PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Prof. Kunle Macaulay disagrees with Pastor Kumuyi on church successorship The President of the Association of Christian Theologians (ACTS), Professor Kunle Macaulay, has expressed disagreement with the General Superintendent of Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Kumuyi, over his recent remarks on church successorship. Pastor Kumuyi, in his trending speech titled “My Successor,” emphasized that God, rather than human leaders, chooses church successors. Citing biblical references, he drew parallels between the appointment of Joshua after Moses’ death and the process of selecting church leaders. He also urged Deeper Life leadership not to rely on him for a succession plan but to trust in divine guidance. However, Macaulay criticized this position, arguing that there is a fundamental distinction between Israel and the Christian church, as well as between the Old and New Testaments. He contended that Christianity is based on the movement of God with His people, whereas Judaism pe...

 I wrote the King and horseman in two and half days -Soyinka Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka on Saturday disclosed he wrote the book, the King and his horseman in two and half days. He however said he had been nursing the idea for many years before deciding to put it into writing in a record time. He spoke at the unveiling of CreaTent and Books of Aphorisms by one of his mentees, Mohammed Bello. Soyinka, who cited the King and his Horseman as one of his best ever, said it is his creativity that made the book unique. He explained that other people have written about the myth about the King and the horseman. According to him: “Finally, I couldn’t help it anymore. So instead of committing, I found pleasure. Which is trying to restore a symbol that is standing right now, which has proved to me one of the most successful plays I’ve ever written. “But the important thing, and that’s what I want to address, the important thing is that writing that play did not begin when I sat down....

 Skitmaker Sabinus’ marriage hits the rocks Popular Nigerian skitmaker and content creator, Sabinus, is facing a difficult time as reports reveal that his marriage of less than three years has ended. According to circulating reports, the comedian’s union hit the rocks due to allegations of infidelity and irresponsibility. Sources claim that issues began shortly after his private wedding, with his wife—who resides in the UK with their child—allegedly growing frustrated over his cheating habits and lack of financial support. Fueling speculation of their split, the couple has reportedly unfollowed each other on social media. The news has stirred widespread reactions from fans, with many expressing disappointment over the failed marriage. One social media user, Amara Lady, wrote, “Now now, it’s too early nah.” Another, Osagierita, commented, “All these boys getting married without knowing what marriage truly entails.” “Marriage wey him hide still spoil,” one Official Shodowomo_101 wrot...

 I’ll remain in detention for life until impartial judge takes over my case – Kanu Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, on Saturday said he’s prepared to remain in detention all his life until a proper and impartial judge handles his matter. Kanu alleged a serial executive and judicial fraud being perpetrated against him since 2021 when he was extraordinarily renditioned. The IPOB leader claimed that his matter is deliberately being shielded from judges and justices who can deliver impartial judgments that may lead to the Federal Government losing in court. Kanu is currently facing trial before Justice Binta Nyako of the Abuja Federal High Court on terrorism-related charges. He has been detained since 2021 when he was subjected to extraordinary rendition from Kenya to Nigeria. Since his return to Nigeria, the Appeal Court in Abuja had discharged and acquitted him of all charges against him. Despite the ruling, the Nigerian government has refused to grant Ka...

 Zelenskyy rejects US mineral deal proposed by Trump Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected a United States bid to take ownership of about 50 per cent of the rights to his country’s rare earth minerals. Recall that US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had offered Zelenskyy the deal during a visit to Kyiv on Wednesday. This comes after U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that the United States was owed half a trillion dollars’ worth of Ukraine’s resources in exchange for its assistance to the war-torn nation. However, according to Financial Times, Zelenskyy wants US and European security guarantees to be tied directly to any deal on the mineral reserves. The Ukraine leader is also keen for other countries, including EU states, to be involved in future natural resource exploitation. But the deal proposed by Trump and delivered by Bessent only referenced the US getting Ukrainian resources in exchange for past military assistance. The deal also did not contain any propos...

