PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 IPI Confab: Press Freedom Remains Strong in Nigeria, Information Minister Declares The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reaffirmed that despite occasional challenges, the press remains largely free in Nigeria, especially under President Tinubu, a staunch advocate for press freedom and the protection of Nigeria’s civic space. The Minister stated this in Abuja on Wednesday at the 2024 Annual Conference of the International Press Institute with the theme “Democracy, Media Freedom and the Imperative of Protecting the Nigerian Civic Space”.  “Now I am not saying that there have not been challenges and threats here and there, but on the whole, Nigeria has enjoyed an openness and freedom that has seen the welcome proliferation of press organizations across print, broadcast, and digital media.  “Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in May of 2023, and since I assumed office as Minister of Information and National Orientation in Au...

 FIFA confirms Morocco, Spain, Portugal World Cup hosting The decision was combined with approving the only candidate to host the 2030 World Cup. Spain, Portugal and Morocco will co-host in a six-nation project, with Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay each getting one of the 104 games.

 Sierra Leonean girl, 11, survives three days at sea An 11-year-old girl from Sierra Leone was rescued overnight after three days at sea as the sole survivor of a shipwreck off Italy's Lampedusa island, a rescue charity said on Wednesday, Reuters reported. Germany's CompassCollective said crew on its vessel were en route to another emergency when they heard shouting from the water and picked up the girl around 3am wearing a life jacket and hanging on to a pair of tyre tubes. She told them she had set off from the Tunisian city of Sfax in a metal boat carrying 45 people that sank in a storm. Charity crew took care of the girl and took her to Lampedusa which is closer to North Africa than the rest of Italy and is often a first landing point for migrants. After medical assistance, the girl was moved to a migrant holding centre where Italian Red Cross staff and volunteers were looking after her, the Red Cross said. "In this festive period, in which the majority of us is lucky ...

 EFCC Commences Investigation of Suspected Oil Thief, Barge and Two Trucks Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  have commenced investigations of a suspected oil thief, two trucks and a barge handed over to the Commission by the  Nigerian Navy,  NNS Delta on Tuesday, December 10, 2024.  Lt. Cdr E.O. Adeola, who represented the Commander NNS Delta at the handing over in Warri stated that Barge Oghenekome, two trucks laden with unspecified quantity of products suspected to be crude oil and one suspect (Samson Uki ) were intercepted by men of NNS Delta at NIWA jetty while discharging products from the barge into the trucks. According to him,  preliminary investigation showed they were operating without a requisite licence.  Receiving the suspect, the barge and two trucks on behalf of the Commission, Usman Abdullahi Nuhu, an Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, said the Commission will carry out further investigation and possi...

 Mozambique Elections: “I will take office as President-elect on January 15” – Opposition leader In Mozambique, the presidential candidate supported by the Podemos party, Venâncio Mondlane, has promised more protests against the results of the October 9 general elections and stated that he would take office as “President-elect” on January 15, 2025 without clarifying how he would achieve this goal. “On the 15th of January 2025, I will be sworn in as the elected President of Mozambique,” he announced in a live broadcast on his Facebook page, a channel he has been using to communicate with the country. The presidential candidate also guaranteed that the ongoing demonstrations in the country would continue. He announced a series of measures lasting until January 15, 2025, namely, free movement through tolls throughout the country and the suspension of tax payments, according to Club of Mozambique. Next phase announced on December 16 “Today (Wednesday), we will finish our fourth phase, ...

 More than 40 killed in DRC attacks in one week More than 40 people have been killed over the last week in a flare-up of violence between two feuding communities in western Democratic Republic of Congo, the Congolese army and local authorities said, Reuters reported. The bloodshed is among the most significant for the Teke and Yaka groups since the brokering of an April peace agreement that was meant to ease tensions over a land tax dispute that has killed hundreds and displaced thousands since 2022. On Friday, the army was ambushed in Kwango province by a Yaka militia called Mobondo, leading to the deaths of 21 militiamen and two soldiers, an army spokesperson, Antony Mualushayi, said. The fighting triggered a wave of communal violence in the broader area that included the burning of 12 civilians to death in a village, mostly women and children, Mualushayi said in a separate statement on Tuesday. "They locked the victims up in a house and then set it on fire," Guy Mosomo, a ...

