PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

ECOWAS Special Envoy: Niger Crisis Will Be Resolve Through Diplomacy  ECOWAS Special Envoy to Niger Republic, retired General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has expressed the hope that the rift between the regional bloc and the junta in Niger would be resolved through diplomacy. The Special Envoy, who briefed President Tinubu on the outcome of his latest discussions with the junta, said the soft-pedalling of the coupists had given a glimmer of hope that a peaceful resolution of the crisis was imminent. "Our visit to Niger has been very fruitful. It has opened an avenue to start talking, and hopefully, we'll get somewhere", General Abdulsalam said.  On the junta’s three-year transition plan, General Abdulsalam said they opened a discussion on that, adding that he had intimated the President about the junta’s proposition. "They have made their own point, and then I've made my report to the Chairman of the ECOWAS Heads of State. He will now consult with his colleagues, and t...

Tinubu Sends NIMC DG On Compulsory Leave, Appoints Acting CEO August 22, 2023 President Bola Tinubu has directed the Director-General/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Aliyu Abubakar Aziz, to commence 90-day pre-retirement leave. In a statement, Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, said the leave is to commence with effect from August 24, 2023, leading to his eventual retirement from service on November 24, 2023. “The President approves the appointment of Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote to serve as the Acting Director-General/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for a 90-day period, with effect from August 24, 2023, after which, a full term of four years will begin as the substantive NIMC Director-General/CEO, beginning on November 24, 2023,” the statement read. The president also approved the appointment of Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub to serve as the Director/CEO of the Directorate of Technical Aid Corps (DTAC...

TROOPS FOIL IPOB/ESN ATTACK IN IMO, AMBUSH INSURGENTS IN ZAMFARA...As BH Surrenders with wife Troops of 34 Artillery Brigade, operating in 82 Division Nigerian Army, Area of Responsibility have foiled an attack by Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed affiliate, Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) on its Forward Operating Base at Ukwuorji, along Owerri - Onitsha expressway.  The irredentist fighters attempted the attack on the troops on 20 August 2023, but met their waterloo, when they came under the superior firepower of the vigilant troops. The troops neutralized one of the fighters, while 2 others were arrested, as others fled.  Items recovered at the scene of the shootout, include one vehicle,  one mobile phone, one machete, nine empty cases of expended 7.62 mm Special Ammunition and one empty case of expended 12.7mm Ammunition. In another development, following troops' aggressive combat operations against insurgents in the north east , one Boko Haram fighter alon...

 Court Jails Unizik Lecturer For Defamation August 22, 2023 A lecturer at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Peter Ekemezie has been sentenced to six months imprisonment for publishing defamatory statements against one Prof. Alex Asigbo. Ekemezie, convicted on three counts of charges bordering on forgery and defamation, was given an option of a N300,000 fine. Delivering the judgment at an Awka Magistrates’ court, His Worship, E.C. Chukwu noted that he considered that the defendant had spent one month in a psychiatric home and four months in a Correctional Centre. Prof. Asigbo had told the court that Ekemezie forged his signature when he refused to give him (Ekemezie) a witness statement but instead advised him to procure a subpoena. Asigbo said this led to Ekemezie writing and publishing a series of defamatory statements against him on Facebook and other social media platforms. However, it was unclear if Ekemezie was still a lecturer at Unizik by the time he was sentenced.

UNICAL appoints acting Dean, Faculty of Law after S£x scandal alleged on Professor Ndifon August 22, 2023   The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Banku Obi, has approved the appointment of Dr (Mrs.) Rose Ohiama Ugbe, as the Acting Dean of the Faculty of Law. A release issued by the Registrar of the University of Calabar on Tuesday, Mr. Gabriel Egbe, disclosed that the appointment takes effect from Tuesday, August 22, 2023 and will run till a substantive dean is elected for the faculty. The release states that, as acting Dean, Dr. Rose Ugbe will take up the responsibilities and duties associated with the office and also oversee faculty’s academic programmes, foster a healthy relationship among staff and students, and create a positive environment for teaching and learning. Other functions as contained in the release include supporting faculty members in their research activities and collaborating with the University Administration to ensure full implementa...