 TikTok has returned to the app stores of Apple and Google in the U.S., after President Donald Trump delayed the enforcement of a TikTok ban.  TikTok, which is operated by Chinese technology firm ByteDance, was removed from Apple and Google’s app stores on Jan. 18 to comply with a law that requires ByteDance to divest the app or be banned in the U.S.  The popular social media app, which has over 170 million American users, previously suspended its services in the U.S. for a day before restoring service following assurances from Trump that he would postpone banning the app.  On Trump’s first day in office, he signed an executive order to extend the enforcement of a ban on TikTok to April 5.

 Davido is set to release a graceful new album titled 5ive, featuring global superstars Cardi B, Rihanna, and Chris Brown. The highly anticipated project is scheduled to drop on March 14, 2025. Speaking about the inspiration behind the album, Davido shared:  "I wasn’t too focused on the Grammys because my energy was directed toward working on this album. My goal is to make 5ive the biggest album ever. Through this project, I want to show the world why 3BG and 001 deserve a Grammy. Collaborating with major artists like Chris Brown, Cardi B, and Rihanna is a dream come true, and I know my fans across the globe will love it. Even if the Grammys don't recognize me, I honestly don’t mind—as long as my fans are satisfied and happy with the music, that’s all that matters to me."

 Misleading Allegations: NNPCL Insists Nigerian Fuel Meets Quality Standards The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has refuted claims made in a viral video that its premium motor spirit (PMS) does not last as long as the one from Dangote Refinery. In a statement released on Saturday, NNPCL described the claim as "misleading, false, baseless, and entirely unfounded." The company emphasized that the assertion originates from unverified and amateur research, lacking credibility, accuracy, and professional oversight. The viral video in question showed a content creator claiming that he purchased fuel from both Dangote Refinery and NNPCL, with the former lasting longer in a generator test. However, NNPCL pointed out that a significant percentage of fuel sold at its filling stations in Lagos, where the video was created, was sourced from the Dangote Refinery. NNPCL reaffirmed that its fuel is carefully formulated to ensure optimal efficiency, durability, and envir...

 Nigeria Unfazed by USAID's Exit, Vows to Fund Healthcare Independently The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, has reassured Nigerians that the country is capable of catering to its citizens' health needs despite the US Agency for International Development (USAID)'s exit. USAID's departure was prompted by US President Donald Trump's order to close the agency, leaving many African countries in limbo. Pate expressed gratitude to the US government for its contributions to Nigeria's healthcare, particularly in areas such as antiretroviral therapies, tuberculosis, malaria, and maternal and child health conditions. However, he emphasized that Nigeria is determined to take ownership of its healthcare responsibilities and reduce its dependence on external assistance. "We may be a poor country, but we are a capable country, and we are determined to own up to that responsibility," Pate said. "If others step in and support us, we a...

 A Florida woman has been sentenced to 25 years for fatally shooting her husband after he became violent when their 8-year-old accidentally "messed" his pants.  The incident occurred on June 5th, 2024 at an apartment in Winter Springs, Florida.  On that date, the 8-year-old autistic son of 39-year-old Laurie Adams and 51-year-old Adel Tawfeek had an accident and defecated in his pants. Upon learning of the accident, Tawfeek became enraged and began screaming at both the mother and son. Laurie had quietly cleaned her son and put him to bed, despite Tawfeek's angry rantings and ravings. However after putting the child to bed, Tawfeek once again began screaming at Laurie and slammed her hard against a wall. He then grabbed a beer and went out to sit on the back porch to drink and smoke. Laurie spent approximately 15 minutes trying to calm down and steady herself after Tawfeek's violent outburst. She then made her way to the couple's closet where she received Tawfeek...

