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She Spent Less To Acquire Better Quality – Meranda’s Camp Clarifies Rift With Obasa Over ₦5 Billion SUV Purchase

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The purchase of ₦5 billion worth of vehicles for 40 lawmakers at the Lagos State House of Assembly has sparked controversy, escalating tensions between Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and former Speaker Mojisola Meranda.

JomogNews understands that Meranda oversaw the purchase of 39 vehicles during Obasa’s brief removal as Speaker. However, before his ousting on January 13, 2025, Obasa had already approved ₦7 billion for the same purpose in December 2024. His removal, backed by 35 out of the 40 lawmakers, was based on allegations of highhandedness and financial mismanagement.

Meranda served as Speaker for 49 days until her resignation on March 3, following the intervention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership. She was reinstated as Deputy Speaker, while Obasa reclaimed his position.

Despite this resolution, tensions persist, with Obasa challenging his removal in court while also contesting the purchase of the vehicles. He argues that the acquisition, executed during his absence, deviated from his original plan to procure the vehicles from Dubai through his preferred bidder.

“He had approved the money before his removal. But Meranda proceeded with buying them, a move that infuriated Obasa,” an aide to the Speaker revealed to The PUNCH. Another source clarified that the difference lies in the procurement process: “In December, Obasa approved the purchase, but he intended to buy them from Dubai. Meranda, upon assuming office, opted for an open bidding process, sourcing them locally.”

A source close to Meranda defended her decision, stating that she saved the Assembly ₦2 billion by purchasing 32 units of 2025 Toyota Prado SUVs and seven units of Toyota Landcruisers for ₦5 billion instead of the ₦7 billion allocated by Obasa.

“Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda never withdrew money from the House’s account. She merely revised an existing procurement plan, leading to cost savings,” the source emphasized.

The source also noted that Obasa had originally approved the purchase of 35 Toyota Fortuner SUVs and 10 Toyota Prado SUVs from Dubai for ₦7 billion. However, Meranda’s administration opted for a local procurement process, reducing costs and improving efficiency.

“Unlike Obasa, who planned to import the vehicles, all cars were locally sourced. It is noteworthy that Meranda did not approve a single vehicle for the Speaker’s office, despite holding the position at the time,” the source added.

Meanwhile, Obasa’s legal battle against Meranda and the Assembly continues, with his lawyer, Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), stating that the allegations of “highhandedness, fraudulent malpractices, and other misconduct” must be addressed.

Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has adjourned the hearing of Obasa’s suit to March 17, 2025, after initially scheduling it for March 10.

At Monday’s proceedings, Femi Falana (SAN), representing the House of Assembly, informed the court that Obasa’s legal team had served further affidavits on the same day.

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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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