Japa: Canada considers imposing limits on foreign student visas over housing costs  The Canadian Housing Minister, Sean Fraiser, has said Canada is currently faced with the increasing cost of accommodation and the government might limit international students visas which have skyrocketed in recent years. Fraiser made this known to reporters on Monday, on the sidelines of a cabinet retreat in the Atlantic province of Prince Edward Island, Reuters said. When asked if the Canadian government could consider imposition on the number of students, Fraiser said, “I think that is one of the options that we ought to consider.” “We’ve got temporary immigration programs that were never designed to see such explosive growth in such a short period of time,” he added. There were more than 800,000 foreign students with active visas in 2022, up from 275,000 in 2012, as Canada has become a popular destination for international students since it is relatively easy to obtain a work permit. Fraser, who...

God’ll build Nigeria through President Tinubu — Kumuyi The General Overseer of Deeper Life Church, Pastor Williams Kumuyi has disclosed that Nigerians should be rest assured that God will rebuild Nigeria through President Bola Tinubu. Speaking with newsmen ahead of the monthly Global Crusade of the Church scheduled for Osogbo on Thursday, he said God has not forsaken the country and Nigerians will witness a new country through the President. He said the President’s new cabinet was carefully chosen, made of people with antecedents, advising Nigerians to cooperate with the new administration God will make the country work through them. “Let’s forget the past. This is a new day and I believe; we all believe that we’re going to see new things for our country through our President and through the members of the cabinet. Good things will happen. “If you look at the new ministers one by one, you’ll see the good things they’ve done either as state governors of the past or as former ministers a...

𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝗻𝗮𝗹: 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝗔𝗣𝗖 𝗜𝗻 𝗔𝗯𝗶𝗮 The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, has dismissed a petition challenging the election of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Benjamin Kalu, for lacking in merit. While delivering judgement on the matter on Tuesday, the three-man panel led by Justice Sampson Gane, ruled that it was the right of the first respondent to change his name as no person or group of persons has the monopoly of any name. He ruled that Kalu equally harmonized the names in his certificate with a deed poll which was published in the Federal Government’s official gazette. The judge ruled that the onus of proofs was on the petitioner to prove that the certificates the respondent submitted to INEC did not belong to him, but he abandoned his case for the respondent to prove. The petition was dismissed for lacking in merit and ordered...

IOM Intensifies Campaign Against Human Trafficking. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM)says it is intensifying efforts to expose the ever-evolving tactics employed by human traffickers to lure victim. The IOM Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Mr Laurent de Boeck, gave the indication in Abuja at an Award ceremony for IOM 2023 short Film contest on Combating Human Trafficking. Mr de Boeck also enjoined stakeholders to raise awareness through any available means to mitigate the menace of trafficking in the society. “This event marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time: the scourge of human trafficking. Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights that affects millions of lives around the world, and Nigeria is unfortunately no exception. But in the face of this daunting challenge, we find hope and inspiration in the power of art and storytelling. Today, as we celebrate the filmmakers who have used ...

Niger Republic Suspended From African Union The  African Union (AU) has suspended Niger from all its activities following the military coup last month.  AU Peace and Security Council called on all of its member states and the international community to refrain from any action that could legitimise the junta in Niger. It reiterated calls for the coup leaders to release the elected President Mohamed Bazoum has proven abortive.  The West African regional grouping Ecowas has already threatened military action to reinstate him. Niger's junta has said that civilian rule cannot be restored for three years, but this has been dismissed by Ecowas as unacceptable. BBC  

