PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 *One-way Driving: ARTMA Advices Drivers To Strictly Adhere To Traffic Rules*  Rose Oranye Anambra State Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA) has advised drivers to adhere strictly to designated routes to avoid endangering lives. The agency, in an ARTMA Report of Sunday, 30th June, 2024, titled, 'Notice to All Road Users and Drivers in Anambra State,' frowned at the activities of road users who drive against traffic (one-way), adding that it has deployed a special team to curb the trend. "Driving against traffic (one-way) is tantamount to endangering lives. The risks involved can not be overstated. "The agency has observed a disturbing trend, particularly in Onitsha, where drivers, including heavy-duty trucks, disregard traffic rules after 6 pm. This irresponsible behaviour has resulted in numerous accidents and fatalities. "ARTMA officers are tirelessly working around the clock to maintain smooth traffic flow, thereby eliminating the need for such hazardous ac...

 Nigeria’s N121.6trn Debt Exceeds 50% GDP PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited (PWC) has raised the alarm that Nigeria’s public debt hit N121.67 trillion in the first quarter of 2024, saying the country’s fiscal deficit is above the 3 per cent threshold of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA). PWC said the debt issuance without a commensurate rise in revenue-generating investments may hurt private investors. The professional services firm stated this in its outlook titled, ‘Nigerian Economic Outlook, June 2024’. According to the report, “The continuous rise in debt from issuances of debt instruments without a commensurate rise in revenue-generating investments may crowd out private investment and worsen the country’s debt profile in the long-term.” Nigeria’s public debt grew by 144.1 per cent to N121.67 trillion in Q1 2024 from N49.85trn in Q1 2023 due to naira devaluation, additional debts and the securitisation of ways and means. According to PWC, N4.9 trillion of the N7 t...

 Comedian Sabinus appreciates Burna boy for giving a boost to his career😍 "Performing at the London stadium was the biggest 1-minute of my career!!  Thanks Burna Boy.  Burna Boy paid me $100k to perform for 1-minute and still paid for my flight to and fro London." Sabinus "When Burna Boy called me to come perform at the London Stadium, I thought he was joking and I just laughed.  But I was shõcked when he called me 2 days to the show and said "My bro, pack your bags because a private jet is gonna pick you up tomorrow."  That was when I believed that he was actually serious so I ironed my favorite blue shirt and black trouser with my expensive shoe and packed a few things. On that day, I went to the airport and his private jet picked me up as promised. That was actually the first day I ever got into a private jet for free. When we got to London, I thought that maybe I was gonna perform at the after party but Burna Boy told me that I was gonna open the stage for...

 ANSEC AWARD CONTRACT FOR THE RENOVATION OF THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION BUILDING, FLOOD CONTROL ALONG THE DILAPIDATED UMUEZE-ANAM FEDERAL ROADS After due consideration of the memo presented by Mr. Paulinus Onyeka, Anambra State Commissioner for Housing, the 19th Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC), has approved the award of a contract for the renovation of the Civil Service Commission Building. The renovation will be completed in three  (3) months from the date of mobilization by BID Engineering Ltd at the cost of Ninty-Two Million, Three Hundred and Twenty-Seven Thousand, Two Hundred and Thirty-five Naira (N92, 327, 235. 00). The construction of culverts to control flooding and palliative works to ensure pleasurable movement of people, and farmers along the Umueze Anam - Umudora - Oromaetiti - Umueze - Nzam Road which is a Federal Road in Anambra West Local Government and other adjoining roads that have remained impassable for many years, especially during the rainy seas...

 PRESS RELEASE GWOZA BOMBINGS: IGP CONDEMNS BOMBING, DEPLOYS ADDITIONAL EOD OFFICERS, TECHNICAL GADGETS TO SWEEP AREA, PREVENT REPEATED ATTACKS The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has strongly condemned the recent suicide bombings in Gwoza, Borno State, a series of tragic incidents which have claimed innocent lives and caused injury to many. The IGP also extends heartfelt condolences to the government and good people of Borno State, particularly the families and loved ones of those affected.  In swift response to these atrocities, the IGP has deployed additional personnel and resources to Borno State to bolster security, prevent further attacks, and reassure residents of our obligation to their total safety and security. The NPF Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit in collaboration with the Nigerian Army EOD Unit, is actively engaging in clearance operations to ensure that no further threats infiltrate any part of Borno State or its neig...

