PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

  Kano Dissolves All 44 Local Government Chairmen In a surprising turn of events, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has announced the immediate dissolution of the caretaker chairmen of all 44 local government areas. This decision, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), was confirmed in a statement released by the Governor's spokesperson, Sanusi Bature. The statement did not provide specific reasons for the sudden move but emphasized that the dissolution was effective immediately. This development follows a recent extension approved by the state House of Assembly, which granted the caretaker chairmen an additional two months in office. The extension had been put in place to allow the state government more time to organize new elections. Governor Yusuf’s decision to dissolve the chairmen despite this extension has raised questions among political observers and stakeholders about the timing and implications of the move. Sanusi Bature’s statement highlighted that the dissolution

 You are still the one and I love you till death” – Annie Idibia tells husband, 2baba as he marks birthday It is the birthday of legendary singer Innocent Idibia, better known as 2baba or 2face, and his wife, Annie Idibia, has poured out her heart to him. Taking to her Instagram page to share some throwback photos of them over the years, she promised to love him till death as she boldly declared that he is still the one. The mother of two told him he got it all as she wished him pure happiness. “LYTID StillTheOne You got it ALL, baby, I wish you Pure Happiness. Birthday blessings @official2baba”. Last week, Annie Idibia reflected on their beautiful memories as she shared photos of them over the years. Annie stated that regardless of the scandals and cheating, she still loves her husband and would love him till death. This wasn’t the first time, she was reflecting on their marriage as last year, Annie reflected on her highly publicized marital drama in 2021, where she accused his second

 Federal College of Education Zaria Upgraded To University, Appoints Acting Vice-Chancellor The Federal Ministry of Education has officially announced the transformation of the Federal College of Education (FCE) Zaria into the Federal University of Education, Zaria.  In a statement released on Tuesday by Sani Lawal-Makarfi, Special Assistant to the newly appointed Acting Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Suleiman Balarabe, it was revealed that the upgrade was followed by Dr. Balarabe’s appointment as the institution's Acting Vice-Chancellor. The appointment was formalized through a letter signed by Dr. Nasiru Sani-Gwarzo, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education. Dr. Sani-Gwarzo extended his congratulations to Dr. Balarabe, urging him to build upon the institution's foundation of excellence. Dr. Balarabe's administrative career began as the Head of the English Language Department. Over the years, he rose through various positions, serving as Dean of the School of Languag

 Gov Uba Sani Orders Immediate Aid For Victims Of Tragic Saminaka Road Accident Following a devastating accident in Saminaka, Lere Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Governor Senator Uba Sani has directed the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA) to provide relief materials to the affected families. The tragic incident claimed 42 lives and left 48 others injured, who are currently receiving medical care. The fatal motor accident occurred along Saminaka Road in Lere Local Government Area last Sunday. The victims were en route to an Eid-el Maulud celebration when the J5 bus they were traveling in lost control and collided with an articulated vehicle due to speeding and overloading. Governor Sani extended his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and all those affected. More photos below.

 Abiodun Calls For New Forward Operation Base in Ogun East  Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has called for the establishment of a military Forward Operation Base in the eastern part of the state to help curb criminal activities in that area. Governor Abiodun made the call on Wednesday when he received the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Farooq Mijinyawa, who paid him a courtesy call in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. Abiodun noted that the high volume of commercial activities in the eastern part of the state, also comes with criminal activities, hence the need to beef up security in the region. The governor said a military presence is needed in the area to keep at bay criminals who migrate from neighbouring states to Ogun to cause havoc. He said: "I think one of the things you can do to help us sustain the peace that we have been enjoying in Ogun State is to think of putting some base, maybe some form of Forward Operation Base

