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2023:Has Buhari Anointed Rotimi Amaechi,Dumped Tinubu,Osinbajo?What We Know
The turbaning of the minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuke Rotimi Amaechi as ‘the Dan-Amanar of Daura’ in Daura, Katsina State, the home town of President Muhammadu Buhari, added a fresh dimension to the race for the 2023 presidential ticket in the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Amaechi was last Saturday turbaned by the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Farouk Umar Farouk, with the most prestigious traditional title for his outstanding contributions to the emirate and the reforms witnessed in the nation’s transport system amidst pomp and pageantry.
Some of the reforms include the Kano – Daura – Katsina rail line which terminates at Maradi, the Niger Republic and the ongoing construction of the University of Transportation in Daura.
The Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruq, while justifying the title bestowed on the Transportation Minister, during the ceremony held at the royal palace in Daura, said, “Daura Emirate does not confer titles on people because of money. The Emirate considers the services rendered to humanity by whoever he wants to honour.
“The Kano-Daura-Katsina rail line which will terminate at Maradi and the Federal University of Transportation, Daura, would bring us benefits in the education of our youths, create employment for our teeming youths and socio-economic development of our community and that of Nigeria. It is because of all these that we are honoring him with the title.”
On his part, President Buhari described the conferment of the title on Amaechi as a clear commitment to the harmonious relationship between the nation’s diverse cultures.
The President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, quoted the President as commending Amaechi “for working with enormous energy to make the change we promised Nigerians a reality,” saying “the change we are witnessing in the transport sector is an extraordinary legacy.”
Nevertheless, some pundits aver that the essence of the title of Dan-Amanar Daura which means, “the Trusted Son of Daura”, especially at a time like this, inadvertently gives Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State, some political mileage of sorts.
For those who argue in this light, they say that although the president was not present at the event, it could be a subtle endorsement of the minister’s presidential bid from the presidential Villa.
They also say that with “Daura, being the administrative headquarters of Hausaland”, Amaechi may well be the preferred candidate of the northern people. This is in spite of the fact that Amaechi has yet to declare for the position unlike some other party chieftains.
So far however, former Lagos state governor, Bola Tinubu; Ebonyi State governor, Dave Umahi; Former Imo governor, Rochas Okorocha; former Abia Governor, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu; business mogul, David Ayom are among those that have publicly indicated interest to contest the 2023 presidential ticket of the party.
While businessman and APC chieftain, Gbenga Olawepo-Hassim, had said he will make a formal declaration after the APC national convention, Nigerians await the formal declaration of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Amaechi; Ekiti state Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi and minister of state for Education, Hon Emeka Nwajuiba for the top seat.
However, the Daura ceremony became a political rally of sorts, considering the calibre of persons, political groups and remarks by some few individuals.
Groups like Frontier for Peace and Unity (FPU), Amaechi 2023 Agenda and Northern Grassroots Mobilization, drummed support for an Amaechi presidential bid in 2023.
Notable political figures also attended the event. Among the personalities are Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Alhaji Muhammadu Nuhu Sanusi, Emir of Dutse; Erin Edit Ekong, Chairman of Cross Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council; Lamido Sunusi, Magajin Garin Kano; Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, minister of state for Education; and the minister of state for Health, Olorunnimbe Mamora.
Others are Okechukwu Enelamah, former Minister of State for Trade and Investment; Alhaji Yusuf Tukur Buratai; Mallam Isa Yuguda, former Bauchi Governor; Alhaji Musa Haro, District Head Dumurkol, Alhaji Yusuf Buhari; District Head of Kwasarawa, Alhaji Bashir Jamo; director general of NIMASA and Alhaji Muhammadu Koko, among others.
Amaechi’s title did not come as a surprise to analysts, like Maxwell Obiekwu, especially when one considers that “he served as director-general of Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Organisation in 2015 and in 2019. Beyond the fact that he delivered on those mandates, it takes a measure of trust to entrust such a position to a person twice.”
The regional debate….
Nevertheless, the turbaning of Amaechi has heightened the intrigues over where the presidential ticket of the party might swing to.
Although the entire south has been clamouring for the presidential ticket to be zoned to the region, there has been subtle contest among the three zones in regions for the ticket.
While the array of presidential hopefuls from the South-East and South-West regions, had put these two regions in the fore of the clamour, the Amaechi prospects appears to be altering the notion that the South South shouldn’t also take a shot at the top seat.
But the zoning debate gets more interesting. Although Amaechi identifies as a Igbo man even as someone from the South South region, a group, South East Patriots, led by Sir Obunike Ohaegbu, argues that “We believe that it would be insensitive to the agitation of the South East for anyone in the South-South or South-West to present themselves for the Presidency at this time. We in the SEP will consider such aspiration as being offensive to the sensitivities of the people of the South East.”
But in a counter-argument, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, believes that the traditional title of ‘Dan Amanar Daura’ conferred on the Amaechi by the Daura Emirate in Katsina State has brightened the chance of Igbo nation for the 2023 presidential race.
The organisation in a statement by its secretary general, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, described Amaechi as the beloved son of Igbo nation who has strengthened the cordial relationship between the North and Eastern Nigeria by accepting the title.
It stated further that Amaechi’s pan Nigerian postures as minister for transportation had strengthened the cordial relationship between the North and Eastern Nigeria and the opportunity for the emergence of a New Nigeria anchored on justice and equity.
This, the group said, is because the quest for 2023 Igbo Presidency accommodates all prominent sons and daughters from all Igbo speaking areas including Delta and Rivers states.
While the minister remains silent on his next moves ahead of the 2023 elections, the permutations within the party and the entire polity are still unfolding.
How the zoning debate swings especially within the south region will be instructive for the presidential hopefuls in the region.