 Taylor Swift's stage malfunction leaves singer stuck on platform during Dublin 'Eras Tour' show Taylor Swift knows how to handle anything thrown her way during the singer-songwriter's "Eras Tour." During Saturday's concert at Dublin's Aviva Stadium, Swift got stuck on a stage platform. However, the "Tortured Poets Department" singer didn't miss a beat as a backup dancer helped her down. Swift had been atop a portion of the stage that lifts during her performance of "Fortnight." The platform didn't lower after the song, leaving the pop star with no way down as "The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived" began. Backup dancer Jan Ravnik, who Swift performs the "Fortnight" choreography with, saved the day by letting Swift jump into his arms, according to video shared online. The musician giggled as she touched down safely on the ground and continued right on into her next song. Swift's Dublin tour stops were fille...

 Indiana teen murdered college administrator mom after she served him eviction notice: court docs An administrator at Loyal University in Chicago was strangled by her 19-year-old son after serving him an eviction notice, court documents show.  Conner Kobold is approaching trial this summer for killing his Indiana mother, Shanelle Burns, after she filed an eviction notice against her then-19-year-old son on Feb. 5 of this year, according to online court records.  To avoid eviction, Kobold had to clean his room, help his mother clean the common areas of their home and find a job within 30 days, the Post-Tribune reported.  That same day, police in Valparaiso, Indiana, responded to the home the mother and son shared after Kobold called 911 five times, according to court documents reviewed by Fox News Digital.  When police arrived at the home on Diamond Boulevard, Kobold asked the responding officer to put him in handcuffs and put him in the back of their squad car, ...

 Elon Musk rips into Kamala Harris for 'lying' about Trump's abortion position X owner Elon Musk ripped Vice President Kamala Harris for "lying" on Monday about former President Trump’s position on a national abortion ban.  Harris declared in a post on Musk's site that "Donald Trump would ban abortion nationwide." She added, "President @JoeBiden and I will do everything in our power to stop him and restore women's reproductive freedom." The post was hit with a rejoinder from Community Notes, the platform’s way for readers to offer context to messages viewed as false or lacking context. In this case, users posted information from CNN, BBC, The Associated Press, The New York Times, and Trump’s own Truth Social account that went against Harris’ claim. Trump has said abortion limits should be left to the states, and he recently posted a video on Truth Social detailing his position.  "My view is now that we have abortion where everybody...

 Protest against compulsory military service for ultra-Orthodox Israelis turns violent in Jerusalem Thousands of Jewish ultra-Orthodox men clashed with Israeli police in central Jerusalem on Sunday during a protest against a Supreme Court order for them to begin enlisting for military service. The landmark decision last week ordering the government to begin drafting ultra-Orthodox men could lead to the collapse of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing coalition as Israel wages war in Gaza. Tens of thousands of men rallied in an ultra-Orthodox neighborhood to protest the order. But after nightfall, the crowd made its way toward central Jerusalem and turned violent. Israeli police said protesters threw rocks and attacked the car of an ultra-Orthodox Cabinet minister, pelting it with stones. Water cannons filled with skunk-scented water and police mounted on horses were used to disperse the crowd. But the demonstration was still not under control late Sunday. Military service ...

 Tennis star Aryna Sabalenka withdraws from Wimbledon Aryna Sabalenka pulled out of Wimbledon because of a shoulder injury as the tournament started on Monday, overshadowing early results as everyone waited to find out whether Andy Murray would deem himself fit enough to compete. Sabalenka, the two-time Australian Open champion, said she was "heartbroken" to announce her withdrawal after it became clear in a practice session that she wasn't ready. The No. 3 seed was seen as top contender at the All England Club, which has seen seven different women win the title in the last seven years. No. 9-seeded Maria Sakkari was among the early winners, and said after beating McCartney Kessler 6-3, 6-1 that the women's draw is wide open. "We could name like 20, 25 girls that could win the tournament right now," Sakkari said. No. 7-seeded Jasmine Paolini, the French Open runner-up last month, got past the first round at Wimbledon on her fourth try. The Italian beat Sara ...

 LAGOS DSVA HOLDS "MEN WEY SABI" AT IPAJA COMMUNITY Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has reiterated its efforts to curb Gender-Based Violence through strategic and behavioural mindset programmes, sensitising and training all relevant stakeholders in the community of Ipaja. The Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs.Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi disclosed during the Agency's awareness programme tagged: "Man Wey Sabi" held recently at Ipaja community, Ipaja, adding that the initiative was designed to address Gender stereotypes in Lagos. Mrs.Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, who was represented by the Head, Community Engagement Unit, Mr. Damilare Adewusi added that the awareness programme was the 7th in the series of "Men wey sabi", declaring that so far, about an estimated one million have been reached through this initiative. She also revealed that over 4000 fliers were distributed at each of these events to further propagate the message, adding that t...

