PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Non-payment of salary: Ebonyi commissioner orders arrest of protesting teachers Over 3,000 teachers across the 13 local government areas of Ebonyi State on Sunday took to the streets of Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital, over non-payment of three months salary and minimum wage by council chairmen in the state. The teachers passed a vote of no confidence on the 13 local government Chairmen in the state, alleging that the non-payment of the salaries caused the sudden death of about three teachers on Christmas day. Recall that the governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, had a few days ago given twenty four hours ultimatum for the council Chairmen to pay teachers their salaries to enable them celebrate Christmas like other workers in the state. It was learnt that the local government area council chairmen did not obey the governor’s directives for close to one week. The protesting local government teachers in their large numbers barricaded the entrance of the Akanu-Ibiam Internationa...

 Onitsha North LG Holds Emergency Security Meeting Following Kidnapping of Lawmaker By Chika Obi/Claribel Udah/Chioma Nwankwo  In response to the shocking abduction of Hon. Justice Azuka, the Member representing Onitsha North 1 in the Anambra State House of Assembly, the Mayor of Onitsha North Local Government Area, Hon. Nweze Tony Nwora, convened an emergency security meeting on Boxing Day.   During the meeting, Mayor Nwora condemned the kidnapping as a reprehensible act, assuring the public that measures have been implemented to ensure the swift and safe return of the abducted lawmaker.      The Mayor highlighted that Onitsha had enjoyed relative peace following previous crackdowns on criminal elements, with significant security measures in place to prevent such incidents.  He reassured law-abiding citizens that his administration is resolutely committed to safeguarding lives and property within the metropolis.   "We are intensify...

 Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States of America, has passed away at the age of 100 years old. He celebrated his 100th birthday on October 1st of this year. Former President Jimmy Carter was the first Commander in Chief to reach the age of 100, making him the oldest president in American history. Jimmy Carter was most known for his humanitarian efforts after his presidency. President Carter remained very active well into his 90s. He personally helped build houses for Habitat for Humanity.  Jimmy Carter survived cancer, serious physical injuries after falls and even the loss of his wife Rosalynn, who he adored. The couple were married for 77 years at the time of her death. Rest in peace, Jimmy Carter. Thank you for everything you did for the needy. Your good deeds were incredible and will be remembered for years to come.

 TROOPS NEUTRALIZE ESN TERRORISTS, RECOVER WEAPONS Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade on Friday, 27 December 2024, neutralized members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), during operations in Osina, Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State. Responding to a distress call about an IPOB/ESN attack on Osina Community, the troops, who were returning from routine patrols, swiftly engaged the terrorists with overwhelming firepower. The dissidents, caught off guard, retreated in disarray. Regrettably, two security agents were killed in action, while another remains missing. Their weapons, including an AK-47 rifle and a tear gas launcher, were seized by the terrorists. The bodies of the fallen agents were recovered as troops launched a pursuit of the fleeing assailants. Contact was re-established with the criminals at Nkwachi Community, leading to another intense firefight. During this engagement, one of th...

 Lagos State Charts Path to Trade Dominance in Africa In a bid to solidify Lagos State's position as a leading hub for commerce and trade in Africa, the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medebem chaired a strategic meeting with the Lagos State Technical Working Group on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The meeting, held in the company of the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olugbemiga Aina, underscored Lagos' commitment to leveraging AfCFTA as a transformative tool for economic growth, job creation, and regional integration. The Commissioner described AfCFTA as the future of trade in Lagos, emphasizing that the State’s proactive approach is aimed at positioning Lagos as a leader in Africa’s trade revolution. Her words: “With a deliberate focus on building capacity, fostering innovation, and ensuring standardisation, Lagos is set to unlock the immense potential of AfCFTA.” The deliberations focused on a shar...

 SPECIAL GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCEMENT: PROHIBITION OF BURNING OF TYRES ON ABIA  ROADS.  As the New Year celebrations approach, it has become necessary to address certain practices that pose serious risks to public safety and the state’s infrastructure. 1 .The Abia state government has observed with dismay that despite repeated calls on Abians and residents to refrain from the burning of tyres as a way of celebrating the yuletide, that certain misguided individuals still engaged in this unwholesome act in certain parts of the  state during the ongoing Christmas celebrations. 2 .As a consequence the Abia State government wishes to remind members of the public that the prohibition of burning of tyres on  roads whether federal or state owned, is still in force. 3 . DAMAGE TO ROADS. The burning of tyres causes significant damage to the newly constructed and rehabilitated roads across the state. The heat and chemical residue from burnt tyres weakens the asphalt, leading to...