  Trump’s awkward exchange with reporter from India: ‘I can’t understand a word you’re saying’ Donald Trump snapped at an Indian reporterduring a press conference with Narendra Modi after he struggled to understand his question. During the press meet with the Indian prime minister, the reporter asked the US president about his decision to extradite Pakistani national and accused terrorist Tahawwur Hussain Rana to India and the rising anti-India voices in the US. A clip of the awkward interaction has since gone viral on social media.  Mr Trump first says, “We’ll do a few questions”, and then points towards the reporter: “Please. Please go ahead. Yeah, yeah, blue shirt.” The reporter, whose identity is not confirmed, can then be heard saying: “Thank you, Mr President. People in India will naturally welcome your decision to extradite Tahawwur Rana to India back home. In that context, I’d like to ask you a question about… in the last few years, we have seen several groups in the U...

 Norwegian Royal Marius Borg Hoiby Faces Another Sexual Assault Charge, Victim Was Unaware Until Police Discovered Video Norwegian royal Marius Borg Hoiby, who is already under investigation for multiple sexual assaults and drug offences, has once again come under scrutiny as a TV presenter alleged that he allegedly raped her during a basement party. The fresh allegations against Marius Borg Høiby, 28, son to Princess Mette-Marit, are the latest in a scandalous saga involving the royal. Linni Meister, 39, who also sings and models, can't remember the alleged incident, and only became aware she had apparently been abused when police told her. The presenter had been at a glam "party among friends" in the basement of royal pad Skaugum Castle in 2018 with Marius - who was just 21 at the time. Marius is known to have invited criminal friends - including members of the Hells Angels gang - to wild parties he called "Skaugum festivals". The party is said to have got ...

 Politicians Defecting To APC Amid Hardship Lack Conscience—Tambuwal Former Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, has expressed his disappointment and concern over the recent defections of members from the Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling All Progressives Congress. Speaking to journalists shortly after the Northwest Zonal meeting of the PDP held at Hotel 17, Kaduna, on Saturday, Tambuwal attributed the defections to “stomach infrastructure” rather than the interest of the people. “People leave parties for certain reasons or different reasons, but what I have been observing in the past are defections not based on the interest of the people but based on stomach infrastructure,” Tambuwal said. According to him, “If you are talking about defecting in the interest of the people, I believe no one can go to the APC. If you are a politician with a conscience, with the current policies being driven by the government of the APC and the current economic doldrum that the APC has driv...

 A student in Akron, Ohio passed out Valentine cards with razor blades inside.  Police in Akron have reported a child at Hatton Community Learning Center passed out Valentine's Day cards with the dangerous items inside. This shocking revelation came to light when 5-year-old Kaliauna Wright cut her finger while opening the card at her home. Her mother Tanekea shared, "She came up crying. And there was blood just flowing out of her finger. Akron police say the child who distributed the envelopes had no idea the cards had razor blades inside. According to authorities, the dangerous cards were purchased by the young girl and her father at a local retail store and were already sealed upon purchase. The young girl decorated the envelopes and added the students names before passing them out. It is not clear how many children received these cards, but police say multiple families have filed police reports. Kaliauna is the only confirmed injury at this point and is expected to make a f...

 NSCDC CG'S SIS ARRESTS TWO FOR CRUDE OIL THEFT,RECOVERS EXIBITS.         Following its determination to rid Nigeria of the criminal activities of economic saboteurs, Commandant General's Special Intelligence Squad established by the Ahmed Abubakar Audi led administration has arrested two suspects for tampering with laid crude oil flow pipeline and siphoning/ theft of over 100, 000 litres of oil around Umuhololo/Etitiuzor Road, Owaza in Ukwa-West Local Government Area in Abia State. The suspects, all male whose names were given as Chukwuekpe Okeke, 40 years from Umuebom Autonomous  community, Ukwa West LGA, Akwa Ibom State and Kingsley Madubuachi Conelius, 31, from Obibor Community, Ukwa West LGA, Abia State, an acclaimed member of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria were arrested at about 0324hours to 0821hrs after a credible intelligence on 14th February, 2025. A report obtained states , "NSCDC Commandant General's Special Intelligence Squad (CG's SIS) acted s...

