PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 DSS ALERTS THE PUBLIC OVER PLANNED PROTESTS The attention of the Department of State Services (DSS) has been drawn to plans by certain individuals and groups to stage physical protests in some parts of the country on 12th June, 2024. The protests are designed with sinister objectives to coincide with the Democracy Day Celebration. While citizens may have the rights of assembly and expression, such freedoms should not be used to undermine public safety and national security. The determination by some non-state actors to incite mass disaffection through demonstrations that may turn violent will not be tolerated. However, it is instructive to note that violent demonstrations are at variance with the peaceful disposition of the Federal Government to amicably address all contentions including the minimum wage. Citizens are, therefore, called upon to resist any persuasions to be lawless or cause disorder and anarchy in the nation. Displeased persons are rather encouraged to appropriatel...

 The Nigeria Premier Football League has finally taken a decision on the disrupted oriental derby between the Rangers FC of Enugu and Enyimba Football Club of Aba.  Recall that Enyimba players staged a walkout after Rangers were awarded a controversial penalty at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu during added time.  The NPFL management has now awarded three points and three goals to Rangers for the abandoned oriental derby with Enyimba. Enyimba has also been handed a N10 million fine for failing to ensure the proper conduct of its players, disrupting the NPFL live broadcast, and causing the disruption and discontinuation of the match. Three Enyimba players; Eze Ekwutoziam, Chibuike Nwaiwu and Akanni Elijah, are also under investigation for further sanctions. Rangers has also been charged with “over-ticketing, which led to overcrowding” and failing to provide adequate security and crowd control measures during the match. The team got a cumulative N5 million fine for all ...

 Abiodun Enjoins   Traditional Rulers To Shun  Unauthorised Sales Of Goverment Land ...inaugurates Olu of Ilaro as Chairman, Ogun State Council of Obas  Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Tuesday, called on members of the State Council of Obas to appeal on their members to desist from acts of indiscipline, ranging from allocation of land for ilegal mining to  unauthorized selling of government lands especially in the plantations. Governor Abiodun stated this at the inauguration of Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, as the new chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas, at the Oba's Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. Abiodun who expressed disappointment over the activities of some of the erring Obas and Baales, explained that illegal mining has caused serious environmental impact on some communities and posed serious threats to some critical public infrastructure in the state.  He disclosed that an Executive Order ...

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU GREETS JUSTICE MUHAMMADU UWAIS ON BIRTHDAY President Bola Tinubu congratulates Justice Muhammadu Lawal Uwais, former Chief Justice of Nigeria, on the special occasion of his birthday.   The President celebrates the eminent jurist, who served the nation in many capacities, including as Chairman of the National Judicial Council; Chairman of the Nigerian Body of Benchers, and Chairman of the Board of Governors of the National Judicial Institute.   President Tinubu extols the courage, wisdom, and fine thread of brilliance, which ran through the illustrious legal career of the elder statesman.    The President commends Justice Uwais for his service to the nation, acknowledging his role in shaping the foundations of Nigeria's judiciary.   The President prays for many more years in good health for the elder statesman and his family.   Chief Ajuri Ngelale Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) June ...

 PRESS RELEASE FG TO PROSECUTE PARENTS, TRANSPORTERS OF TRAFFICKED VICTIMS The Federal Government says it will henceforth prosecute parents as well as transporters of victims of human trafficking with a view to serving as deterrent to would-be pepertrators  Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Barrister (Mrs) Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye made the disclosure today when she paid a courtesy visit to the Director-General, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) of Nigeria, Fatima Waziri-Azi in her office in Abuja She described the increasing rate of parental  involvement in trafficking as alarming, noting that if caught, the pepertrators will face the wrath of the law Kennedy-Ohanenye explained that before most children are trafficked, negotiations are usually done by parents and the traffickers, after which transport systems are contracted to move them out.  *Henceforth, both the parents, traffickers and the transporter, be it through air, land o...