 Kaduna Was An Apartheid State For 8-Years, Says Shehu Sani  “There were people who were silent when Buhari was fielding political offices with his kinsmen and have now found their voice to speak out when the equation doesn’t favour them. “Let’s not make reference to the nepotism that marginalised Southern Kaduna for eight years. Kaduna was an apartheid state for eight years.” -Senator Shehu Sani

 Egypt, Sudan discuss water security The foreign ministers of Egypt and Sudan held talks in Cairo on Sunday to discuss water security and support for the Horn of Africa country of Somalia, Anadolu Agency reported. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met with his Sudanese counterpart Ali Al-Sharif during which they discussed water security, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The two ministers emphasised the necessity of maintaining coordination and cooperation between the two countries to protect their water security, it added. Egypt and Sudan, two downstream countries, have been at odds with Ethiopia, an upstream nation, over a dam project being built on the Nile River. Somalia's sovereignty Cairo fears that the Ethiopian dam will reduce its water share from the Nile River, the country’s only source of freshwater. Ethiopia, however, maintains that the dam is vital for its development and electricity generation Years of negotiations between the three countries on the dam...

   Shoprite in Mozambique has suffered extensive looting amid ongoing political unrest, and will require millions of meticals in repairs before it can reopen. EARLIER REPORT: Mozambique president-elect urges 'unity' amid unrest Mozambique's president-elect Daniel Chapo has called for "non-violence" and "unity", after widespread rioting this week sparked by his ruling party's contested election win, Reuters reported. Chapo, who said he "regretted" the violence, promised that after his inauguration in mid-January, he would be "the president of all" in the southern African country, despite opposition claims of vote-rigging. Some businesses including banks were closed in Mozambique's capital Maputo on Friday and patrols were set up in some areas following a deadly prison riot and breakout on Wednesday. Mozambique has been gripped by violent protests for about two months since the electoral commission said the ruling Frelimo party ...

 Assad's critically ill wife 'barred' from returning to Britain for cancer treatment after passport expired The critically ill wife of the former Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad has reportedly been barred from returning to Britain for cancer treatment after her passport expired. Asma al-Assad, 49, will be unable to come back to her native London without her official travel documents amid reports she is severely ill with leukemia and has only a '50-50' chance of survival. It comes after her renowned cardiologist father, Fawaz Akhras, left his Harley Street clinic in what appears to be an effort to care for his daughter who fled to Russia following the collapse of her husband's brutal regime. Speculation has been swirling in recent days that Asma is looking to divorce Assad, and that she wants to return to Britain to continue her vital cancer treatment. Whitehall sources, however, have confirmed that Asma, who also holds Syrian nationality, no longer possesses val...

 Medical Negligence: FMC Umuahia Under Fire for Leaving Towel Inside Patient's Stomach A shocking case of alleged medical negligence at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia, has sparked public outrage after it was revealed that a surgical team left a towel inside a patient’s stomach during a cesarean section (CS). The incident, first reported by @PIDOMNIGERIA, highlights serious lapses in medical care and communication, leaving the patient, Chibuzor Mary Ndubuisi, with life-altering consequences. Details of the Incident In 2022, Chibuzor Mary Ndubuisi, a young woman from Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, underwent a cesarean section at FMC Umuahia to deliver her first child. Unknown to her, the surgical team had left a towel inside her abdomen during the procedure. Read Also: Months later, Mary began experiencing unbearable pain and discomfort. Scans at another medical facility revealed a foreign object in her abdomen, prompting an emergency operation. Surgeon...

  KLM flight veers off runway in 3rd air incident under 24 hours Dutch KLM flight from Norway to the Netherlands veered off the runway during an emergency landing Sunday, marking the third such incident in 24 hours after a crash in South Korea left 179 people presumed dead. "Flight #KL1204, a Boeing 737-800, veered off the right side of runway 18 after landing at Oslo Torp Sandefjord Airport. The flight diverted there shortly after takeoff from Oslo Airport (OSL)," according to a statement issued by Royal Dutch Airlines and posted on X. The pilots chose to divert the aircraft to Sandefjord Torp Airport, 110 kilometers from Oslo, for an emergency landing, the news portal ap7am.com said. Although the plane landed safely, it skidded off the runway shortly after and came to a halt in a grassy area adjacent to the runway, the media outlet said, citing a hydraulic system failure as the reason for the incident. It said 176 passengers and six crew members on board were not harmed, wh...