But pundits aver that recognising the minister as a trusted son of the strategic traditional power base like the Daura Emirate is quite significant.
Credit: Leadership.
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Oyo 2027: Adelabu Quits As Power Minister To Focus On Guber Race
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu has formally resigned from his position in the Federal Government to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State.
In a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to the President, Adelabu stated that his resignation will take effect on April 30, 2026, to enable him to focus on his governorship ambition in Oyo State.
The letter, routed through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, stated that he was stepping down with “a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude.”
He wrote, “I write with a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude to formally tender my resignation as the Honourable Minister of Power of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This resignation is to take effect on 30th April 2026, in order to allow sufficient time for a smooth and orderly handover of responsibilities.”
Adelabu thanked the President for the opportunity to serve, describing his appointment as a privilege.
He said, “Your Excellency, I remain sincerely grateful for the privilege and confidence you reposed in me by appointing me to serve our great nation in this capacity.
“It has been a rare honour to contribute to national development under your leadership and to play a role in advancing reforms in the power sector—one of the most critical foundations of Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic transformation.”
The former minister said his resignation was to enable him focus fully on his governorship ambition in Oyo State, citing provisions of the amended electoral law.
He added, “My decision to step down is informed by my intention to focus fully on my gubernatorial ambition in Oyo State. This aspiration, which dates back to 2016 during my service as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, ultimately led to my voluntary resignation from the Central Bank in 2018 in order to pursue the same goal.”
“In line with the provisions of the Amended Electoral Act 2026, which preclude political office holders from contesting elections, I consider it both appropriate and necessary to resign at this time.”
Adelabu’s exit marks a major political development ahead of the next electoral cycle, particularly in Oyo State, where he is expected to contest the governorship election.
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Wale Edun, Musa Dangiwa Resigned Voluntarily, Not Sacked – Presidency
The Presidency has clarified that Wale Edun (former Finance Minister) and Ahmed Musa Dangiwa (former Housing Minister) voluntarily resigned from their positions and were not sacked by President Tinubu.
In a statement released this evening April 22, presidential media aide, Bayo Onanuga, said that contrary to public opinions, Wale Edun resigned on health grounds while Dangiwa also tendered his resignation and thanked the President for the opportunity given him to serve in the Federal Executive Council.
Onanuga stated that Edun, who clocked 70 on Monday and has battled recent ill health, fittingly submitted his resignation letter on his birthday, thanking the President for the opportunity to serve Nigeria.
“It has been a pleasure and privilege to serve your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda, Under your leadership, Nigeria has emerged stronger, more resilient and more internationally respected. I wish you and the administration every success in the future” he wrote
Onanuga stated that on Tuesday, before the Office of the Secretary of the Government of the Federation announced his departure from the Cabinet, Edun paid a valedictory visit to the President at the Villa and held an hour-long discussion with the president and then left to focus on his private businesses.
The presidential aide stated that President Tinubu has expressed deep appreciation to Edun and Dangiwa for their dedicated service and significant contributions to the administration’s economic reform programme and wished them continued success in their future endeavours.
‘’In the same vein, the President has urged the new Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, to consolidate ongoing reforms and advance the administration’s fiscal and economic objectives with renewed focus, discipline, and innovation.
President Tinubu will shortly send the ministerial nominee for housing, Muttaqha Rabe Darma, also from Katsina, like Dangiwa, to the Senate for confirmation” the statement concluded
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Unity Bank, Experts Advocate Green Investment, Climate Innovation To Drive Economic Resilience
Nigeria’s retail lender, Unity Bank Plc, alongside leading climate innovation experts, has called for increased investment in the green economy and the adoption of frontier technologies as critical pathways to driving economic resilience and reducing the impact of climate change on vulnerable populations across Africa.
The call was made during a thought-provoking webinar hosted by the Bank to commemorate this year’s Earth Day, themed “The True Cost of Climate Change and Who Pays?”. Climate experts and stakeholders convened to examine the human, economic, and institutional costs of climate change, while spotlighting practical solutions to address its growing impact.
In his opening remarks, Unity Bank’s Head of Strategy and Innovation, Ibukun Coker, emphasised the urgency of addressing climate risks from both a societal and business perspective.
He said: “Climate change is no longer a distant or abstract challenge. It is an existential threat with direct consequences for individuals, businesses, and economies. At Unity Bank, we recognise the role institutions must play in incorporating sustainability in project financing, supporting businesses and promoting solutions that build resilience in communities where we operate.”
The webinar featured Chinwe Udo-Davis, Founder and CEO of Instollar, and Oluwatosin Ajide, Programme Manager at the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre, both of whom provided insights into the drivers of climate change and the pathways to mitigation and adaptation.
Speaking during the session, Udo-Davis highlighted the disproportionate burden which climate change places on underserved communities and the need for inclusive solutions.
“The true cost of climate change is not evenly distributed. Communities with the least resources are often the most affected, whether through energy poverty, environmental degradation, or limited access to sustainable alternatives. Addressing this imbalance requires intentional investment in clean energy solutions that are both accessible and scalable.”
Ajide underscored the importance of coordinated, system-wide approaches in tackling climate challenges, particularly through innovation and policy alignment.
“Climate change is fundamentally a structural problem, and its solution requires a paradigm shift: from innovation and policy to financing and implementation. Stakeholders must work collaboratively to drive solutions that are sustainable and inclusive.”
The session also explored emerging opportunities in climate technology, renewable energy, and ecosystem financing, reinforcing the role of innovation and cross-sector collaboration in building long-term resilience.
By hosting the webinar, Unity Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing sustainability-focused dialogue and supporting initiatives that promote responsible growth and environmental stewardship.
The initiative underscores the Bank’s broader strategic focus on environmental sustainability as well as its commitment to financial inclusion.
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