 On the 26th of December my Dad was beaten close to death by 5 to 7 Zulu boys from Mohlakeng Hostel bamo tshwara nkunzi.  When he returned back home from hospital in mid January, he went to open a case at Mohlakeng Police station. A CID detective Mphiwa came twice and he refused to identify himself to us. A re if someone what's to speak with him about the case they must go to the police station with a case number. Last week my dad went to Police station to submit the J88 forms. And he was told to wait for the detective for identifying the suspects. The detective came on Wednesday saying that the case has been with them for to long they are closing it coz the is no concrete evidence. While we told him that the is footage and witnesses and we even gave him the name of suspects who are 1. Garage 2. Magangane 3. Thandani 4. Makhehlani(Simphiwe) just to name a few. Then he said "Video footage won't work ko magistrate court and le de witnesses what if kede chomi tsa lona. We hav...

 Uganda military chief threatens to attack eastern Congo town of Bunia The chief of Uganda's defence forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, said in a post on X on Saturday that he would attack the town of Bunia in neighbouring eastern Congo unless "all forces" there surrendered their arms within 24 hours, Reuters reported. Kainerugaba, who has a history of posting provocative comments on foreign policy, said he had the authority of President Yoweri Museveni, who is also his father. A spokesman for Uganda's military said he could not comment on the matter. Earlier on Saturday, Kainerugaba had said, without providing evidence, that people from the Bahima ethnic group were being killed. "My people, the Bahima are being attacked. That's a very dangerous situation for those attacking my people. No one on this earth can kill my people and think he will not suffer for it!" he said. "Bunia will soon be in UPDF hands," he said in a separate post, referrin...

  Chidimma Adetshina’s mother (Anabela Rungo) has been arrested in Cape Town for defying her ban on entering South Africa!  This morning, the Department of Home Affairs arrested Anabela Rungo, the mother of Chidimma Adetshina, at a property in Cape Town. She will be transferred into police custody. Her South African documentation was revoked last year after authorities discovered it had been obtained fraudulently. ACCORDING TO ANOTHER SOURCE:  Chidimma Adetshina’s mom arrested in Cape Town! Cape Town – Anabela Rungo, the mother of Chidimma Adetshina, was detained this morning in Cape Town by investigators from the Department of Home Affairs, with assistance from the South African Police Service (SAPS). Authorities allege that Rungo has been residing in South Africa illegally after her citizenship documents were revoked last year. According to Home Affairs, Rungo’s South African documentation was withdrawn in September 2024 after it was discovered that it had been fraudule...

  Three Israeli hostages freed in Gaza, Israel releases 369 Palestinians in exchange The hostages listed were Israeli-Argentine Iair Horn, 46; Israeli-American Sagui Dekel Chen, 36; and Israeli-Russian Alexander (Sasha) Troufanov, 29. The three were kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz, one of the communities near the Gaza Strip that was targeted in the Hamas terror attacks on October 7, 2023. The Hamas-linked Prisoners' Information Office has said that in return, Israel released 369 Palestinians, 36 of whom are serving life sentences, from Israeli prisons in exchange after mediators helped avert a collapse of the fragile ceasefire. The three Israelis were led onto a stage with Palestinian Hamas militants armed with automatic rifles standing on each side of them at the site in Khan Younis, live footage showed, before they were taken back into Israel by Israeli forces.

 Osun monarch faces COVID-19 fraud trial in US The whereabouts of Apetu of Ipetumodu, Oba Joseph Olugbenga Oloyede, is causing ripples in his domain, as residents and indigenes of the community are calling for the intervention of the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, in unraveling the mystery behind his disappearance. Oba Oloyede, a United States of America-based accountant and information system expert, was appointed new Apetu in July 2019. He succeeded Oba James Adegoke, who died on November 26, 2017. Our correspondents learnt that the royal father had been regularly shuttling between Nigeria and his base in the US since his installation. However, since March 2024 that he left his domain, he has not been seen, fueling speculations about his whereabouts. While some of the residents who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of attack said Oloyede was indisposed and was recuperating in the US, many others believed the monarch was facing trial for fraud. Monarch last seen in M...