 NANS, NORTHERN COALITION DEMAND END TO GOV. ALIA, AKUME'S FEUD 11th December The leadership of the North Central Coordinate of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and Coalition of North Central Student Leaders, on Wednesday, demanded an end to the “unnecessary” feud between Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, and Sen. George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). The students made the call at a news conference in Abuja, expressing concerns about the festering feud between the duo, they consider are in key positions to collaborate not only to ensure dividends of democracy get to the good people of Benue state but also unite in efforts to transform the state. The text of the news conference was jointly signed by Comrade Gundu Mimidoo Joy, Public Relations Officer, NANS, Headquarters, Comrade Friday Egga, Coordinator, NANS Zone C (North Central) and Comrade Muhammad Usman, National President, National Association of North Central Indigenous St...

 NSCDC Arrests Eight Suspected Vandals in Abuja The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has arrested eight individuals suspected of vandalizing public infrastructure across various areas in Abuja. The arrests are part of an ongoing operation aimed at addressing vandalism in the FCT. NSCDC Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, revealed on Wednesday that the suspects were apprehended through a coordinated effort by the NSCDC’s covert operatives and the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Tactical Team, who have been monitoring the city. The first group of four suspects was arrested early Saturday at Idu Layout CITEC, found in possession of stolen solar panel poles. The suspects, identified as Sani Garba, Umar Aminu, Adekunle Oluwatoyin Eniola, and Emmanuel John, come from Kano, Osun, and Enugu states, respectively. The second group of four suspects was arrested Sunday morning along the Bannex-Gishiri axis while attempting to trans...

 FA set to back Saudi Arabia's 2034 World Cup bid The Football Association is expected to support Saudi Arabia's bid to host the 2034 World Cup and a multi-nation hosting of the 2030 World Cup. The FA has not officially declared its position but BBC Sport has learned the governing body for English football will back both bids at Wednesday afternoon's online Fifa Congress where the tournament hosts will be officially confirmed. The FA is expected to issue a statement after the Congress explaining its stance. Some senior FA officials are known to have been wary of accusations of hypocrisy if it were not to support Saudi Arabia but then wants England to participate. Saudi Arabia is the sole bidder for the 2034 event, while the 2030 World Cup is set to be awarded to unopposed co-hosts Spain, Morocco and Portugal, with early matches also being played in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay. While Saudi Arabia's hosting appears to be a formality, the FA's support of the nation...

 Kano Emir to Personally Escort New District Head to Bichi Despite Security Concerns Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, has reaffirmed his commitment to personally escort the newly appointed District Head of Bichi, Munir Sanusi Bayero, to his domain, despite threats from security forces. Speaking during a solidarity visit by a delegation of traditional and religious leaders, led by Bichi Local Government Chairman Alhaji Hamza Sule, the Emir assured the people of Bichi that the Emirate Council would ensure the peaceful transfer of their District Head.  Sanusi revealed that a new date would be set for the District Head’s journey to Bichi after an earlier attempt was blocked by security personnel. Despite the disruption, Sanusi emphasized that peace and prayer would guide them through the situation. Sule, in his remarks, reiterated the full support of the people of Bichi for the Emir, underscoring their loyalty and backing for the Emirship of Muhammadu Sanusi II.

 Adamawa Establishes Committee to Address Inter-LGA Land Disputes The Adamawa State Government has formed a committee to address land disputes and boundary issues between local government areas. Deputy Governor Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, who inaugurated the committee on Wednesday, tasked it with documenting land matters across the councils. The committee, which includes members from security agencies, traditional rulers, and community leaders, was urged to prioritize peaceful resolution of land conflicts. Farauta emphasized the importance of protecting land for future generations and encouraged reporting issues to authorities rather than taking matters into their own hands. The committee's role is seen as crucial in resolving ongoing boundary disputes and fostering cooperation among border communities.

 Bauchi Forum Urges Senate to Reject Tax Reform Bills, Citing Economic Hardship The Bauchi State Togetherness and Development Forum has strongly opposed the proposed Tax Reform Bills in the National Assembly, urging Bauchi senators to push for their immediate withdrawal.  The Forum highlighted the worsening economic conditions, attributing rising hardship to the removal of petroleum subsidies and increased taxes. It called for reduced taxes and government spending on non-essential expenses, criticizing the rushed legislative process and urging senators to reject the bill to alleviate further economic suffering.

