PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

      ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 2018 NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION ANNUAL GENERAL CONFERENCE, ABUJA, 26TH AUGUST, 2018. Protocols I am delighted to address this distinguished gathering on the occasion of the 2018 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association. Let me thank your Association for the invitation to declare this Conference open and to express my hope that the Conference will consolidate the position of the NBA as a prime stakeholder in our national affairs. 2. I am informed that with an average attendance of over 10,000 participants, this Conference represents one of the largest single gathering of Lawyers anywhere in the world. I congratulate you all for this achievement which is a plus for our nation. 3. The theme of this 2018 NBA Conference which is “Transition, Transformation and Sustainable Institutions” is one which is apt in the light of our contempo...

       Operatives of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) have arrested two private security guards over alleged theft of N5 million from the coffers of the Maiduguri Specialist Hospital. A competent source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the suspects were nabbed in Maiduguri on Saturday in following a tip off by men of the command. The source said that the suspects were already placed on SARS wanted list since May. NAN gathered that “the suspects gained access to the money through the ceiling in the office of the cashier in the hospital on May 1, where they allegedly broke the safe and stole the amount. “They bought a Honda car at the rate of N2.6 million, relocated to Kano and squandered the whole money. They later sold the vehicle when they became broke, then cruised with the proceed and returned to Maiduguri when nothing was left.” Dr. Laraba Bello, the Medical Director of the hospital who confirmed the incident, told NAN that the sus...

       Governor Samuel Ortom commiserates with the entire media community across the country and Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, particularly the Benue State chapter of the union over the death of its Chairman, Comrade David Ukuma. The Governor describes Ukuma’s demise as painful, not only to his family and NUJ but also to the state at large. He says Comrade David Ukuma was a promising leader and versatile broadcaster whose talent and selfless disposition will be dearly missed. The Governor urges the deceased’s family and his colleagues at Radio Benue as well as NUJ to take solace in the fact that the late state Chairman of the union lived a life worthy of emulation. Governor Ortom prays God to grant Comrade Ukuma eternal rest and his family the strength to bear the loss. Terver Akase    

      The Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim K. Idris NPM, mni represented by DIG Habila Joshak, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Operations Department, along with Commissioner of Police Federal SARS addressed critical Stakeholders, the Media and the public on the progress being made in the overhaul of Special Anti-Robbery Squad, now known as FSARS in the new arrangement. The critical Stakeholders in attendance are; i. Mr Segun Awosanya (Segalink), Convener of  # EndSARS  and head of Universal Institutional Reform Advocacy Foundation and Dr Femi Amosun iii. Professor Olu Ogunsakin represented by Mr Ayo Omotade iv. Mr Asekome Oteiku, Director Legal/Admin International Human Rights Protection. v. Ayo Akani and Team from Lincoln Carter Foundation vi. Other key Stakeholders and senior Police Officers. 2. The highlights of the event are as follows; i. The DIG Operations DIG Joshak Habila had key officials of the Police Force in atte...

      1. Troops of 27 Task Force Brigade and Nigerian Army Special Forces School, Buni Yadi, Yobe State have been advised on the wrong use of social media. 2. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai gave the advice during a visit to the troops in frontline as part of activities marking this year's Eid-el- kabir celebration. 3. He urged the troops to desist from inappropriate use of the social media, saying that such practice could expose them to adversaries and danger which could put the operation into jeopardy. 4. The COAS who was represented by the Commander Corps of Signals, Major General Temidayo Olukoju, expressed satisfaction on the conduct of the troops. 5. He enjoined them to maintain high level of alertness and be discipline at all times. He stressed further that such would enable them clear the remnant of Boko Haram terrorists in the North East in particular and nation in general. 6. The COAS commended the loyal...

     The Lagos State Government has announced that the Third Mainland Bridge which was temporarily closed for Investigative Maintenance Test would be reopened by 5pm on Sunday (today). The State Government, in a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Dr Taiwo Salaam, said the decision to reopen the bridge earlier than announced followed the completion of the test by engineers. The government also thanked motorists and residents for their cooperation and patience while the closure lasted. The State Government, in partnership with the Federal Government, had temporarily shut the bridge for the Investigative Maintenance Test with the closure initially scheduled to last from midnight of last Thursday to midnight of Sunday.

    His  Excellency Governor Umaru Tanko Al-makura of Nasarawa State has described the relationship which exists between voters of Lafia, capital city of Nasarawa State and President Muhammadu Buhari as a "sacred pact that is divinely inspired by providence to rescue Nigeria!"                 Governor Tanko Al-makura made this proclamation while receiving a cross section of community elders,  traditional title holders and representatives of every single ward in Lafia who came to pay him sallah homage at Government House Lafia.  The broad spectrum of Lafia elite, youths and women were led by  Chairman of Lafia Local Government Aminu Maifata who came in company of Honorable members of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly representing Lafia , APC National Deputy Chairman of North East, Honorable Suleiman Wambai and APC State Secretary Aliyu Bello, among other political gladiators.         T...

     Big Brother Naija star, Bisola’s baby daddy, Olanrewaju Malcolm is reportedly dead. Bisola’s baby daddy who was a veteran artiste manager and promoter, passed away in the early hours of yesterday, at Model Specialist Hospital, Surulere, Lagos, after a prolonged battle with a yet to be disclosed ailment. Olanrewaju who died largely due to the paucity of funds for his medical bills, had initially shared a vague post about his health condition and how some friend were elated to see him improving. He wrote on Instagram before his death.May his soul rest in peace AMEN.

      Before departing Katsina for Abuja yesterday, President Muhammadu Buhari met with military personnel deployed to curb the activities of bandits and criminals in Zamfara and neighbouring states under Operations Sharan Daji and Diran Mikiya, at the Katsina Airport. Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Int’l Airport, Katsina is the operational base for the Nigerian Air Force’s Operation Diran Mikiya, established to support ground troops to tackle banditry in Zamfara and neighboring States. President Buhari today at the Airport met with some of the military personnel.More photos below.