 Alleged Money Laundering: Witness Reveals How N35bn Was Found in Mompha’s Accounts   The sixth prosecution witness, PW6, Idi Musa,  in the trial of Ismaila Mustapha, (a.k.a Mompha)  an investigator with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, July 1, 2024, told Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos how the sum of N35bn was found in two bank accounts linked to the defendant.    The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had, on January 12, 2022, arraigned Mompha alongside his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited, on an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy to launder funds obtained through unlawful activity, retention of proceeds of criminal conduct, laundering of funds obtained through unlawful activity, failure to disclose assets and property, possession of documents containing false pretences and use of property derived from unlawful act.   On...

 120 Goats Killed As Another Truck Tumbles On Kano Bridge No fewer than 120 goats have reportedly died after a truck load of goats, human beings and some goods tumbled on Zaria road flyover. This is coming barely 48 hours after a truck loaded with cows being conveyed to Enugu from Wudil somersaulted on Maiduguri road flyover in Kano. According to the Public Relations Officer of the State Fire Service, Saminu Yusif Abudullahi, an emergency call was received from SP Muhd Auwal Abubakar, the DPO of Kwalli Police Division at about 03:30am on Monday. He said firemen from the central, Kantin Kwari and Danladi Nasidi fire stations were deployed to the scene of the accident at 03:42am. He said, “A long truck trailer open body with registration number KMC 311 QZ conveyed 90 people, 199 goats and 5 Bajaj motorcycles. The truck fell down on the flyover of Zaria road. “The officer-in-charge of the operation informed the control room. Twenty-five people were rescued unconscious and 49 people ma...

 Southern Senators forum condemn Borno Blast The Nigerian Southern Senators Forum has strongly condemned the heinous suicide bombing attacks that took place in Tashan Mararaba, Gwoza town, Borno State on Saturday 22nd June, 2024 bomb. Recall that the unfortunate incident claimed the lives of at least 18 persons and injured numerous others. The Senators Forum at the end of it's meeting in Abuja, Monday, expressed deep shock and sadness at the barbaric attack, expressing condolences and prayers with the victims, their families, and the entire community affected by this senseless act of violence.  According to a communique issued and signed at the end of the meeting by  Chairman, Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, the forum maintained that the heinous acts of terrorism are a stark reminder of the persistent security challenges facing the nation adding that, the despicable act once again highlights the urgent need for a collective, collaborative and robust response to terrorism in our...

 Woman attacked in shocking Pride parade beating caught on video As New York City's Pride month came to an end Sunday evening, violence broke out at Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village, video shows. "A total of 15 individuals were taken into custody for various charges including assault, disorderly conduct and obstructing governmental administration," the NYPD told Fox News Digital. The disorder stretched on for hours, according to a series of videos posted online. A young woman in pink was yanked from behind by the hair over a concrete barrier at the edge of the park's massive fountain.  A moment later, someone punched the woman standing next to her in the face, sending her tumbling down as well. Video shows both women punched in the face repeatedly, and thrown across the ground by their assailants before they escaped into the crowd. Another clip showed two men trading punches before one was thrown to the ground and another man ran in and kicked him in the fa...

 Wike Fires Back at Senator Ireti Kingibe: “I challenge you, if you’re popular in 2027, come and run under Abuja In a heated exchange, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has responded sharply to comments made by Senator Ireti Kingibe of the Labour Party. Wike’s remarks were direct and provocative, challenging Kingibe’s popularity and political prospects. “If you’re angry, go and hang yourselves on a transformer!,” Wike declared. “I challenge you, if you’re popular in 2027, come and run under Abuja, we’ll fail you.” The minister’s comments were in response to criticism from Senator Kingibe, reflecting ongoing political tensions. Wike’s statement has sparked a flurry of reactions from political observers and the general public, highlighting the fierce rivalry and contentious atmosphere in Abuja’s political landscape. Senator Ireti Kingibe has yet to respond to Wike’s challenge. As the political climate heats up ahead of the 2027 elections, such exchange...

 Simone Biles returns to US women's gymnastics team for Paris Olympics: 'definitely our redemption tour' They all had a reason to come back. Every single one of them. Simone Biles to move past those wrenching two weeks in Japan three years ago, when the gymnastics superstar prioritized her mental health and safety over glory, a decision that inspired some and maddened others. Suni Lee to prove — perhaps to herself most of all — that the all-around gold medal she earned while Biles watched from the stands wasn't a fluke. Jordan Chiles to turn the team silver she helped secure at the 2020 Games into gold. Jade Carey to be an official member of the five-woman Olympic squad after earning her way to Tokyo as an individual qualifier, a pathway not available to the U.S. this time around and frankly, one she had no interest in exploring again anyway. They're all stepping back into the unique spotlight — oh, and 16-year-old newcomer Hezly Rivera, too — only the sport's b...

