Tinubu Reacts To Akara Controversy + Umahi Says He’s Qualified To Debate Peter Obi| OjyOkpe

President Tinubu called on Nigeria's press corps to be aware of what he described as "irresponsible reporting" that could undermine the country. At the same dinner the President jokingly referred to Oluremi Tinubu as "Iya Alakara" ("Mama Akara Seller"), a playful remark that quickly went viral. Online reactions have been mixed, with some Nigerians finding it relatable and amusing, while others felt the humour was inappropriate given the country's ongoing economic hardship and rising cost of living. In another development, Works Minister David Umahi defended his qualifications to debate Peter Obi, praised the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration's infrastructure effort and vowed to defend the President against critics. In a bold declaration, Senate President Godswill Akpabio declared that no President has ever built more than Tinubu. Nigerians online were divided -- with supporters pointing to the growing list of commissioned projects as proof of delivery, while critics argue that infrastructure in the FCT should not be the headline achievement three years into a presidency. In another development, members of the Iru Esin Vigilante Group, linked to Sunday Igboho, arrested suspected terrorists with weapons in Oyo State. It comes as some traditional rulers in Kwara South are reportedly seeking the group's assistance to tackle insecurity. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency destroyed over 12 tonnes of seized illicit drugs in Kano State, including narcotics recovered from underground tunnels and caves in Rimin Kebe, with Chairman Buba Marwa describing the operation as "justice made visible." In another story, United States official Sebastian Gorka said U.S. and Nigerian forces carried out the largest seizure of enemy electronics since September 11 attacks. It comes as the U.S. also announced it has withdrawn most of its military personnel from Nigeria following a counterterrorism mission in the Lake Chad Basin. Youth Minister Ayodele Olawande sparked debate after suggesting that Adire would replace the NYSC khaki uniform, before later clarifying that no such decision had been officially approved. The South Africa–Nigeria repatriation exercise continues as a third official flight is bringing 271 Nigerians back to Lagos State after they voluntarily registered to return home. A viral video from South Africa shows a woman condemning anti-immigrant protests, arguing that Black African foreigners are being targeted while other groups are largely unaffected, sparking wider debate about discrimination and xenophobia. In the US, President Donald Trump criticized a Supreme Court decision upholding birthright citizenship, argued it was originally meant for the children of enslaved people rather than wealthy foreigners. A Nigerian student, Nnabuike Chisom, was seen showing off academic excellence in China when he delivered his Master’s graduation speech in fluent Chinese. Under Entertainment, we highlight Burna Boy celebrating his 35th birthday while also setting a new record as Africa’s most streamed artist on Spotify, with 46.58 million monthly listeners. NigeriaNews BreakingNaija Tinubu AsoRock NigeriaPolitics NaijaDebate IrresponsibleReporting OluremiTinubu IyaAlakara DavidUmahi PeterObi NigeriaInfrastructure Akpabio NigeriaDevelopment OyoStateSecurity SundayIgboho NDLEA WarOnDrugs BubaMarwa JusticeMadeVisible USNigeriaRelations CounterTerrorism LakeChadBasin NYSC Adire SouthAfricaCrisis MigrationNews Xenophobia GlobalPolitics DonaldTrump USPolitics BirthrightCitizenship EducationExcellence MadeInChinaSuccess BurnaBoy SpotifyRecord AfricanMusic NaijaEntertainment TrendingNow HotTopicsNaija Subscribe to our Channel for high profile interviews. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ARISEtv | and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arisenewsofficial | and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AriseTVNews | Check out our website www.arise.tv