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Pay Abiola’s Family N45bn FG Owes Him – Lamido Tells Tinubu
Former National Secretary of the defunct Social Democratic Party and ex-Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, has linked the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election won by the late MKO Abiola to the N45bn contract debt allegedly owed Abiola by the military government of the late Gen. Murtala Mohammed.
According to Lamido, the military refused to pay Abiola the debt after Gen. Mohammed’s died and when Abiola won the June 12, 1993 presidential election, they decided to annul it for fear that if sworn in as President, Abiola would recover the N45bn debt, a situation which might bankrupt the country at the time.
Lamido made the assertion on Tuesday in Abuja during the public presentation of his autobiography titled ‘Being True to Myself’.
He, therefore, called on President Bola Tinubu to pay Abiola’s family the alleged N45bn debt in order to bring closure to the June 12 saga.
Lamido said, “When (General) Murtala (Muhammed) died, Abiola came in with a claim that he was owed, I think, about N45bn for contracts executed by International Telephone and Telecommunication for the Ministry of Communications. The military high command at that time said no. He went round the Emirs in the North to lobby and the Emirs asked that they (military) should please pay the money.
“They (military) said they cancelled the June 12 elections because if they made him President, he would take his money and the country would become bankrupt. Those who were close to Abacha should know this, because Abacha was then one of the big shots; they were all aware.
“Before I end my remarks, I want to appeal to President Tinubu to finally close the chapter of June 12.
“In his book, General Ibrahim Babangida acknowledged that Abiola won the election. When I visited him, he also confirmed that Abiola is owed N45bn. He was doubly punished: first, denied the presidency; second, denied what is owed to him.”
Lamido urged the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammad Idris Malagi—who attended the event on behalf of President Tinubu—to convey the message to the President.
“Please tell the President to pay the Abiola family the N45bn. Once this is done, the June 12 chapter will be closed. It is very important,” he stressed.
Also speaking at the event, former President Olusegun Obasanjo emphasised that the work they started for Nigeria was not yet finished.
He called on Lamido and others not to retire, stating that it remained their responsibility to ensure Nigeria reaches its full potential.
“You (Lamido) are now a statesman. But Nigeria that we are working for, we haven’t got there. Our job is not finished until we are finished,” Obasanjo said.
Obasanjo praised Lamido’s service during his tenure as Foreign Affairs Minister, describing him as an effective diplomat who helped restore Nigeria’s international standing after years of isolation.
He recalled appointing Lamido after his original nominee declined and praised his loyalty, dedication, and performance.
In his remarks, President Tinubu—represented by the Minister of Information and Orientation—commended Lamido’s autobiography as an important contribution to Nigeria’s political literature.
He described Lamido as a principled opposition figure and reiterated the administration’s openness to constructive criticism.
The president’s representative highlighted the government’s ongoing economic reforms, acknowledging their difficulty but asserting that they are beginning to yield positive macroeconomic results.
He said the administration remains committed to national security, tax reform, and inclusive development.
“Are we where we want to be? No. But President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown uncommon audacity and vision to set Nigeria on the path of growth and development. We are now entering a phase of intended beneficial outcomes,” he said.
General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who served as chairman of the occasion, was represented by former INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega.
He encouraged more Nigerian leaders to document their experiences and contribute to a broader understanding of the country’s governance challenges and history.
“It is my hope that ‘Being True to Myself’ will inspire other actors and activists to write their own books. We all have a role to play in building a better Nigeria,” Jega said.
In his vote of thanks, Lamido expressed gratitude to the organising committee and attendees.
The event drew a large crowd of prominent political figures.
Among those present were former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo; former Senate Presidents Ken Nnamani and Pius Ayim; former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi; and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Also in attendance were the Governors of Gombe State, Muhammadu Yahaya; Jigawa State, Umar Namadi; and Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, alongside several former governors including Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Ahmed Makarfi (Kaduna), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), and Liyel Imoke (Cross River).
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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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