PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Naira-for-crude policy remains in place----chairman, Technical Sub-Committee Our attention has been drawn to reports doing the rounds and suggesting that the naira-based crude oil supply arrangement with local refineries has been discontinued, forcing the domestic refineries to rely solely on international crude purchases.  These reports do not reflect the realities of the ongoing work under the Federal Executive Council Initiative on Domestic Sales of Crude Oil and Refined Products in Naira. As the committee driving the implementation of this laudable initiative, we wish to provide an update on the Federal Executive Council initiative and confirm as follows: o       The Naira-Based Domestic Sales Framework Remains in Place The policy framework enabling the sale of crude oil in naira for domestic refining remains in force. The initiative was designed to ensure supply stability and optimize the utilisation of local refining capacity. There has been no decis...

 North Korea fired several ballistic missiles into the sea Monday, South Korea’s military said, hours after South Korean and U.S. troops kicked off their large annual combined drills, which the North views as an invasion rehearsal.  South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the missile firings, North Korea’s fifth missile launch event this year, were detected from the North’s Hwanghae province but gave no further details such as how far they flew.  Earlier Monday, the South Korean and U.S. militaries began their annual joint military exercises, which are scheduled to last 11 days. The Freedom Shield command post exercise began after the South Korean and U.S. militaries paused live-fire training while Seoul investigates how two of its fighter jets mistakenly bombed a civilian area during a warm-up drill last week.  The drills' start drew the condemnation of nuclear-armed North Korea, which issued a government statement calling the exercises a “dangerous provocative act...

 The First Lawmakers: My Reflection on Home, Discipline, and Duty Law and order do not begin at the police station or the courthouse; they begin at home, in the quiet corners where parents teach their children right from wrong. When this foundation cracks, society inherits the fallout. As a police officer, I’ve witnessed this truth play out in heartbreaking ways—parents arrive at stations, not with pleas for justice, but with demands for us to parent for  them. “I want you to detain my child,” “I want you to Discipline him,” “Torture him,” as though pain alone could rewrite a life long gone astray. A retired soldier once came into my office in Ago Iwoye, demanding we kill his son, a university student arrested for cultism. His rage was volcanic. Yet, the very next day, that same man returned, food in hand, asking after his son’s well-being. When I joked, “So you don’t want us to kill him again?” his eyes betrayed a truth every parent knows: anger is often the flipside of helpl...

 ENUGU POLICE OPERATIVES ARREST ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECTS, RECOVER FIREARM, AMMUNITION, AND OTHER EXHIBITS. Police operatives attached to Nsukka Urban Division, in collaboration with law-abiding citizens, have arrested two male armed robbery suspects, Ugwu Ejiofor, aged 32, and Sunday Ugwuanyi, aged 26, on March 6, 2025, at about 8:40 p.m. One locally made double-barreled pistol loaded with one live cartridge, an ATM card, two mobile phones, a Yamaha motorcycle used for their criminal operation, and other exhibits were recovered from the suspects. Preliminary investigations revealed that at about 8:30 p.m. on the same day, the suspects, riding the recovered motorcycle, accosted a female victim at Obukpa Amebo in Nsukka and robbed her of her bag. Upon receiving the report, police operatives, with assistance from law-abiding citizens, swiftly tracked down and arrested the suspects, recovering the exhibits. The suspects will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations. SP...

 APC clears seven aspirants for Anambra gov primary The All Progressives Congress Screening Committee for the 2025 Anambra State Governorship Election has cleared all seven aspirants seeking the party’s ticket for the upcoming primary election scheduled for April 5, 2025. The screening committee, chaired by ex-Governor of Katsina State, Ibrahim Shema, announced the clearance in a statement signed by APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, on Monday. The aspirants who successfully scaled the screening process are Sir Paul Chukwuma, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo,  Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, Mr. Chukwuma Umeoji, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo, Mr. Johnbosco Onunkwo, and Edozie Madu. Morka confirmed that all the aspirants have received their Certificates of Clearance at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja. He also disclosed that one of the aspirants, Valentine Ozigbo, was granted a waiver by the party to enable him to contest the primary election. “Accordingly, the party has issued Certific...

