PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Insecurity Hindering Rescue Of 30 Trapped Minners –Niger Gov’t The Niger State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Ahmed Baba Suleiman Yumu, has revealed that insecurity and difficult terrain are hindering rescue operations of 30 miners trapped in a pit that collapsed in Galadima-Kogo, Shiroro Local Government Area of the state. Our correspondent had earlier reported that one person had been confirmed dead, seven were severely injured while 30 others were still trapped following the collapse of the mining pit. The commissioner in a statement by the Director Media and Strategy in the ministry, Hanibu Abubakar Wushishi, said the ministry and other relevant stakeholders were making effort to rescue the trapped victims. He said, “The ministry in collaboration with other agencies and other professional stakeholders are doing their best in seeing that the trapped miners are rescued even though it’s been over 24 hours since the collapse occured. The rescue effo...

 PRESS RELEASE GOVERNOR SOLUDO APPOINTS GOVERNING COUNCIL FOR CHUKWUEMEKA ODUMEGWU OJUKWU UNIVERSITY Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has approved the appointment of a Governing Council for Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam, Anambra State. The new Council, assembled with a focus on excellence, integrity and strategic leadership, will provide guidance and oversight for the continued growth and development of the state-owned university.  The members of the new Council include the following: 1) Professor Chidi ODINKALU (Pro-Chancellor/Chairman) Other members are: 2) Chief (Mrs) Ifeoma EKWUEME 3) Amb. Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu 4) Chief Christopher NDUBUISI 5) HRH Oranu Chris CHIDUME Signed,  Christian Aburime Press Secretary to the Governor June 4, 2024

 PRESS RELEASE IGP MOURNS RETIRED CP ADEBAYO, DCP GURI, EXTENDS HEARTFELT SYMPATHIES TO THEIR FAMILIES, LOVED ONES The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, expresses profound sorrow over the loss of two distinguished members of the police community: Retired Commissioner of Police Alayeluwa Oba Emmanuel Adebayo FCIA, JP, the Elemure of Emure Ekiti, and Deputy Commissioner of Police Abubakar Mohammed Guri. Alayeluwa Oba Emmanuel Adebayo, an esteemed traditional ruler and former Commissioner of Police, departed this world on the evening of May 30th, 2024. His Majesty’s tenure as both a traditional leader and a police commissioner has left a lasting legacy on our nation. His remarkable wisdom, steadfast leadership, and unwavering dedication to public service will forever be cherished. In the same vein, DCP Abubakar Mohammed Guri, who served diligently as the Deputy Commissioner of Police at the Police Mobile Force, Force Headquarters, Abuja, passed away...

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE  PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES INDIAN PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI ON ELECTION VICTORY  President Bola Tinubu extends his warm congratulations to the Prime Minister of India, His Excellency, Narendra Modi, on his epoch-making victory in the nation's parliamentary elections. Prime Minister Modi's coalition - the National Democratic Alliance - won a majority of the parliamentary seats, paving the way for a third consecutive term, which is a rare feat and the second time an Indian leader will retain power for a third term after Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister. The President states that the outcome of the elections is a resounding affirmation of Prime Minister Modi's exceptional leadership of the world's largest democracy. On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, President Tinubu congratulates the people of India and assures the South Asian nation of Nigeria's commitment to strengthening relations and advancing sh...

 Louisiana legislators pass a bill which would give judges the option of surgical castration for S/O charged with crimes against children under 13. The Legislature in Louisiana passed a bill on Monday which would provide the option of surgical castration to offenders of aggravated sex crimes against minors. If Governor Jeff Landry signs the bill into law, Louisiana will be the first state to have such a law.  There are some states such as Texas, Florida and California which allow for chemical castration. However this new law in Louisiana, if passed, opens up a whole new era in punishments within the criminal justice system.  The bill received overwhelming support from both Louisiana's House of Representatives and Senate therefore it isn't hard to guess what the governor will do when it comes across his desk.

