News
BREAKING: No Man’s land: Rhodes Vivour Condemns Obasa’s Statement on Divisive Laws
The Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos state for the 2023 election, Gbadebo Rhodes Vivour has reacted to the statement of Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Mudasiru Obasa, that the house will make laws to protect the property right of indigenes, while cautioning the Speaker against laws that will divide Lagos residents along ethnic lines.
Rhodes Vivour warned Obasa that any enacted law that seeks to reverse property rights in favour of the indigenous people of Lagos state at the expense of other residents is divisive and not in the economic interest of Lagos.
Rhodes Vivour made this known in a statement posted on his official Twitter handle on Thursday
Ohibaba.com reports that Mudashiru Obasa had in his acceptance speech after his re-election as the Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly said lawmakers will go to any length in protecting the state indigenes even if it means reversing existing law.
Rhodes Vivour described such a move as an attempt to undermine the fundamental right of residents as enshrined in the country’s constitution, adding that well-meaning Lagosians should resist “the divisive bill”
He also said that in considering such legislation, the speaker has disregarded the Nigerian constitution, adding the law will discourage the participation of local and international investors in Lagos’ economy.
“By considering this regressive bill, the Speaker disregards the spirit of the Nigerian Constitution and perpetuates a discriminatory system that divides our society along ethnic lines.
“The proposed bill undermines the principle of private ownership and could severely affect investment, economic growth, and overall prosperity in Lagos State. By considering such legislation, the Speaker is sending a damaging message to local and international investors, discouraging their participation and confidence in the state’s economy,”
Rhodes Vivour said
Instead of promulgating such a law, Rhodes Vivour advocated for state laws that will rather “protect heritage, historical sites, and traditional institutions from political vandalism.”
He also urged the state government to stick to its duty of catering to the welfare of its citizens irrespective of the state of origin.
News
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.
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.
News
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.”
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…
News
JUST IN: Tinubu Signs ₦68.32 Trillion 2026 Budget
……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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