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Benue House of Assembly suspends 13 members from legislative duties for three months

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The Benue House of Assembly has suspended 13 members of the house from legislative duties due to dishonourable acts.

The suspension followed a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Mr Saater Tiseer, during plenary on Wednesday in Makurdi.

The majority leader stated that the assembly, like any other legislature, was a hallowed assembly of honourable personalities.

He said that 31 members of the house on Tuesday received a complaint from the office of the attorney-general of the state.

Tisseer said the complaint detailed allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, bribery and corruption and other sundry allegations against Justice Maurice Ikpambese, the Chief Judge (CJ) of the state.

He informed the house that after exhaustive deliberations, the house went into division.

“Thereafter, 23 out of the 31 members present voted in support of the recommendation to removeIkpambese as the Chief Judge of the state.“

While the next-in-line judicial officer should be sworn in as the acting chief judge of the state,” he said.

He said that after the house adopted resolutions on the matter, the 13 members, some of whom voted in support of the recommendations dissociated themselves from the legislative process.

According to him, the action of the 13 members contravened the Standing Order 9, Rule 58 (6) of the house.

The rule, he said, provided that it shall be out of order to attempt to reconsider any specific question upon which the house had concluded during the current session except upon a substantive motion for rescission.

He said that the actions of the members were not only dishonourable but also an afterthought and a deceptive posture capable of causing acrimony and casting aspersions on the house.

He listed the names of the suspended members to include Mr Douglas Akya (APC/Makurdi South), Mr Jonanthan Agbidye (APC/Katsina-Ala East), Mrs Beckie Orpin (APC/Gboko East), Mr Simon Gabo (APC/Mata), and Mr William Ortyom (PDP/Agasha).

Others were Mr Emmanuel Onah (PDP/Oju I), Mr Elias Audu (APC/Gwer East), Mr Anyor Matu (APC/Kwande East), Mr Manger Manger (APC/Tarka), Mr Solomon Gyila (APC/Gwer West), Mr Samuel Agada (APC/Ogbadibo), Mr Abraham Jabi (APC/Buruku) and Mr Ezra Nyiyongo (APC/Ukum).

The seconder of the motion, Mr Peter Ipusu (APC/Katsina-Ala West), said that what their colleagues did was outright mischief because they attended and participated actively in the debate.

Ipusu added that they voted in favour of the recommendations that the CJ be removed and want to deny their active participation in the matter.

He suggested that the suspended members should refund the money given to them for a foreign trip by the Ministry of Finance, as they would not be travelling with them.

Meanwhile, Mr Alfred Berger (APC/Makurdi North) said that their colleagues have disparaged the Speaker, Mr Hyacinth Dajoh, and the house.

He said that before their suspension could be lifted, they should publicly declare that they participated in the legislative process.

Also, Mr Thomas Dugeri (APC/Kwande West), pleaded that the suspension be reduced to one month.

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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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