 Arizona police officer passes away in the line of duty 18 years after his father passed away the same way. 24-year-old Josh Briese passed away Saturday morning after responding to a disturbance. As police responded, gunfire erupted striking Briese and another officer with Gila River PD. Four other people were also struck by the rounds including 23-year-old Alicen Apkaw, who also passed away as a result of her injuries. The other victims were treated for their injuries and are in stable condition. After the deadly incident, the Gila River Indian Comunity Council suspended all dances.  Officer Briese had been with the department for less than a year and half. He was following in the footsteps of his father who was also a law enforcement officer. Sadly, his father Dave Briese also passed away in the line of duty. He was involved in a vehicle crash while responding to a call in November of 2006. Our thoughts are with this family who have lost two loved ones in the service of othe...

 SCUML Seals Tongyi Group for Alleged Non-compliance with Anti-money Laundering Laws   The Special Control Unit against Money Laundering, SCUML of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Tuesday, June 4, 2024 sealed up Tongyi Group, located in Ebitu Ukiwe Street, Jabi, Abuja for alleged non-compliance with Anti-Money Laundering/Combating Financing of Terrorism, (AML/CFT) regulations.   Officers of SCUML shut down the construction and mining entity after it paid no heed to a series of the Unit’s attempts to be compliant with AML/CFT regime. By SCUML’s regulations, the seal of non-compliance and closure pasted on the business premises would remain in force until the company embraces full compliance with Nigeria’s anti-money laundering and terrorists financing laws. By shutting down the company, SCUML  warned members of the public to be wary of carrying out business transactions with it. Tongyi Group allegedly violated Nigeria’s Money Laundering Protection...

 Election losers approach court to use corrupt judiciary to emerge as winners —Jonathan Former President Goodluck Jonathan expressed his belief that numerous politicians would refrain from resorting to legal action if the judiciary demonstrated fairness in resolving election disputes. Jonathan made these remarks during the inauguration of Delta State’s new high court complex in Asaba on Tuesday. He said, “My thinking is that 50 percent of those who go to court go to court because they felt they were cheated by the electoral management system; they were rigged out. “When you feel naturally aggrieved, you have to go to court. So, assuming the elections are properly conducted, they know they failed the election, but they feel they can use the judiciary to declare them winners. “If the judiciary doesn’t declare who doesn’t win the election that they are winners, that many 50 percent will not go to court. “In South Africa, the electoral management body will never compromise, they all kn...

Unpatriotic Acts - Vandalism of the Second Niger Bridge. Vandalism of the Second Niger Bridge is a deplorable act that reflects a severe lack of patriotism. It is disheartening to see national infrastructure, built with billions of naira, being targeted in such a manner. Watch video below. 

 ICPC/State Attorney Generals Work Together in the Fight Against Corruption The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the 36 States Attorney Generals and Commissioners of Justice of the Federation, have pledged a working alliance to tackle the menace of corruption in the country.  The two bodies gave this firm commitment when the bodies of Attorney Generals and Commissioners of Justice paid a courtesy visit to the ICPC Chairman in his office at the Headquarters.  The Chairman of ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu in his opening remarks at the parley, stated emphatically that the partnership was necessary as the State Attorney Generals are a critical stakeholder in the fight against corruption in the country.  Dr Aliyu expressed the readiness of the Commission to enter a Memorandum of Understanding with Attorney-Generals of the 36 States on how to ensure seamless collaborations to tackle the scourge of corruption in the country. More p...

 ℹ️ NAFDAC Warns Against Using Dichlorvos (SNIPER®) for Food Preservation. NAFDAC has issued a strong warning to Nigerians about the dangers of using dichlorvos, specifically Sniper®, for preserving food items.  Dichlorvos, commonly used by traders to prevent spoilage, is highly toxic and poses serious health risks, including cancer and death. Since 2019, the sale of small-volume dichlorvos (100 ml or less) has been banned, and the sale of larger volumes (one litre) is restricted to certified agrochemical outlets. The severe health implications of dichlorvos exposure can cause developmental issues, memory loss, reduced fertility, and potential carcinogenic effects. Traders and merchants are urged to avoid using unauthorised chemicals on food intended for human consumption. The use of pesticides directly on food is not approved and poses significant health risks, such as dizziness, vomiting, and even death. NAFDAC advises grain merchants, market vendors, and farmers to follow m...

