Author: straightnewsng.com

Israel Umoh | Many who associate with him will confidently confirm that Nyesom Wike, the democratically elected governor of Rivers State, does not blink for anybody who plays on his intelligence.  As a politician, he goes for what he wants and does not allow shenanigans to play a fast one on him, else he will raise an alarm. To realise this, he likes to make controversial statements on any issue affecting him. He would frown his face, vent anger and talk brashly in a coarse voice to achieve his purpose. For example, the standoff between Wike and the federal government…

Father Thomas Ebong The sunset of the pleasant spring day of May 12, 2022, was casting its golden rays upon the sides of the tall beautiful ETEC Building of the New York State University at Albany. The Harriman Campus crowd, comprising the candidates for Ph.D. hooding in their various disciplines and their families and faculty members exchanged pleasantries and took pictures. A large crowd from Akwa Ibom  community had gathered to celebrate one of their own, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Sebastian Udoh—Ph.D Information Science (University of Albany); B.S. Computer Science, Minor in Computer Security Systems (St. John’s University, New York); M.S.…

More than 31 persons perished during a stampede for free foods at Kings Assembly at Polo Club, on Saturday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, the police confirmed. Scores were also said to have sustained injuries during the stampede by the church members and the public to collect gift items. A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Grace Iringe-Koko, said preliminary investigations conducted by the Command revealed that the incident occurred when the management of the church organised a crusade meant to offer gift items to its members and the public. Read also: 27 die in Pipeline…

The Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria (AKISAN), United States of America has doled out the 2021 scholarships worth about N1.5 million to 12 Akwa Ibom indigenes studying in the University of Uyo. At the colourful ceremony held at Watbridge Hotels and Suits, IBB Avenue, Uyo, AIKSAN rolled out scholarship scheme to the students offering Medicine and Surgery, Pharmacy and Engineering courses in the university. The recipients included Gideon Ndedu from Eket, Joshua Tom from Etim Ekpo, Osmond Ntah Robinson from Etinan, Kingsley Edet from Ibiono Ibom, Unwanaobong Nyong from Ikono and Victor Nkereuwem from Mbo. Others were Emmanuel Ekot from…

The Christian Association of Nigeria and Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria have expressed displeasure over the abduction of the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Samuel Kanu-Uche by unknown gunmen. The clergyman was kidnapped alongside the Methodist Bishop of Owerri, Rt. Rev. Dennis Mark, and his (the Prelate’s) chaplain along Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State on Sunday. The Police Public Relations Officer, Abia State Command, Geoffrey Ogbonna, confirmed the abduction to one of our correspondents. “The incident is quite unfortunate and the Abia State Police Command has put in place efforts to ensure that he…

Retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), Udom Ekpoudom, has won the All Progressives Congress ticket for Akwa Ibom Northwest Senatorial District. Ekpoudom polled 338 votes to emerge the candidate of the APC in the party’s primary which took place on Friday, May 27 at the Government Primary School, Ikot Ekpene. The state legal adviser of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mark Chukwu monitored the primary. The APC returning officer, Itemuwem Eyo announced the result shortly after the sorting and counting of ballot. Other contestants such as Joseph Michael Akpan scored 12 votes, and Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo. Read also: Udom…

A former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode has congratulated Atiku Abubakar for emerging the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential flagbearer for the 2023 general elections on Saturday. Atiku, the former Nigeria’s Vice-President, polled 371 out of the 767 accredited votes to defeat his closest rival, Rivers State  Governor Nyesom Wike who garnered 237 votes. Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, came a distant third with 70 votes while Akwa Ibom governor Udom Emmanuel got 38 votes. Read also: Fani-Kayode Attacks Buhari For Keeping Mum On Killings of Christians in Adamawa  Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed polled 20 votes, former Secretary to the…

Iniobong Sunday The sleepy Ikot Andem village in Ukanafun Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State was Monday thrown into confusion following alleged killing of the youth leader in the area ahead of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial primaries. Straightnews correspondent gathered that the armed hoodlums laid siege and shot at the deceased known as Comrade Ufot Job, along the spur linking the Ekparakwa-Ukanafun Highway and Ikot Udo Ossiom village. “The late Job was riding on his motorcycle from his village, Ikot Andem, and was ambushed by suspected cultists who opened fire on him and made away with his…

The Nigerian Idol musical reality show climaxed Sunday, with Progress Chukwuyem emerging the overall winner and clinching N100 million worth of prizes. It includes N30 million, a new SUV, a Bigi branded refrigerator and a year’s supply of Bigi drinks, an EP and a music video, a weekend getaway from TravelBeta, and a DStv Explora fully installed with a 12-month premium subscription.   Sponsored by the Bigi carbonated soft drink brand of Rite Foods, the show was a climax of the 10-week electrifying performances by top 12 contestants. The 21-year-old singer, songwriter, and performer, from Ika South of Delta State, defeated the 27-year-old Zadok…

Nigerian governors have lost the battle over the financial autonomy from the Local Government Joint Account. Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court delivered the ruling on Monday in favour of the Federal Government and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU). The NFIU had in June 2019 issued guidelines aimed at curbing crime vulnerabilities created by cash withdrawals from local government accounts by various state governments. The guideline, which was on money laundering risk and vulnerabilities, advised all banks not to honour transactions from joint accounts. It also reduced cash withdrawal from local government accounts to N500,000 daily. Read…