 Do not let imperfections affect you, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde tells fans Seasoned actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has opened up about struggles with self-acceptance after undergoing emergency surgery last year. In a post on Instagram, Omotola shared a video of herself, showcasing a scar on her stomach from the surgery. She revealed that the experience had left her with a moment of insecurity, but she quickly regained her confidence. Omotola emphasised the importance of self-love and acceptance, encouraging her followers to focus on their strengths and be proud of who they are, imperfections and all. She wrote: “Loving Yourself first is the greatest Val gift. Late Last year I had an Emergency Surgery… One of my Best parts of my body is my Tummy … Oh well … Not so perfect now… “During this shoot I forgot and grabbed my top during my pose and I heard a little voice say … there’s nothing to show anymore… “Not me ! That thing that’ll shake my Confidence has Not been created . I smiled and...

 Family petitions DSS, claims he’s been missing since Feb 10 ....Mother begs Edo lawmaker Osawaru to ‘free’ him ....Singer proposes to new lover days after separation from wife Nigerian music star, Innocent Ujah Idibia, also known as 2Baba or Tuface Idibia, has been in the news since he quit his 12 years old marriage with Annie Macaulay about 17 days ago. The singer had on January 27, 2025 announced separation from Annie, saying they were both awaiting divorce. The 49-year-old singer, who made the announcement via his verified Instagram account, noted that he and Annie had been separated for a while. Although he did not give details of the cause of their impending divorce, he promised to release a detailed press statement on the issue much later. He said: “Hello to my beautiful people of all federations. Well, this thing I have to say is short but also long. Annie Macaulay and I have been separated for a while and have filed for divorce,” he said. “I would grant a press release soo...

 I love intelligent men — Funke Akindele Popular actress, Funke Akindele, has opened up about her passionate approach to love. She revealed that she is a lover girl who loves seriously and goes the extra mile for her lover. Speaking in an interview with Saturday Beats, Akindele said, “I am a lover girl and I love seriously. Because I am a bit of an extremist, I go the extra mile. I can wake up tomorrow and buy my spouse a car. The green light for me is someone who pampers me and checks on me genuinely. I love a real and positive guy. I also love intelligent men.” Reflecting on her personal journey, Akindele admitted there was a time when she almost gave up on love. Offering advice to others who may feel similarly disheartened, the ‘Everbody Loves Jenifa’ actress said, “I used to be like that. Don’t give up on anything in life but look at the brighter side of things. If you have given up on love, just take a chill pill and don’t force it. Don’t look for it; it will find you.” Akinde...

 Sowore attacked in Lagos The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress in the 2023 elections, Omoyele Sowore, was reportedly attacked on Saturday morning by suspected thugs at the Lagos City Marathon. Sowore was attacked by the thugs alongside crew members of his media outfit while participating in the marathon. The thugs also attacked some journalists covering the event, injured many of their victims, and destroyed their cameras and other gadgets. In a video seen by our correspondent, the thugs could be seen physically assaulting Sowore, his crew members and the journalists. One of the thugs was seen grabbing the neck of a journalist who was holding his camera.

 Marketers forced me out of Nollywood — Actress Biodun Okeowo Nigerian actress Biodun Okeowo has accused Nollywood marketers of damaging her acting career. Okeowo made the allegation on Friday in a post shared on her Instagram story.  Biodun, who recently married her US-based partner, Adeniyi Olabiyi, in July 2024, has been absent from the screen for years. However, addressing concerns from fans who have been questioning her sudden disappearance, the actress attributed her absence to the sexual pressure she faced from marketers. According to her: “Marketers were the reason I left the industry after blacklisting me for refusing to remove my panties. “They told producers to stop featuring me and went as far as removing my photo from the poster of a film in which I played the lead role. How many of their wicked actions should I even talk about? “They did so much damage to my career that I eventually got tired of acting and walked away myself. “I developed so much hatred for a job...