 ‘My 20-year journey cannot be complete without Don Jazzy’ — D’Banj Nigerian ace music star, Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, better known by his stage name D’Banj, says his 20-year-long music career is possible courtesy of former partner and music producer, Michael Ajereh, aka Don Jazzy. D’Banj acknowledged the Mo’ Hits Records co-founder in a series of posts via his Instagram handle on Thursday. He described the two decades as years characterised by brotherhood, entertainment and unwavering support. In March 2012, Don Jazzy confirmed using his Twitter account, now X, to announce that D’Banj had left the group. The ace musician who would clock 42 on Sunday’s reason for leaving was cited as a difference in interests. Don Jazzy went on to establish another record label known as Mavin Records. One of his posts read, “My 20 year journey cannot be complete without It’s #donjazzy again! “Giving him the invite to my anniversary dinner was a moment filled with nostalgia. As we both celebrate 20 y...

 Cyndi Lauper plotting a farewell tour. She’s starring in a documentary about her life. And she’s got nothing left to prove. One Friday afternoon in May, Cyndi Lauper stepped out of her Upper West Side apartment building and into the streets of New York City. She wore glitter-encrusted glasses, sneakers with rainbow soles and a stack of beaded bracelets on each arm. A rice-paper parasol swung in her hand. As she walked, she examined the crowds and remarked when glints of interest caught her eye. “Of course, up here it’s fashion hell,” she allowed of her tony neighborhood. And yet, every few blocks she rubbernecked at another woman’s look, her famous New Yawk accent lifting and tumbling in pleasure at what she saw: “Look at these dames, how cute are they?” “Did you love those pants? I kind of loved those pants.” “Look at this lady,” she said, stepping off the curb and clocking a passerby. The woman moved nimbly, tomato-red streak in her silver hair, body draped in shades of fuchsia ...

 The-Dream, Hitmaker for Beyoncé and Rihanna, Is Accused of Rape In a lawsuit, a former protégée of Terius Gesteelde-Diamant says he entangled her in an abusive relationship. Mr. Gesteelde-Diamant called the allegations “untrue and defamatory.”. ACCORDING TO ANOTHER SOURCE: Yikes! Producer and musician #TheDream has been accused of raping, physically abusing and manipulating former protégé Chanaaz Mangroe in a new lawsuit. According to the lawsuit, Mangroe claims she was trafficked using a disguise of a legitimate recording and distribution contract. The suit alleges that the contract turned  into an “abusive, violent, and manipulative relationship filled with physical assaults, violent sexual encounters, and horrific psychological manipulation.” “In both Atlanta and Los Angeles, Dream used his age and influence in the industry to manipulate the young artist into believing that she needed him to be successful, and roped her into his world through false promises to gain Ms. Man...

 Sean Combs Sells Stake in Revolt, the Media Company He Founded After a wave of lawsuits accusing Mr. Combs of sexual assault, the two are “completely separated and dissociated from each other,” the company’s chief executive said. Revolt CEO Detavio Samuels told The New York Times before Revolt announced its new leadership on Tuesday that Diddy and the company were now “completely separated and dissociated from each other,” adding Diddy is no longer on the board and has no shares or equity in Revolt. Diddy stepped down as Revolt’s chairman last November after his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura and two other women accused him of sexual assault and abuse, and at that time the company said he had previously had “no operational or day-to-day role in the business.” Revolt announced in a press release that the projected largest shareholder group in its new ownership structure is current employees in an effort to “ensure that the employees who are driving the company’s growth also have the ...