  New footage of Titan submersible wreck released as public hearing resumes Remarkable new footage shows more wreckage from the doomed Titan Submersible wreck, as a hearing resumed Thursday into the deadly deep-sea mission. A nearly two-minute clip shows various pieces of the sunken, makeshift vessel scattered across the sea bed some 2.5 miles below the surface, including pieces from the rear dome as well as remnants of the hull. It was released late Wednesday, hours before the hearing into the doomed Titanic mission, which ended with the submersible imploding, killing all five onboard in June 2023, restarted Thursday. “We’re releasing more footage of the Titan salvage ahead of technical testimony and exhibits,” the Coast Guard wrote alongside the newest footage. “Transparency remains our priority as we provide context and information to the public.” The eerie new footage comes two days after the release of the first clip showing the sunken vessel up close, which officials said was &qu

  Kanye West’s Concert In China Ye — formerly known as Kanye West -made his return to China for his first performance in 16 years on Sunday (Sept. 15)  A young Kanye West once lived in China. He spent his 5th grade there due to his mother being a professor at Nanjing University It was a family affair in Haikou, China for his concert. West brought his wife Bianca Censori, all four of his children and his ex Kim Kardashian with him for the show. North, Saint, Chicago and Psalm even hit the Wuyuan River Sports Stadium stage with their dad for a performance of his fan-favorite shelved Vultures track “Everybody.” Video Source:@Bianca CensoriTok on TikTok Watch video below. 

 Turkish doctors successfully separate 8-month-old conjoined twins from Pakistan in marathon 14-hour surgery A London surgeon has expressed his overwhelming joy after successfully separating one-year-old conjoined twin girls in a challenging 14-hour operation. Professor Noor ul Owase Jeelani, a consultant paediatric neurosurgeon at Great Ormond Street Hospital, completed the intricate procedure in Turkey, as reported by Evening Standard on Wednesday. The conjoined twins, Minal and Mirha, born in Pakistan and joined at the head as craniopagus twins, are now recovering and expected to make full recoveries. They shared vital blood vessels and brain tissue, requiring extremely delicate surgery. Jeelani, who led the operation through his charity, Gemini Untwined, described the moment as “a really wonderful feeling” as the twins’ parents watched their daughters start a new chapter in life. He said, “It was so rewarding to see two healthy children and the joy on their parents’ faces,” Jeelani

 Diddy’s Longtime Publicist Reportedly Quits Amid His Sex Trafficking & Racketeering Charges Nathalie Moar, the PR powerhouse behind Sean Diddy Combs’ image for over two decades, has abruptly resigned following his arrest in connection with a federal sex trafficking case. Moar served as the head of communications for the disgraced rapper, but her contact information was recently disconnected, signaling her departure. A source confirmed, "Nathalie is gone. She is 100 percent gone. She had to quit; there was no other choice in this situation." With Diddy at the center of controversy, it appears she may be facing legal scrutiny herself, as she could be deposed in relation to the ongoing investigation. The source speculated that her cell phone may have been confiscated, raising questions about the information that could be uncovered. Reports state that as of Wednesday, (September 17th), Nathalie Moar's phone was (allegedly) disconnected and her email is showing "no l

 EFCC Arrests 10 Suspected Internet Fraudster in Abuja The operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 arrested 10 suspected internet fraudsters in Abuja. The suspects were arrested in a pre-dawn operation at the River Park Estate in Lugbe area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Items recovered from them include a Range Rover, two Lexus cars, a Toyota Camry, laptop computers and iPhones. They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.  More photos below. 

 EFCC Arraigns Five for N25m Fraud in Maiduguri The Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  on Thursday, September 19,  2024, arraigned Hamza Dauda Umar, Abdulrahman Goni, and Abdulmutalib Abdullahi before Justice Muhammad Maina of the Borno State High Court, sitting in Maiduguri, for fraud.   The trio were docked on a twelve-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence, criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, using forged documents as genuine, false information and forgery to the tune of N3,300,000.00( Three Million,  Three Hundred Thousand Naira only)   Count five of the charge reads: “That you, Hamza Dauda Umar, Abdulrahman Goni, and Abdulmutalib Abdullahi and Bashir Dawud (now at large) on or about December, 2023 in Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did agree amongst yourselves to do an illegal act, to wit: mischief and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section

