Author: straightnewsng.com

The exacerbating security situations in Etim Ekpo and Ukanafun local government areas of Akwa Ibom State have led to mass exodus of some people from the areas to Abak, Ikot Ekpene, Uyo and some adjoining villages, Straightnews has discovered. Mostly affected are some civil servants, teachers and petty traders who have fled the troubled areas to safer zones for fear of being kidnapped or being killed by the blood-thirsty secret cultists-turned robbery suspects. Also, the aged, school children and subsistent farmers are not left out in the exodus, thus resulting in dwindling schools’ population and church attendance in the areas.…

A one-time Akwa Ibom governor, Victor Attah has rejected the report of the ruling All Progressives Party, APC, on restructuring that recommends the re-introduction of obnoxious onshore/offshore oil dichotomy in the country. A section of report of the APC’s Restructuring Committee headed by Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El Rufai states ” if this amendment that we are proposing is passed, it means that all minerals including oil and gas that are onshore will be vested in the states of the federation. However, all offshore oil shall remain absolutely vested in the government of the federation.” Attah bared his mind…

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Thursday released the results of the just-conducted Mock Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Dr. Fabian Benjamin, the board’s Head, Media and Information, stated this in an interview with the newsmen on Thursday in Lagos. Benjamin described the conduct of the examination nationwide as hitch-free. He advised candidates are to check their results on line by visiting www.jamb .org.ng with their registration numbers. NAN reports that a total of 245,753 candidates registered for the mock examination which took place on Monday. Mock UTME is optional for UTME candidates. The main UTME is expected to…

By Chloe Angyal The influenza pandemic of 1918 struck the United States suddenly and ruthlessly. It spread with an efficiency that brought entire cities to their knees, claiming not just the very young and very old, but also otherwise healthy people in the middle of their lives ― the kind of people flu season usually spared. In Philadelphia alone, 12,000 people died in less than five weeks. In New York City, it was 30,000 people in less than 18 months. One of those 30,000 was the youngest child of the Wisner family of Brooklyn. She was three years old. Her…

As part of its effort to open the rural areas and boost economic activities of Akwa Ibom State, the state government has approved the construction of more than 26.18 kilometres of roads. The roads are a12.69 kilometre-Ikot Akpan Abia-Enen Nsit Road that spans across Nsit Atai and Ibesikpo Asutan local government areas, the 4.99 kilometre-Ibesit Okpokoro-Ikot Ibritam in Oruk Anam local government area and re-awarding the 8.5 kilometre-Ndueotong Oku -Ibiaku Uruan-Ekritam road due to the failure of the previous contractor to deliver on time. Briefing Government House press shortly after the state Executive Council meeting Wednesday, Mr. Charles Udoh, the Commissioner…

Suspected cultists Wednesday killed a commercial bus driver at Edem Akai axis of Iwukem-Etim Ekpo-Abak highway in Akwa Ibom State. Straightnews reported Wednesday that the hoodlums said to be angered by the escape of one Udoma, a provision store dealer whom they had gone to kidnap started to rob randomly. The hoodlums, said to be members of Iceland cult, set ablaze Udoma’s store. An eye witness, one Moses in the area confided in Straightnews that the cultists later blocked the road. “Not long, the Akwa Ibom Transport Company (AKTC) vehicle approached, the frustrated hoodlums having missed their target stopped it.…

A detective sergeant stole tens of thousands of pounds from passengers travelling from Heathrow Aiport. Michael Harrington, 46, pocketed between £75,000 and £83,000 by targeting people who were taking large sums of cash in and out of the UK. The Metropolitan police, who worked with the Criminal Finance Team, seized the money saying he had to investigate why such sums were being carried and whether or not the cash had been obtained by criminal means. But he then failed to give the money back when it was found to be lawfully withdrawn, creating ‘significant financial hardship’ for his victims. At…

The United Nations “strongly condemns the abduction and attack” of Dapchi school girls in Yobe State by Boko Haram fighters. Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, UN, in a statement by Stephane Dujarric, his spokesperson, said he was gravely concerned over the situation of the school girls and their abduction. Guterres, therefore, called for the immediate and unconditional release of all the missing girls and for their safe return to their families. The UN chief urged the federal government to swiftly bring those responsible for the dastardly act to justice. He reiterated the solidarity and support of the UN…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced dates for general elections in the country for the next 36 years, starting from 2019 to 2055. Prof. Mamood Yakubu, Chairman of the commission, made the announcement at a consultative meeting with leaders of political parties in Abuja. Yakubu said “In 2019, the dates are February 16 and March 2; in 2023, the dates are February 18 and March 4. “In 2027, the dates are February 20 and March 6; in 2031, it is February15 and March 1. “In 2035, it is February 17 and March 3; in 2039, it is February19…

The Senate Wednesday expressed shock on the issuance of Temporary Voters Card, TVC, to Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State last week by Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. Consequently, it has begun a probe into allegations of double registration leveled against the governor. The upper chamber has mandated its Committee on, INEC, to immediately carry out a holistic investigation and submit report at plenary for its consideration within two weeks. Resolutions of the Senate Monday were sequel to a point of Order by Senator Mohammed Hassan, PDP, Yobe South. Senator Hassan, who came under Order 43 of the Senate Standing…