Author: straightnewsng.com

Aniefiok Christopher Akwa Ibom Government has denied planned sale of Ibom Power Plant, saying it is repaying $560,000 quarterly  to liquidate the $9 million Afreximbank loan secured for the Ibom Power Plant many years ago.  No administration was mentioned as the collector of the loan. Dr. Aniekan Umanah, Akwa Ibom Commissioner for Information, in a press statement on Wednesday, March 18, rebutted this in reaction to a publication by The Guide newspaper, accusing the state government of planning to sell the company. Ibom Power Company Limited was incorporated by ex-governor Victor Attah administration on January 15, 2001, as the pioneer independent…

Edi Umoh The quarter-final fixtures for the UEFA Champions League have been confirmed following the conclusion of the round of 16 matches, with eight top clubs advancing in the race for European glory. Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) remain in contention after a commanding 8–2 aggregate victory over Chelsea. Real Madrid eliminated Manchester City 5–1 on aggregate for the third consecutive season. Spanish clubs are strongly represented, with Barcelona and Atlético Madrid also reaching the last eight. Barcelona thrashed Newcastle United 8–3 on aggregate, while Atlético crushed Tottenham Hotspur 7–5. Bayern Munich cruised past Atalanta 10–2, while Sporting CP produced a stunning comeback from…

Akakan Umoh The Baltimore County Court, Maryland, United States of America, has slammed $300,000 damages on Olufunke Ashekun for defaming the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) USA Incorporated and its founder, Dr Daniel Olukoya. Recall that Ashekun and MFM have been in a legal battle following her posts and campaigns on social media, which the church considered defamatory and offensive. A statement by the church on Sunday said the jury having found Ashekun guilty of “defamation and false light”, it was ruled that she pays the church compensatory damages in the sum of $250,000 and punitive damages in…

Aniefiok Christopher A University don from Akwa Ibom says ownership influence and advertisements have overwhelmed the greater public interest with essential news values relegated to the background as the highest bidders usurp the agenda – setting role of the media. A Professor of Broadcast and Media Studies at the University of Uyo (UNIUYO), Prof. Uwem Udo Akpan, stated this when he presented the 129th in the series of inaugural lectures of the institution held at the 1,000-capacity TETfund auditorium of the institution’s main campus, Nwaniba, Uyo, at the weekend. Akpan raising concerns over the declining independence of media practice, especially…

Edi Umoh Senegal has demanded an independent international investigation into alleged corruption after the Confederation of African Football stripped the country of its Africa Cup of Nations title and awarded the victory to Morocco in a dramatic reversal of the tournament final. The controversy stems from the final held in Rabat on January 18, when Senegalese players briefly walked off the pitch in protest after Morocco were awarded a late penalty in stoppage time. Morocco had remained on the pitch after the centre referee awarded them a controversial penalty while Senegalese players, propelled by their coach, protested by walking off…

Press Release A University of Uyo graduate, Koabasi Marsodi, the principal suspect is in the custody of Akwa Ibom State Police Command for operating an illegal arms fabrication facility.  Another suspect is Marsodi John, both are indigenes of Uya Oron in Oron Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. Preliminary investigation revealed that the principal suspect, Marsodi, a graduate of Animal Science from the University of Uyo, allegedly operates the illegal facility. He had confessed to producing narcotic-laced chin-chin and engaging in the illegal fabrication and modification of firearms, including cutting long guns into shorter, concealable weapons. Related News Seplat…

… warn public against taking laws into their hands Aniefiok Christopher Police arrested four and launched manhunt for fleeing suspects over the vandalization and malicious destruction of property belonging to Seplat Energy at Mkpanak Village in Ibeno Local Government Area of the State. Before Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited was renamed Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited (SEPNU) from ExxonMobil in December 2024, the community had had altercation with MPNU.  ‘‘On 11th March, 2026 at about 1200 hours, the Police received a distress call from the Security Control Room of Seplat Energy Company reporting that a group of youths allegedly led by…

Aniefiok Christopher The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has urged President Bola Tinubu to order an investigation into the alleged spending of about ₦5.9 billion on the rebranding of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation into the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited. In an open letter dated March 14, 2026 and signed by SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the group said there should be full transparency regarding the reported spending. It asked Tinubu to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, alongside anti-corruption agencies, to investigate the expenditure. Also read: SERAP Sues INEC over alleged…

Aniefiok Christopher A member of the House of Representatives from Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Unyime Idem, has empowered 150 young persons with new Hewlett-Packard (HP) laptop computers and cash grants. The presentation was done at the end of a three-day intensive training on Digital Marketing and E-business Development held in Uyo for young people from Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency. Idem sponsored the all-expense paid training, which covered hotel accommodation and three-square meals as a way of boosting the trainees’ digital and entrepreneurial skills to reduce unemployment and dependence on white collar job. Represented by a former member of Akwa Ibom…

Akakan Umoh Citizens of the 369 electoral wards in Akwa Ibom state would enjoy affordable and clean solar-powered water facilities, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr. Ubuo Ubuo said. Announcing this when the executive members of the Borehole Drillers Association of Nigeria (BODAN), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, visited him on Thursday, Dr. Ubuo said government has approved the construction of the project. Dr. Ubuo explained that the initiative forms part of the state government’s commitment to improving access to potable water and strengthening water supply infrastructure across communities in the state, in line with the ARISE…