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It’s corruption for Soludo to use appointees to run Anambra LGs – Ozigbo

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Valentine Ozigbo, a prominent figure in the Labour Party (LP) and former governorship candidate, has criticized Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo for using appointed officials to run local government areas (LGAs), labeling the practice as corrupt and illegal. This criticism comes in response to a court order from Abuja, which restrained the Accountant General of the Federation and the Federal Minister of Finance from remitting funds to Anambra’s 21 LGAs.

Ozigbo expressed his views on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, highlighting the detrimental impact of using caretaker committees instead of elected officials. He pointed out that this practice has long been deemed illegal and accused Governor Soludo of perpetuating it despite initial promises to implement reforms.

“While this news is not entirely cheerful, given that it involves funds due to the local government areas of Anambra, it is a welcome development. The corruption-laden use of appointed caretaker committees to manage the affairs of local governments has been consistently deemed illegal,” Ozigbo stated.

He emphasized that approximately N175 billion might have accrued to the LGAs over the past two years, funds that could have significantly improved local infrastructure such as schools, healthcare institutions, and markets in various communities. Ozigbo also noted that this substantial sum is separate from the state government’s allocation and internally generated revenue.

Ozigbo argued that remitting these funds without having elected local government councils is counterproductive, especially given the heightened insecurity in Anambra since the current administration took office. He praised Chukwuebuka Mmeni Esq. for taking legal action against Governor Soludo and urged the state government to avoid wasting resources on legal fees to overturn the court order.

He called for the state government to conduct genuine local government elections instead of continuing with the caretaker committee system, which he described as indefensible. Ozigbo also encouraged his party, the Labour Party, to join the lawsuit to ensure proper governance and accountability in Anambra State.

“The illegality of the caretaker committees cannot be overstated, and no sophistry-cloaked legal argument can defend the indefensible. Our state would benefit more if the state government redirected funds towards conducting genuine local government elections,” Ozigbo concluded.

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JAMB releases Thursday’s UTME results

In a statement issued by the Board on Friday, and signed by its spokesperson Fabian Benjamin, candidates were advised to check their results by sending “UTMERESULT” via SMS to 55019 or 66019, using the same phone number (SIM) used during registration.

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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has released the results of candidates who sat for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination on Thursday, April 16, 2026, with a total of 632,788 results now available for viewing.

In a statement issued by the Board on Friday, and signed by its spokesperson Fabian Benjamin, candidates were advised to check their results by sending “UTMERESULT” via SMS to 55019 or 66019, using the same phone number (SIM) used during registration.

JAMB clarified that at this stage, candidates can only view their results, as printing options are not yet available.

It also issued a strong warning against attempts to manipulate or alter result messages received from official channels, stressing that such actions constitute a criminal offence.

The Board added that it is already taking action against offenders, revealing that some suspects are currently in custody.

“Currently, two candidates and one parent are in custody for engaging in result falsification using AI and other electronic means. Any candidate found culpable will face the full consequences of the law,” it stated.

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Arise TV Deputy Director News Win Editor of The Year Award

The award’s: “In recognition of your exceptional editorial prowess, insightful journalism, and outstanding contributions to media excellence in Nigeria.”

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Deputy Director of News, Arise TV, Ohi OIdiai, has won Editor Of The Year 2026 Awards category, courtsey of The Industry Newspaper.

In a statement, the organiser said that the award was: “In recognition of your exceptional editorial prowess, insightful journalism, and outstanding contributions to media excellence in Nigeria.”

Details later…

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JUST IN: Tinubu Signs ₦68.32 Trillion 2026 Budget

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……Extends 2025 Implementation to June 30

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given assent to the 2026 Appropriation Bill, approving a record aggregate expenditure of ₦68.32 trillion for the fiscal year.

The President also signed legislation extending the implementation period of the 2025 budget specifically its capital component from March 31, 2026, to June 30, 2026.

According to details of the new budget, ₦4.799 trillion is allocated for statutory transfers, while debt service is pegged at ₦15.8 trillion. Recurrent expenditure stands at ₦15.4 trillion, with the Development Fund for Capital Expenditure receiving ₦32.2 trillion.

Capital spending thus accounts for approximately 50 percent of the total budget, reflecting the administration’s focus on infrastructure development, national security, economic stability, and inclusive growth.

A statement from the State House described the allocations as striking a strategic balance between mandatory obligations, debt servicing, day-to-day government operations, and productive capital investments aimed at boosting productivity and improving the quality of life for Nigerians.

President Tinubu also assented to the Appropriation (Repeal and Enactment) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which formally extends the 2025 capital projects window. Officials said the extension will allow Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to complete advanced-stage infrastructure and development projects, improve execution rates, and deliver better value for public funds.

The 2026 Appropriation Act takes effect from April 1, 2026, paving the way for full implementation in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The President has directed all MDAs to ensure disciplined, transparent, and efficient use of resources, with strict emphasis on value for money and timely project delivery.

President Tinubu commended the National Assembly for its swift consideration and passage of the budget, describing it as a demonstration of diligence, cooperation, and patriotism.

He reaffirmed the need for continued collaboration between the Executive and Legislative branches to advance national development goals.

The President further assured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to deepening fiscal reforms, boosting revenue generation, stimulating economic growth, creating jobs, and strengthening social protection programmes.

The announcement was made by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, on April 17, 2026.

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