PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Tinubu’s son on Chagoury’s board is a conflict of interest – Atiku The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election says the fact that President Bola Tinubu’s son and his surrogates are on the board of companies owned by Gilbert Chagoury clearly constitutes a conflict of interest. Atiku said this in a statement on Sunday by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe even as he advised Tinubu to focus more on attracting real investors than adopting propaganda as a state policy. The former Vice President noted that Tinubu’s son, Seyi, is a director on the board of CDK Integrated Industries, a subsidiary of the Chagoury Group, which manufactures ceramic tiles and sanitary towels. Citing a report by Paris-based Africa Intelligence News Agency where it was revealed by the Corporate Affairs Commission that Seyi is officially a business associate of Chagoury, the former Vice President said it was not surprising that the Chagoury Group had become the biggest benefici...

 Lagos Govt to demolish over 100 shanties under Adeniji Adele bridge today The Lagos State Government has announced plans to demolish over 100 shanties at Adeniji Adele under bridge, starting from today, May 6, 2024. This was revealed by the State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. TokunboWahab, in a statement on Sunday. According to the Commissioner, the removal of the shanties is part of the state government’s efforts to restore sanity and cleanliness to the area. Recall that the government had urged occupants of the shanties to vacate the area before the demolition exercise begins, to avoid any disruption or loss of property. “The Lagos State Government will undertake enforcement action to remove over 100 shanties at Adeniji Adele underbridge from tomorrow, Monday, 6th of May, 2024. “The removal is coming after the expiration of a 48-hour removal notice served on all occupants of the shanties to move with their belongings,” Wahab stated He said operatives ...

Nollywood filmmakers cast actors based on social media followers – Uzor Arukwe Popular Nollywood actor Uzor Arukwe says there was a time when social media following was one of the prerequisites for thespians to get movie roles from some producers in the Nigerian movie industry. He said filmmakers cast actors based on social media followers rather than talent. The ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ star admitted that it was a “big” challenge for him during his days as a struggling thespian. “I remember all so clearly when I started. It was a big problem for me,” the 40-year-old actor told Pulse in a recent interview. “There was a time in this industry when it was mostly about Instagram and Twitter followers, and stuff like that. I didn’t understand it but knew it was something I had to be at peace with, because a production house wants to hire you and they’re looking at your numbers. ‘But can he act?’ That is the question I always ask. But there are some people who are blessed who are fantastic act...

 Cross-dressing: Parents raise concerns on growing trend By Joshua Olomu Some parents and guardians in the FCT have decried the growing trend of cross-dressing among youths and called for measures to curb it. They spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja. According to them, the call becomes imperative following the level of popularity and acceptance cross-dressers are gaining from youths, with many following them as fans. They lamented that aside from the recently convicted Idris Okunneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, the self-acclaimed ‘Mummy of Lagos’, there were other emerging cross-dressers with huge followers. They said such popular cross-dressers include Jay Boogie, who was born Daniel Nsikan, James Brown, whose baptismal name is James Obialor, ‘Miss Sahhar’ and Noni Salma, among many others. According to the parents, the “ Bobrisky menace” is an epidemic that requires punitive measures to effectively check it in addition to a comp...

 Kidnappers sleep off after abducting pastor’s wife in Ondo Five suspected kidnappers who abducted a pastor’s wife and two other persons have been arrested after their victims identified one of them. The victims had escaped when the kidnappers slept off while taking them to their den. It was gathered that the effect of hard drugs taken by the kidnappers made them to fall at sleep. Names of the suspected kidnappers were given as Garuba Mumuni aged 27, Yusuf Tale aged 21, Kabiru Muhammed aged 16, Shaibu Umar and Adamu Mohammed aged 22. Police said the suspects were arrested by men of the Ofosu Division after the victims identified one of them. The police said: “A case of kidnapping  was reported at Ofosu Division, that a pastor’s wife and a member were kidnapped in the church while the third victim was kidnapped while picking snails at the  farm. The victims however escaped from their assailants at different dates after they had taken hard drugs and slept off. “Through Inte...

 President of Ukraine, Zelenskyy on Russia’s wanted list Russia has placed the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy on its wanted list. The state news agency, TASS reported that the Russian Interior Ministry database showed Zelenskyy was on a wanted list but gave no further details. This was as Russia opened a criminal case against Zelenskyy. Responding, Ukraine dismissed the report which it described as evidence of Moscow’s “desperation”. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry said Russian President Vladimir Putin was himself subject to arrest under an International Criminal Court warrant. The statement said: “We would like to remind you that unlike the worthless Russian announcements, an International Criminal Court warrant for the arrest of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin on suspicion of war crimes is quite real, and subject to implementation in 123 countries.” According to the ministry, the Russian announcement was “evidence of the desperation of the Russian state machine and propagan...