23 Suspected Internet Fraudsters Nabbed in Makurdi Operatives of the Makurdi Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Sunday, August 20, 2023 arrested 23 suspected internet fraudsters in a sting operation in Makurdi, Benue State.   The suspects are: David Uvaa, Patrick Adakole, Cyprian Aloo, Michael Anaambe, Okti Clinton, Ibi Raphael, Anaambe George, Msaasha John, Oche Edache, Anaker Terpase, Tanko Japhet and Ayalgo Lorfa.    Others include Success Terzungwe, Suursuter Isaiah, Lawani Peter, Paul Adewa, Jacob Paul, Ibi Shedrack, Iorkosu Michael, Shiedu Leonard, Terseer Mnenge, Ikyorna Raphael and Igba Ngutor.    Items recovered from them include different mobile phones and one Toyota Corolla car. The suspects have made useful statements and will be charged to court as soon as the investigation is concluded. More photos below. 

 ENUGU STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE OF MONDAY, AUGUST 21, 2023 ENUGU POLICE OPERATIVES RESCUE A KIDNAPPED VICTIM, NEUTRALIZE TWO OF THE KIDNAPPERS, RECOVER FIREARMS, AMMUNITION, AND THE VICTIM’S VEHICLE As CP Uzuegbu commends and charges Operatives to sustain the tempo, says there will be no breathing space for unrepentant criminals in the State Following the policing thrust and the renewed crime fighting impetus of CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, psc (+), a combined team of Police Operatives drawn from the NPF Special Forces, Awkunanaw Police Division and Tactical Teams of the Enugu State Command, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in-charge of Operations, DCP Olasoji Akinbayo, on 20/08/2023 at about 8pm, rescued a male kidnap victim (names withheld) at Centenary, along Enugu/Port-Harcourt Expressway, after a gun fight with the hoodlums. One of the miscreants, simply identified as “Baron”, was neutralized on-the-spot in the ensuing shootout, while others escaped with varying degree...

'No Evidence, You Go Explain Tire', Burna Boy's Popular Saying Appears in UNIUYO Exam Question A saying popularised by Nigerian singer Damini Ogulu also known as Burna Boy, "No evidence, you go explain tire", has appeared in an examination question from the University of Uyo in Akwa Ibom State. The saying appeared in question five of the exam written by 400-level students of the Department of History and International Studies. Facebook user, Effiong G Victor, shared a copy of the examination question paper on a Facebook platform, Yorochi Tv. The question reads, “'How is the nature of history demonstrated in the trending cliche of Nigeria's music icon, Burna Boy, that: "no evidence, you go explain tire"?'  Burna Boy's "No evidence, you go explain tire" started during the singer’s Instagram live session with fans. While speaking Burna Boy said, “If you no make am, no evidence say you try your best. You go dey explain tire. You go ...

Yemi Alade Survives Car Crash In Spain  Nigerian act Yemi Alade is thanking God for sparing her after surviving a car crash in Spain.  The 'Johnny' crooner, in an Instagram post Tuesday, disclosed that the crash happened Thursday. The singer added that thankfully, she only lost a fingernail. Alade also disclosed that she was treated for a 'minor medical emergency' for exhaustion as she returned to work, performing seven hours after the accident. She wrote, "On the 17th of August, we were in a car crash, somewhere between Barcelona and Benicassim in Spain at 12:06(noon) "Also experienced a minor medical emergency from exhaustion after performing on stage 7 hours after the incident on the same day and somehow, I ended up at the "after party"🤯🤭💃(leave me o. my mind needed positive vibrations) "Life is for the living... I didn't want to put this out, but the devil had other plans, but my Jehovah jiray said NO! THE blood of Jesus spoke for us....

The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, has said that Nigeria will compete with other countries digitally not just other sectors. Mr Tijanni, speaking with the Heads of Agencies and other stakeholders under the Ministry on Monday in Abuja, urged them to kick the ground running. He pledged to come up with policies and regulations that can protect Nigerians from devices that contradict some emerging technologies and transform the industry. Mr Tijanni said: “This is at the same time that the policy opens up opportunity for more people to actually build us into prosperity.” According to him, he would build on the gains recorded so far in the ministry through effective collaboration with key stakeholders in the industry. The minister added: “I think it is always good to also take stock as well. You cannot improve what you do not know. “It is impossible for us to move forward. If you do not assess what we have accomplished. “The best way to make it e...