 More troubles in Lagos Assembly as Obasa files corruption case against Meranda in court An Ikeja High Court on Monday extended the hearing of the suit filed by the reinstated Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, until March 17. Obasa is challenging the allegations that led to his initial removal as speaker, which include fraud, high-handedness, abuse of office, and gross misconduct. The respondents in the suit are members of the state assembly and former speaker, Mojisola Meranda. During the resumed hearing, Lead Counsel for the House of Assembly, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), informed the court that Obasa’s Lead Counsel, Mr. Afolabi Fasanu (SAN), had served additional affidavits. These affidavits contained serious fraud allegations against Meranda. The additional affidavits prompted Meranda’s counsel, Mr. Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), to request an adjournment to respond to the new application. “There are serious fraud allegations in the further affidavits my learned bro...

 My children reaping the good I’ve done – Iyabo Ojo Actress Iyabo Ojo has expressed gratitude and pride in how her good deeds have positively impacted her children. In a recent interview with Seun Oloketuyi, Iyabo said she believes that her kids are reaping the benefits of her hard work and kindness. Iyabo emphasised the value of self-reliance, noting that individuals must take care of themselves. She also credited daughter, Priscilla, with encouraging her to join TikTok, which has generated significant income for her. Iyabo said: “Good pay. I feel like what I am reaping today or my children are reaping today is the good that I have done. “When I die today, nobody is dying with me. When I am hungry right now, no matter how much you love me, you won’t give me your womb or your intestines to quench my hunger; I have to sort myself out. “Every man is on his own. When you have kids early, trust me you don’t want to grow old because your kids will always make you feel young. Priscilla t...

 NDLEA officers’ welfare ‘ll continue to be my priority-  Marwa  . Commissions fitness centre for personnel Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) has said he will continue to make the welfare of his officers, men and women his priority to ensure that they are physically and mentally fit to carry out their responsibility of curbing the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.  Marwa who gave the assurance on Monday 10th March 2025 during a brief ceremony to commission a state-of-the-art fitness centre for the Agency’s personnel at its headquarters in Abuja, said his decision to build the gym reinforces his commitment to the health, strength, and overall well-being of officers , men and women of NDLEA, which is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda. He highlighted the significance of the facility in ensuring that officers remain physically and mentally fit to tac...

 PRESS RELEASE FORCE MANAGEMENT: IGP INAUGURATES NEW FORCE MANAGEMENT TEAM, RESTATES AGENDA FOR NIGERIA POLICE FORCE. In a pivotal moment for the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, today, March 10th, 2025, formally inaugurated the newly restructured Force Management Team (FMT), following the appointment of six new Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) to ensure the smooth and effective administration of the Nigeria Police Force. The IGP charged the FMT with aligning the vision and operations of the Nigeria Police Force with the Federal Government's agenda, reiterating his vision for a professionally competent, service-driven, and people-friendly Police Force, well-positioned to address contemporary crime. The FMT’s efforts will focus on the reorganization and specialization of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) and other investigative units.  To that end, The IGP has directed th...