 Yemi Alade kicks against house demolition in Lagos Singer Yemi Alade has berated the Lagos State Government over the recent demolition of some houses in Maryland. The ‘Johnny’ crooner lamented that the government was making life more difficult for citizens by rendering them homeless overnight. She also said the ongoing demolition in the state was affecting the real estate sector negatively, adding that it is driving investors away. Speaking in a video message shared via her Instagram account, Alade said: “Lagos State, what’s going on? Does it make sense that people will invest millions of naira and dollars into real estate; buy houses and lands and the state government will demolish the place and render people homeless overnight? “This thing is happening repeatedly. Right now, Maryland, Mende area is on fire. People are sleeping in their houses, waking up the next day, homeless. “You’re ruining the real estate value of the state and country, making people lose trust not only just ...

 British actor Bernard Hill, best known for his roles in Titanic and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, has died at the age of 79.  Hill played Captain Edward Smith in the Oscar-winning 1997 epic romance "Titanic." He also earned worldwide recognition for his portrayal of Théoden, King of Rohan, in two of the three "The Lord of the Rings" films directed by Peter Jackson. More photos below. 

 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 𝐔𝐓𝐌𝐄: 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐠𝐨 𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝟑𝟎𝟗 A pure water seller, Ugwu Augustus,  has reportedly secured a full scholarship into the university after scoring 309 in the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

 Ohio man arrested after tying up a puppy in a drawstring bag and abandoning it at a park. Harold Lilly, of Middletown, Ohio, is being charged with cruelty to a Companion Animal and animal abandonment. His arrest comes after a puppy, now named Ryder, was found tied up in a bag and abandoned at 700 Joe Nuxhall Boulevard on April 24th. Animal control officers were called and retrieved the puppy who they reported as being lethargic and weak. After a battery of tests showed no pre-existing illness he was vaccinated. He has since made a full recovery and is a healthy and happy puppy.  The police department shared Ryder's story online and tips began pouring in leading to the arrest of Harold Lilly.  Lilly has been charged and is awaiting his appearance in Hamilton Municipal Court.

 A 105-year-old woman gets to ride along with the fire department and police for her birthday!  All of the first responders in Plymouth, Minnesota share a special bond with Hootie Wakefield, as she loves her local police and fire department. The entire force has been celebrating her birthdays with her for several years now and the bond keeps getting stronger. For her 105th birthday the town's first responders did something a little more special and let her ride around with them while chatting with her.   They also invited her into their fire station for an up close look at their equipment and gear. Hootie's birthday was in December but the fire department was only able to schedule her birthday wish this week. Hootie says she had a, "fabulous day and that fire truck people are fun."  The police department fulfilled their ride along wish a couple of weeks prior. Hootie has gotten the royal treatment from all area first responders for her 105th birthday.  This...

 LAGOS REASSURES RESIDENTS OF SAFETY The Statewide exercise to free Lagos of visible security risks has continued after the arrest of some suspects under the Dolphin Estate bridge.  The ceaseless influx of miscreants, beggars, and the destitute onto Lagos streets has raised fears of insecurity of lives and property. This is unacceptable.  As part of the exercise, 450 miscreants were at the weekend rescued. Of the lot, 371 pleaded for assistance to relocate to their various states due to the hardship they are facing in Lagos; 79 have been absorbed into some government facilities for rehabilitation after showing signs of being unwell.  The exercise will continue as part of the government’s responsibility to keep our citizens safe and secure.   Gbenga Omotoso HC, Information & Strategy Gbenga Omotoso  Dr. Obafemi Hamzat  Babajide Sanwo-Olu 

 INTER-CLAN VIOLENCE IN NASARAWA STATE UNDER CONTROL AS TROOPS TAKE CHARGE Troops of the Nigerian Army have taken decisive action to prevent further loss of life and  restored law and order to Mararaba Udege in Nasarawa Local Government of Nasarawa State following a clash between the Ambu and Eki Clans resulting in the tragic  death of 5 civilians and left others injured . During the operation, troops engaged the warring factions resulting in the arrest of 3 identified kingpins amongst the warring parties. The troops also recovered one 36 Hand Grenade, one AK- 47 rifle, one Beretta Pistol, one locally fabricated gun, 2 machetes and one club with metal spikes. The situation is presently under control as troops are now fully  deployed in the general area to bring a sense of  relief to the local populace. The swift and decisive action of the troops will not only bring hope for lasting peace but also serve as a reminder of their dedication to protecting civilian liv...