Former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has been charged with bribery in the United Kingdom. According to Reuters, British police said they had charged her with bribery offences, saying they suspected she had accepted bribes in return for awarding multi-million-pound oil and gas contracts. Alison-Madueke, 63, was a key figure in the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. She served as petroleum minister from 2010 to 2015 and also acted as president of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). “We suspect Diezani Alison-Madueke abused her power in Nigeria and accepted financial rewards for awarding multi-million-pound contracts,” said Andy Kelly, Head of the National Crime Agency’s (NCA) International Corruption Unit. “These charges are a milestone in what has been a thorough and complex international investigation.”  

I Want To Reunite With Boko Haram Husband – Chibok girl 22Another Chibok girl, Mary Nkeki, 27, has been rescued by troops of Operation Hadin Kai Theatre Command. Nkeki, who was rescued on Monday last week, said she was married to a repentant Boko Haram terrorist she identified as Adam, The Chibok girl was rescued by troops of the 81 Task Force Battalion at Dikwa during an operation into the terrorists’ enclave. The Theater Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, Maj. Gen. Gold Chibuisi, told newsmen, Monday that Nkeki “is number 55 on the list of the abducted Chibok girls. “While in captivity she was forcefully married to one Adam, a Boko Haram terrorist. “Since her rescue, she has undergone thorough medical examination in our medical facility. Equally, she has been adequately resuscitated and will be handed over to Borno state,” he said.  

'I WILL RUN AN OPEN DOOR POLICY', BETTA EDU ASSURES 22nd August, 2023    Newly appointed minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, has declared that she will run an open door policy as minister of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, She stated this during a welcome ceremony at her official assumption of office as minister shortly after the swearing in ceremony of ministers at the Presidential villa, Monday in Abuja. Edu assures that she is ready to work with stakeholders to ensure the furtherance staff of the ministry to recommit themselves to efficient service delivery to Nigerians. “I am open to suggestions, I am open to advice so I will run an open door policy, I like to listen, I like to learn and I like to teach. I also like to push for results so I can call you at 2 AM bcause we have to get the job done. “A lot of people in Nigeria are living under one dollar ninty cents per day, this will not continue, Preside...

Niger Republic Receives Trucks Of Food, Essentials From Burkina Faso Around 300 trucks of food and other materials crossed into Niger from Burkina Faso with many arriving in the capital, Niamey Sunday, according to a regional customs official. The convoy of trucks departed from Burkina Faso, the last open border with Niger since the West African regional bloc imposed sanctions after mutinous soldiers overthrew the country’s president last month. But the route between Burkina Faso and Niger is lined with jihadi groups, making it dangerous to drive and requiring military escorts from both armies. Niger’s coup was seen by the international community and ECOWAS as one too many and in addition to threatening a military invasion, the bloc has imposed severe economic and travel sanctions. In the first six months of 2023, attacks on civilians were 49% lower than in the first six months of 2022, and the number of deaths 16% lower, according to the NGO Acled, which records the victims of conflic...

Thierry Henry Named New France Under-21 Coach   Former France forward, Thierry Henry, has been appointed coach of the country’s under-21 team on a two-year contract. The Arsenal legend, who helped France win the World Cup on home soil in 1998, succeeds Sylvain Ripoli. Henry, 46, has had two spells as an assistant coach with Belgium, and managed Monaco and Montreal Impact. He will lead a France Under-23 side at the 2024 Paris Olympics, which the French Football Federation (FFF) described as “a major objective”. Henry will also lead the under-21s’ bid to qualify for the European Championship in 2025. Former Auxerre U19 and Angers coach Gerald Baticle, 53, will join Henry’s staff as an assistant.   The FFF said it had a “phase of discussions” over a new under-21 coach and had “studied several profiles of French technicians”. Henry scored 51 goals from 123 appearances for France, also helping them win the European Championship in 2000. He rejoined Belgium’s coaching staff in ...