 Group Defend Sports Minister Enoh Over N150 Million Car Controversy Report  The Civil Society Network for Good Governance has rejected claims that Senator John Owan Enoh, Minister of Sports Development, recently acquired a N150 million luxury vehicle. The group, led by Barrister Adefila Kamal, issued a statement clarifying that the purchase of vehicles was included in the ministry’s 2024 budget, and the minister was not personally involved in the procurement process. Kamal explained that the vehicles were necessary for the ministry’s operations, addressing long-standing logistical challenges. “Officials have been relying on personal or malfunctioning vehicles, which hinders the smooth running of the ministry’s activities,” Kamal noted, stressing that these were practical, not extravagant, purchases. The group also refuted any alleged ties between the Ministry of Sports Development and the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), emphasizing that the NFF operates as an independent entity, w

 ‘No more stopping to check papers’, police reveal NPF E-CMR benefits The Nigeria Police Force has highlighted the potential benefits of the Electronic Central Motor Registry innovation aimed at revolutionising how vehicle information is verified and handled on the road. The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, shared the development through a series of social media posts on Thursday, highlighting the ease and efficiency of the “e-policing” innovation. Adejobi said under the leadership of Inspector-General Olukayode Egbetokun, the Electronic Central Motor Registry system has been launched to make roads safer and the policing process smoother. The FPRO said this new system allows vehicle owners to register their vehicles digitally and provides a quick response for emergencies. “If your vehicle is registered with the NPF E-CMR and gets stolen, you can instantly flag it as stolen through your online profile,” the statement read. He said the system then alerts all field offic

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE WE’RE BUILDING A STRONG FINANCIAL SYSTEM, BUSINESS-FRIENDLY ECONOMY, PRESIDENT TINUBU SAYS AS COCA-COLA ANNOUNCES $1BILLION INVESTMENT IN NIGERIA   President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating a robust financial system and a business-friendly economy that will attract more foreign direct investments.    The President made the commitment on Thursday in Abuja, as the Coca-Cola Company announced plans to invest $1 billion in Nigeria over the next five years.    The announcement was made at a meeting between the President and the global leadership team of Coca-Cola Company, led by Mr John Murphy, its president and chief financial officer, and the Chairman of Nigerian Bottling Company, Ambassador Segun Apata.    President Tinubu commended Coca-Cola for its long-standing partnership with Nigeria and for promoting investment opportunities that have employed over 3000 people across nine production facilities.    ''We are bu

  Jega submits report on livestock reforms to Tinubu Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof Attahiru Jega on Thursday, submitted a report recommending ways to transform the livestock sector in Nigeria to President Bola Tinubu. Jega was appointed the co-chairman of the presidential committee on the implementation of livestock reforms by the Tinubu-led administration in July this year. More details later…

 You caused Labour Party’s crisis – Chieftain, Olorunfemi, slams INEC The Deputy National Chairman of the Labour Party, LP, Ayo Olorunfemi, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, of instigating a crisis in the party in the wake of its leadership tussle. Olorunfemi said this on Thursday. He said it was not the duty of INEC to conduct elections for political parties if the tenure of their National Working Committee, NWC, expires. According to him, the electoral umpire ignored the Labour Party when the party sent a letter inviting them to its national convention. His comment came after INEC accused the party of not following the Electoral Act for its national convention held in Nnewi, Anambra State in March 2024. This is coming after the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, earlier clarified that the constitution of the party, and not an individual removed Julius Abure as the national chairman. Olorunfemi further expressed the measures

