Author: straightnewsng.com

President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, on Monday, said “We have had a series of engagements before but the escalation now has made it mandatory that we have to have a definite position as a government because we just cannot play politics with security issues.” Speaking the near-collapse of security apparatus in the country, he admitted that “Apparently, the system is not working effectively and efficiently and we have to do something.” Lawan who made the remark at a news conference held in Abuja while briefing journalists on what Nigerians should expect from the Senate as it resumes on Tuesday…

By Akanimo Sampson Prospects for a brighter future for coffee and cocoa farmers are currently not appearing positive. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), a UN agency dealing with trade, investment and development issues has warned that they stand little chance of improving their lot in the mainstream profit-hungry business world that is controlled by powerful multinationals. Many coffee and cocoa farmers earn a pittance even as these products generate huge profits in global markets. For instance, coffee farmers earn only 0.4% of the price consumers pay for a latte or cappuccino. The situation for cocoa farmers…

By Akanimo Sampson Contractors handling projects for the Federal Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Development (FMARD) have come under the hammer of the ministry for allegedly delivering poorly executed jobs implemented with sub-standard materials. The mandate of the ministry is to ensure food security in crop, livestock and fisheries, stimulate agricultural employment and services, promote the production and supply of raw materials to agro industries, provide markets for the products of the industrial sector, generate foreign exchange and aid rural socio-economic development. Prior to Nigeria’s independence in 1960, the agricultural sector served the purpose of growing and exporting cash crop…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected results of Saturday’s re-run election in Essien Udim local government area of Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District, where its officials were abducted and forced to compromise the processes. The commission stated this in a statement issued by Mr Festus Okoye, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC) on Tuesday in Abuja. The Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District, Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency and Essien Udim State Constituency were won by the People’s Democratic Party, PDP in the re-run election after candidates of All Progressives Congress, APC had…

By: Gab Efo Ahmad Rufai Sani, economist, administrator and elected Governor of Zamfara State from 1999 to 2003, has caused no small stir since his recent visit to Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, the 92-year-old Islamic cleric in Bauchi State. The immediate past Senator of Zamfara West Senatorial district, Sani’s statement that he is available and ready for the office of President or Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the 2023 race is causing the tension, particularly in the political class. Popularly known by his traditional title of “Yariman Bakura,” Senator Sani has touched many lives across ethnic, social and…

By: Israel Umoh At first, Amotekun appeared like a stillborn baby. At least in the security circle. Moreso, in the Federal government enclave. But gradually, it has gained momentum in different places and climes. Its survival is no more in doubt. It has continued to evoke trepidation in many with negative minds. Bandits and other criminal elements in the South West Region hearing the name readily develop goose pimples. Many who were not familiar with Yoruba have now learned the language by force that it means a leopard. In a way, Amotekun may be compared to the Leopard Society or…

Drama ensued as Maryam Sanda who heard death by hanging from FCT High Court in Maitama for killing her husband attempted to flee, but the court and prison’s officials dragged her to the dock. Justice Yusuf Halilu found the accused guilty of murder while delivering judgment on the protracted trial of Missus Sanda on Monday in the nation’s capital. Sanda is facing trial over an allegation of killing Bilyaminu, nephew of former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Haliru M. Bello. In November 2017, the police charged Sanda for culpable homicide and sought a death penalty against…

Billie Eilish’s sweep was the biggest win of the 62nd annual Grammy Awards held on Sunday, January 26 at Staples Center in Los Angeles. At the event organized by Alicia Keys, Eilish became the second artist in Grammy history—and the first woman—to sweep the Big Four awards: album, record and song of the year plus best new artist. The first artist to do this was Christopher Cross 39 years ago. Eilish took album of the year for her debut, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?, and record and song of the year for her smash “Bad Guy.” In…

Akwa United produced a brilliant performance to come back from a goal down and record a resounding 3-1 victory over Heartland FC on matchday 17 of the NPFL at the iconic Godswill Akpabio international stadium in Uyo, Sunday. Ndifreke Effiong’s 19th-minute thunderbolt cancelled out Chukwuemeka Obioma’s 15th-minute opener for Heartland FC. Akarandut Orok headed the Promise Keepers into the lead in the 38th minute before Ndifreke Effiong completed his brace nine minutes after the restart to hand his team their 7th win of the 2019/2020 season in grand style. Akwa United under new coach Kennedy Boboye had enjoyed five straight…

US basketball legend, Kobe Bryant, was among five people killed in a helicopter crash in the city of Calabasas, California. His 13-year-old daughter, Gianna Maria Onore also died in the helicopter which was Sikorsky S-76 that crashed into the Southern California Hillside at about 10 a.m. local time due to foggy conditions. Bryant, 41, was travelling in a private helicopter when it crashed and burst into flames, according to reports. The five-time NBA champion was widely considered one of the greatest players in the game’s history and played his entire 20-year career in the LA Lakers. Tributes from celebrities and…