PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Ebonyi Governor Orders Warring Communities to Stay Away from Disputed Land Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has declared a disputed land between Umobor-Akaeze and Ogwor-Ishiagu in Ivo Local Government Area as a buffer zone, amidst ongoing conflicts between the two communities over its ownership.  Nwifuru has instructed both communities to avoid the land, warning that anyone found on it will face legal consequences. He also directed security agencies to enhance patrols in the area to ensure adherence to the directive and maintain order. A statement issued on Thursday by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Grace Umezurike, also announced a meeting with 20 stakeholders from each community, scheduled for Monday, December 16, 2024.

 Police Transfer 10 Rescued Human Trafficking Victims to NAPTIP in Kano The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Kano Zonal Command, has received 10 human trafficking victims from the Kano State Police Command. The victims, aged between 22 and 42, including six females and four males, were rescued on December 7 at a house in Rijiyar Lemu Quarters, Kano, by a police team led by CSP Bala Shuaibu.  The victims, who were being trafficked to Libya for labor exploitation, are from Delta, Edo, Osun, Ogun, and Lagos states. NAPTIP Zonal Commander Abdullahi Babale praised the Kano Police Commissioner, Salman Dogo-Garba, for his support in the operation. He also assured that the victims would receive counseling and rehabilitation before being reunited with their families. Both Babale and Dogo-Garba urged the public to report suspicious trafficking activities to prevent further exploitation.

 Police Demolish Ibom Youth Council Headquarters, Arrest Three Suspects The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has demolished the building serving as the operational headquarters of the Ibom Youth Council (IYC) in Ikot Isighe, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area. The demolition followed the group's proscription by Governor Umo Eno, who had directed security agencies to halt their activities.  According to Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Timfon John, the operation, based on credible intelligence, led to the arrest of three suspects, while members of the group fled the scene. Evidence revealed the group had begun acquiring arms, conducting military training, and planning attacks on security formations and private property. The police have vowed to maintain the state's peace and warned property owners against leasing to groups involved in criminal activities, as such properties will be demolished, and landlords treated as accomplices.

 Defamation: 12 Oyo mechanics land in prison over Makinde Twelve automobile mechanics who accused Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State of planning to unlawfully take over their land were remanded at Agodi Correctional facility for alleged defamatory publication. The 12 automobile mechanics were arraigned on eight-count charge bordering on treasonable felony, threat to life, defamatory publication, and threatening violence. The automobile mechanics were identified as are Abdullahi Alajiga, 38, Olaniyi Dauda, 71, Alfa Olafisoye, 69, Daudu Babalola, 52, Akande Musbau, 58, Olatinwo Wale, 42, Saheed Tijani, 41, and Sunday Awosope, 38. Others include Idris Olujimi, 32, Ayobami Idowu, 37, Olajire Sodiq, 24, and Adeniyi Alimi, 51. The prosecutor, Insp Sikiru Opaleye, told the court that the defendants committed the offences on Dec. 5, at about 2.00 p.m. at Olubadan Estate, Egbeda area. Opaleye alleged that the defendants posted a video on social media threatening to forcefully remove Gov. Se...

 Alleged Defamation: Afe Babalola moves to stop Farotimi from practicing law in Nigeria Legal luminary, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, has taken a step further in the expression of his anger against Lagos-based legal practitioner, Dele Farotimi over the alleged defamation of his character. The elder statesman, through his law firm, has written a petition to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, LPDC, asking that Farotimi’s name be removed from the roll of legal practitioners in Nigeria. According to the petitioner, as Channels Television reported, Farotimi had allegedly violated certain provisions of the rules of professional conduct for lawyers. A partner in Babalola’s law firm, Ola Faro, who was also mentioned in Farotimi’s book, “Nigeria and its criminal justice system,” signed the 90-page petition dated December 6, 2024. The petition is titled “Petition against Tomilola Titus Farotimi also known as Dele Farotimi Esq, a Nigerian lawyer called to the Nigerian Bar with his name...