 I begged my girlfriend to stay after she cheated on me – Singer L.A.X Nigerian singer Damilola Afolabi, also known as L.A.X, has shared how he once begged his girlfriend to stay after she cheated on him. In a candid conversation with Chude Jideonwo, L.A.X recounted that his girlfriend returned home intoxicated, and he discovered through her phone that she had been unfaithful while out. The singer said that when he confronted her, she claimed the person she cheated with was only a friend. He stated he was begging her not to end the relationship instead of scolding her for being unfaithful. “I was dating this girl, she came in drunk and I held her to the bed. She even threw up. I checked her phone and I saw, ‘I enjoyed this night. I think we should do this again.’ “As I showed her the phone, she just looked at me and said, ‘He’s just my friend. We just spent the night.’ Trust me, it was me that was now begging. I said we can work it out and she said, okay, don’t worry,” L.A.X recoun...

 ‘Privacy reasons’ – Canada breaks silence on visa snub The High Commission of Canada in Nigeria has said it can’t reveal the reason for denying visa to the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa. The High Commission said it can’t reveal the reason due to “privacy reasons”. Musa was scheduled to travel to Canada for an event but was denied visa by the Canadian embassy in Nigeria. Speaking at the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies, AANISS, in Abuja on Thursday, Musa said he and his colleagues were denied visas to Canada. Musa said: “Every disappointment is a blessing. Yesterday, I was meant to be in Canada. There’s an event to honour our veterans, those that were injured during battles, and we were meant to be there. “We were invited with our team. Half has gone, and half has been denied. It’s very disappointing.” Reacting via a statement on X, the Canadian High Commission wrote: “The High Commission of Canada in Nigeria is aware of media reports related to...

 PRESS RELEASE HUMAN RIGHTS: IGP STRENGTHENS, EXPANDS GBV DESK OFFICES TO DIVISIONS ACROSS NIGERIA. As Police Reassures Commitment to Justice In a decisive move to reinforce the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to human rights, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has approved the expansion of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) desk offices to all police divisions nationwide. This initiative aims to enhance efficiency, improve service delivery, and ensure easier access to justice for citizens. Previously limited to zonal and state commands, GBV desk offices will now be established at the divisional level, ensuring that cases of gender-based violence receive prompt, specialized, and professional attention. To support this expansion, the IGP has mandated the appointment of qualified officers as GBV desk officers. These officers will undergo specialized training to equip them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and expertise to handle GBV cases effecti...

 Minteh double helps Brighton to thumping win over Chelsea Kaoru Mitoma scored a superb opener as Brighton loosened Chelsea's grip on a place in the top four of the Premier League with their second victory over the Blues inside a week. The result means the Seagulls, who also knocked Enzo Maresca's side out of the FA Cup last Saturday, move up to eighth in the table, four points adrift of Manchester City in fifth. City, Newcastle and Bournemouth, who all have a game in hand, have the opportunity to leapfrog Chelsea if they win on Saturday. Japan forward Mitoma set the hosts on their way, superbly controlling goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen's long pass forward with a delicate touch, before cutting inside Trevoh Chalobah and curling a low effort past Filip Jorgensen into the right corner of the Chelsea net. From that point on the result rarely looked in doubt as Brighton deservedly recorded their first home league win since 9 November. Yankuba Minteh added their second before the b...

 Remi Tinubu calls for sustainable health financing Africa’s aspirations for progress, economic growth, and social stability will remain difficult to achieve without a robust healthcare system that guarantees access to essential healthcare services for millions of Africans. First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu stated this at a High-Level meeting on Domestic Health Financing in Africa, organized by Rwandan President, Paul Kagame on the margins of the 38th AU Summit in Addis Ababa. Senator Oluremi Tinubu called for sustainable financing that ensures efficient mobilization and utilization of resources for both short, medium, and long-term impact. She explained that achieving a wealthy continent is largely dependent on the health of the people, and with the impending funding gaps occasioned by recent policy changes in the United States, the African continent must look inward for sustainable solution. Sharing Nigeria’s perspective on the issue, she harped on the need for a heal...