Four arrested in Uganda over ‘acts of homosexuality’ 22nd Aug 2023  Ugandan police on Monday announced the arrest of four people for allegedly engaging in same-sex activity, three months after the introduction of draconian anti-gay legislation sparked international outrage. The law considered one of the harshest of its kind in the world — contains provisions making “aggravated homosexuality” a potentially capital offence and penalties for consensual same-sex relations of up to life in prison. A police spokeswoman told AFP the authorities had arrested four people including two women at a massage parlour in the eastern district of Buikwe on Saturday. “The police operation was carried out following a tip-off by a female informant to the area security that acts of homosexuality were being carried out at the massage parlour,” Hellen Butoto said. The United Nations, foreign governments including the United States, and global rights groups have condemned the new legislation, which was sig...

 Amotekun, the security outfit established by the six southwest states, has arrested nine suspected kidnappers in Ondo State. The suspects were apprehended in Owo and Akoko areas of the state following intelligence reports and surveillance carried out by Amotekun operatives. According to the Commander of the Ondo State Amotekun Corps, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, the suspects were responsible for a series of kidnappings and robberies in the state. He added that they were found in possession of dangerous weapons, including guns and cutlasses. Adeleye also noted that the arrested suspects will be handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution. The Amotekun security outfit was established in response to rising insecurity in the southwest region, and it has been credited with several successful operations against criminal elements in the region. Watch video below. 

Over 250 inmates in the Ikoyi and Kirikiri Medium Custodial Centres have so far taken advantage of the Plea Bargain and Restorative Justice programme of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice. The Director, of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Dr Babajide Martins, disclosed this at the Kirikiri Medium and Maximum Custodial Centres in Lagos where he led officials of the Ministry to another Plea Bargain and Restorative Justice  Sensitization Session for Awaiting Trial Inmates. Dr Martins said the process which is aimed at decongesting correctional facilities in Lagos State is in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s reform initiative in the administration of criminal justice in the State. The Director explained that the Plea Bargain process which is in collaboration with the Lagos State Command of the National Correctional Centre, the State Judiciary and the Lagos State Police Command will assist in the efforts geared towards reducing the population of inmates awaiting tria...

Paul Okoye, ex-wife reunites for children’s sake Famous Nigerian singer, Paul Okoye and his ex-wife recently came together for a heartwarming family gathering, putting their children’s well-being at the forefront. The singer, who is currently in Detroit with his twin brother, Peter Okoye, for their concert, chose to include his kids in his rehearsal process by taking them to witness it firsthand. In a video shared on Paul’s Instagram page, the ex-couple appeared focused on creating a positive atmosphere for their children, demonstrating their commitment to being a united family. The video captured the moment Peter and Paul arrived at the house to pick up the kids for their rehearsal. According to Paul, he wanted his kids to see how he practises for his concert. Although the video showcased the couple maintaining a level of social distance, their joint effort in ensuring their children’s happiness was palpable. Anita, Paul’s ex-wife, took to social media to express her joy in reuniting ...

Kiddwaya’s mother celebrates son’s eviction from BBNaija All-Stars reality show Susan Waya, the mother of Big Brother Naija ‘All-Stars’ housemate, Kiddwaya, has expressed her excitement after her son’s eviction from the reality show. It would be recalled that Kiddwaya was evicted on Sunday, August 20, after being one of the least-voted housemates last week. Kiddwaya’s eviction followed a clash with fellow housemate, Seyi, who had demanded an apology from him over a disagreement with another housemate, Doyin. Expressing her displeasure with Seyi’s behaviour, Kiddwaya’s mother had previously threatened to take legal action against him once he is evicted from the Biggie house. However, following her son’s eviction, she took to Instagram to express her happiness and gratitude to fans for their support. She wrote: “After yesterday’s threats, I couldn’t be happier with my son’s sanity intact! “Thank you all for the overwhelming support. Kidd your crew is waiting for you! Lots of love.”  ...