 Nigerian Army Dismisses Soldier For Having Sex With Colleague’s Wife The Nigerian Army has dismissed a soldier, Abdullahi Ismail after he was found guilty of having sex with his colleague’s wife, SaharaReporters has gathered. According to multiple sources, the Lance Corporal was dismissed during the week at 231 Battalion in Biu, Borno State. “The soldier was fired from the Nigerian Army for sleeping with his colleague’s housewife. We’re happy as this will serve as an example to others involved in this act now common in our barracks,” one of the sources said. Another source added, “Our colleague, Abdullahi has been dismissed at 231 BN Biu. He slept with his regular's wife. So sad.” The source added that the dismissed soldier had a notorious history of sexual indiscipline before he was reported to the army authorities. His offence - indecent professional misconduct and having sex with a fellow soldier’s wife - contravenes Sections 79 and 93 of the Armed Forces Act CAP A20, Laws of t...

 Kenya Deports Nigerian Man Captured On CCTV As**ulting Woman In Wheelchair A Nigerian man caught on video assaulting a Kenyan woman confined to a wheelchair has been deported. The foreigner, who has been identified as Nwankwo Noko, was deported on Saturday, May 4, after physically assaulting his partner, a Ms Pauline. Noko was captured by surveillance cameras beating up the Kenyan woman who was confined to a wheelchair. The drama appeared to occur in a house setting.

 "Thank you Lagosians for prompt information.  Upon receiving information about suspicious activities around a tricycle, a patrol team from Igando Division raced to the scene on Celestial Road and found the tricycle rider unconscious, while Samson Cletus was arrested trying to make away with the tricycle.  Rider is responding to treatment in a hospital. Meanwhile, efforts are on to arrest other syndicate members who fled upon sighting the police.". One more photo below. 

 Akpata Berates Obaseki For Swearing In Only Five Of Eight Recommended Judges The Labour Party candidate for the Edo State governorship elections, Olumide Akpata, has condemned the decision of Governor Godwin Obaseki to swear in only five out of the eight new judges recommended for the Edo State High Court by the National Judicial Council (NJC). In a statement he personally signed, Akpata said it is regrettable that the achievements of the judges is being tarnished by the grave injustice they have endured at the hands of the Governor. The former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), recalled that for nearly a year, the 8 legal professionals languished in an unconscionable career limbo, suffering immense financial hardship through loss of earnings owing to the refusal of the Governor to perform his constitutional duty to swear in all eight recommended Judges without any plausible justification. According to Akpata, the fact that Obaseki has now proceeded to unilaterally s...

 South-East commission will heal civil war wounds — Kalu The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has commended Senate President, Godswill Akpabio for his role in the passage of the South East Development Commission Bill, following its third reading in the Red Chamber. Speaking at the homecoming reception of the Senate President in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State on Friday, Kalu who also represented the Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, said that the bill when assented to by the President will heal the wounds caused by the Nigerian civil war. A statement issued on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, quoted Kalu as saying, “We want to thank you for how you supported the South East Development Commission Bill. You showed that you are a good leader and good in-law knowing that the South East over the five decades has not enjoyed the reconciliation and rehabilitation that they needed, post-civil war. “And you believed alongside myself ...

 Attack on female Nurse: Masquerades banned indefinitely in Nsukka Following the recent brutal attack on a female nurse, the activities of masquerades have been suspended indefinitely in the nine communities that make up Nsukka town, in Enugu State.  A nurse, who was heading to duty call, was last Sunday beaten to a pulp by a horde of masquerades at the University of Nigeria town of Nsukka. The development attracted condemnations from all quarters. A reliable source confirmed to newsmen that at a meeting attended by the stakeholders from the area, operations of masquerades have now been banned indefinitely. The meeting, summoned by the Nsukka Town Federated Union, was well attended by the Oha Nsukka, the Akpuruaru Nsukka, the Igwes, the PG’s of the 9 autonomous communities and the youths. A resolution was reached that “Oriokpa Masquerade operation has been suspended until further notice. “The suspension is to enable the Council of Elders conclude on the assault on the nurse, M...

