Author: straightnewsng.com

Ubani Monday Onyekachi As 2027 approaches, nominees for elective political offices would emerge as a matter of utmost importance to every discerning political observer, especially in light of the new Electoral Act 2026.  By all constitutional and electoral standards, internal party democracy remains the foundation of representative governance. Political parties are the constitutional vehicles through which candidates emerge, leaders are chosen, and democratic power is contested. It is for this reason that the Electoral Act 2026, like its predecessor, imposes mandatory obligations on political parties to notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of their congresses, conventions, conferences, and primary…

Akakan Umoh Nigeria’s headline inflation rate rose to 15.38 percent in March 2026, reflecting a slight increase from the 15.06 percent recorded in February. This is according to the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS. This means on a month-on-month basis, Nigeria’s headline inflation stood at 4.18 percent. Similarly, the country’s food inflation increased to 14.31 percent in March from 12.12 percent last month. “In March 2026, the Headline inflation rate rose to 15.38 percent, up from 15.06 percent in February 2026. Also read: Nigeria’s inflation jumped to 28.20% in November – NBS  “On a month-on-month basis,…

Edi Umoh Arsenal reach final four of the Champions League semi-final to face Atletico Madrid on April 29 in Spain, with the second leg of their semi-final taking place at the Emirates. The Gunners narrowly progressed past Sporting CP at the Emirates, reaching the last four for the second consecutive season. Mikel Arteta’s side claimed a 1-0 victory in Portugal before holding their visitors to a 0-0 draw at home. Last season, they were eliminated by PSG, and 12 months on will now face Atletico Madrid. Diego Simeone’s side were thrashed 4-0 by Arsenal earlier this campaign, but managed to overcome Barcelona…

Press Release ‎ ‎The remains of a Nigerian news editor, Dr. Godwin Aniekan Benson from Ikot Akpa Nkuk in Ukanafun Local Government Area of Àkwa Ibom, will be buried on Saturday, April 25, 2026. Benson passed into eternal glory at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, in December 2025 at the age of 52. ‎ Professional/Political ‎Careers Until his sudden demise, he was in an active service as News Editor, Akwa Ibom Newspaper Corporation – publishers of The Pioneer newspapers as well as a ranking member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). ‎ ‎He had served as Secretary of…

Agency Report U.S. President Donald Trump lashes at Pope Leo XIV that ‘‘he’s wrong on the issues,’’  noting ‘‘I don’t think he should be getting into politics. I think he probably learned that from this.’’ Speaking with CBS News, Trump noted that Pope ‘probably learned’ a lesson about politics after their feud over the Iran war. According to him, he decided to lash out at the American-born Pope after seeing a 60 Minutes segment that showcased the pontiff’s disapproval of the Iran War and Trump’s immigration agenda. Trump gave a blunt ‘no’ when asked if he had any plans to…

Agency Report President Donald Trump on Sunday ordered a US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz in response to Iran’s “unyielding” refusal to give up its nuclear ambitions during peace talks in Islamabad. The decision was taken after a diplomatic team led by Vice-President JD Vance tried and failed, to reach a negotiated agreement to end the US war with Iran on Saturday. While acknowledging that the marathon negotiations in Pakistan had gone “well” and “most points were agreed to,” Trump said Tehran had refused to concede on the issue of its nuclear programme. “Effective immediately, the United States…

Aniefiok Christopher Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has raised alarm that the country’s democracy is heading towards a rock following violation of Electoral Act, 2026 (as amended) by courts and lawyers.  The NBA President, Afam Osigwe who raised the alarm is disappointed with the manner courts and lawyers subvert clear letters of the Act and drag the internal affairs of political parties to courts.  According to Osigwe, Section 83 of the Act provides “No court in Nigeria shall entertain jurisdiction over any suit or matter pertaining to the internal affairs of a political party. ‘‘Not only are courts denied jurisdiction to…

Akwa Ibom Unity Concert 2026 Champions Faith and Social Renewal …as Apostle Inyang Highlights Spiritual Impact  Catherine Akpan  The Senior Special Assistant to the state Governor on Christian Youths, Apostle Samuel Inyang, says the concluded Akwa Ibom Unity Concert 2026 re-awakened ‘Christ consciousness’ in the state governance.  For many who gathered at the International Christian Worship Centre, Uyo for the the programme on Monday, 6 April, the evening transcended mere performance, unfolding a landmark moment of communal faith and a powerful catalyst for spiritual and social renewal. Appearing on ARISE Update on Radio programme, Apostle Inyang reflected on the profound impact…

Edi Umoh  Two legal icons from Akwa Ibom who marked their birth anniversaries simultaneously on April 12 were celebrated by Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno. They are Rt. Hon. Sir Justice Ntong Festus Nnannah Ntong, Justice of the Court of Appeal and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom, SAN. While Justice Ntong from Iwukem in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area marked 62 years, Mr. Udom from Ikot Akpanya in Asuna, Etinan Local Government Area celebrated his milestone 70th birthday. In a goodwill message by his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, Governor Eno prayed for Justice Ntong…

… education that prioritizes skills, empowerment, and holistic development of students Akakan Umoh A Nigerian parliamentarian, Mr. Unyime Idem, has amplified a call for a transformative approach to education that prioritises skills, empowerment, and holistic development of students in Nigeria’s 21st-century learning environment. The member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Idem made the call in his inaugural lecture at the maiden matriculation ceremony of Southern Atlantic University, Uyo on Saturday, on the theme: The 21st Century Academic: Training, Empowerment and Development of Nigerian Students. Represented by a former Commissioner for Education in Akwa Ibom, Dr. Paul Udofia, Idem…