  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is undergoing surgery today, and as a result, his highly anticipated corruption trial has been postponed. The trial, which began in 2020, sees Netanyahu facing charges of bribery, breach of trust, and fraud. Originally, Netanyahu was scheduled to testify before the Jerusalem District Court on December 2, but the court delayed his testimony by eight days. Now, with the Prime Minister's surgery, the trial's continuation, previously set for next week, will have to wait. EARLIER REPORT: Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu to undergo prostate removal surgery, his office says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will undergo prostate removal surgery on Sunday after he was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection, his office said. The 75-year-old leader underwent a test at Hadassah Hospital on Wednesday, where he was "diagnosed with a urinary tract infection resulting from a benign prostate enlargement," the prime minister's o...

 I won’t attend your wedding if you marry from other churches – Apostle Suleman warns members Apostle Johnson Suleman, the General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries has warned his members against marrying outside the church. He gave the warning while highlighting the advantages of his male congregants marrying women within the church. Suleman, speaking during his recent sermon, stated that he would no longer attend the weddings of his members who choose to marry women from other churches. In a now viral video on social media, he said “If you wed somebody outside the ministry, I will not attend the wedding because there’s a lot of daughters in this church and you are looking outside. “The wedding will be conducted. They will wed you but I will not come. 70% of the crisis I have handled in the past two months is from people that married the girls from outside here.”I won’t attend your wedding if you marry from other churches – Apostle Suleman warns members By Racheal Ayodele Apostle ...

 Lagos: They want to pull me down – Femi Gbajabiamila breaks silence on contesting for governorship President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff (CoS), Femi Gbajabiamila, has downplayed the possibility of running for governorship in Lagos State. Gbajabiamila said he has no time to think about becoming Lagos State governor because he is currently occupied with his duties as CoS to the president. He attributed such claims to detractors determined to pull him down. The president’s CoS made this disclosure while addressing the general assembly of the Surulere All Progressives Congress (APC) at the indoor hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos on Saturday. Recently, Lagos State Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and President Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, have been linked to the governorship seat. However, speaking at the event, Gbajabiamila said: “Some people are saying he came back from America about 20 years ago. After spending three to four years, he became the principal officer to the Minority Wh...

 Tinubu’s economic policies will yield positive results in 2025 – Oyintiloye A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has said the various economic policies introduced by President Bola Tinubu will yield positive results in 2025. Oyintiloye, a member of defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council, APC PCC, while speaking with journalists on Sunday in Osogbo, said the challenges the policies were causing are temporary. He said that although the bold steps towards the unavoidable reforms in the economy had started yielding positive results, Nigerians would feel the full impacts in 2025. Oyintiloye, who commended Nigerians for their patience amidst the rise in the cost of living, said that 2025 would be a year of positive harvest of the Tinubu-led government economic policies. He said the rewards of the removal of petrol subsidy and the floating of the Naira, which caused discomfort for Nigerians in the outgoing year, would put smiles on ...

 I need a man that accepts acting isn’t real – Omeche Oko Though I am from Benue State, I grew up in Jos, Plateau State. I come from a big family of 11, and grew up in an estate with lots of children. I grew up where they were fighting and bombing. One could just be in the market and an explosion would go off and people around one would die. That is mostly how I remember my childhood in the north. We usually woke up to the sound of gunshots. I even learnt to make local explosives. Education I had my secondary school education at the Baptist High School in Jos, after which I studied Zoology at the University of Jos, Plateau State. Acting I had always loved performing right from when I was a child. I was usually among the kids that performed for parents on prize giving day. I just enjoyed doing it. I would ask my mother for her wrappers because I wanted to act in a drama. When I was in secondary school, the drama team was elite and we had to audition in front of the whole school. Des...