 NO ARCHBISHOP WAS KIDNAPPED IN ABIA - POLICE The general public is hereby advised to disregard a misleading online report alleging that gunmen on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, abducted an Archbishop of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, Uka Uka Osim in Abia State. This is outright falsehood as the police in Abia State have since confirmed that no such incident occurred anywhere in the State. Some online reports on Saturday had quoted one Bishop Dennis Onuoha of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star of saying that Archbishop Osim, his wife, son, and three other priests of the religious group, were kidnapped in Abia while on their way to Anambra State.  However, Abia State Commissioner of Police, CP Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, who confirmed that no such incident happened in Abia, said he had been in touch with Bishop Dennis Onuoha, who denied saying that the incident happened in Abia.  Onuoha, in a chat with the CP, confirmed that the kidnapping incident did not occur in Abia but...

 CULTISM: TIPS FOR RECOGNIZING CAUTIONARY SIGNS IN BEHAVIOR AMONG OUR CHILDREN/ WARDS Recognizing warning behavior is key to understanding and guiding our children. In this episode, Anambra State Police Command has highlighted some attitudes/behaviors that are seen as a red flag in our children. Sudden changes in personality for example a person known to be an extrovert suddenly becomes introverted or vice-versa. Asking questions or engaging in conversations with people and seeking their validation or justification for gangs or groups. Sudden being afraid and fascination with and bearing of, weapons.  Sudden urge to seek justice through self-help and making open or subtle threats about avenging a rift.  Resort to the use of drugs and alcohol to get high, numb pains, and succumb to peer pressure.  Sudden staying away from home for days and staying late at night. When your child is always on a longer call than necessary and surfing the internet for ways to cause pain t...

 Apapa Customs Celebrates Exemplary Leadership, as Comptroller Jaiyeoba Takes a Bow Officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command, as well as stakeholders within the environs, have extolled the Customs Area Controller Apapa Command, Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba, as he takes a bow after 35 years of dedicated service.  A send-off party was held at the Command in honour of the CAC on Friday, 3 May 2024. The event had in attendance the Assistant Comptroller General of Customs/Zonal Coordinator Zone A, Hammi Swomen, Comptroller Ajibola Odusanya, Comptroller Caroline Ayo, Commissioner of Police, Western Port Authority Command, Olanrenwaju, Ishola, Representatives of sister agencies, stakeholders, as well as family and friends.  In his goodwill message, ACG Swomen congratulated Comptroller Jaiyeoba on his retirement while also commending the recent innovations and achievements of the Command.  He said, "We are highly impressed by the innovations and t...

 Michigan grandparents are being charged after their 6-year-old grandson took the life of his 5-year-old cousin. This tragedy unfolded on April 1st when 5-year-old Braxton Dykstra was playing at his grandparent's home with his 6-year-old cousin and his young sister.  According to reports, as the children were playing they came upon a gun behind the door in their grandparent's room. Braxton's 7-year-old sister said the unnamed 6-year-old boy picked up the 12 gauge shot gun and said, "I'm going to shoot you". She then scolded him and told him to put it down. She said as he was putting it back down, he accidentally pulled the trigger. The round of Birdshot struck Braxton, sadly, ending his life. The grandparents, Karl Robart and Theresa Robart, are now being charged with one count of Felony Safe Storage involving the death of a minor. This is a recent law on the books in Michigan.  Mr. Robart told police he never kept the gun loaded and it was always on safety.  ...

 Pittsburgh hospital employee killed in freak accident when giant cylinder breaks free at construction site. First responders were called to the scene of an accident around 10:40 a.m. on May 3rd. First responders found 51-year-old Aleia Lopez suffering from significant and grave injuries. Eyewitnesses to the tragedy were trying to perform lifesaving measures as authorities arrived. She was pronounced deceased at the scene. Upon speaking to witnesses, officials were able to uncover the cause of the accident. The woman was apparently walking along with colleagues on the sidewalk when a large steel cylinder broke free from a nearby construction site. It then barreled down a hill and burst through some fencing before striking and crushing the unsuspecting woman, Aleia Lopez. After crushing the woman the drum rolled across the street before coming to a rest.  According to her family, Lopez was on her lunch break  from her job at Western Psychiatric Hospital when she was sadly ...

 Police arrest two suspected fraudsters in Lagos The Police Command in Lagos State have arrested two fraud suspects, Seyi Demola, 26 and Wale Lawson, 27, who allegedly specialise in defrauding members of the public. Police spokesperson in the state, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest in a post he shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle @benHundeyin on Saturday. He said that the suspects were arrested on Saturday by officers from Isokoko Division of the command. “The suspected fraudsters were arrested by officers from Isokoko Division following a distress call. “They were found with two female handbags, cash and an iPhone,” he said. According to him, preliminary investigation reveals that many people have fallen victim to their scheme. The spokesperson said that investigation into the case was ongoing. In the video Hundeyin attached to his post, the woman narrated how she nearly fell victim to the suspects’ tricks. She said that one of the suspects, who claimed to be a pro...

