Author: straightnewsng.com

Akakan Umoh Oil prices rose more than a dollar a barrel in post-settlement trade on Wednesday after the U.S. military ​began launching fresh strikes on Iran. The United States launched major strikes on Iran after attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Iran to target US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain. The renewed hostilities have strained a fragile truce and driven oil prices to a two-week high. Consequently, both crude benchmarks had settled at their ‌highest in over two weeks after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened fresh strikes against Iran as soon as Wednesday night. Trump also said that an…

Prince Ukpong Idiong Jr. The cost of domestic air travel in Nigeria has become an issue that deserves serious public attention. For many travellers departing from Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State to Lagos or Abuja, the dream of convenient and affordable air transportation is gradually giving way to frustration as ticket prices continue to climb. At a time when many households and businesses are struggling with rising living costs, the aviation sector must not become another burden beyond the reach of ordinary Nigerians. Perhaps, the clearest indication of this growing concern is the increasing number of…

Aniefiok Christopher  Senator Victor Umeh said South Africa is worse than ingrates, and  condemned xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa, accusing some South Africans of forgetting Nigeria’s historical support during the struggle against apartheid. Speaking on the issue during an interview on Channels TV, the senator argued that Nigeria should take stronger action against South Africa, including reconsidering the continued presence of South African businesses in the country. “South Africans are worse than ingrates. We can send them away from here, including their businesses. Who cares? There’s nothing they are doing in Nigeria that we…

A commercial motorcycle operator has been sentenced to life imprisonment for raping a married woman and nursing mother in Uyo Local Government Area. Michael Effiong Japhet was convicted and sentenced by Akwa Ibom State High Court, on Tuesday, July 7, having been found guilty of rape and stealing punishable under the Criminal Code Laws of Akwa Ibom State, 2000. The incident occurred on February 23, 2015, after the victim, a fruit seller at the popular Ikot Oku Ikono Junction in Uyo Local Government Area, hired the motorcyclist to take her home to Ikot Ofon in Ikono, at the close of…

Edi Umoh Argentina staged a stunning comeback from 2-0 down to avoid crashing out of the World Cup at the hands of Egypt on Tuesday, as Lionel Messi played his part in a 3-2 win to reach the quarter-finals. The holders looked down and out when goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Ziko, either side of Messi having a penalty saved, put the Pharaohs in sight of a historic victory in Atlanta. However, Cristian Romero’s header sparked the comeback as Argentina struck three times in the final 11 minutes plus stoppage time. Messi smashed home the equaliser to score for…

Aniefiok Christopher A motorcyclist’s attempt to outsmart police officers at a stop-and-search checkpoint in Uyo, Akwa Ibom ended on a sad note as he was allegedly exposed, arrested and detained as a suspected impersonator.  The rider known as Precious Joseph from Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State residing in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, initially introduced himself as an Inspector of Police. Upon enquiry, police saw the suspect producing a Police Warrant Card bearing one Inspector Daniel, forcing the police officers to escort him to his residence to recover more suspicious items. Also read: Robbery…

Akakan Umoh Ghana has turned down a state visit request from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, as tensions rise over a wave of xenophobic violence that has targeted Ghanaian nationals living in South Africa. A report by graphic.com.gh on Tuesday, July 7, quoted diplomatic sources in Accra and Pretoria that the decision comes amid a sharp escalation in anti-foreigner attacks across parts of South Africa. The violence has already forced around 1,000 Ghanaians to return home, with another 900 said to be in the process of registering for repatriation. Also read How Government Leaders Promote Hate Crimes, Xenophobia Xenophobia: South…

Aniefiok Christopher A member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Unyime Idem, has pushed for setting up of Public Procurement Tribunal to curb contract fraud among some ministries, departments and agencies in the country. Dr. Idem, representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency in the House, also canvassed for the upgrading of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to Public Procurement Commission (PPC). ‘‘While the Public Procurement Tribunal will be vested with powers to try procurement offenders who run foul of the Public Procurement Act, the establishment of Public Procurement Commission to replace the BPP will enable expansion, efficiency and effectiveness…

Edi Umoh Resilient Belgium rent the clothes of the United States’ World Cup on Monday by thrashing the tournament co-hosts 4-1 to set up a quarter-final showdown with Spain. Charles De Ketelaere scored a brace, Hans Vanaken punished a goalkeeping howler, and substitute Romelu Lukaku added a fourth to settle a last-16 clash that had been overshadowed by the pre-match uproar surrounding US striker Folarin Balogun. Balogun, named in US coach Mauricio Pochettino’s starting line-up after FIFA suspended a one-game ban following lobbying by US President Donald Trump, was largely anonymous throughout Monday’s knockout tie at Seattle’s Lumen Field. You…

Edi Umoh Substitute Mikel Merino scored a late winner to put Spain in the quarter-finals with a 1-0 victory over Portugal and end Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career on Monday before 70,649 crowd at the air-conditioned home of the Dallas. The European champions will face the United States — the only one of the co-hosts remaining — or Belgium on Friday in Los Angeles. Extra time looked certain, before fellow substitute Ferran Torres slipped in Merino to settle the contest in the first minute of injury time. You read: Haaland Brace Fires Norway To Historic World Cup Win Over Brazil…