Author: straightnewsng.com

By Akanimo Sampson One in five countries will see per capita incomes stagnate or decline this year, according to the United Nations’ flagship publication on expected trends in the global economy, the World Economic Situation and Prospects 2020. This implies that a total of 39 countries will be affected. There are 195 countries in the world today. This comprises 193 countries that are member states of the United Nations and two countries that are non-member observer states: the Holy See and the State of Palestine. However, according to Investopedia, a part of the Dotdash publishing family, Per capita income is…

The New Year thanksgiving service tagged Ika 2020 by Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom Council turned out to be a homecoming event for some people. The event held at Qua Iboe Church, Ikot Akpan Anwa in Ika local government area on Sunday was attended by Mr. Moses Ekpo, Akwa Ibom deputy governor; Ini Okopido, the state chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC; Comrade Sunny James, the state chairperson of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC; Obong Patrick Udofia, International President of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Projects; Charles Udoh, Commissioner for Information and Strategy and…

The Supreme Court, Monday, affirmed the election of Abdullahi Ganduje as the governor of Kano State. In its lead judgment delivered by Justice Sylvester Ngwuta on Monday, the Supreme Court said it saw no reason to dislodge the judgments of the two lower courts. It held that facts the PDP candidate adduced before it was inconsistent with the sole ground of his appeal, adding that he failed to demonstrate that judgments of the two lower courts were perverse. The Independent National Electoral Commissioner (INEC) had declared Ganduje winner of the election, saying he polled 1,033,695 votes while Yusuf, his closest…

After 24 years of creation, Ika Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State with more than 50 villages is still wallowing in darkness owing basically to a lack of electricity supply in the area. The area engulfed in a political crisis for more than three years that resulted in the loss of several lives and property worth millions of naira has a population census of 102,200 persons (as projected by the National Population Commission of Nigeria in 2016). The state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Uwemedimo Nwoko who brought the startling revelation to the new year thanksgiving service (Ika…

Worshippers at Adoration Ministry, Enugu, Nigeria praised and danced to God for vindicating them on the prophecy for the emergence of Hope Uzodimma as the Governor of Imo State. In the thanksgiving service, the Spiritual Director of the ministry, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, thanked God for proving him again as a prophet of the most High God. Mbaka used the opportunity to advise the present generation to believe in prophecy which he said was immemorial, and will not cease to exist. In his homily, Mbaka said: “What’s the distance from Imo State to Enugu that after given the message on…

Sanitary pads are among the 20 basic food items in the Finance Act 2019 exempted from the new 7.5% Valued Added Tax, VAT expected to take effect from February 1, this year. President Muhammadu Buhari had penultimate week signed the Finance Act to improve the revenue base of the country. The new law which has generated a lot of controversy according to the government will promote fiscal equity and support MSMES. A statement from the office of the Vice President read, “In a bid to ensure that the cost of living does not rise for Nigerians because of the changes…

Former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has pledged his support for the community, state and zonal policing to complement the effort of the Federal Government in tackling the security challenges in the country. According to Atiku, the primary responsibility of government, at any level, is the protection of the lives and property of the citizen. In a statement by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Sunday, Atiku noted that in carrying out the function, “the state would employ different layers of measures to ensure effective and efficient policing.” The statement said, “Atiku Abubakar supports the community, state and zonal police to…

Three Executive Bills currently before the House of Representatives, want three aviation agencies, to stop paying taxes to government and remitting of funds generated from its operations, to the Federation Account. The prayer of the NCAA Bill, especially, contravene section 162 of the 1999 Constitution, which compels all aviation agencies of government to remit revenue generated to the Federation Account. Copies of Bills exclusively obtained by VANGUARD, as sent to the House of Representatives and the Senate, are to repeal Acts setting up the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN and the Nigeria Airspace…

By Akanimo Sampson The International Standard Organisation’s ISO 20022, an international messaging standard is promising to be a game-changer in the global financial payment system. The global financial system is currently undergoing its most far-reaching transformation in recent history as new market infrastructure, such as instant payment platforms, is being implemented worldwide. Underpinning these developments, according to industry watchers, is ISO 20022. The movement of goods and people is fundamental to global trade and is one of the areas where international standards excel. From containers in which to pack goods, to electronic systems that identify contents and help with customs clearance, the headaches of moving…

By Akanimo Sampson A United States-based global rights group, Human Rights Watch, has taken on the President Donald Trump administration, claiming that in 2019, Washington continued to move backward on rights. According to the group, the Trump administration rolled out inhumane immigration policies and promoted false narratives that perpetuate racism and discrimination; did not do nearly enough to address mass incarceration; undermined the rights of women and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people; further weakened the ability of Americans to obtain adequate health care, and deregulated industries that put people’s health and safety at risk. “In its foreign policy,…