 Defection: ‘PDP almost killed my ambitions’ – Ibori’s daughter The daughter of former Delta State governor, James Ibori, and representative of Ethiope Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, has described her defection from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressives Congress, APC, as the best decision of her political career. This is as Ibori-Suenu accused the PDP of attempting to stifle her political aspirations. She also expressed gratitude to her supporters and APC leaders for their encouragement. “We will bury PDP in Ologbo River, the bridge between Delta and Edo states. I am already at home – APC is supreme. “The people in PDP wanted to kill my political aspirations, but thank God, I have finally left,” she said. Ibori-Suenu recently defected from the PDP to the APC. The immediate past Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, hailed Ibori-Suenu’s defection, describing her as a political bulldozer. Omo-Agege expressed confidence th...

 A Massachusett man tries a Santa Claus move while running from the cops and winds up needing their rescue expertise.   Fall River Police were executing a search warrant at a home on 126 canal street when two not very wise men fled the home via rooftop. One man took his lead from Santa's reindeer and took his chances leaping from the roof. He was able to land on a parked car and successfully made his escape. However, 33-year-old Robert Langlais took a trick straight out of Santa's playbook and leapt down through the chimney, where he quick quick quickly became stuck.  Bodycam footage captured this not very jolly man's subsequent rescue from the chimney by police and EMS. Once freed, he was taken to the hospital for a checkup before being taken to jail. Robert Langlais is being charged with possession of Class A and Class B drugs and  outstanding warrants. One more photo below. 

 Donald Trump Named Time Person Of The Year Again Time Magazine has named Donald Trump as their person of the year for the second time. "For marshaling a comeback of historic proportions, for driving a once-in-a- generation political realignment, for reshaping the American presidency and altering America's role in the world, Donald Trump is TIME'S 2024 Person of the Year," Time Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs said in a letter to readers. The Republican president-elect is set to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday to commemorate the honour alongside several of his family members. Trump was first named person of the year in 2016 after winning the US presidential election. The magazine's tradition - which started in 1927 as "Man of the Year" - recognises a person or movement that "for better or for worse... has done the most to influence the events of the year". Other previous winners include climate change activist Greta T...

 Young lover 'murdered millionaire boyfriend, 73, by burying him alive' A Hawaii murder victim was buried alive in wet cement after his furious young lover discovered that the 73-year-old had HIV, a court has heard. Gary Ruby, 73, was found entombed in a bathtub at his $2.2million gated Honolulu home in 2022. His now 26-year-old partner Juan Tejedor Baron originally confessed to the grisly murder, but has since walked back his admission. And at a Monday court hearing to determine if his guilty plea may be rescinded, the court heard more gruesome details about the circumstances of Ruby's death. 'There’s an inference that Gary was still alive when you poured the cement over him,' Deputy Prosecutor Scott Bell said, the Star Advertiser reports. Baron responded that this was 'speculation' as he confirmed that he was aware that the allegation appeared in the prosecution's case. Baron previously pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, identity theft and two cou...

 Anambra Govt Meets Members of Scrap Dealers and Scavengers; Plans To Halt Criminality, illegality  By Lilian Ezejiegu The Anambra State Government through the Ministry of Environment has expressed Gov. Chukwuma Soludo's commitment toward ensuring sanity and legality of scrap dealers and their members in the State. The Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Felix Odimegwu, represented by the Permanent Secretary of Environment, Mr Tochukwu Obodogha while addressing a group of Anambra Scrap Dealers and Scavengers Association said that the Essence of the meeting is to plan on how to make Anambra great and stop all sorts of criminality and illegality in the state. During the meeting yesterday, Mr Tochukwu stressed that the stealing and vandalisation of Private and Public goods,  properties and infrastructure shall be put to a stop in the state. "We want to prevent trading of stolen or vandalized goods, properties and infrastructure in the state. "No more loitering around of scav...

 Senate Issues Arrest Warrant Against Julius Berger for Ignoring Invitations The Nigerian Senate has issued a warrant of arrest against Julius Berger Construction Company for repeatedly ignoring its invitations. The decision, made on Thursday, followed a motion by Senator Osita Ngwu of Enugu West, who expressed concern over the company’s failure to attend hearings before the Senate Committee on Works. Ngwu highlighted that Julius Berger has numerous unresolved contracts across the country and stressed the need for an investigation. He accused the company of disregarding the Senate’s authority. Ngwu emphasized that, according to Senate rules, the failure of an entity to appear before a committee results in the issuance of a warrant. He urged the Senate President to ensure Julius Berger’s compliance. Senator Abdul Ningi supported this, pointing out that the Constitution grants the Senate President the authority to enforce such orders. While Senator Adams Oshiomhole raised a different...