 POLICE COMMENCE INVESTIGATION INTO VIDEO OF POLICE OFFICER IN ALTERCATION WITH ELDERLY WOMAN The Lagos State Police Command has commenced investigation into circumstances leading to the altercation captured on video between a police officer and an elderly woman. Preliminary investigation reveals that the incident took place in Alagbado area of Lagos State in the first week of September, 2024.  The Police Inspector and his supervising DSP have been brought in for questioning while the Complaint Response Unit has established contact with the woman in the video.  The Lagos State Police Command totally condemns the unprofessional conduct of the Inspector as it does not represent the ethics and operational standards of the Nigeria Police Force. The Command equally assures Lagosians that the investigation.  will be swift, thorough and conclusive, while ensuring that the officers are disciplined as appropriate and members of the public are updated accordingly.  SP BENJAMIN HUNDEYIN, anipr, m

 STATE HOUSE PRESS STATEMENT VICE PRESIDENT SHETTIMA TO LEAD  NIGERIA'S DELEGATION TO 79th UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY   President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly session in New York this year.    The President has thus directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria's delegation.    President Tinubu, who returned to the country last Sunday after his trip to China and the United Kingdom, wants to focus on domestic issues and address some of the country's challenges, especially after the recent devastating flooding.   At UNGA 79, Vice President Shettima will deliver Nigeria's national statement to the General Assembly, attend important sideline events, and hold bilateral meetings.   The high-level General Debate, with the theme "Leaving no one behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations," will run from Tuesday, September 24, th

 Gabon's Ali Bongo Announces Permanent Exit from Politics, Pleads for Family's Release Former Gabonese president Ali Bongo Ondimba, ousted in a military coup last year, has declared his retirement from political life and appealed for leniency towards his imprisoned wife and son, who he claims are enduring violence and torture. Bongo, who ruled the oil-rich Central African nation for 14 years before being deposed in August last year, was removed from office by military leaders just after being declared the victor of a controversial presidential election. His family had governed Gabon for 55 years. Since his ousting, the 65-year-old has resided at his private estate in Libreville, the nation’s capital. According to the government, Bongo is free to leave the country, but he remains under strict surveillance. In a statement shared with the media late Wednesday, Bongo said, “I would like to reaffirm my withdrawal from political life and the definitive renunciation of any national am

 Israel bombs Lebanon after radio blasts, says it thwarts assassination plot Israel bombed southern Lebanon on Thursday and said it had thwarted an Iran-backed assassination plot, a day after explosions of Hezbollah radios that came on the heels of blasts in booby trapped pagers, setting the foes hurtling towards war. The sophisticated attacks on communications equipment used by Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah have sown disarray in Lebanon, and are increasingly viewed as heralding a return to all-out war, last fought 18 years ago. Hand-held radios used by Hezbollah detonated on Wednesday across Lebanon's south in the country's deadliest day since cross-border fighting erupted between the militants and Israel in parallel with the Gaza war nearly a year ago. The previous day, hundreds of pagers - used by Hezbollah to evade mobile phone surveillance - exploded at once, killing 12 people including two children, and injuring nearly 3,000. Israel has not commented directly on the a

 FG To Nigerians: Lagdo Dam Water Has Been Released, Relocate From Floodplains The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), on Thursday, said water from the Lagdo Dam in neighbouring francophone country, Cameroon, has been released into River Niger and River Benue in Nigeria’s North Central. The Agency warned Nigerians resident in floodplains to relocate immediately to safe spaces in anticipation of attendant floods that annually come with the release of water from the Lagdo Dam. NIHSA Director-General, Umar Mohammed, issued this warning on Thursday. Mohammed said his Agency met with the authorities in Cameroon and agreed that water from the Lagdo Dam be released “intermittently” for the River Benue and River Niger in Nigeria to be able to contain the volume of water to avoid flooding in 11 states at risk. “The situation is that water from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam has been released already since yesterday (Wednesday) and there is an agreement that the w

