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Akpabio Aide Rejects Report, Says Letter Aims to Damage Senate President

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Dr Jibril Lawal Tafida, a Special Adviser to the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has washed his hands off a damaging document against his principal, which was purportedly written by him.

The document, in the form of a letter addressed to the Office of the President, The Presidency, Aso Villa Abuja, dated November 22, 2025, chronicled alleged corruption in the National Assembly and the story of his abandonment by the Senate President when he lost his mother.

The document is making the rounds on social media.

In a four-paragraph notice dated 22nd November, 2025 entitled: “DISCLAIMER ON A FABRICATED DOCUMENT CIRCULATING IN MY NAME”, Dr Jibril Tafida stated that he did not write, author, endorse or authorise the said document in any form.

Tafida said that the unsigned letter was a deliberate attempt to weaponise his name in order to malign the leadership of the Senate and create disaffection where none existed.

He urged the public, media organisations, political actors, and digital distributors, and online publishers to disregard, delete, retract, and desist from circulating it.

The disclaimer reads in extenso: “My attention has been drawn to a lengthy text currently circulating in the media and online platforms, attributed to me and purporting to contain allegations against the President of the Senate, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON. I state unequivocally and without ambiguity that I did not write, author, endorse, or authorize the said document in any form.

“The content, tone, structure, and allegations contained therein have the clear intention of sowing discord, smearing reputations, and exploiting my name for political mischief – a cursory glance at the letter will immediately reveal the falsehood as the Senate President is not a member of the Tenders Board of the National Assembly, and therefore has nothing to do with contracts or contract awards in the Senate or NASS.

How then can he be accused of corruption in contract awards or contract padding? For further clarity, my short stay here shows that the entire premises of the National Assembly are owned and managed in its entirety by the FCDA through its contractor, Laralex Nigeria Ltd. I reject in its entirety and distance myself completely from the publication.

“I continue to hold the President of the Senate in high esteem, both personally and professionally. Our working relationship has been cordial, respectful, and grounded in cooperation and mutual trust. At no time have I expressed or harboured the sentiments contained in the said document.

“This is a deliberate attempt to weaponise my name in order to malign the leadership of the Senate and create disaffection where none exists. I urge the public, media organisations, political actors, and digital distributors to disregard, delete, retract, and desist from circulating it.

“I reaffirm my loyalty to the Office of the President of the Senate and the Senate as a whole. I remain committed to supporting the work of the National Assembly in the interest of national stability, unity, and democratic progress.”

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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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