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U.S. Pledges Support To Bazoum After Coup
The United States has pledged its support for Niger President Mohamed Bazoum as soldiers yesterday claimed to have toppled his government.
It followed Bazoum’s detention by members of the presidential guard at his official residence since Wednesday morning.
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, on Wednesday, spoke with the President.
Blinken, according to a statement, conveyed the unwavering support of the United States for the Nigerien President and the country’s democracy.
Blinken emphasised that the United States stands with the Nigerien people and regional and international partners in condemning the effort to seize power by force and overturn the constitutional order.
“Secretary Blinken underscored that the strong U.S. economic and security partnership with Niger depends on the continuation of democratic governance and respect for the rule of law and human rights,” the statement added.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Wednesday, through its chairman, Authority of Heads of States and Governments, President Bola Ahmed TInubu, warned that it would not tolerate ant-democratic forces in Niamey.
The United Nation (UN), the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU) and other international organization have decried the action of the coupists, warning of dear consequences.
The military usurpers prevented Benin President Patrice Talon, the ECOWAS mediation envoy from entry the country.
This came as a statement broadcast on Nigerien national television yesterday by Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane, spokesperson for a group calling itself the National Council for the Safeguarding of the country, said that “the defence and security forces …have decided to put an end to the regime you are familiar with”.
“This follows the continuous deterioration of the security situation, the bad social and economic management,” he added.
The soldier said the country’s borders have been closed, and a nationwide curfew was in place. All institutions of the country were also suspended, Abdramane added. He was seated and flanked by nine other officers wearing fatigues as he read out his statement.
The mutineers accused France yesterday of landing a military plane in defiance of their orders to close the country’s borders.
“The French partner bypassed (the decision) on closing land and air borders in order to land an A401-type military aircraft at Niamey international airport this morning at 6:30 a.m.,” Abdramane said in the statement, demanding “once and for all that measures (taken by the coup plotters) be strictly upheld.”
Earlier, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union both earlier decried what they called an “attempted coup d’etat”.
The United Nations and the United States also called for Bazoum’s release.
The President of neighbouring Benin Republic, Patrice Talon, who was expected to head to Niamey for mediation efforts, has abandoned the trip after the coupists closed the border.
The head of ECOWAS and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had said Talon would mediate with both the Presidential Guard and Bazoum with a view to finding an agreement.
Supporters of the coup yesterday attacked the headquarters of the ousted president’s party, setting it on fire, stoning and burning cars outside.
The small group of arsonists broken away from a larger show of support for the coup leaders outside parliament, where Russian flags were on show.
The hundreds, who gathered outside the National Assembly, had some Russian flags, while others held up hand-written signs saying: “Down with France” and “Foreign bases out”.
Police later fired tear gas to disperse those who had gone to the headquarters of the ruling party, where party activists ran away when they saw the protesters coming.
Some people were injured in the fracas and the burnt-out carcasses of vehicles now surround the PNDS Tarraya party building.
The coup supporters accuse the party of corruption and not doing enough to improve the security situation and end the long-running jihadist insurgency.
The army has now given its backing to the troops to the defence and security forces that overthrew the President despite his defiant stance and global condemnation of the coup.
Niger’s Foreign Minister, Hassoumi Massoudou also called on the country’s soldiers to release President Bazoum and settle their demands through dialogue.
Massoudou told French news channel France 24 that “we are the legal and legitimate authorities in Niger,” adding that he has spoken to Bazoum and said the president was well.
His comments came a day after the army suspended all institutions and closed all borders in Niger.
Russia joined other countries and the United Nations in calling for Bazoum’s release. The 64-year-old, who was elected as Niger’s president two years ago, is a key Western ally in the fight against Islamist militants in West Africa.
The United States and France, the former colonial power, both have military bases in the uranium-rich country – and have condemned the coup.
Bazoum took to Twitter on Thursday morning to issue a defiant statement: “The hard-won achievements will be safeguarded. All Nigeriens who love democracy and freedom will see to it.”
But in the capital, Niamey, shops and markets opened for business.
Two neighbouring countries, Mali and Burkina Faso, have experienced coups triggered by Islamist uprisings in recent years.
In both countries, the new military leaders have moved closer to Russia after falling out with France.
“I hope they will install good security in the city and help us to achieve better conditions because we have good resources. I don’t care if they just want to follow Burkina Faso or Mali,” Djibo, a supporter of the coup, told the BBC.
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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.
News
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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