Author: straightnewsng.com

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, Wednesday, issued a bench warrant for arrest of chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, over his alleged disobedience to a valid court order. Justice Stephen Pam ordered the Nigerian Police Force to arrest and produce the INEC boss in court on August 8 to face contempt charge. The order followed Mahmood’s persistent refusal to honour a summon for him to appear in court with respect to a suit involving the Anambra State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Prior to yesterday’s sitting, the INEC chairman had on July…

The political hurricane blowing across some parts of the country crooned by defection of members of All Progressives Party, APC, to Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is gradually depleting the numerical strength of the ruling party. To the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, this is goodnews as more political heavyweights have joined them in a battle to wrestle political power from APC during the 2019 general elections. Consequently, PDP and Atiku Abubakar have welcomed Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, the Sokoto State Governor, back to their fold. In the same vein, the party also welcomed Prof. Hafizu…

Since he was inaugurated on May 29, 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari has so far undertaken more than 230 days of working holiday to London probably on medical tourism. This is as he will on Friday, August 3, commence a 10-day working holiday to London. A statement signed by his spokesperson, Femi Adesina said he will spend his holiday in London, the United Kingdom. Already, Buhari has officially informed Bukola Saraki, the President of the Senate, and Yakubu Dogara, Speaker of the House of Representatives, about his trip. While he is away, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will act on his behalf,…

Central Bank of Nigeria, Wednesday, auctioned its maiden Chinese Yuan worth N3.6 billion at Naira 49-51 per Yuan. The auction is part of efforts to encourage the use of an alternative trading currency to the US dollar, as Nigeria is one of the largest importers of Chinese goods in Africa. Chief Economist with Vetiva Capital Management says the move will strengthen naira and eliminate multiple exchange rate. The development, which came few days after the official take-off of foreign exchange intervention with the foreign denomination, was executed alongside the usual interbank retail Secondary Market Intervention Sales worth $340.5 million. The…

The popular CNN anchor and correspondent, Isha Sesay says she is leaving the media organisation after putting in 13 years due to its obsession with Donald Trump to the exclusion of other issues. The British-born Sierra Leonean announced her departure from CNN via Twitter, giving her reasons for doing so in an interview with What We See magazine. ‘WESTERN MEDIA TOO TRUMP-FOCUSED’ Citing the western media’s “obsession with Trump,” the journalist said she would rather spend her time on things that are important. “It’s all so Trump-focused. He sucked all of the oxygen out of the room. The media is…

The impeachment process initiated against Governor Samuel Ortom took a new dimension as Makurdi High Court, Wednesday, restrained the eight members of the Benue State Assembly from continuing with the process. The court also restrained the affected lawmakers from sitting and upheld their suspension pending the determination of the Motion on Notice. Eight members of the state Assembly led by Terkibir Ikyange, the impeached Speaker, had, on Monday, begun impeachment process against the governor. Ruling on the application on orders restraining the eight members from sitting, presiding judge, Justice Theresa Igoche, also restrained the Chief Judge of Benue State from…

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has continued to witness political somersaults following a gale of defections rocking the ruling party. Senate President, Bukola Saraki has formally announced his departure from the country’s All Progressives Congress (APC). Also, Abdulfatah Ahmed, the Kwara State Governor, made a similar announcement at about the same time. Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has equally dumped to join Saraki in PDP. Mr Saraki made his announcement on his official social media handles. “I wish to inform Nigerians that, after extensive consultations, I have decided to take my leave of the…

Petroleum Technology Development Fund, PTDF, Monday, said it has cut down the number of partner universities in the United Kingdom from 60 to 15. The agency said it also suspended requests for extension in scholarship programmes beyond the stipulated period. Speaking at the 2018/2019 PTDF Overseas Scholarship Scheme for MSc and Ph.D scholars under the United Kingdom Strategic Partnership in Abuja, Mr. Aliyu Gusau, Executive Secretary of the PTDF, stated that henceforth, scholars must endeavour to complete their programmes within the stipulated time. According to him, the Fund will no more condone any form of extension, except in ‘extenuating circumstances.’…

As part of the Federal Government commitments to support the growth in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, MSME, 36 finalists have been selected for national MSME awards expected to hold in Abuja on August 2. A statement by Laolu Akande, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, office of the Vice President, in Abuja Monday, explained that the 36 finalists were selected from businesses across the country. Akande further said that the selection process started on July 3, 2018, adding that the 36 finalists comprised three MSMEs in each of the 12 award categories designed for…

The Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, and former governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, Monday, traded barbs as both described themselves as mischievous, compulsive liars. While Saraki lambasted Senator Adamu, APC, Nasarawa West, describing him as a latter-day supporter of President Muhammadu Buhari, Adamu alleged that the Senate president plotted to succeed the President when he (Presient Buhari) was sick and undergoing treatment in London. Saraki, who vowed to expose Senator Adamu on unpalatable stories he told him about President Buhari in Morocco last year, said Adamu’s sudden support for Buhari came after men of the Economic and Financial…