Author: straightnewsng.com

Retired Directors of AKBC   We sincerely appreciate thoughtful explanations and the effort to situate this decision within a broader reform agenda. We do not doubt the good intentions behind the proposed repositioning of state-owned institutions. However, we must respectfully express our deep reservations about the renaming of Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation to Ibom Broadcasting Corporation (AKBC). First, AKBC is not just a name – it is a legacy institution, deeply rooted in the history, identity, and collective consciousness of our people since the creation of Akwa Ibom State in 1987. Over the years, it has built credibility, emotional connection, and…

Aniefiok Christopher The Senate has called on security agencies to ensure improved but coordinated security operations along Calabar-Oron waterways for safe and unconditional release of the abducted passengers. Straightnews had reported that on 16 April, armed sea pirates abducted about 15 passengers enroute Oron for Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) held on Saturday, 18 April 2026. The directive was sequel to a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Senator Ekong Sampson (Akwa Ibom South), calling for a comprehensive investigation into rising insecurity along the Calabar–Oron waterways and urgent need to fast-track the reconstruction of Calabar–Itu–Odukpani Highway. In the…

Press Release Unauthorised but illegal splinter media groups in Akwa Ibom State risk sanctions by Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). This follows mushrooming of different media groups from the three Senatorial Districts in the state by members of the union using pseudo names to extort from some political office holders and unsuspecting members of the public. A statement by the Comrade Nsikak Esenowo, the State Secretary of the union on Thursday, drew attention to the rapid proliferation of unauthorized splinter media groups in the state. The statement entitled: Final warning on unauthorized, unrecognized unconstitutional media (splinter) groups reminded members and…

Aniefiok Christopher The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) shared N2.036 trillion among the federal government, states and the local government councils (LGCs). The revenue was shared at the April meeting of FAAC in Abuja. The N2.036 trillion total distributable revenue comprised statutory revenue of N1.320 trillion, Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue of N515.391 billion and augmentation of N200 billion. A communiqué issued by FAAC indicated that total gross revenue of N2.364 trillion was available in  March 2026. Also read: FAAC Shares N1.894trn February Revenue To FG, States, LGAs FAAC Shares ₦1.969tr December revenue to FG, states, councils at FAAC meeting…

Harrison Essien A 27-year-old man from Akwa Ibom was Wednesday sentenced to death for the murder of his uncle, Kufre Godwin Eno, over an allegation of witchcraft. Edinyanga Samuel Akpan was said to have stabbed his uncle in the chest with a knife during a disagreement at Ikot Inyang, Okon in Eket Local Government Area on Monday, 4 December, 2017. The victim was rushed to Emmanuel General Hospital, Eket, where he was later confirmed dead. Edinyanga, a native of Ikot Obioro in Eket and a primary school dropout, had initially pleaded not guilty during the trial. Also read: Septuagenarian, three…

Press Release Nigerian Senate has directed the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, and other service chiefs to carry out a comprehensive operational and logistical audit following recent attacks on military formations in Benisheikh and Monguno, Borno State. In a resolution passed during plenary on Wednesday, the Senate mandates an in-depth review of the circumstances surrounding the assaults, including an assessment of equipment adequacy and adherence to rules of engagement. Lawmakers also called on the Armed Forces to address any gap identified in the course of the audit. The Senate urged the military to investigate allegations of civilian…

Ifreke Udoudo Twenty-five more public servants in Akwa Ibom have benefited from new two-bedroom bungalows recently built by the state Government under National Housing Scheme. This is in addition to the 150 free units of a two-bedroom Expandable Flat earlier donated by the state government to junior civil servants on Grade Level 01-08. At a brief ceremony in her office, Tuesday, 21 April, 2026, the Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Elsie Peters, who is also the Chairman of the National Housing Fund (NHF) in the state, presented keys on behalf of the State Government to beneficiaries of the new houses.…

Press Release The Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, has replaced the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr Wale Edun. Similarly, Muttaqha Rabe Darma, PhD, a ministerial nominee and minister designate would take over from Ahmed Musa Dangiwa as Minister of Housing and Urban Development. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu removed the Ministers in a minor cabinet reshuffle of the Federal Executive Council as announced by the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Yomi Odunuga, in a statement Tuesday. Also read:  Tinubu Appoints Ribadu, Edun,…

Godwin Eduok Once upon a time, I naively thought the NUJ was big enough for all journalists. How adorable. I now realize the NUJ is just the ceremonial village square where we gather once a year to pretend we are still one big, happy family. The real action is in the startups. Journalism has discovered entrepreneurship, and the product is groups. We have Ikot Media Group, Yo Media Professionals, Morning Tea Correspondents, and Night Dispatchers United. Blink and your street will launch the Close Gate Press Club with a constitution, an excos list, and a WhatsApp logo. At this rate,…

Israel Umoh The lives of personnel of the Nigerian Police Force – both in active service and retirement – have come under intense scrutiny as concerned radio callers decried their plight and poor welfare packages. Specifically, the radio callers who spoke during a live radio programme took a critical look at the Contributory Pensions Scheme (CPS) as it affects the police force, lamenting what they described as neglect, inadequate benefits and unfavourable working conditions. The Scheme was implemented for the Nigerian Police Force following the passage of the Pension Reform Act of 2004, and signed into law in June 2004. The callers…