News
Speakership race: Doguwa Abandons G7, Steps Down For Abbas
The Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Ado Doguwa, and five other aspirants have stepped down from the Speaker and Deputy Speakership race.
The aspirants announced their withdrawal at a meeting of members-elect under the auspices of the ‘10th Joint Task’ in Abuja on Wednesday night.
The speakership aspirants, Ado Doguwa (APC-Kano), Abdulraheem Olaoye (APC-Ogun), Makki Yalleman (APC-Jigawa) stepped down for Tajudeen Abbas (APC-Kaduna)
Also, the deputy speakership aspirants, Abiola Makinde (APC-Ondo), Francis Waive (APC-Delta), and Julius Ihonberev (APC-Edo) stepped down for Benjamin Kalu (APC-Abia)
The ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) had earlier endorsed Abbas and Kalu for the office of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, respectively.
The endorsement was further strengthened by the Minority Party Forum, a group of about 70 members-elect, who announced their support for the duo.
Speaking on behalf of the speakership aspirants, Doguwa said they had come to join the Abbas/Kalu campaign, adding that they will support the party’s choice.
He said: “I want to say on behalf of these great men around me here, that we have individually and collectively decided to surrender our bid to become Speaker this time around.
“We have resolved to support our great party and the man they have chosen to be Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas.”
Speaking on behalf of the deputy speaker aspirants, Ihonberev said the three of them wanted to be Deputy Speaker, believing that it will be zoned in their favour but it turned out differently.
The lawmaker said: “As loyal party persons, we decided to align with those that have been identified by the party
“The integration, capacity, and ability to carry people along, transparency and the energy to mobilise ideas that would change Nigeria for the better.
“We want to say we are absolutely, undilutedly in support of the ticket as announced by the party that Tajudeen Abbas will be our next Speaker and Benjamin Kalu will be the next Deputy Speaker.
“We want to assure you that we are prepared to do all it takes to ensure the success of this project.”
However, the Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Wase, the Chairman Committee on Appropriation, Muktar Betara, the Chairman Committee on Water Resources, Sada Soli, Mariam Onouha, and Yusuf Gagdi are still in the race.
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC, on May 9, zoned the Senate Presidency of the 10th National Assembly to the South-South and the Speakership of the House of Representatives to the North-West.
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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