Biden Issues Executive Order to Temporarily Seal the Border to Asylum Seekers The order reflects how drastically immigration politics have shifted in the United States as the number of people crossing into the country has surged. President Biden issued an executive order on Tuesday that prevents migrants from seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border when crossings surge, a dramatic election-year move to ease pressure on the immigration system and address a major concern among voters. The order is the most restrictive border policy instituted by Mr. Biden, or any other modern Democrat, and echoes an effort in 2018 by President Donald J. Trump to cut off migration that was blocked in federal court. The restrictions kick in once the seven-day average for illegal entries hits 2,500 per day. Daily totals already exceed that number, which means that Mr. Biden’s executive order could go into effect right away — allowing border officers to return migrants across the border into Mexico or to th...

 Ohio woman accused of stabbing 3-year-old boy to death in 'random' parking lot attack A 3-year-old boy has died in Ohio after a woman allegedly stabbed him and his mother outside a Cleveland-area Giant Eagle supermarket in what is being described by officials as a "random act of violence."  Bionca Ellis, 32, is now facing an aggravated murder charge following the incident Monday afternoon in the parking lot of the Giant Eagle at 27264 Lorain Road in North Olmsted, the city’s police department says.  "To lose their youngest child in such a violent and senseless manner is absolutely heartbreaking," North Olmsted Mayor Nicole Dailey Jones said in a statement Tuesday, calling the death a "terrible tragedy for our entire community."  Police identified the victim as Julian Wood and said his mother, 38-year-old Margot Wood of North Olmsted, has been treated for non-life-threatening injuries and is "expected to make a full recovery."  North Olms...

 Jon Bon Jovi confirms son's marriage to Millie Bobby Brown, actress wears 'wifey' attire to Universal Studios Millie Bobby Brown is officially a wife.  Brown, 20, and Jake Bongiovi, 22, tied the knot after announcing their engagement in April 2023.  Jon Bon Jovi confirmed the wedding to the BBC, following much speculation that the pair had wed.  "They are great, they are absolutely fantastic," Bon Jovi told BBC's "The One Show" on Tuesday, May 28.  "It was a very small family wedding and the bride looked gorgeous, and Jake is happy as can be. It's true," Bon Jovi said.  Shortly following the wedding between Brown and Bongiovi, they jetted off to Universal Orlando, where Brown sported "wifey" attire. In a joint Instagram post, Bongiovi and Brown shared a series of pictures from their trip, playing games, walking through the crowded park hand in hand and posing in front of a dinosaur from "Jurassic Park." Brown's ...

 How Newlywed Cuts Husband’s Manhood In Kaduna A newlywed woman, Habiba Ibrahim, has reportedly cut the manhood of her 40-year-old husband, Salisu Idris, while he was asleep. She was said to have been arrested by the police. Idris, a commercial motorcycle rider and resident of Kudan in Kaduna State, said the incident happened on May 26 after he returned from the early morning prayers. He said he was lying on his bed to have some rest when his wife suddenly jumped on him with a sharp knife and almost cut off his manhood, but for neighbours who came to his rescue when they heard him shout. Idris said they got married about four months ago, adding that he could not fathom the reason for her action because they loved each other and there was no prior misunderstanding before the attack. Daily Trust learnt that Idris was rushed to a hospital in Kudan from where he was referred to the General Hospital Makarfi.  He was later taken to the Ahmadu Bello University teaching Hospital, Zari...

 4th June, 2024 PRESS RELEASE DEATH OF A SUSPECTED ARMED ROBBER, ARREST OF SUSPECTED ARMED ROBBER TERRORIZING THE METROPOLIS AND RECOVERY OF ONE CUT-TO-SIZE DOUBLE BARREL GUN AND CARTRIDGES. Sequel to complaints by residents in the metropolis on the activities of armed robbers, the Commissioner of Police Delta State, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi deployed tactical teams to complement the efforts of the Divisional Police officers in the metropolis with the various tactical commanders leading the operations from 1800 hours to 0600hours. These deployments have been helping in checkmating the activities of these hoodlums, and some of them have been arrested and charged to court while others are still being hunted. 1. ARREST AND DEATH OF A SUSPECTED ARMED ROBBER/RECOVERY OF ONE LOCALLY MADE CUT-TO-SIZE DOUBLE-BARREL GUN AND LIVE CARTRIDGES: On 31/05/2024 at about 2140hrs, operatives of Ekpan Divisional undercover surveillance patrol team while on routine patrol along Army Barracks Link Road off...

