PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

      I find the incessant xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa very un-African, barbaric, and unparalleled acts of ingratitude. It is quite disturbing that the Government of South Africa has not taken decisive steps to end these attacks, which have led to wanton loss of lives and properties of fellow Africans, especially Nigerians. The attacks defy and desecrate everything African brotherhood  stands for, especially for a country that gained freedom with the support, sweat, and sacrifice of fellow African nations among which Nigeria clearly stands out. The attacks have reached scary and desperate degrees and call for desperate actions on the part of Nigeria, other African nations, and the African Union. It will therefore not be out of place for the Federal Government to suspend diplomatic relations with SA until full assurance of safety of Nigerians and their properties in South African are secured, adequate compensation ...

      STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE The Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting will not take place on Wednesday, September 4, 2019. This is due to the fact that all the memos earlier submitted to the Council for consideration have been returned to the various Ministries. This action will allow Ministers who were recently sworn in have their inputs in the memos sent by their predecessors in office. Similarly, the period is to enable the Ministers, who are still taking briefs from bureaucrats in the Ministries and familiarizing themselves with their work space, have more time to contribute to discussions at the meeting. They will also utilize the period of the break to work towards the early preparation and submission of the 2020 budget estimates.

      I note with serious concern the worsening Xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa in which Nigerians have been major victims. Nigeria has had enough of its citizens being targets of these attacks and will no longer tolerate hate crimes in any form against its citizens who are doing legitimate businesses in that country. Xenophobic violence is most condemnable anywhere; more so in South Africa, a country whose citizens benefitted from the unwavered support and solidarity of Africans and freedom lovers across the world in their historic struggle against apartheid. More disturbing, however, is that these attacks indicate the neglect of educating the younger generations on the sacrifices that Africans proudly made towards expunging the scourges of colonialism and apartheid from their continent. The enormous contributions of Nigeria to this historic struggle is underscored by its recognition as a frontline state in the prolonged confrontation against t...

      Operatives of the Uyo Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday September 2, 2019, arrested six suspected internet fraudsters, who specializes in hacking into Facebook accounts and defrauding innocent persons on the contact list of such accounts. The suspects were arrested in a two bedroom apartment, located on 54 Church Road, off Calabar Itu Express Way, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, following an intelligence report on their nefarious activities in the town. The suspects, who are all males, within the ages of 22 and 29 are; Lawrence Nnamdi-Mba Ebesike, Prince E. Udeh, Chijioke Victor, Promise Odimba, Ugbor Ifeanyi and Prince Anthony. During interrogation, the suspects said the apartment they occupied was rented by the kingpin, Ebesike, for the purpose of training facebook hackers. The suspects also admitted to have made over $4,000 (Four thousand United States Dollars) through cyber fraud. While interrogating Ebesike who claimed...

     The Abuja Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recovered the sum of Four hundred and twenty three million, six thousand nine hundred and eighty seven naira, ninety two kobo (N423, 006,987.92); Thirty nine thousand, two hundred and fifty three US dollars ($39,253); Two thousand, three hundred and thirty thousand euro (€2330) between January   and August 2019. This was disclosed by the Acting Chairman of the Commission, Ibrahim Mustapha Magu who spoke through the Head of the Abuja Office, Aminu Ado Aliyu, at a press briefing in Abuja today, September 3, 2019. Aliyu disclosed that the zone was also focusing on cybercrime through intelligence gathering and collaboration with other agencies across the world. “Prior to the release of the FBI list, we had in collaboration with the FBI, cases under investigation of which 2 suspects indicted in the list released by the FBI are in our custody. On the other hand, another suspect on ...

       Following the public appeal by President Muhammadu Buhari to Governors of Benue and Taraba States as well as their traditional and political leaders for an urgent de-escalation of the crisis between the Tiv and Jukun ethnic groups, the two states have slated a meeting of stakeholders for tomorrow, Wednesday, at the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Center, Abuja. The meeting between the representatives of the two  states has been called to resolve the lingering Tiv/Jukun crisis which has of recent, claimed lives of innocent persons and property. In addition to the two state governors, the meeting is expected to be attended by their traditional, religious and political leaders, as well as other stakeholders. The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, OSGF, is attending the meeting as a stakeholder and guarantor to assure full federal government backing for the implementation of resolutions arising from the meeting. A few days ago, President Buha...

       The Lagos State Government today presented the sum of N10 million naira to the family of the deceased Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officer, Remilekun Arogundade who lost her life while on official duties on the 26th of May 2019. Speaking during the presentation of the cheque at the Conference Room, Ministry Of Transportation, Alausa, Ikeja, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transpo rtation, Mr. Oluwatoyin Fayinka described the late officer, Arogundade Remilekun as diligent, obedient and resourceful, reiterating that the money was not offered in place of the life but in support of the lives affected by the irreparable loss. He emphasised that the money paid is also to encourage diligence among officers of the State who are determined to serve wholeheartedly, adding that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had earlier visited the family of the slain officer at her residence. The Permanent Secretary of Transportation, Mr. Olawale Mus...

      Massive Protest in Lekki Shoprite (Circle Mall), two injured as police allegedly open fire on protesters.Two wrongs can't a make a right.Lets all allow the Federal Government to handle this as matured as possible to avoid future harm on innocent people.More details later and more photos below.

