Author: straightnewsng.com

As the altercation between Borno State government and the Nigerian Army continues, the Army has vowed to investigate allegations of misconduct levelled against its officers deployed for Operation LAFIYA DOLE, and to reprimand the culprits. Governor of Borno State, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum who on Monday had paid an unscheduled visit accused the soldiers deployed along Maiduguri–Damaturu Road of extorting N500 and N1,000 from commuters and causing them unnecessary hardships. Reacting to the allegations, the army said: “Thus, the Nigerian Army wishes to assure the good people of Borno State and indeed the nation at large that any allegations of misconduct against…

Six residents of Bwari Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, kidnapped the first week of 2020, have been released following payment of a ransom to the abductors by their families, Vanguard has learned. While three of the victims were abducted on January 1, the rest were kidnapped on January 3. Chairman of the council, John Gabaya told journalists, Monday, in Abuja that the families had to rally round to get the ransom fee as demanded by the kidnappers. “The people who were kidnapped within the first three days of the year were released on Sunday by the kidnappers…

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has vented anger on personnel of the Nigeria military and police force for extorting N1,000 bribe from travellers who do not possess national identity cards. This is as many people have been stranded since Sunday when suspected Boko Haram insurgents launched attacks on communities along Damaturu-Maiduguri Road. Damaturu is Yobe state capital, and Maiduguri, Borno state capital. The distance between both towns is about 130 kilometres, and there are a number of villages along the axis. Also, there was an exchange of fire, Monday, between the army and the insurgents in Jakana village in…

The recapitalization exercise in the insurance industry will significantly conserve foreign exchange currently going to other nations of the world. Acting Commissioner for Insurance (CfI), Mr Sunday Thomas, stated this at the one-day seminar for Insurance journalists, in Kano State, Monday. According to him, the Market Development and Restructuring Initiatives, MDRI, would be a game changer in the nation’s insurance industry. His words, “The recapitalisation exercise which was announced is to ensure that we have financially sound insurance companies that can adequately bear the risks that they underwrite. That can afford Nigeria to save foreign exchange so that we don’t…

The killing of Iranian Army Commander, Qasem Soleimani by the United States has triggered more hostilities and is gradually plunging both countries into a serious diplomatic crisis. Iranians have chanted “Death to America” while the Iranian government has pledged to “revenge” US over the killing and in return has placed an $80 million bounty on President Donald Trump’s head as well as to continue uranium enrichment. The US, in anger, has vowed to hit Iran’s 52 cultural sites if its citizens or assets are attacked by Iran. However, “Iran has 80 million inhabitants. Based on the Iranian population, we want…

By Akanimo Sampson Increased demand for a dry bulk vessel this 2020 will largely depend on soybean and grain trade re-bound, Drewry, an independent maritime research consultancy that offers market insights and advisory services to stakeholders across the global shipping industry has stated. In 2019, the trade dispute dampened grain and soybean trade between the US and China. China’s total imports of grain and soybean from the US in the year were down 18.5 million tonnes over 2017. However, it appears that trade negotiations between the US and China are progressing well, and could spark soybean and grain trade re-bound…

By Akanimo Sampson Electricity consumer groups in Nigeria are literally up in arms against the authorities over the disturbing tariff increase for end-user customers amid epileptic power supply. Consumers were jolted at the weekend with news reports that tariff was going up across the country. Reports said the 11 electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) have the mandate of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to effect the tariff increase from April. These are Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, Benin Electricity Distribution Company, Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, Eko Electricity Distribution Company, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company, Jos Electricity Distribution Company,…

A one-time Nigerian Minister of Aviation has castigated Shiite Muslims in Nigeria for crying against the detention of their leader, Sheik Ibraheem Zakzaky, but turning to celebrate the persecution of Christians, Jews and Sunnis in the Middle East. Femi Fani-Kayode was reacting to the action of the Shi’ites who are protesting against the continued detention of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, Zakzaky by the Federal Government despite the court’s rulings. “What I can’t understand about Shiite Muslims is that they cry against persecution in Nigeria but they celebrate the persecution of Christians, Jews & Sunnis in the Middle East. You…

“The United States just spent Two Trillion Dollars on Military Equipment. We are the biggest and by far the BEST in the World!” US President Donald Trump boasted in response to a threat by the Iranian government to revenge for the killing of its military commander. “If Iran attacks an American Base or any American, we will be sending some of that brand new beautiful equipment their way…and without hesitation!” Trump in a Twitter on Sunday warned Iranian President Hassan Rouhani owing to his statement on Saturday that the United States committed a “grave mistake” in killing Iranian commander Qasem…

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, says over 650 Computer Based Test, centres have so far been accredited for its upcoming 2020 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination. The board has fixed this year’s examination for March 14 to April 4, while an optional mock examination for candidates is scheduled for February 18. Similarly, the board had said that it would commence the sales of its registration documents from Monday, January 13, to Monday, February 17. The Head, Media and Information of the board, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Lagos that arrangements for the…