 Press Release DANGIWA CHARGES AFRICA'S HOUSING MINISTERS TO COLLABORATE TOWARDS TACKLING CONTINENT'S HOUSING CHALLENGES AT 43rd SHAFDB AGM IN KIGALI Kigali, Rwanda – June 11, 2024 - The Honorable Minister of Housing and Urban Development and 42nd AGM Bureau Chair of Shelter Afrique Development (ShafDB), Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has urged African housing ministers to work collaboratively to address the continent's pressing housing development challenges. This call to action was made during his opening remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the Bank’s 43rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) Symposium, holding at the Marriott Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda 11-13th June, 2024. In attendance at the opening ceremony were the President of the Republic of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, represented by the Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Edouard Ngirente, Ministers of Housing and Public Works from several African countries, organized sector and private sector players.  Stressing the importance of innovative financin...

 President Biden reacts to son Hunter's guilty verdict in gun trial: 'I am also a dad' President Biden reacted to the guilty verdict in his son's gun trial, noting that he is a dad in addition to his duty as president. "As I said last week, I am the President, but I am also a Dad. Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today," Biden said of his son, Hunter Biden, after the verdict. "So many families who have had loved ones battle addiction understand the feeling of pride seeing someone you love come out the other side and be so strong and resilient in recovery." The president, who has in the past indicated that he would not use his power to appeal a guilty verdict for his son in the case, seemingly stood by that vow in his statement, saying he "will accept the outcome of this case and will continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal." "Jill and I will always be there for Hunter and the ...

 Hunter Biden found guilty on all counts in gun trial  First son Hunter Biden was found guilty on all charges in his historic criminal case focused on his purchase of a firearm in 2018.  Hunter Biden faced a trial this month that lasted more than a week and included emotional testimony from members of his family, including daughter Naomi Biden, ex-wife Kathleen Buhle and sister-in-law turned girlfriend, Hallie Biden.  Prosecutors worked to prove that Hunter Biden lied on a federal firearm form, known as ATF Form 4473, in October 2018 when he ticked a box labeled "No" when asked if he is an unlawful user of a firearm or addicted to controlled substances. Hunter Biden purchased the gun from a store called StarQuest Shooters & Survival Supply in Wilmington. Hunter Biden faced charges of making a false statement in the purchase of a gun, making a false statement related to information required to be kept by a federally licensed gun dealer, and possession of a gun by ...

 Police Withdraw Officers Attached To VIPs Over Manpower Shortages – DIG Alabi The coordinating Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of Southwest, Sylvester Alabi, has said police officers attached to some influential individuals in the country have been withdrawn, in a bid to address shortage of manpower in the police force. Abiodun stated this on Monday in Ado-Ekiti during his maiden visit to Ekiti State police headquarters. Speaking with journalists, he said, “There was a time we accessed the level of deployment of Officers and we realised that there are some areas that we need to rejig the deployment particularly where manpower is being underutilised, they are recalled back. That issue of unnecessary waste of manpower has been adequately addressed. “The only thing is that generally, we don’t have enough manpower, that’s why the federal government approved constant recruitment of more men to enable us to deliver our mandate effectively and efficiently”. he said. Al...

 Zuma's MK party seeks to block South African parliament citing vote-rigging Former South African president Jacob Zuma's uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party has applied to the country's top court to block the newly elected parliament from sitting this week on the grounds that the May 29 vote was marred by fraud, it said on Tuesday. The National Assembly is due to convene on Friday for lawmakers to swear the oath of office and elect their speaker, deputy speaker and the country's president. MK came a surprisingly strong third, winning 14.6% of the vote which translates into 58 seats in the 400-seat chamber, but despite its success it has alleged vote-rigging took place and threatened to boycott the new parliament, Reuters reported. "The 2024 elections were anything but free and fair," said Sihle Ngubane, MK's secretary-general, in the party's application to the Constitutional Court, which it circulated to media on Tuesday via a WhatsApp group.