     *VP adds: the violence unfortunate, recalling Nigeria's role in pulling down apartheid Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, spoke to reporters in Kano, just now, answering questions on the xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa. Below are his verbatim comments: "Let me say first that these recent attacks are condemnable. It is very sad and very unfortunate that the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians living in South Africa are once again being destroyed with such wantonness and with such carelessness and recklessness. "It is unfortunate because Nigeria and Nigerians invested a great deal in the pulling down of apartheid. Besides, these acts of bigotry are entirely contrary to the very ideals that all the great South African leaders, including the present President fought for, and for which many gave their lives. "Mr President has already spoken about this; and obviously we are very concerned and certainly intend to take this up with the au...

      President Muhammadu Buhari has noted with deep concern, reported attacks on Nigerian citizens and property in South Africa since August 29, 2019. Consequently, the President has instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, to summon the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria and get a brief on the situation; express Nigeria’s displeasure over the treatment of her citizens; and a ssurance of the safety of their lives and property. President Buhari has also despatched a Special Envoy to convey to President Cyril Ramaphosa his concerns and also interact with his South African counterpart on the situation. The Special Envoy is expected to arrive in Pretoria latest Thursday, September 5, 2019. Femi Adesina Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) September 3, 2019. More photos below.

       Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has called on the Federal Government to come out strongly to partner with the states to fight oil theft. Speaking during a Courtesy Visit by by Konrad Adenauer (German Foundation) with Mr Andreas Lammel and Dr Joachim Pfeiffer of the German Federal Parliament on Monday at the Government House Port Harcourt, Governor Wike reiterated that oil bunkering has continued to worsen because of the participation of security agencies. He said: "The issue of oil theft, some of the security agencies are part of it. When you see oil bunkering, the security agencies are involved. They are fully involved. "If the Federal Government comes strongly and partner with the states, you will find out that we will be able to solve some of the problems. "Also, we have the problem of politicisation of security. It is unfortunate in this country". Governor Wike said that the security framework of the state is negatively affected by o...

      A young boy identified as Abasiofon Idorenyin is fighting for life in a hospital after his father poured fuel on him and set him ablaze. It was gathered that the incident occurred at Afia Nsit in Eket LGA of Akwa Ibom State on Thursday August 29, after Mr. Idorenyin accused him of stealing N500 from their landlord.More photos below.

     Davido and his lover, Chioma Rowland, 24, who is rumoured to be pregnant, had their introduction ceremony recently. The 27-year-old singer took to his Instagram page to share a photo from the introduction ceremony with family and friends in attendance. ''First of all Introduction" He captioned the photo... Davido's elder brother, Adewale Adeleke who is also engaged confirmed the news as he took to Instagram to congratulate the couple while stating that the main wedding will hold in 2020. ''So happy! Love you both @thechefchi @davido official  # chivido2020 '' he wrote Fans and wish wishers have since taken to both Davido and Chioma's IG pages to send their congratulatory messages, and amongst them is club manager, Cubanna Chief Priest who stated that the wedding will be the ''biggest wedding in Africa''.More photos below.

      In fulfilment of one of the cardinal programmes of the present administration as captured in T.H.E.M.E.S agenda, the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute recently trained 236 professional Drivers at its headquarters in Oshodi over the weekend. The 236 Professional drivers were drawn from different the private sector as well as the Association of Professional and Corporate Drivers of Nigeria. While addressing the various participants, the Acting General Manager, Mrs. Afusat Tiamiyu, who was represented by the Assistant Director Training Department, Mrs. Adeola Ajayi reminded the participants about their responsibilities as drivers and the need to always consider other road users while driving. She noted that the lives of commuters are important likewise their own lives, hence they should ensure driving in compliance with all safety tips, reiterating that Safety and Security should be their watchword at all times. Tiamiyu also implored the drivers to comply ...

      Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos on Monday, September 2, 2019, further adjourned to September 10, 2019 ruling on the final forfeiture of Diezani Alison Madueke’s jewellery and a customized gold iphone all valued at $40M. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had on July 5, 2019 secured the interim forfeiture of 2,149 pieces of jewellery and a customized gold iPhone belongi ng to Madueke, a former Minister of Petroleum Resources. Meanwhile, the court had called on parties involved to show cause as to why the properties should not be finally forfeited to the Federal Government. Madueke, however, accused the Commission of entering her apartment illegally and taking the items without any court order. At today’s sitting, the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, prayed the court for the final forfeiture of the jewellery. Oyedepo showed the court the search warrant detailing all the items recovered at the ...

     The continuing attacks on Nigerian nationals and businesses in South Africa are unacceptable. Enough is enough. Nigeria will take definitive measures to ensure safety and protection of her citizens. Last week Pres Muhammadu Buhari met with President Cyril Ramaphosa, of South Africa on sidelines of  # TICAD7 , in Japan, to discuss this. Further discussions scheduled for October 2019, during Pres Buhari’s official visit to SA. In the meantime Nigeria will take further steps to ensure safety of citizens in South Africa.More photos below.

     A multiple fatal accident occurred this yesterday morning at Umuowele village, along Awka - Agulu road, shortly after the lake...   The accident which claimed 6 lives involved 5 vehicles. Eye witnesses said the 7 ton truck with registration no Abia XB 285 MBA, loaded with roofing heavy metals lost control while descending the "Ugwu Court " close to Golden Tulip Hotels, Agulu. Victims were rushed to Saint Joseph hospital, Adazi, where 6 people were confirmed dead, some on life support w hile others are receiving treatment. The State governor, Chief Willy Obiano visited the scene with some members of the State Executive Council and the State Comm of Police, Mr John Mbang. Chief Obiano supervised the rescue operations by men of the Federal Road Safety Corps led by the State Commandant, Mr Andrew Kumakpai. The Executive Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency, Mr C.Y. Agupugo, members of staff and men of the Red Cross were on hand to assist with the evacua...