 Ogun to Partner Nigerian Air Force on Security, Aviation Development as Abiodun Visits Chief of Air Staff  Governor Dapo Abiodun on Monday said that the Ogun State Government is ready to strengthening its collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to enhance security and aviation growth within the state. The Governor stated this during a meeting with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, at the NAF Headquarters in Abuja to discuss areas of mutual interest, particularly the Gateway International Airport. During the meeting, Governor Abiodun reiterated the state’s commitment to positioning the Gateway International Airport as a major hub for trade, investment, and logistics. He emphasized the crucial role of the Nigerian Air Force in ensuring the security and operational efficiency of the airport. A key highlight of the discussion was the establishment of an Air Force base at the airport, a move expected to enhance safety, boost economic activities, and ...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS STATEMENT NIGERIA, UNDER PRESIDENT TINUBU, IS MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION The Catholic Bishops' Conference, at its first plenary meeting of 2025 in Abuja at the weekend, gave an alarming prognosis of the state of the economy and the polity that sounded more like snippets from an outdated book.   In his opening address, CBCN President Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru listed youth unemployment, insecurity, poverty, corruption, and electoral fraud as some of the ills plaguing the country. He demanded quick action from leaders nationwide to stop the country from drifting.   President Bola Tinubu deeply appreciates the constant interventions of the Catholic Bishops in matters of governance in our country. The Conference of Catholic Bishops' patriotic fervour and commitment to national unity, peace, and stability are unassailable and deeply valued and respected by the government.   While some of the governance challenges in the areas highlighted by the Bishops...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE NIGERIAN PROFESSIONALS WILL RETURN AS ECONOMY IMPROVES, PRESIDENT TINUBU ASSURES AT INAUGURATION OF NATIONAL YOUTH CONFAB PLANNING COMMITTEE   President Bola Tinubu said Monday in Abuja that human capital flight can be reversed by improving the economy, developing bottom-up policies that address needs, and deepening citizens' collective sense of ownership.   President Tinubu, who inaugurated the Planning Committee for the National Youth Conference at the State House, assured that the ongoing economic reforms were designed to strengthen the economy for the prosperity of Nigerian youths, who constitute more than 60 per cent of the population.   "I want to reassure you that you are the hope of this country, and everything hangs on you. Every decision that I have taken is about you. It's about the future. When we removed the fuel subsidy, it was because we wanted to protect your future. We have cleared the path for you to have a great future," P...

 Rivers Assembly Issues Arrest Warrant for RSIEC Chairman, Four Commissioners The Rivers State House of Assembly has issued an arrest warrant for the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Justice Adolphus Enebeli (Retd.), and four other commissioners after they failed to appear before the House. The warrant was approved during Monday’s plenary session, presided over by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, following the expiration of a 72-hour ultimatum issued to the officials. This came after an initial 48-hour deadline expired on Friday. Meanwhile, Ibiemebo Evelyn Thompson, the RSIEC Commissioner for Transport, Logistics, and Store, resigned on Monday, citing the Supreme Court ruling that nullified the October 5, 2024, local government elections in the state. Her resignation follows that of Lazberry Nnah and Professor Simeon Weli, who stepped down last week for the same reason. With Justice Enebeli yet to respond to the Assembly’s summons, his next move remai...

 Majeje Village Residents Struggle for Water Despite Supply Restoration Majeje village residents in Phalaborwa continue to struggle with water shortages despite the resolution of the pump burst at Lepelle Northern Water. While water supply has been restored in Phalaborwa, Majeje remains without running water. Community members allege that water supply pipes have been deliberately closed by water truck operators who sell water in the area. They are now calling on the municipality to investigate the issue and ensure that water reaches their homes. Residents are urging authorities to take swift action to restore their access to clean water, as the ongoing crisis severely impacts daily life.

 Tragedy Strikes on N2 Highway: 9 Killed, Dozens Injured in Bus Accident A horrific bus accident on the N2 highway near Mandeni, KwaZulu-Natal, on March 9, 2025, has left nine people dead, including a four-year-old child. The crash occurred when a bus carrying 82 churchgoers suffered a tire blowout, causing the driver to lose control. The vehicle veered off the road and tumbled down a steep embankment. Among the deceased were six women and one man, while over 60 passengers sustained injuries—at least 12 critically. Emergency teams, including IPSS Medical Rescue, responded swiftly, working through the wreckage to save lives. Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident.

 Court Jails Two Chinese for Illegal Mining in Kwara Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court, Ilorin on Friday, March 7, 2025 convicted and sentenced two Chinese, Yang Chao and Wu Shan Chuan to prison for illegal mining of solid minerals in Kwara State. They were convicted along with their company, Crius Chemical Nigeria Limited. They were prosecuted on a one-count charge, bordering on dealing with illegal solid minerals mining. The charge reads: "That you, Yang Chao, Wu Shan Chuan, and Crius Chemical Nigeria Limited, sometime in March 2024, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, engaged in dealing with minerals without lawful authority, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 134(b) of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007." They pleaded “guilty” when it was read to them, following which EFCC counsel, Sesan Ola reviewed the facts of the case through a witness, an operative of the Commission, who tendered the defenda...

