere and his band while they were entertaining guests,” she said.
According to her, several band members were assaulted and expensive musical equipment was destroyed during the attack.
7. Insecurity: Federal Government Debunks Rumoured Nationwide School Shutdown
The Federal Ministry of Education has refuted reports circulating online that schools across Nigeria will be shut down on November 24, 2025, describing the claims as false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the ministry clarified that no directive to close schools has been released by the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Education, any State Ministry of Education, or any recognised security agency.
Ministry spokesperson, Folasade Boriowo, cautioned the public to disregard unverified announcements and rely strictly on authentic information from official channels.
“Any announcement, advisory, or notice coming from unofficial or unverified sources should be ignored and not shared. Members of the public are urged to always verify the authenticity of information before circulating it to curb the spread of misinformation,” the statement read.
The ministry emphasised that only directives from the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Education, State Governments, and recognised security agencies should be considered credible.
8. ‘It Does Not Reflect Courage’ — Presidency Slams Peter Obi Over Comment on Nnamdi Kanu’s Life Sentence
The Presidency has criticised former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his reaction to the life imprisonment handed to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, saying his remarks were driven by convenience rather than courage.
Gossip News Now reports that Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment on Thursday by the Federal High Court in Abuja after Justice James Omotosho found him guilty of all seven charges related to terrorism.
Reacting to the judgment in a statement via his 𝕏 handle on Saturday, Obi said Kanu’s conviction comes at a time when Nigerians are suffering severe economic hardship, deepening insecurity, and the consequences of failed governance. He added that he has always maintained that Kanu should never have been arrested, insisting that dialogue and inclusive governance are the only viable paths to lasting peace.
According to Obi, Kanu’s arrest, extended detention, and eventual conviction amount to a failure of leadership and a misreading of the underlying issues.
However, in a counterstatement shared via 𝕏, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Social Media, Olusegun Dada, accused Obi of exploiting a sensitive national security matter for political advantage. He described Obi’s comments as an attempt to turn Kanu’s conviction into political theatre.
Dada further noted that Obi has never openly condemned the killings, arson, beheadings, kidnappings, and other violent acts attributed to IPOB over the years.
9. Gani Adams Warns of Planned Terrorist Attacks on Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo, and Lagos
The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, has issued a strong warning about alleged plans by terrorist groups to infiltrate South-West communities and carry out coordinated attacks.
Speaking during an interview with Central TV at his Lagos residence, Adams said new intelligence points to an immediate and escalating threat across the region.
He described Kogi and Kwara states as strategic “buffer zones” to the South-West, noting that armed groups appear to be using activities in those areas to test operational strategies ahead of wider assaults.
“We are at a point where the security situation in this country has become deeply troubling,” Adams said. “Credible information available to us indicates that terrorists have already infiltrated many communities in Yorubaland.
“What they are doing in Kogi and Kwara is simply to test the terrain before launching major attacks. The intelligence we have shows they are targeting Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo and even Lagos State.”
When asked about those behind the plot, Adams linked the threats to armed factions operating in northern Nigeria. He added that some of the activities are being coordinated with assistance from foreign elements, citing information from undisclosed sources.
10. Tinubu: No Issue Worries Me More Than Nigeria’s Security Crisis
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep concern over the escalating insecurity across the country, describing it as the most pressing challenge confronting Nigeria today.
Speaking on Saturday in Kaduna during the 25th Anniversary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and the launch of its Endowment Fund, Tinubu—represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas—said urgent action is required to halt further economic decline and prevent worsening educational setbacks caused by insecurity.
He stressed that insecurity remains the gravest threat to national stability, particularly in Northern Nigeria, adding that restoring safety is essential for rebuilding trust within communities.
“Nothing troubles me more gravely than the security crisis bedevilling Nigeria, especially Northern Nigeria,” Tinubu said. “We cannot prosper when one limb of the national body is paralysed.”
The president noted that while his administration inherited complex security challenges, it is confronting them with “urgency and determination.”
Tinubu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminating terrorist and bandit networks operating in the North and reversing the region’s prolonged economic decline. He also expressed optimism about the future of Northern Nigeria’s economy, saying he looks forward to crude oil production expanding from Kolmani and other northern oil fields.
He added that major infrastructure projects—such as the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Superhighway—are being accelerated to ensure their timely completion and commissioning.
Tinubu urged Northern leaders to confront regional challenges with honesty and courage, warning that progress will remain elusive if vulnerable communities are not adequately protected.
These are the major Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. For more updates and developing stories, visit Gossip News Now . See you tomorrow.