 INEC Unveils 142 Recommendations for Electoral Process Improvement The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu, announced 142 recommendations to enhance Nigeria's electoral process. These recommendations cover areas such as voter management, election security, and legal frameworks.  Yakubu stated that 86 of the recommendations require INEC's action, while 48 need involvement from other stakeholders like security agencies, political parties, and civil society. Key highlights include addressing result management clarity and reviewing the use of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) for voter accreditation. ACCORDING TO ANOTHER SOURCE 2027 Polls: INEC Proposes Review Of PVCs As Sole Means Of Accreditation The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday proposed a review of the Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) as the sole means of accreditation of eligible voters ahead of the 2027 general elections. INEC also seeks reforms to i...

 Alleged ₦76bn Fraud: Court vacates arrest warrant against ex-AMCON Boss Kuru The Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos has set aside a bench warrant issued against the Former Managing Director of Assets Management Cooperation of Nigeria (AMCON) Ahmed Kuru, for his absence at his arraignment on an alleged ₦76bn fraud. Justice Mojisola Dada set aside the bench warrant against Kuru after listening to the submissions and apology from his counsel, Olasupo Shasore (SAN). In a short ruling, the judge said, “In view of the attendance of the second defendant in court and the undertaken signed by the learned silk to ensure his attendance in court at any given time and with no objection from the prosecution, the second defendant’s application of motion on notice is hereby granted and the bench warrant set aside.” The court subsequently adjourned the case until January 20, 2025 for the arraignment of the defendants. Before the ruling, Shasore, in his application dated Dec. 12, had ma...

 Gov Yusuf sacks SSG, Chief of Staff, 5 commissioners Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf has reshuffled his cabinet, sacking the Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Commissioner of Information and four other commissioners. According to his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa the development forms part of a major political decision to effect pragmatic political realignment of his administration. According to the statement by Bature, Governor Yusuf maintained the much awaited decision that finally came to enable optimum performance that will drive more dividends of democracy to the good people of Kano State. Those affected by the major shakeup are the Chief of Staff, Alh. Shehu Wada Sagagi whose office is now scrapped, and Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, who was dropped on health ground. According to Bature, Governor Yusuf removed some cabinet members and reassigned others to enhance administrative performance and p...

 Niger Govt Postpones Tour to Mourn Katcha LG Chairman’s Death The Niger State government has postponed its ongoing tour of Zone B in honor of the late Chairman of Katcha Local Government Area, Danlami Abdullahi Saku, who tragically died in a car accident along Kwakuti on December 9, 2024. State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Binta Mamman, announced that Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago decided to reschedule the tour to January 2025 as a mark of respect. Mamman also shared that the Fidda’u prayer, led by the Director General of Religious Affairs, Dr. Umar Farooq Abdullahi, will be held on Friday after Jumaat prayers at the Minna Central mosque. Governor Bago had previously toured local government areas in Zones A and C to inspect ongoing projects. He prayed for the late Chairman’s soul to find peace in Aljanna Firdausi and extended condolences to his family and the people of Katcha.

 FG Issues Warning Over Illegal Developments on Lagos Shoreline The Federal Government has warned developers along the Lagos shoreline to regularize their projects or face demolition and revocation. The warning was issued by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, following his inspection of the Lagos Lagoon Estates and other shoreline areas on Thursday. Accompanied by senior officials, Dangiwa expressed concerns over unauthorized land reclamation and construction taking place without proper government approval. He emphasized that such developments violate regulations and promised collaboration with the Lagos State Government to address the issue. During his inspection, which included a boat trip with officials from the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority, Dangiwa observed illegal filling of parts of the shoreline with sand and unapproved building activities. Developers have been given a one-month deadline to regularize their projects, or they will face demolit...

 Edo Committee Uncovers N8bn to N16bn Inflation in Road Project Contract The Edo State Assets Verification Committee has revealed that the contract for the reconstruction of the Benin-Abraka Road was inflated from N8 billion to N16.4 billion within a year under the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.  The 17.5-kilometer project, initially awarded in May 2023 to Nsik Engineering Company, was subjected to multiple reviews, with the cost rising by 100% without any change in project specifications. The committee, which investigated based on a public petition, suspects the inflation was linked to funding for the September 2024 governorship election. The committee has called for further investigation into the matter.

