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EndSARS: Lekki Tollgate massacre will affect 2023 election – Nigerians vow
As the EndSARS nationwide protest that led to the death of scores of Nigerian youths enters its second anniversary, Nigerians have questioned government’s sincerity towards its citizens, vowing that the gruesome event will affect the outcome of the 2023 general elections.
In fact, most Nigerians are of the opinion that the lives of the ordinary citizens does not (in any way) matter to those occupying government offices. They believe that politicians are only interested in keeping the power revolving around them and use the masses to climb to positions of power during elections.
Nigerians, mostly in the youth bracket, took to the streets during this period in 2020 to demonstrate police highhandedness, intimidation and cruelty against innocent citizens. They specifically demanded the ban on the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, unit of the Nigeria Police.
The protest, which started calmly and peacefully across the country was hijacked by thugs who began to destroy government facilities and inflicting injuries on the protesters.
The climax of the protest was when soldiers of the Nigerian Army were deployed in trucks and allegedly opened fire on the peaceful protesters.
By the order of military hierarchy “the soldiers invaded the Lekki tollgate on October 20, 2020 shot, injured and killed unarmed helpless and defenceless protesters, without provocation or justification, while they were waving the Nigerian Flag and singing the National Anthem” thereby committing a massacre, a judicial panel of inquiry set up by the State government found.
The panel also found that officers of the Nigeria Police Force who were deployed to the toll gate on the night of the incident “shot at, assaulted and battered unarmed protesters, which led to injuries and deaths,” thus aiding the army in the commission of a massacre on unarmed civilians.
The findings of the panel, which was released in 2021, put to rest repeated denials by the Army, the Nigerian government and the Lagos State government that a massacre was committed by the soldiers of the 65 Battalion of the 81 Garrison Division, Bonny Camp, led by Sanusi Ovada Bello, a lieutenant colonel.
The panel submitted two reports — one on police brutality cases and another on the Lekki incident investigation.
However, this was subject of controversy, especially with the Federal Government rejecting the panel report for inconsistencies.
And evoking the negative memories of the event recently, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, had insisted that no lives were lost during the Lekki tollgate gate incident.
Oluomo, who serves as the Chairman of Lagos Parks and Garages Management, made this claim while addressing supporters of the All Progressives Congress, APC, during their 5-million man march to support the candidacy of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in Lagos on Sunday.
The transport boss argued that it was not possible that there would have been killing of protesters and the corpses would not be found nor would the families of the deceased coming out to ask for their loved ones.
And as celebrities and organizers of the 2020 EndSARS protest concluded plans to hold a memorial in the Lekki area of Lagos State on Thursday, Nigerians on the streets of Abuja have expressed concerns over government’s insincerity to the populace.
The march is to commemorate the death of citizens, particularly youths who were allegedly massacred by the Nigerian army, at the Lekki Tollgate on Tuesday, October 20, 2020.
Speaking to DAILY POST on this matter, Bundesaan Terdue, a Lagos-based security expert, who has followed the EndSARS incident from the very beginning, said “It is unfortunate that no one takes responsibility for a disaster such as this. This is over two years after innocent citizens were killed no one whether in the army or in government have been made to pay.
“This government has been insincere. The people who were massacred, I say may their souls continue to rest in peace. They died for a good course. What else can we say? The government denied these people ever existed but their blood will continue to cry. It happened before our very eyes and CNN and international organisations saw it. They reported it and Twitter was banned for it. That is the government we’re in. The panel’s report was thrown aside and trampled upon and all the huge resources used for investigations became total waste. But let me tell you something, at the appointed time, the truth on what happened at Lekki Tollgate will surface.”
Speaking on the planned memorial for the victims and whether the government would provide security for the gathering, he added, “it is an unpredictable situation. My advice to the youths is they should make up their minds to change this set of politicians . They’re free to gather and hold a memorial service for their compatriots who died fighting for better country and a responsible government should provide security for the peaceful walk. But you never know.”
Eleveke James, a clothes trader at AMAC Market, said, “There is no atom of sincerity from the government regarding this EndSARS matter. First they denied that no one died. Can you remember when Babajide Fashola went to the scene of the event and took possession of a camera? Please what was the content of the camera? That’s what I’m saying. They set up a panel which exposed them and they thrashed the report. There is no sincerity. They have been lying to Nigerians.”
Asked if the EndSARS incident will affect the 2023 election, he added, “I don’t think.the youths will forget so easily. It would remain fresh in their heart. Remember how social media reacted when Labour Party listed General Enenche in its campaign council. I can tell you for free, EndSARS protest will affect 2023 election.”
Teniola Olu, who identified herself as a businesswoman, said, “We’ll keep remembering those innocent protesters in Lagos. I was among those that protested in Abuja here. At a point the government introduced their thugs and some of us went indoors.
“This particular government has never been sincere to the citizens. You said no one died but your panel of investigation said otherwise. Instead of adhering to the report, what you did was threw it away. Now, I’m telling the youths, don’t let these politicians buy your conscience in 2023. The only way we can immortalise those killed at Lekki Tollgate is to vote in the right people to bring about the desired change.”
“As we remember those fellow patriotic citizens killed by those who were supposed to be providing security for them, we’ll never forget. We knew how it all played out. 2023 is the moment for the youths to come together and speak in one voice,” Tessy Uche, a resident of Utako said.
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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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