 Court Jails Two Ex-convicts, One other for Naira Abuse in Ibadan   Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court, sitting in Ibadan has convicted and sentenced two siblings, Amos Remilekun Ilesanmi and  Olanrewaju Samuel Ilesanmi alongside Ugbeh Emmanuel Ukali for naira notes mutilation. The Ilesanmi brothers were ex-convicts, sentenced to three months community service each on October 2, 2024 for internet fraud, impersonation and obtaining money by false pretence by Justice Ladiran Akintola of the Oyo State High Court, Ibadan, while Ukali is presently being prosecuted a one-count charge of internet fraud before Justice Akintola.   The three were arraigned by the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on February 25, 2025 on a joint one-count charge that bordered on naira mutilation.   The charge reads: “That you Ilesanmi Amos Remilekun, Ilesanmi Olanrewaju Samuel, and Ugbeh Emmanuel Ukali on or about 6th June, 2024 with...

 EFCC Arrests 31 Suspected Illegal Miners in Jos   Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Kaduna Zonal Directorate on Saturday March 8, 2025 arrested 31 suspected illegal miners in Jos, Plateau State capital.   They were arrested in the premises of Jiasheng Nigeria Limited, located at Dura Rayfield, Mangu Road, Jos following credible intelligence linking the company to illegal mining activities in the state.    The arrested included four Chinese and 27 Nigerians, part of whom were suppliers in possession of unprocessed solid minerals, suspected to have been illegally mined.   They are: Liang Qinyong,Wang Huajie, Zhong Jiajing, Long Kechong, Akilu Akonimi, Umar Mohammed, Aaron Davo, Auwal Abdullahi, Haruna Umar, Prosper Goddey, Alex Long, Mathew Onmaza, Oupe Anzaku, Samson Luka, John Nwang and Saidu Mohammed.   Others are; Mohammed Musa, Abubakar Ibrahim, Mohammed Zaradeen, Yakubu Adidzi, Isah Dahiru, Yusuf Musa, Benjamin .D. ...

 GOV. SANWO-OLU UNVEILS THE MAKEMATION FILM PROJECT AT THE LAGOS HOUSE, MARINA, ON SUNDAY, MARCH 9TH, 2025 Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the First lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu (both centre) with film producers and actors during the unveiling of the MAKEMATION Film Project at Lagos House, Marina, on Sunday, March 9th, 2025. Director General, Nigerian Film Corporation, Mr. Ali Nuhu; Commissioner of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Executive Producer of MAKEMATION, Mrs. Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji and Commissioner for Innovation, Science & Technology, Mr. Olatunbosun Alake, during the unveiling of the MAKEMATION Film Project at Lagos House, Marina, on Sunday, March 9th, 2025. Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (fourth right); Nollywood actors, Jide Kosoko (third right); Segun Arinze (left); Executive Producer of MAKEMATION, Mrs. Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji (second left); CEO, EbonyLife ...

 Court Adjourns Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suit Against Senate Probe to March 25 The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the case filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, to March 25, 2025. The postponement came after the respondents informed the court that they had yet to receive the necessary court documents. Akpoti-Uduaghan had filed a suit seeking to stop the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges from investigating her. In an earlier ruling on March 5, 2025, Justice Obiora Egwuatu temporarily barred the committee from proceeding with the probe. More details to follow…

 Salah, Terland Win PFA Fans’ Player of the Month Awards for February Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah and Manchester United’s Elisabeth Terland have been named the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Fans’ Player of the Month winners for February in their respective leagues. Salah, known as the "Egyptian King," earned the Premier League Fans’ Player of the Month award for his stellar performances with Liverpool. The club celebrated the recognition with a social media post: "Love it, Mo! @MoSalah is the PFA Fans’ Player of the Month winner for February." Meanwhile, Terland was honored as the Women’s Super League Fans’ Player of the Month for her impressive contributions. The PFA confirmed her win on X, stating, "Elisabeth Terland. Your PFA WSL Fans’ Player of the Month for February.". More photos below. 