 Court nullifies amendment to Rivers assembly commission law A High Court sitting in Port Harcourt the Rivers State capital has nullified section three of the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission Law recently amended by the FCT minister ally Martins Amaewhule-led Assembly. The amendment, which was recently enacted after the Assembly vetoed the state governor Siminalayi Fubara, transferred the power to appoint the chairman and members of the commission from the governor to the Speaker of the House. Concerned about the significant change, the Association of Legal Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), initiated a legal action to seek the court’s interpretation of the amendment in line with the Nigerian Constitution. Delivering the judgment, Justice Kariba Dagogo-Jack ruled that the amendment violated sections 5, 176, 197, and 198 of the Nigerian Constitution. The judge clarified that the Nigerian Constitution grants the ex...

 Kristin Cavallari says she was 'skin and bones,' got down to 102 lbs during 'unhappy' marriage to Jay Cutler Kristin Cavallari is opening up about her past weight struggles.  During a fan Q&A segment on her "Let's Be Honest With Kristin Cavallari" podcast, the author and reality TV star reflected on the negative ways her past marriage to Jay Cutler affected her health. "I was very thin," Cavallari said. "I'll put it in perspective for you guys. I'm 5'3". I currently weigh 114 pounds. Filming ‘Very Cavallari,’ I got down to 102, and I was eating the same amount of food that I'm eating now."  "The Hills" alum admitted that stress was the main factor for her significant weight loss.  "The difference was I was so unhappy and so stressed out," she said. "I look back at photos from that time period, and I am like, 'Holy s---.' I was rail f---ing thin. I was skin and bones. I looked li...

 Halle Berry suffers wardrobe malfunction in hilarious behind-the-scenes footage Halle Berry exposed herself in more ways than one in a video that showed the actress seriously struggling to get out of a tight blouse. Last month, Berry, 57, attended the IFM's Annual International Conference in Las Vegas. Days ago, she shared a glimpse of that weekend, posting a video of her strutting through the Bellagio Hotel halls in a fitted corset top. She looked effortless; a stark contrast to how she appeared in a video that she shared to her social media on Monday. In that video, Berry gave a behind-the-scenes look of her trying to get out of that exact blouse with help from stylist Lindsay Flores.  Berry and Flores waltzed around the dressing room trying to loosen Berry's arms from the shirt, making for several instances of relatable wardrobe malfunctions. Every time Berry flashed her breasts, a red heart would appear on the screen to censor the video. "Watch my boobs," Berry e...

 PROPOSED PROTESTS: CP FAYOADE AFFIRMS ZERO TOLERANCE FOR LAWLESSNESS AND DISORDER The Lagos State Com missioner of Police, CP Adegoke Fayoade, mni assures Lagosians that the Command has emplaced adequate measures to secure lives and property as well as ensure free flow of traffic and a peaceful environment for conducting respective lawful duties. This assurance is necessitated by news making the rounds about protests scheduled for Wednesday, June 12, 2024, an action capable of impeding commercial activities and free flow of traffic. The Command will fulfil its mandate of ensuring that no person or group of persons undermines the fundamental human rights of others, especially the rights to dignity of persons and freedom of movement. Consequently, CP Fayoade warns that any protester found violating the rights of other Nigerians will be sanctioned in accordance with the law. Once again, CP Fayoade enjoins all law-abiding Lagosians to go about their duties without fear of harassment o...

 CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF DIRECTS  IMMEDIATE INVESTIGATION OF INCIDENT AT COMMAND SECONDARY SCHOOL IYANA IPAJA In response to the recent concerns raised by the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) regarding the treatment of civilian workers at Command Secondary School Iyana Ipaja, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has taken decisive action to address the situation. The Chief of Army Staff , in his unwavering commitment to upholding the rights of all personnel, including the civilian staff, has directed the Provost Marshal (Army) to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the unfortunate incident at the Command Secondary School Iyana Ipaja, Lagos. The investigation will comprehensively address all allegations raised by the ASCSN, with a focus on ensuring accountability and justice for all parties involved.  The Nigerian Army (NA) recognizes the vital role that civilian staff play in supporting its operations and day to d...