 Haiti sets up council to prepare for first elections since 2016 Haiti’s government has set up a provisional electoral council to prepare the troubled Caribbean country for its first general elections since 2016. The electoral council represents groups including farmers, journalists, human rights activists and the Vodou community and is tasked with setting up a legal framework for elections and organising the poll, which is due to be held by 2026. The newly created council has seven members, according to the prime minister’s office, Al Jazeera reported. Two other seats, one for human rights groups and another for women’s rights organisations, still lack a delegate, the office added. Smith Augustin, a member of the country’s transitional presidential council, told The Associated Press news agency that the remaining members would probably be announced in the coming days. By law, the council must have nine members. Haiti’s shaky political situation has been exacerbated by a power that eme

 Minimum wage: You risk jail term, FG warns employers paying below N70,000 The Federal Government has warned private-sector employers paying below the new N70,000 minimum wage to desist from the act. Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, gave the warning, on Wednesday, in Lagos, while speaking at the 13th Annual General Meeting of the Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria. Abubakar, represented by John Nyamali, Director of Employment and Wages of the ministry, said minimum wage is now a law. He said: “The minimum wage is now a law, and as a result, it is a punishable crime for any employer to pay less than N70,000 to any of its workers. “The private employment agencies should make it compulsory in any contract they take from their principal that their workers should not earn less than the minimum wage. The least paid worker in Nigeria should earn N70,000, and I think that should be after all deductions. “The

 I Need A Husband; Please Help My Life - Lady A social media user, Duchess Osayimwense, has taken to a popular social media platform to express her desire to find a husband. In a recent post online, Osayimwense pleaded for assistance in finding a suitable partner, stating, "I need a husband please help my life🙏🏽." The post has since garnered attention online, sparking discussions among netizens. While some users offered words of encouragement and support, some others have been trolling her but she’s seems not to care.

 Court Sets Judgment Date for Ganduje's Removal as APC Chairman Amid Zoning Controversy A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled September 23, 2024, as the date for the judgment on a case seeking the removal of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje from his position as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The suit was filed by the North Central APC Forum, which argued that Ganduje’s appointment violates the APC constitution, as he is not from the North Central zone. The plaintiffs, led by Saleh Zazzaga, sought to bar Ganduje from continuing in his role, citing Article 31.5(1)(f) of the APC's constitution. The court had initially set the judgment for September 18, 2024, but the ruling was postponed because it was not ready. The presiding judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, communicated through the court registrar to all parties, informing them of the new date for the verdict. In addition to seeking Ganduje’s removal, the plaintiffs also called on the court to direct the Independ

  EU Commission's €1.49 Billion Fine on Google Rejected by Court Over Flawed Analysis An EU court has annulled a €1.49 billion fine imposed on Google by the European Commission over alleged abuse of its dominant position in online advertising. The General Court in Luxembourg ruled that the European Commission made errors in its assessment, particularly in failing to consider the full context of the contract clauses it found problematic. This ruling marks a significant win for Google as the tech giant has faced numerous antitrust cases in the EU over the past several years. The fine, originally imposed in 2019, was part of a broader crackdown on big tech companies in Europe. It specifically targeted Google's AdSense service, which the EU had accused of limiting competition by restricting third-party websites from displaying ads from Google's competitors. Google, however, argued that it had already made changes to its ad services prior to the Commission's decision, and th

 Sanwo-Olu congratulates his deputy, Obafemi Hazmat at 60  -Says DG is a trusted, committed partner Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, on his Diamond birthday, describing him as "a trusted, committed and dedicated partner." He said Dr. Obafemi Hazmat, who clocks 60 today, Thursday, is a brother, friend and partner in the Greater Lagos agenda. The Governor noted that the cordial relationship between him and his deputy has led to good governance and the delivery of dividends of democracy to millions of Lagosians State in the last five years.  Dr. Hazmat, a former Lagos State Commissioner for Science and Technology, as well as Commissioner for Works during former Governors Bola Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola administrations, clocks 60 today, Thursday, September 19.  Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a congratulatory message issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, on Wednesday, praised Dr. Hamzat f