 TCN starts restoration of national grid after 2 days blackout. The TCN in a statement intimated that the planned strike by the organized Labour has led to the shutdown of the National Grid, resulting in a nationwide blackout yesterday. Although the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has called off the strike, the grid restoration remains at a low pace with only Shiroro Hydropower picking up gradually to feed transmission lines as of press time. The Labour in a joint extraordinary National Executive Council on Tuesday morning announced the suspension of the strike declared over minimum wage. After shutting down banks, schools, and government offices, among others, the Federal Government had invited Labour leaders to a meeting at the office of Secretary to the Government of the Federation. At the end of the meeting on Monday night, the federal government and organised labour reached an agreement on a new minimum wage that will be “above N60,000″. The statement from the meeting read in p...

 FEDERAL MINISTRY OF FINANCE, ABUJA  TINUBU'S ONE YEAR IN REVIEW: EDUN OFFERS HOPE AMIDST ECONOMIC STRAINS, ASSURES REFORMS WILL YEILD LONG-TERM BENEFITS As the present administration marks one year in office, reactions trails the various reforms introduced in the past one year under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu especially, the economic reforms which have left the majority of Nigerians in deeper economic austerity. Inflation is currently over 30 per cent and there are possibilities of it soaring higher. Naira value has plummeted after the float, just as Nigeria is facing the exodus of multinationals, thus worsening the unemployment nightmare. These highlight severe financial strain on the average Nigerian whose purchasing power suffers value erosion on a daily basis. However, regardless of these economic hiccups, the Honourable  Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, offers hope, insisting there is light at the end of the tunnel. In a r...

 Senator Ningi Resumes Plenary After Three Months Suspension The lawmaker representing Bauchi Central, Senator Abdul Ningi, has resumed his legislative duties in the upper chamber after a three-month suspension.  He was suspended in March over budget padding claims. But on Tuesday, Ningi, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senator, was sighted at the National Assembly premises in Abuja being driven in his black Toyota Landcruiser Jeep. Approaching the NASS gate, he stopped briefly to exchange pleasantries with journalists who were on the ground to welcome him back. “Members of the press, thank you very much,” the excited lawmaker told them. “I got all your messages.” When asked if he enjoyed his leave, the senator replied saying: “Very much.” The senator was recalled on May 28, after a process was initiated by Deputy Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, who expressed regret on behalf of the suspended lawmaker. He pledged to assume full responsibility for Ningi’s actions, acknowle...

 Attorney General Should Prosecute States That Fail To Pay Minimum Wage – Falana A human rights lawyer Femi Falana has called on the Attorney General of the Federation to sanction states that fail to pay the current N30,000 minimum wage.  He said since the payment of the minimum wage is an agreement entered into freely, state governments unable to honour such a deal are breaching the law. “Once a new agreement, a new minimum wage becomes the law of the country. The Federal Government has a duty, and the Attorney General of the country has a duty to drag any state government that does not pay to court,” he said on Tuesday.  “I mean, the attorney general can just file a new case, which is a good development, by saying over the years, we have accused state governments of diverting monuments for local governments.” Since the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira calls for a new minimum wage have reached new highs as the cost of living skyrocketed in the countr...

  Two dead as tanker explodes, crushes car in Rivers  Two persons were confirmed dead when a tanker suspected to be carrying Liquefied Natural Gas exploded at the Obiri-Ikwerre flyover along the East-West on the outskirts of Port Harcourt in Rivers state. Eyewitness accounts that the explosion occurred at about 9:25 am when the tanker upturned while trying to negotiate the bypass at the flyover and immediately went up in flames crushing a salon car with two occupants inside. This came after a month when a fuel-laden tanker exploded along the Eleme axis of the East-West Road claiming about five lives and burnt over 60 cars. In the latest incident, an eyewitness said two occupants of the car were trapped before they could escape and were roasted. He stated, “My office is just close by here. It was a terrible sight. Two persons inside a salon car parked nearby were burnt beyond recognition. “The tanker was trying to negotiate through the flyover when it fell and the explosion occ...