 Parts of Edo, Delta to experience outage for 13 days, says TCN The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) at the weekend said parts of Delta and Edo States are to experience outage for 13 days owing to the commencement of erection of two towers. TCN also said the outage will be due to the restringing of the Benin-Delta and Delta-Oghara 132kV double circuit transmission lines. Public Affairs, General Manager, Ndidi Mbah made this known in a statement. She said: “The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) hereby states that it will commence the erection of two (2) number 132kV transmission towers at its Amukpe Transmission Substation and will equally restring a portion of the Benin-Delta and Delta-Oghara 132kV double circuit transmission lines, from tomorrow, Saturday, May 4th to 17th, 2024.” According to her, Amukpe substation will be out for the duration of the work. She added bulk power supply to Benin DisCo through the following feeders: the ADEJE, INDUSTRIAL, WOODLAND, MOSOGAR, S...

 We are not Igbo, Rivers Ikwerre blasts Iwuanyanwu, Ohaneze The claim by Ohaneze Ndigbo and its President, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, that Ikwerre is part of Igbo, has drawn the ire of the Ikwerre socio-cultural group, the Iwhnurohna Progressive Organisation (IPO). The membership of the IPO led by Dr. Okahchukwu Dibia at the weekend said it was offensive, insulting, shameful, disgusting, insensitive, careless and uncivilised for Iwuanyanwu to be credited with the falsehood and unfounded claim that Ikwerre people were Igbo.  Reading the position of the members after a meeting in Port Harcourt, Dibia said:  “To us at IPO, Ikwerre is Igbo means that all the ancestral communities in Ikwerre originated from Igbo. This is not true and can never be true, hence our reply to him and indeed Ohaneze.  “For the avoidance of doubt, the Ikwerre people are a distinct ethnic nation recognised in Nigeria and the United Nations. Ikwerre language is one of the recognised languages in N...

 IPOB threatens to chase EEDC out of southeast The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has given the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) an ultimatum to improve its electricity supply in the Southeast or face the consequences. In a statement by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, IPOB accused EEDC of “defrauding her consumers with exorbitant electricity bills without supplying the power. “The company has refused to give her consumers prepaid electricity meters but keeps giving illegal estimated bills. “In many communities in the Southeast, EEDC gives community bills running in hundreds of thousands of Naira. Whether the light was provided or not, any village that didn’t pay the illegal estimated bills will have the irregular light supply disconnected.” IPOB also alleged that EEDC dismantled some community transformers for repairs and maintenance but failed to return them for years, leaving the communities in darkness. “EEDC has cupped full, and we are...

 Don’t trade in crypto, Opay, PalmPay, others warn customers Nigerian fintech companies have warned their customers against trading in cryptocurrency or any virtual currency on their apps, threatening to block any accounts found engaging in such activities. At least four fintechs—Opay, Moniepoint, PalmPay, and Paga—have communicated this development to their customers on Friday. Last week, the Central Bank of Nigeria stopped major fintech firms like Kuda, Opay, PalmPay and Moniepoint from onboarding new customers. The CBN’s move was linked to an ongoing audit of the Know-Your-Customer process of the fintechs, which have been under scrutiny in recent months over concerns around money laundering and terrorism financing. Before the CBN’s directive, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had obtained a court order to freeze at least 1,146 bank accounts owned by various individuals and companies allegedly involved in illegal foreign exchange transactions. In a notice issued on Fri...

 I told my wife whenever I slept with another lady – Charly Boy Veteran singer and activist, Charles Oputa, aka Charly Boy, speaks with NAOMI CHIMA about his life, marriages, the state of the nation and other issues Over the years, you have been actively involved in activism. As you continue to age gracefully, are you concerned about the future of activism in Nigeria and whether there will be individuals who can carry the torch as passionately as people like you did? First, I don’t like the word, ‘activism’, because it has been so abused and overused. I am just a person who sees things differently. I would rather be called a ‘social engineer’. I am trying to re-tweak the minds of young people. I have always maintained that the salvation of this country lies in the hands of the youth. In my lifetime, I have met more than a few outstanding young people I will always be proud to say that I learnt from. Some of them have even made me to think differently. I know they can bring about ch...