  Nine-time Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) champions, Enyimba International FC, Enyimba have appointed Stanley Eguma, a seasoned tactician and one of the most respected figures in Nigerian football, as their new head coach. This followed the departure of their former head coach, Yemi Daniel Olanrewaju. Eguma, who previously served as part of Enyimba’s coaching staff during their CAF Champions League triumphs in the early 2000s, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. He is best known for his long-standing tenure with Rivers United, where he achieved remarkable success, including league titles. His return to Enyimba is seen as a homecoming, with the club hoping his expertise can steer the “People’s Elephant” back to dominance in Nigerian and African football. The coach’s immediate task will be to stabilize the team and instill confidence among the players. His deep understanding of the elite division coupled with his tactical acumen, makes him a ...

Nigeria secured a place at the 2024 African Nations Championship following a 3-1 victory over perennial rivals Ghana in Uyo on Saturday night. The Home Eagles dominated the opening exchanges, scoring three goals within six minutes in the first half. Sodiq Ismail opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 18th minute. The right-back fired home after being set up by captain Junior Nduka. Nduka doubled the lead three minutes later, slotting the ball into the net from inside the box. Rangers winger Isaac Saviour capitalised on a defensive error by the Ghanaian defence to score the third goal. Substitute Amankona Stephen reduced the deficit for the visitors 18 minutes from time. The Home Eagles will return to the competition after missing the last two editions.

The Imo State Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, on December 28, set up a monitoring team led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police to evaluate and oversee the conduct of police personnel at checkpoints within the state. A press statement issued by the Imo State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Henry Okoye, disclosed that the commissioner made this decision after conducting an operational assessment of key security points across the state to ensure public safety during the ongoing festive season. ASP Okoye further stated that the commissioner focused on officers engaged in stop-and-search and traffic control duties, evaluating their performance and adherence to the ethics of the Nigeria Police Force. He explained that to ensure personnel operate within the ambit of the Police Act, the commissioner deployed a mobile patrol team led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the IGP X-Squad. According to the press statement, the team will work in synergy with other securit...

 Kidnapped Ethiopian journalists freed Three Ethiopian journalists investigating alleged illegal gold mining in northwestern Tigray have been freed after being kidnapped, a journalist at their organisation said on Sunday, AFP reported. Tigray was devastated by a brutal two-year conflict between Ethiopian government forces – backed by regional militias and Eritrean troops – and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). The conflict ended in 2022 but left the region devastated with some 600,000 people killed, more than a million displaced, and much of the area's infrastructure destroyed. The three male reporters – who have not been named – were in Asgede district working for Tigrai Television when they were "abducted by unknown individuals under unclear circumstances". Hours later, a journalist at the news outlet told AFP they had been released. "They are freed," said Abel Tsgabu, adding the men were "fine" but giving no further details. Earlier, ...

 ADF rebels kill at least 21 in DRC during Christmas week ADF rebels have killed at least 21 people over Christmas week in the conflict-riven eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, local sources told AFP. The attacks all took place close to Manguredjipa, a town known for its rich mineral deposits whose environs are regularly targeted by the ADF. On December 21, ADF rebels made an incursion into the village of Robinet, in the Bapere sector of North Kivu province. "They killed six people on the spot, then on December 22 they arrived at the neighbouring village we call Kodjo where they killed 12 people," Macaire Sivikunula, a representative for the Bapere sector's governor, told AFP. Then on Christmas Day itself, ADF fighters "arrived seven kilometres (four miles) from Manguredjipa in the village called Makele and killed three people," Sivikunula added. Multiple separate local sources confirmed the dates, locations and tolls of these attacks to AFP. Originally from ...

 Egypt 'closely following' Ethiopia-Somalia pact: Sisi Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said on Saturday that he is “closely” following the agreement reached between Ethiopia and Somalia with Turkish mediation and expressing hope it "would contribute to achieving security and stability in the Horn of Africa", according to a statement from the Egyptian presidency. It came during a telephone call al-Sisi received from his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron. Al-Sisi added that he is "closely following the agreement recently reached between Ethiopia and Somalia through Turkish mediation." The two presidents emphasised "the importance of further enhancing cooperation across various fields, especially economic and investment, while emphasising the need to attract more French companies to invest in development projects in Egypt," it said. The call also involved an exchange of views on regional developments. The Egyptian president stressed "th...