 Court Orders Halt to Publication and Sale of Farotimi’s Book, Directs Police and DSS to Seize Copies The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has issued an order barring human rights activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi, from publishing, selling, circulating, advertising, or distributing any copies—whether hard or soft—of his controversial book, 'Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System'. Justice Peter Kekemeke granted the order following an ex-parte application filed by Kehinde Ogunwumiju, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and managing partner at Afe Babalola’s law firm. The court also prohibited any agents, publishers, distributors, or resellers from further circulating the book in any format, including online or via social media. The injunction is temporary, pending the resolution of the motion on notice for an interlocutory injunction filed on December 6, 2024. Additionally, the court authorized the Nigerian Police, State Security Service, Nigeria Security...

 SECURITY: SANWO-OLU TO HOST 18TH TOWN HALL MEETING All is set for the 18th yearly Lagos State Town Hall meeting on security - a major summit for stakeholders in the sector.  Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is the Chief host of the meeting, which will hold at Lagos House Ikeja on the 18th of December, 2024. The theme of the meeting is: “Data & Technology Driven Security: The Way Forward”. Guests are expected to be seated by 12 Noon. On the agenda is the presentation of patrol vehicles and other equipment to security operatives. Besides, LSSTF Executive Secretary Rasaq Balogun will render an account of his stewardship. Other security chiefs will also speak at the meeting.  The Security Trust Fund was established in 2007 to combat violent crimes, especially bank robberies. To the credit of the Trust Fund, there has been no incident of bank robbery in the State in the last five years. Gbenga Omotoso Commissioner for Information and Strategy

 NPFL: Shooting Stars declare two players missing The Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, side, Shooting Stars, have declared two players Absent Without Official Leave, AWOL. The players are Victor Ehibe and Abubakar Adeyemi. Shooting Stars made the declaration in a statement by the club’s media officer, Tosin Omojola. The club, however, warned clubs against having any dealing with the players, as they still have the ownership right over them, based on their existing contract. The statement read, “We wish to inform the public of the sudden disappearance of two of our players, Victor Ehibe and Abubakar Adeyemi. “While Abubakar Adeyemi has not shown up for training for some time, Victor Ehibe recently left the club’s camp, packing all his belongings without any official notice.”

 An 11-year-old Albany, NY girl passes away days after plunging through an icy pond while trying to save a 12-year-old boy. She passed away last night. Sadly both children have perished after a heartbreaking incident at Washington Park Lake in Albany. Police were called to the scene at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Saturday December 7th to the report of 2 children that had fallen through the ice. Once on scene, police were able to extract the 11-year-old girl from the icy waters and rush her to the hospital.  The 12-year-old boy was recovered, unfortunately deceased, from the lake at approximately 7:30 p.m. Police believe that the boy had been trying to walk across the ice when he tragically fell through. After seeing the boy fall through, the young heroic girl risked her own life trying to save him. Unfortunately, she too fell through the ice. Officials in Albany announced Tuesday evening that the brave young girl has passed away.  Both children attended middle school in th...

 EFCC Arrests 23 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Ibadan Operatives of Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested twenty-three (23) suspected internet fraudsters. The internet fraudsters were arrested at Akobo area of Ibadan in Oyo State following credible intelligence linking them with suspected involvement in fraudulent internet activities.  Items recovered from them include eight exotic cars, laptops, phones and a play station game,  among others. The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.  One more photo below. 

 3 DIVISION/OPERATION SAFE HAVEN ON OPERATION GOLDEN PEACE APPREHENDS KIDNAP KINGPINS, AMMUNITION COURIERS, AND RECOVERS AMMUNITION CACHE IN BASSA LGA, PLATEAU STATE As part of ongoing efforts to secure the harvest season and ensure a peaceful yuletide within the Joint Operations Area, troops of 3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN, acting under the directive of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen OO Oluyede NAM, executed a targeted raid on identified criminal hideouts in the Rafiki General Area of Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State. The operation, conducted on December 10, 2024, achieved remarkable success with the arrest of notorious kidnap kingpins and the recovery of a significant ammunition cache. During the operation, security forces apprehended some key suspects. A thorough search of their hideout uncovered 439 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition, cleverly concealed in a 4-liter engine oil container. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects posed as tra...