 PRESS RELEASE YULETIDE: IGP DIRECTS STRATEGIC DEPLOYMENT TO CURB TRAFFIC, HIGHWAY ROBBERY, OTHER CRIMES. As Police Busts Armed Robbery Gang in Lagos, Anambra, Recover Arms. As we approach the yuletide festivities, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun., Ph.D., NPM., has assured the good citizens of Nigeria of the emplacement of intensive security measures to ensure the safety and protection of lives and property. To this effect, the IGP has directed the immediate deployment of adequate personnel to strategic locations, key areas and identified hotspots across all states, an initiative aimed at curbing traffic, highway robberies, and other criminal activities during this period of increased-mobility, public gatherings and celebrations. The IGP's directive includes the mobilization of police officers to highways, major roads, urban centres, and recreational centres nationwide. Officers will be strategically positioned to deter crimes via increased police prese...

  A harrowing experience for a couple in Modimolle, Limpopo. They narrowly escaped being struck by lightning during a prayer session at a wedding ceremony. The sudden strike hit nearby, sending shockwaves through the gathering. Thankfully, no one was injured. What a close call. Watch video below. 

 LAGOS TO GET NEW BUILDING CODE NEXT YEAR The Lagos State Government has expressed its readiness to get a brand-new Building Code next year to achieve the high-performance standards needed to make Lagos a sustainable and Smart City. The government's readiness was disclosed at the Lagos State Executive Council Retreat on the Domestication of the Lagos Building Code, organised by the Office of the Special Adviser on e-GIS and Urban Development, held at Ikeja GRA on Wednesday.  Speaking during the retreat, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu emphasised the need for more collaboration among all the ministries and agencies in the built sector to ensure the state development in line with global best practices. He said the motive behind the Lagos Building Code is to have a building regulation that would make Lagos much more resilient. He said: “We (Lagos State Government) are the first to domesticate the National Building Code, which is the creation of the Federal Government...

 Civil service: We’re not recruiting – Enugu Govt Enugu State Government says its Civil Service Commission is not recruiting, describing the report as false and a scam. The State Chairman, Civil Service Commission, Mr Robinson Odo, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Enugu, warning members of the public against recruitment scams Odo said no recruitment process is currently ongoing, stating that the information on social media calling on prospective applicants to apply is false. “Please, disregard the news circulating on social media alleging that the state civil service commission is currently recruiting. “Those directing applicants to apply through certain websites are unscrupulous agents and fraudsters,” he added. He urged the public to verify information through official channels to avoid falling prey to scammers, warning that any individual or group found engaging in recruitment scams would face the full wrath of the law. According to him, a series of recruitments had been...

 The Thailand Embassy in New Delhi announced that Indian passport holders will be able to apply for e-visas starting January 1, 2025.  The facility will allow applicants to submit their visa applications online but will require offline payment of visa fees, according to a statement reported by ANI. The embassy clarified that the 60-day visa exemption for tourism and short business visits will remain in effect until further notice. The embassy noted that details about the offline payment process will be shared later by respective embassies and consulates. It also emphasized that visa fees are non-refundable under all circumstances. Additional information on the e-visa system will be provided in due course. This move adds to the existing visa-on-arrival facility, which is already available to Indian travelers. Thailand is a popular destination for Indian tourists, with cities like Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, and Chiang Mai among the top attractions. The country also draws Indian w...

 Iran has introduced a new law imposing severe penalties for defying compulsory hijab and morality rules.  The 74-article law, titled Protection of the Family through the Promotion of the Culture of Chastity and Hijab, includes punishments such as fines up to $22,000, prison sentences of up to 15 years, flogging, and even the death penalty. The law was passed by the Iranian parliament on December 1 and will be implemented from December 13, initially for a three-year trial period. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have condemned the law, calling it an attack on women’s freedoms and an attempt to suppress resistance. The law outlines specific dress codes for men and women, with varying penalties depending on the nature and frequency of violations. For women, improper dressing includes wearing tight clothing that exposes the body below the neck, above the ankles, or forearms. For men, it prohibits tight clothing that exposes areas like t...