 Gov Abiodun Appoints Three Aviation Consultants For Take-off Of Gateway International Airport  The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has appointed three consultants to man the aviation sector in the state. This was contained in a statement on Tuesday, signed by the Secretary to the Ogun State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi. The appointment is in readiness for the take-off of the iconic Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport. According to the statement, the experts appointed to take responsibility for specific areas in the fast developing aviation sector in the State are Capt Dapo Olumide - Consultant on Airport Management; Engr. Benedict Adeyileka - Consultant on Regulatory Matters (Aviation) and Engr Mohammed Odunowo - Consultant on Aviation. "Please note that the above appointments by His Excellency were based on the relevant and cognitive expertise and experience of the appointees in national and international aviation sector," the statement added.

 Labour Suspends Nationwide Strike The organised labour comprising Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) has suspended the nationwide strike for one week. This follows a joint extraordinary National Executive Council of the unions on Tuesday morning. After shutting down banks, schools, government offices, among others, the Federal Government had invited Labour leaders to a meeting at the office of Secretary to the Government of the Federation. At the end of the meeting on Monday night, the federal government and organised labour reached an agreement on a new minimum wage that will be “above N60,000″. The statement from the meeting read in part: “Further to the negotiation by the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage (NMW) and subsequent withdrawal of Labour from negotiation, the Leadership of the National Assembly intervened on 2nd June, 2024. The Organised Labour declared nationwide strike on Monday, 3rd June, 2024 to drive home its demands. “The Fed...

 Political choice: I have learnt my lesson – Toyin Abraham Nollywood actress Toyin Abraham says she has decided to keep her political affiliations private in the future, adding that she has learnt her lesson following a social media exchange that occurred on X on Tuesday. Abraham in a series of replies shed light on the promises made to her by President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 general election campaign. The exchange began when an X user identified as Otunba (@ManLikeIcey), wrote, “Maybe one day Toyin Abraham will divulge the plans Bola Tinubu shared with her to the public. I strongly believe we deserve to hear. Thank u @toyin_abraham1.” In response, Abraham revealed that she had been assured of “good governance and happiness for everyone” by Tinubu’s camp. “You asked me in a polite way so I will definitely answer you, of course, I was told and promised good governance and happiness for everyone and wish I believe,” she stated. However, Abraham’s candour was accompanied by a cau...

 Prayers can’t solve hardship, Nigerians chose bad leaders – Primate Ayodele The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele on Tuesday said fasting and prayers won’t be able to solve the economic hardship in Nigeria because leaders are the problems of the country. Primate Ayodele said God isn’t listening to Nigerians on the issue of hardship anymore because the people elected the leaders that are now making life difficult for them. In a statement signed by his Media Aide, Oluwatosin Osho, Ayodele said Nigerians have failed to listen to the truth and God will not come down to help the country solve economic hardship if the leaders don’t do the right thing. He mentioned that anyone that says Nigerians should pray to solve hardship is only deceiving himself. According to Primate Ayodele: ‘’We have failed to follow reality, anyone who says we should pray to solve hardship is only deceiving Nigerians. God is not listening to Nigerians on the issue of hardship an...

 Mexican kidnappers crossed US border to collect ransom, left hostage tied up in trench: docs A Los Angeles man was allegedly kidnapped at gunpoint during a visit to Mexico, and the suspected captors sent his family graphic videos and a threatening photo. Their loved one was blindfolded and tied up in a rectangular concrete trench with weapons pointed at his head, according to court documents reviewed by newsmen.  The suspects – a Mexican family – allegedly pistol whipped their victim and fired a shot near his head.  The violent confrontation was recorded and sent to his family in L.A. with ransom demands of $70,000, federal prosecutors said.  The victim, who was identified as "R.V." in court filings, was in Mexico's popular surfing destination of Playas de Rosarito in Baja California, where the suspects allegedly abducted him in 2022. Prosecutors recently shared details of the scheme after the three suspects were arrested this spring. They were identified as Mario A...