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU TO ADDRESS THE NATION ON DEMOCRACY DAY  President Bola Tinubu will address the nation in a broadcast on the occasion of Democracy Day at 7am on Wednesday, June 12, 2024.  Television, radio, and other electronic media outlets are enjoined to plug in to the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) for the broadcast. Chief Ajuri Ngelale  Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) June 11, 2024

 Many Stranded As Boko Haram Abducts Passengers Along Maiduguri-Kano Highway Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have abducted passengers along Maiduguri/Kano highway. Sources told Daily Trust that the insurgents struck between Garin Kuturu and Mannanari village near Auno, which is along Damaturu highway at about 5:50:pm on Monday. They reportedly blocked the highway before forcefully taking away some passengers. The incident left hundreds of travelers and commuters stranded on both ends of the ever-busy road. They had to return to Benishek and Auno respectively. “There was an incident between Mannanari and Garin Kuturu where some Boko Haram fighters came out to block the upcoming vehicles and some passengers were abducted.” “We are not sure of the number as we speak but certainly there was an abduction on Monday evening.” Residents narrated how many commercial drivers took refuge in their community momentarily when the insurgents were operating between Garin Kuturu and Mannanari villa...

 Emefiele printed ‘his own Naira’, ignored design approved by Buhari – Ex-CBN director A former Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Director of Currency Operations, Ahmed Umar, has disclosed that the immediate past governor, Godwin Emefiele, printed his own design of the naira. Umar disclosed this while giving evidence at the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court sitting in Maitama. The former CBN director said the features in the design approved by former President Muhammadu Buhari was different from the one Emefiele ordered to be printed. Umar said, “The design approved by the President had a QR code, which the currency in circulation does not. The positioning of the portrait was on the right side, that printed by the CBN was on the left and the number scheme approved by the President is different from what the CBN produced.” The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had on May 15, arraigned Emefiele on a four count charge before Justice Maryanne Anenih of the FCT High C...

 Electoral Act Amendment Bill Scales Second reading The House of Representatives has passed for second reading, a bill seeking to amend the Electoral Act to criminalize the failure of a presiding officer to deduct excess votes in a polling unit during an election.  The Bill sponsored by Representative Hassan Fulata of Jigawa State proposes an amendment of section 51 subsection 2 of the Electoral Act to compel a presiding Officer to deduct the number of the excess votes across all political parties in a polling unit, where over voting is recorded.  The Bill has been referred to the house committee on Electoral Matters for further legislative action.

 Nigerian passports to get global respect with ICAO PKD integration, says FG The Federal Government has hinted that Nigerian passports will henceforth be respected at foreign borders after being integrated into the International Civil Aviation Organisation Public Key Directory and Public Key Infrastructure. The FG made this known through the Ministry of Interior on the X platform on Tuesday while replying to a tweet by a travel content creator, Tayo Aina. On Monday, Aina made a promotional video for a St. Kitts passport that he got for $150,000, allaying fears about exploring the world with his Nigerian passport. However, his claim in the video elicited backlash from netizens who scolded him for talking down on Nigeria’s passport to promote a less-known country’s passport. A few hours later, the travel content creator quoted the video apologising for his previous take on the country’s passport. He wrote, “I’m sorry, guys. I lied. With this passport, you’re not just a traveller; you...

 2026 WCQ: Why Super Eagles lost to Benin Republic – Finidi Super Eagles head coach, Finidi George says poor defending and loss of concentration were responsible for his side’s 2-1 defeat to Benin Republic. The former African champions now have a mountain to climb in their bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the shocking defeat. Nigeria remain in fifth position in the Group C table with three points from four games. It was the second time the Cheetahs would beat the Super Eagles in 17 meetings. Gernot Rohr’s men top the standings with seven points. “We scored a good goal and after that we lost concentration, they got their equaliser and then they got their momentum,” Finidi said during his interaction with media after the game. “We didn’t defend well the long kick from the goalkeeper and they got their first goal. “We had control of the game, but we didn’t defend well. “If you don’t take your chances and don’t defend well in a World Cup qualifier, you pay for it. “Firs...