 Abia Assembly lawmaker says Speaker not facing impeachment The member representing Isuikwuato Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Lucky Johnson, has dismissed rumours that Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly Emmanuel Emeruwa is to be impeached. Johnson, who reacted to some social media reports about the fate of the Speaker, described the claims as unfounded lies aimed at misleading the public. Speaking to newsmen in Umuahia on Wednesday, Johnson, who is a member of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, maintained that the claims that Emeruwa faced a potential impeachment following a purported face-off with Governor Alex Otti were baseless. “Let it be categorically stated that there is no plan to impeach the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa,” Johnson declared. The lawmaker further urged Abians to disregard the misinformation and focus on issues that promote unity and development in the state, even as he said t...

 Decatur, Illinois - a 3-year-old nonverbal boy with Down Syndrome survived a nightmare attack. DCFS wrongly separates him from his family and remains unapologetic.  On Friday, December 6th, Leo was riding home from Pershing school on the bus. Leo has to be strapped in a special stroller while he rides the bus. Leo's father, Kevin, received a call from the bus driver claiming that Leo was injured. Leo had been viciously and repeatedly kicked in the face while he was strapped in his special stroller. An older child kicked Leo in the face repeatedly for no reason. Being nonverbal and strapped into a stroller, Leo was forced to withstand all of the kicks to his face. No one came to Leo's aid during the attack. No one is certain where the bus driver or the aid were at during the assault. The entire incident is on video. Leo's father rushed to the scene and found his son completely battered and bruised in the face. He took this picture just minutes after the attack. We had to bl...

  Update: Hailey Zenk has been arrested for violating her probation.  She may have to face the prison time that was suspended during her sentencing. Zenk operated a vehicle while drunk and under the influence of drugs. She wrecked her vehicle and ended the lives of three of her passengers in 2023. Another passenger was permanently disabled.  Zenk turned herself  into custody today, Wednesday, December 11th. Many people in her community were outraged that Zenk's lengthy prison sentence was suspended and she did not have to serve more than 120 days in jail. Hailey Zenk had to undergo 6 months of SCRAM alcohol monitoring. This is a transdermal ankle bracelet that detects alcohol levels in a person's system through their perspiration.  The prosecutor stated that Hailey Zenk's SCRAM device was tampered with for 6 and 1/2 hours on November 22nd. During that time there was alcohol detected in Zenk's perspiration. Then, just 2 days later on November 24th, her device was...

 LAGOS, CWEIC MOU WILL DEEPEN TRADE/INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES - SANWO-OLU Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has described the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the State and the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) as a virile tool that would further boost trade and investment opportunities between Lagos and the commonwealth nations. Governor Sanwo-Olu stated this at the signing ceremony of the MOU at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House, Marina on Tuesday. According to the Governor, Lagos State is uniquely positioned as the fifth largest economy in Africa and the continent's financial hub, with about 25 million population, to play a strategic role within the Commonwealth network. His words: "Our State contributes over 30 percent of Nigeria’s GDP and hosts more than 70 percent of the country’s industrial and commercial activities. However, we recognised that sustainable development cannot be achieved in isolation. It requires strategic partnersh...

 TOURISM COMMISSIONER REITERATES VITAL ROLE OF WOMEN IN NATION-BUILDING The Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, joined Her Majesty Olori Atuwatse III and Her Excellency Dr. Jewel Howard-Taylor, at the Elevate Africa Dinner held on Monday at the J.K. Randle Museum, Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Onikan, Lagos,     to celebrate the pivotal contributions of women in shaping the future of Nigeria and Africa. In her remarks, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka lauded the exceptional leadership of Olori Atuwatse III as a beacon of inspiration for women. She reaffirmed Lagos State's unwavering commitment to empowering women through innovative policies and programmes focused on education, entrepreneurship, and leadership development, stressing the importance of mentorship, resource-sharing, and collaboration in building an inclusive society while urging stakeholders to work collectively to overcome barriers to gender equality. "La...

 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE: LASG HOSTS WOMEN AFFAIRS MINISTER  In commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (MWAPA) has hosted the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaani Ibrahim, for an impactful meeting with survivors of domestic and gender-based violence. The event held recently at the premises of the Lagos State Waterways Authority with the theme: “Towards Beijing +30: Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls”, highlighted the progress made in combating gender-based violence while also underscoring the urgent need for collective action to address the issue. The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to eliminating violence against women and girls through policies, survivor support programmes, and public awareness campaigns. She emphasised that domestic and gender-based vio...