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Mild Drama In Senate Over Sitting Arrangements In New Chamber
There was drama yesterday in the Senate over the sitting arrangements, following the resumption of the senators for plenary at the newly renovated chambers.
The Senate had on March 20 adjourned plenary till April 16, but postponed resumption twice to allow for the completion of the chamber, which had been under renovation since 2022.
However, a rowdy session was averted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who calmed down his colleagues and urged the aggrieved ones to direct their complaints about the sitting arrangements to the appropriate quarters.
The plenary commenced at about 11:00am after Akpabio arrived the chamber and took his seat.
After the statutory prayers by him, he announced the names of senators whose birthdays took place during the recess.
Shortly after that, some ranking senators said the seats allocated to them in the front row on the last right side of the aisle was not proper.
Following Akpabio’s advice that they should channel their complaints to the right quarters, Senator Sahabi Ya’u (APC – Zamfara North) and.Senator Danjuma Goje (APC, Gombe Central) complained about the sitting arrangements to the Chairman, Senate Services Committee, Sunday Karimi (APC – Kogi West).
But, Senate Yemi Adaramodu (APC – Ekiti (South) denied that there was quarrel over sitting arrangements in a statement after the plenary.
He said: “There was no disagreement, rancour or any verbal tirade in respect of the sitting arrangements in the Senate chamber.
“The Senate resumed today in the newly renovated chamber and the sitting positions of senators were done in accordance to the established legislative protocols.
“It’s pertinent to know that rankings of senators and leadership positions are considered. All legislators all over the world know and accept this tradition.”
He added: “The new arrangements in the chamber today did not depart from this. Every senator is thus considered based on this legislative tradition, hence, there couldn’t be any confusion over seating arrangements.
“Senators have been observing this sitting protocols, even in the temporary chamber, hence, the unfounded story of a phantom fight over sitting arrangements is an unscrupulous attempt to drag the image of the Senate into an unnecessary and needless controversy.
“The general public should disregard this odious song of sorrow from these incorrigible wholesalers and retailers of falsehood.”
Senate should partner with Tinubu over poverty eradication
In his speech, Akpabio said the fight against poverty and hunger must be total and relentless, urging the National Assembly to collaborate with President Bola Tinubu to tackle the challenges.
He lamented insecurity in parts of the country and the recent increases in electricity tariffs and price of petrol.
Akpabio said: “As representatives of the people, it is our duty to address these challenges head-on and work towards a better future for all.
“Let us also not forget the importance of cooperation with our constituents. We were elected to represent their voices, hopes, and dreams.
“It is through our engagement and partnership with them that we can truly make a meaningful impact on their lives and the development of our nation.
“The National Assembly can only fly with two wings. Therefore, both the Senate and the House of Representatives must collaborate and cooperate and provide the wings for the National Assembly to fly and lift Nigerians up.
“We must at all times collaborate and cooperate with the other arms of government, without compromising our Constitutional duties, in order for our democracy to thrive.”
He added: “As senators, our efforts must be focused on restoring hope, righting wrongs, and upholding our commitments to the well-being of our people. Together, fueled by a renewed spirit of fraternity, unity, and solidarity, we must move forward and cooperate generously for the common good.
“Throughout history, the spirit of cooperation has brought about tremendous progress. Let us pool our resources, talents, and ideas, while respecting our differences and convictions of conscience.
“At the same time, let us not forget those trapped in the cycle of poverty. Our fight against poverty and hunger must be total and relentless, addressing its root causes and restoring dignity to the marginalized.
“His Excellency, President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and many fellow Nigerians are working tirelessly to tackle this issue. It is our duty to support and amplify their efforts. Let us support the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“I am confident that we, as senators, can make a difference. We have been entrusted with an important role, and now is the time for courageous actions and strategies to drive this role.
“Together, let us implement a culture of care and an integrated approach to combat poverty, restore dignity to the downtrodden, and protect our precious natural resources.”
On insecurity and rising cost of utilities in the country, Akpabio said: “Shortly before we went on recess, our nation experienced events that shook our moral foundations. One of them was the callous ambush and murder of 17 soldiers on a peacekeeping mission in Delta State. This heinous act filled our hearts with deep sorrow, as it was one of the foulest deeds of our time.
“The scars it left behind will serve as a constant reminder, urging us to strive for justice, security, and a better world.
“No words can adequately express the depth of our grief, but let it be known that we are resolute in our determination to wage a war against insecurity to its logical conclusion.
“I urge the Executive Arm to spare no efforts in bringing those responsible for this heinous act to justice.
“We also witnessed the massive, fiery carnage on the East-West Road in Rivers State, which claimed five lives and caused destruction worth billions of Naira.
“Additionally, other issues such as the increase in electricity tariffs and petroleum product prices demand our attention. These incidents remind us of the urgency and gravity of the challenges we face as a nation.
“But what can we learn from these incidents? The loss of our soldiers reminds us of the grave threats we still face from insecurity and terrorism.
“The tragic explosion in Port Harcourt, claiming innocent lives and causing widespread devastation, highlights the urgency of addressing safety measures and ensuring the well-being of our citizens.
“The increase in tariffs and prices emphasizes the pressing need to address issues of affordability, inflation, and the overall well-being of our economy.
“These events, among others, reinforce the fact that our nation is confronted with multifaceted challenges.”
“They highlight the urgency and gravity of the issues we must confront, calling for our collective efforts to find sustainable.”
News
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
News
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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