 Malawi’s Vice President, Saulos Chilima, Killed in Plane Crash After an overnight search, rescuers found the wreckage of the military aircraft that had been carrying Vice President Saulos Chilima and nine others. According to another source: Malawi Vice President Dr. Saulos Chilima alongside 9 other occupants confirmed dead in a plane crash Chilima, 51, was aboard a military plane destined Mzuzu from Lilongwe. The plane went off-radar yesterday 10th June 2024 and couldn't be traced thus initiating search operations. The missing plane was found crushed in Chikangawa Forest with all occupants dead The plane was carrying Vice President Saulos Chilima, former First Lady Shanil Dzimbiri and eight others departed from the capital Lilongwe but air traffic control in Mzuzu had informed the pilots not to try landing and instead to turn around because of bad weather and poor visibility. However Air traffic control lost contact with the aircraft and it disappeared from radar a short time lat...

 The Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) has said that local councils cannot afford to pay the proposed N62,000 as new minimum wage because of the lean allocation from the Federation Account. National President of ALGON, Mr. Aminu Muazu-Maifata who addressed newsmen in Lafia, the Nasarawa state capital, on Monday, June 10, said all the 774 Local Government Councils across the nation get allocation of about 18 per cent from Federation Account monthly and it is not enough to pay the N62,000 minimum wage. He said;  “Apart from payment of wages, we still have other responsibilities such as provision of affordable healthcare, education, security, traditional institution, rural roads as well as youths and women empowerment among others to contend with.” Maifata who noted that council chairmen had thrown their weight behind wage increment for civil servants, also begged for increase in the monthly allocations of the 774 LGAs in the country to enable councils pay the pr...

 There Shouldn’t Be Opposition, Tribalism In Church -Mbaya Warns *** “I plead with us all. From this inauguration service, can we all see ourselves as ‘Ya’yan Yesu, Ya’yan Ekklesiya ne ba Ya’yan wani ba. “We should all work towards defeating this concept, ‘Yan Adawa, opposition’ because in my understanding, there are no opposition or ‘Yan adawa in the Church. “Because my opinion or idea differs from yours or yours differs from mine, it doesn’t mean I’m an opposition or you are to me. Please, Church, we shouldn’t use this term anymore. “We are to work towards respecting people of other faiths and ensure our peace heritage is upheld as the Nigerian political landscape belongs to all of us. “Be in a good relationship with traditional rulers, religious leaders of other faiths, and all the communities. “I see our emergence as a defeat to tribalism and a win for the unity of EYN; we shall not take this for granted. “I charge pastors and preachers of the Gospel to respect the sanctity of ...

 New South African parliament to meet Friday South Africa's newly elected parliament will convene on Friday, the office of the chief justice said on Monday, adding to the sense of urgency for political parties to form a governing alliance after none of them won a majority of seats. The constitution says that a newly elected parliament must convene within two weeks of election results being announced. At the first sitting, which will take place at a convention centre in Cape Town, Chief Justice Raymond Zondo will oversee the swearing-in of the newly elected or reelected members of the National Assembly. He will then preside over the election of the chamber's speaker, who will in turn oversee the election of the deputy speaker. Zondo will then preside over the election by lawmakers of the country's president.

 Classic vs remake: 8 movies that original did better at box office than remake Movie fans and critics have strong opinions about film remakes.  A remake can be a whopping success or a massive flop. Filmmakers are taking a risk when they try to reimagine beloved stories fans have adored for years. Some love to see a new take on their favorite films, while others could do without it.  Measuring which is "better" is difficult to do, with opinions swirling backing either version.  As far as the box office goes, there are select remakes that have been able to outshine the original movie in numbers alone, while for others, the originals hold the most financial success. Even though the box office numbers of the originals below beat those of the remade movies (with inflation considered), which is the "better" movie will always be up for debate.  So, take a look at eight originals that scored higher at the domestic box office than their remakes. The original "Mean Girl...