 OPENING REMARKS BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND NATIONAL ORIENTATION, MOHAMMED IDRIS, FNIPR, AS THE CHAIRMAN AT THE 2024 ANNUAL GENERAL CONGRESS OF THE INTERNATIONAL PRESS INSTITUTE NIGERIA, WITH THE THEME “DEMOCRACY, MEDIA FREEDOM AND THE IMPERATIVE OF PROTECTING NIGERIA’S CIVIC SPACE” HELD AT THE ABUJA CONTINENTAL HOTEL, ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2024. Protocol. It is my honour and privilege to chair the 2024 IPI Nigeria Conference. Let me start by welcoming all of our guests and delegates today, from across the country, to this Annual General Conference and election of new executives. The International Press Institute has built a formidable reputation over the last 74 years as a global platform advancing the rights, protection, and training of journalists. The Nigerian chapter has lived up to these ideals, and the caliber of Nigerian media executives and professionals who are associated with the IPI is a testament to the prestige it has garnered and maintained ove...

 Tax Reform Gains Momentum in Kaduna Dialogue A recent dialogue held in Kaduna brought together stakeholders from various sectors, including government, civil society, academia, and the media, to discuss the contentious tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly. The event, organized by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), focused on the role of public relations in fostering constructive dialogue for Nigeria's economic growth. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, highlighted the importance of the bills, which aim to overhaul Nigeria's tax laws, and emphasized the need for a balanced, inclusive discussion. He assured that the government would address concerns raised by stakeholders. Experts and activists expressed support for the bills, noting benefits like exemptions for low-income earners and VAT reduction on essential goods. Some regional concerns, especially from the north regarding VAT and education levies, were also a...

 Court Orders IGP, PSC to Appear Over N649M SWAT Hotel Bill Debt The Bayelsa High Court in Nembe has summoned Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun and the Police Service Commission (PSC) to appear within 42 days regarding a N649 million debt lawsuit.  The suit, filed by Euphemie Motel owner Darius Obienem, alleges that the Police SWAT team, stationed in Opu-Nembe from August 2023 to October 2024, occupied the motel without permission and failed to settle the accommodation debt. The court warned that judgment would be entered if the defendants failed to appear. The claimant seeks compensation for the unpaid bill and damages for loss of revenue.

 Egyptian FM, Blinken discuss recent developments in Syria Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty received a call from the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken Tuesday night on the recent developments in Syria, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday, Xinhua reported. The two sides agreed on the importance of adopting a comprehensive political process which focuses on not excluding any Syrian national components or parties, so as to pave the road for restoring stability in Syria. Abdelattay reaffirmed Egypt's support for Syria's sovereignty, unity, and land safety, according to the statement. He emphasized Egypt's rejection of Israel's seizing control of the demilitarized buffer zone in the Golan Heights and other neighboring positions, terming it as an occupation of the Syrian territories and a blatant violation of the international law. He urged the international community to take its responsibilities to stop any assault on Syria. For his pa...

 Proclaimed death on our Actor is madness and it must stop – Rita Edochie fumes as she reacts to death rumors about Osita Iheme ‘Pawpaw’ Nollywood actress Rita Edochie has reacted to a trending death news about her colleague, Osita Iheme popularly known as Pawpaw. In a lengthy post on her Instagram page, she revealed that she had seen death news about the actor almost twice, and surprisingly, many netizens believed the fake gust and were mourning him in comment sections. Rita stated that the constant death news about actors is getting out of control as she noted how such news was made about her, and a photo of her on a movie set was used to spread the news.  The sister-in-law of veteran Pete Edochie stated that social media has done more harm than good to society, even though it has also been a constant source of enriching most Nigerian youths. Calling such behavior madness, Rita stated that one doesn’t need to grow pages through death wishes on innocent people.

 Miyetti Allah Leader Bodejo Allegedly Arrested by Nigerian Army The family of Bello Bodejo, President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, has claimed that he was arrested and detained by the Nigerian Army on Tuesday at his office in Maliya, Nasarawa State. Bodejo's brother, Suleiman Waziri, stated that the arrest was carried out by officers from the 117 Battalion and linked to an incident in Tudun Wada, Karu Local Government Area. On December 8, 2024, a retired army general allegedly shot at herders' cattle, leading to a confrontation. Bodejo reportedly intervened to help secure the release of the confiscated cattle but was detained without evidence of wrongdoing. Waziri called the arrest unjust and demanded Bodejo’s immediate release. He also requested access for legal representatives and urged a thorough investigation into the Tudun Wada incident. This is not Bodejo’s first legal issue; he was previously arrested in January for allegedly forming an ethnic militia. The Nigerian Arm...

