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Angry Reactions Trail Politicisation Of Ex-Senate President, Wayas Burial

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Increasing number of Nigerians are angry over the delay and politicisation of the burial of former Senate President, Joseph Wayas.

Wayas’s body has remained in a morgue in a London hospital where he died 14 months ago after a lingering illness, which the family adduced to poverty.

Gov Ben Ayade of Cross River State where Wayas hailed had reportedly formed a funeral committee and released N200m to facilitate the burial but controversies have stalled burial efforts.

The first son, Joseph Wayas jr, whom government and committee officials accused of tampering with the money, has vehemently denied the allegations, challenging them to come out with records of expenditures.

Lack of government push for the burial has angered members of the public, forcing them to ask questions.

Some of those that have expressed misgivings have described the long delay and controversies as sheer embarrassment to the country and state, given the status of late Wayas.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Mba Ukweni has disputed the reported release of N200 Million by Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State for the burial of Nigeria’s former number three citizen, Senator Joseph Wayas who died at 80 in London, 14 months ago.

The funeral committee inaugurated in December 2021 is headed by Nigeria’s former attorney general of the federation and Minister of Justice, Kanu Agabi.

There have been controversies over the undue delay in the burial of the former Senate President.

Government sources have confirmed that Governor Ben Ayade had actually released N200 Million for the burial but some members of the committee are quoted to have alleged that the first son, Joseph Wayas Jr should explain what happened to the money.

The younger Wayas has vehemently denied that he had access to the fund, expressing dismay that the committee was unduly denting his image. He has challenged the committee to explain how they have applied the money.

In an interview, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mba Ukweni described the development as sheer embarrassment to the entire country, doubting that the controversial money was even released.

“I doubt very much that Gov Ayade released any money to the funeral committee. First, my former boss and very respected former attorney general heads the committee which comprises other eminent personalities.

“I doubt that even N10m was released and they didn’t do anything. Note that this governor has a penchant for promises and would execute little or none at all.

“I can say that there’s no way that money was released to the committee and they would not kickstart the planning. Check well and you see that what I’m saying is not far from the truth. I would be very surprised if what I’m saying is the opposite.

“The governor that I know very well will find it difficult to release money when in the end he will not benefit from it as a person. This is a governor that finds it difficult to pay workers and even his personal debts,” he alleged.

He also disputed the position of certain persons who claimed that the first son had squandered the fund, asking whether money would have been released to the son or the funeral committee.

Also doubting the sincerity of the government, a senior citizen and good governance advocate, Sir Nandi Peter Bette said it is extremely embarrassing and outrageously shameful that the government had allowed such development.

He said he found it difficult to believe anything from Ayade’s government.

“From the litany of deceits we’ve had over the years, one has difficulty in just believing some stories that emanate from this administration.

“Unless there’s evidence to verify that funds were released to the committee, it will be preemptive to claim that the corpse is still in the morgue in the UK because of controversies existing between the committee and the family over the funds.

“It must be stated clearly that it is extremely embarrassing and outrageously shameful that the government allows this kind of fate to befall a once illustrious citizen of Cross River State, who was in fact a No 3 citizen of this country.

“My prayer is that sanity should prevail for the mortal remains of this great man to be committed to earth, so that, at least, his spirit may find rest and his soul rests in peace,” he noted.

Another lawyer, Justice Osai Ahiakwo said the development is not only disgraceful but totally unacceptable.

“I believe that the late former Senate President will not be happy over this disgraceful act of avarice.

“Until the government adopts policies that will elevate the people from poverty, this show of shame will continue to play out where the country is exposed to global ridicule,” he lamented.

A social activist and online newspaper publisher, Agbá Jalingo who hails from the same Cross River North district as late Wayas said that Gov Ayade himself wasn’t serious about burying Wayas in the first place.

“He politicised the illness of the statesman when he sent a former aide to go and take pictures of Wayas in a vegetative state on his sick bed in London to come and impress the social media audience. All the confusion that has trailed his demise also came because the issue of his burial was allowed to linger for too long before commencement.

“I do not want to dabble into the divisive family issues but I will only advise that the family members should sheath their swords in honour of the memory of their father. The government should be firm and show leadership so that quick decisions can be taken and Wayas can be given a befitting burial,” he advised.

A human rights activist and environmentalist, Prince Odey Oyama called on all the serving and former Senators of Cross River State origin to step in quickly and avert further embarrassment on the state, saying Wayas was a 2-term President of the Senate.

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Oyo 2027: Adelabu Quits As Power Minister To Focus On Guber Race

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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

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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

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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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