 Biden family blame staff for debate performance as he lays low again at Camp David: reports President Biden's family blamed staff for his rocky debate performance, as the commander in chief is laying low again at Camp David on Monday, according to reports.  The president and first lady Jill Biden aren't scheduled to return to the White House until Monday night. On Sunday, Biden's wife, children and grandchildren used a gathering at Camp David to urge him to stay in the race and keep fighting despite his debate performance, and some family members criticized how his staff prepared him for the faceoff, The Associated Press reported, citing four people familiar with the discussions. Politico also reported that Biden's family members cast blame widely on Biden staffers, complaining that they did not adequately prepare the president to go on the attack more, to focus more on laying out his vision for the next four years rather than getting bogged down in defending his recor...

 Ramaphosa announces new government South Africa’s president late on Sunday announced the formation of a new cabinet over a month after elections. Among the 32 ministerial posts, 20 where allotted to the ANC, Another six will be filled by the Democratic Alliance (DA) party, with the remainder split among a crowd of smaller coalition parties. Ramasopha was forced into the unprecedented power-sharing arrangement with DA and others after his party, a dominant force in South African politics since the end of the apartheid era, lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since 1994 in elections on May 29. In the new cabinet, ANC gets too keep key ministries like defence, finance and foreign affairs. While DA portfolios include home affairs and public works, with the party leader John Steenhuisen incharge of  agriculture ministry. One deputy ministerial post was given to the  Muslim Al Jama-ah party, due to their continuous support of Palestinians over Israel, despite op...

 TEXT OF A PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF CUSTOMS, BASHIR ADEWALE ADENIYI MFR, AT THE NIGERIA CUSTOMS SERVICE PORT HARCOURT AREA II COMMAND, ONNE ON 1 JULY  2024   Gentlemen of the Press, 1. Good day and welcome to this important press conference at the Nigeria Customs Service Port Harcourt Area II Command, Onne. Today, we gather to inform you about the recent significant developments in our operations to secure our nation's borders and ensure public safety.   2. Gentlemen of the Press, you may recall that at a press briefing of this nature held recently at the Tin Can Island Port Lagos, I had disclosed attempts by criminal elements seeking to exploit our trade facilitation friendly posture to compromise our processes and procedures. With our robust Risk Management System, we have always remained a step ahead of their moves. When these attempts revolve around revenue generation, our automated audit systems at different level enable us to trace, track ...

 TROOPS INTERCEPT TERRORISTS IN MULTIPLE OPERATIONS, CAPTURE  WEAPONS, AMMUNITION CACHE IN IMO, KWARA STATES In a series of meticulously executed operations, troops of the Nigerian Army deployed for counter terrorism operations in Imo State have made substantial progress in the ongoing battle against terrorism and insurgency. The troops in collaboration with other security forces conducted successful raids on multiple hideouts of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), leading to the arrest of key terrorists'  kingpins and the seizure of a significant cache of weapons and ammunition. One of the raid operations was conducted in Orlu Local Government Area (LGA), targeting notorious kingpins, namely Izuchukwu Emejuru, aka "Kingkong," and Chibuzor Chikwe, alias "Onyema." The raid resulted in the arrest of these suspects and the confiscation of a variety of weapons, including a Semi automatic pump-action gun, a l...

 Northerners In Tinubu’s Govt Have Been Reduced To Cheerleaders – Salihu Lukman A former National Vice Chairman, North-west of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Salihu Lukman, has berated Northern politicians in the President Bola Tinubu-led administration. Lukman, who recently resigned from APC, said politicians from the north have been reduced to members of a “choir group poorly singing ‘on your mandate we stand’ irrespective of the shaky and staggering reality being demonstrated by the mandate holder.” He said the opportunity for Northern political leaders to redeem themselves and return the North back to rational order with committed leaders capable of responding to the challenges of the region was blown away during the tenure of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari. In a statement he personally signed, titled, ‘Explosive North: Open Letter to Northern Politicians’, he said political leaders in the country must be cautioned that things were about to get out of hand any moment from ...

  NAF AIRCRAFT INTERCEPTS FLEEING OIL THIEVES IN SPEEDBOAT, DESTROYS ILLEGAL OIL REFINING SITES AT WILCOURT IN RIVERS STATE, ELIMINATE TERRORISTS IN MUNYA LGA NIGER STATE As the activities of oil thieves and economic saboteurs become sophisticated, so also have the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and other security agencies re-strategized in order to checkmate their activities and be ahead of their game.  In most cases, oil thieves in the Niger Delta region have continued to find new ways of concealing their overhead tanks used in storing stolen crude oil products from busted pipelines just as they have continued to infuse the use of fast speed boats to convey their stolen goods. Unfortunately for these criminals, the NAF and other security agencies have also up their game with modern technology and hardware that enables them to detect and deter the activities of these enemies of the State.   In Wilcourt, a riverine settlement within the creeks of Niger Delta region becomin...