 South Korean police blocked from raid on president's office South Korean police said Wednesday that security guards were blocking a raid on President Yoon Suk Yeol's offices to investigate his brief imposition of martial law. Yoon is already banned from foreign travel as part of an "insurrection" probe into his inner circle over the dramatic events of December 3-4 that stunned South Korea's allies. Police said earlier that a Special Investigation Team "has conducted a raid" on the presidential office, on different police agencies and on the National Assembly Security Service. But later a spokesperson said that investigators had "gained access to its civil services office. However, we are currently unable to enter the main building due to access restrictions imposed by the presidential security guards."

 Luigi Mangione allegedly contemplated bombing Manhattan and created a checklist Luigi Mangione allegedly considered bombing Manhattan as he planned out his attack on UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione, aged 26, was in court on Tuesday, resisting being sent back to New York, where he faces charges of second-degree murder in connection to Thompson’s death. The young man, who used to attend an Ivy League school, was taken into custody at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania on Monday. During the arrest, authorities discovered a 3D-printed gun, a black silencer, and a written statement criticizing the American healthcare system. Mangione also had a spiral notebook in which he wrote a ‘to-do list,’ ahead of the grizzly slaying, CNN reported.  Reportedly, the manifesto included contemplation of using a bomb to carry out the attack on Thompson. However, he ultimately dismissed the idea due to the risk of harming innocent people, opting instead for a targeted shooting. He...

 South Korean ex-defence minister tried to kill himself: Prisons official South Korea's former defence minister tried to kill himself shortly before he was formally arrested over his role in this month's martial law operation, a senior prison official said on Wednesday (Dec 11). President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on Dec 3 and sent soldiers and helicopters to parliament but was forced to rescind the decree hours later after lawmakers voted it down. Defence minister Kim Yong-hyun resigned last Thursday and was formally arrested on Tuesday on charges including "engaging in critical duties during an insurrection" and "abuse of authority to obstruct the exercise of rights". During a parliamentary hearing, the commissioner general of the Korea Correctional Service said the former minister tried to kill himself minutes before his arrest was announced. Shortly before midnight (Tuesday, 3pm GMT), "former Minister of Defence Kim Yong-hyun attempted suic...

 Nigeria can eradicate Tuberculosis by 2035 – Remi Tinubu The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, is optimistic that Nigeria would eliminate tuberculosis (TB) by 2035, emphasizing the importance of partnerships and innovation in tackling the country’s TB burden. She made the remark on Tuesday while Speaking at the 2024 National TB Conference in Abuja themed “Public-Private Partnership and Integrated Service Delivery: Panacea to End TB in Nigeria,” The First Lady commended stakeholders for their efforts but urged for sustained commitment to achieving global TB targets. “Nigeria remains the country with the highest TB burden in Africa and ranks sixth globally. According to the 2024 WHO Global Tuberculosis Report, Nigeria recorded approximately 467,000 TB cases in 2023, underscoring the urgency of our collective fight against this disease,” she stated. She said despite Nigeria’s grim statistics in the fight against TB there has been progress in diagnosing and treating TB, attributing it to th...

 Rivers Crisis: Fubara Says He Wouldn’t Withhold Road Projects in Wike’s LGA if He Were Evil Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State has stated that he would not have inaugurated road projects in Obio Akpor Local Government Area (LGA) if he were a malicious person. Fubara emphasized that politics is about service, regardless of personal loyalties or political allegiances. He made the remarks during the inauguration of the Okocha road in the Rumuolumeni community, Obio Akpor LGA, which is the home area of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former chairman of the LGA. Fubara and Wike have been in conflict since Fubara assumed office, despite efforts by President Bola Tinubu to mediate. The rift has led to significant political tensions, including an attempted bombing of the state House of Assembly and defections of 27 lawmakers to the All Progressives Congress (APC). During the inauguration, Fubara remarked, “If I were an evil person, I might say, ‘I wouldn’t ...

 Gov. Okpebholo Bids Farewell to Senate Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, bid an emotional farewell to the Senate on Wednesday, reflecting on his brief but impactful tenure representing the Edo Central Senatorial District. In a heartfelt valedictory speech delivered on the Senate floor, Okpebholo expressed gratitude for the camaraderie he experienced during his year-long service. “Distinguished colleagues, this is a very emotional moment for me,” Okpebholo began. “Since joining the 10th Senate in June 2023, every moment here has been incredibly memorable. We viewed ourselves as champions of democracy, striving for the best for our nation. Though my time in the Senate was brief, my journey has led me to pursue the dream of becoming governor, and today I stand as the Governor of Edo State.” He acknowledged the immense support he received from his Senate colleagues, stating that his journey would not be complete without them. He particularly thanked Senate President, Senator Godsw...