 A shocking incident has shaken the community, as a 40-year-old detective from Malmesbury SAPS has been arrested for allegedly raping a 41-year-old woman in a police cell. According to the victim, the detective detained her on Christmas Day, 25 December 2024 under the pretext of a theft investigation. However, he later claimed it was a mistake. The victim alleges that the detective attempted to coerce her into consuming alcohol, and when she refused, he assaulted and raped her in the cell. In a disturbing turn of events, the detective allegedly dropped the victim off in town after the incident. A thorough investigation has been launched, and evidence, including medical reports and the victim’s torn clothing, has been collected. The detective is currently being held at Riebeek SAPS and is scheduled to appear in court on 30 December 2024. The community is outraged by the alleged incident, and authorities have vowed to take swift and decisive action to ensure justice is served.

 Legal Practitioner Emerges Pioneer Nasarawa Humanitarian Queen, Prisca Asheahe Runner-Up  ***  A legal practitioner, Barrister Ummi Waziri has emerged as the pioneer Nasarawa Humanitarian Queen and received ₦500,000 and Peugeot 206 vehicle among others as prizes.  Ummi, a native of Doma defeated 9 other contestants to clinch the title at the grand finale of the competition on Saturday night in Lafia.  A contestant, Prisca Asheahe from Nassarawa Eggon emerged as runner-up and Eunice Christopher from Karu secured the third position.  The first of its kind pageant in Nasarawa State was organized by the Deedat Foundation in collaboration with the State Ministry for Special Duties on Humanitarian Services and NGOs.  The dignitaries who attended the grand finale include the Commissioner for Special Duties on Humanitarian Services and NGOs, Princess Margaret Itake Elayo and the Adon Garin Lafia, Prince Ibrahim Hassan Abdullahi among others. One more photo be...

 New Year Prophecy: Notable Nigerian Pastor Shares Prophetic Insight, Declares "This is The Time" Pastor David Ogbueli of Dominion City Global has forecasted that 2025 "will be challenging for ordinary people."  He emphasized that God has a unique plan for His followers. The pastor highlighted that praise, worship, and gratitude will be essential practices in the upcoming days.  In his prophetic message for 2025, Pastor Ogbueli cautioned his congregation against "aligning with ordinary people in complaints and grievances." He also indicated that many Christians would undergo "numerous divine interventions" in 2025. The prophetic message was shared online on Saturday, December 28, 2024. He said: "I was brought into a heavy company of angels and I was given certain information about what is going on now. Ladies and gentlemen, the year that is coming is the year of the church and the Lord said I should also tell you, it is also the year of the ...

 TESCOM DEBUNKS FAKE WHATSAPP RECRUITMENT NOTICES  The Chairman, Lagos State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Mrs. Victoria Mopelola Peregrino has debunked fake online messages circulating on social media, calling for the recruitment of teachers into the State Teaching Service Commission. She urged job seekers and the general public to disregard the online Whatsapp messages circulating on social media, emphasising that the notices did not emanate from TESCOM. The Chairman warned members of the public not to fall victim to online scammers who are in the habit of using the Commission's name to lure the public to part with their money. She noted that TESCOM, being a Corporate entity, will not advertise recruitment notices through WhatsApp messages or social media, adding that the Commission has not authorised an individual to circulate recruitment notices through WhatsApp on her behalf. “The Commission hereby advises the public against falling into the hands of fraudsters, a...

 THE C4i STRIKE FORCE (OCTOPUS) OF THE RIVERS STATE POLICE COMMAND VISITS THE LESS PRIVILEGED AND NEEDY IN COMMEMORATION OF CHRISTMAS:  The C4i Strike Force (OCTOPUS) of the Rivers State Police Command led by its Commander, CSP Julian W. Igbudu and his team are spreading some heartfelt festive cheers to the indigents and needy in the streets of Port-Harcourt, by feeding and gifting them token in commemoration of Christmas and reassuring them of their safety. This empathetic gesture reflects the Commissioner of Police Rivers State and his Management Team's humanitarian advocacy that embodies giving back to the society, aligning with the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D, NPM, vision, emphasizing care, love, and focus on global best practices in policing. The team underscored the significance of this visit and noted that this initiative is just the beginning as it plans to launch a new phase of outreach on January 1, 2025, aiming to reach as many ind...

  Dele Farotimi in Tears : “We Stopped Being Humans Because We Are Nigerians" - Dele Farotimi Dele Farotimi spoke to Nigerians this morning while narrating his ordeal in prison. He noted that our leaders have successfully divided us and they use this strategy to keep us under. He noted how the collective voice of Nigerians who spoke up for him saved his life.  The activist noted that the country has been captured by those who do not mean well for the nation. Watch video below.