 2,575 Days After Abduction: Group Renews Demand for Leah Sharibu’s Release As the world marks International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, themed “For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality,” the Association of Christian Correspondents of Nigeria (ACCoN) has reiterated its call for the release of Leah Sharibu, urging the Federal Government, security agencies, and stakeholders to intensify efforts to secure her freedom. Leah was among the 110 schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram from Dapchi, Yobe State, on February 19, 2018. While others were released, she remains in captivity 2,575 days later. In a statement signed by its president, Adeola Ogunlade, ACCoN expressed frustration over the government’s failure to secure Leah’s release and that of thousands of other women and girls still in captivity. The group insisted that Leah’s plight must not be forgotten and urged relentless efforts to bring her home. Ogunlade described Leah’s faith and resilience as an inspiration to young girls across Ni...

 Delta Community Protests After Herdsmen Attack, Amputate Man’s Hand Residents of Uduophori Community, Delta State, staged a protest on Monday, blocking roads to Bomadi and other areas after suspected Fulani herdsmen attacked Freedom Akpodiete, a 28-year-old motorcyclist, amputating his hand. Protesters accused the herdsmen of preventing farmers from working, destroying crops, committing sexual violence, and demanding ransoms. Community leaders, including ThankGod Ado and Pa Benjamin Obotorino, condemned the 15-year-long crisis, calling for urgent government intervention. The community also alleged that herdsmen had taken over a local primary school, forcing its closure. They urged authorities to take immediate action before the situation worsens further.

 Edo PDP Urges Governor Okpebholo to Address Insecurity as Over 35 Killed in Two Weeks The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on Governor Monday Okpebholo and his All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government to take urgent action against rising insecurity in the state, alleging that over 35 residents have been killed in the past two weeks. Speaking at a press conference in Benin City, the PDP’s acting caretaker committee chairman, Anthony Aziegbemi, expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation, which was also highlighted by Senator Adams Oshiomhole during a National Assembly plenary session. Aziegbemi criticized the Okpebholo administration for failing to protect lives and property, stating that the state is now a hub for violent crimes, including kidnappings and killings. He alleged that victims such as Batemue Philip Ebo (Catholic priest), Christopher Bello (seminarian), and Victor Ogedengbe (vigilante commander) were brutally mur...

  A Magistrate Court in Umuahia North Magisterial District has sentenced Pastor Uche Arua Kalu to 10 years imprisonment without an option of fine for defiling a four-year-old girl in Amaogudu Abiriba, Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State. The judgment was delivered on Friday, March 7, 2025, by His Worship Onuoha U.C. During the hearing, the Investigating Police Officer, ASP Iweajunwa, presented the facts of the case, which led to the defendant's conviction. Despite initially pleading guilty to the crime on December 20, 2024, Pastor Kalu later denied knowledge of his offense, contradicting his earlier statement. The prosecution, led by Chinedu Ikpa Esq., presented undeniable evidence against the accused, including his confession and the IPO's investigative report. The prosecution emphasized that for a defilement case to be proved, three key elements must be established: the victim must be underage, the accused must have engaged in sexual intercourse with the child, and the...

  Report of the investigative panel concerning the stampede at the CKC Cathedral, Aba, during the Christ the King Celebration, on Sunday November 24, 2024. Summary of findings and recommendations: 1) Tragedy was caused mainly by the locking of some gates, overcrowding, inability to keep to instructions on the part of the people, excessive heat and inadequate security arrangements. 2) 8 persons lost their lives in the tragic incident (see attached addendum for list of the dead) 3) Use of the same gates as entrance and exit points escalated the tragedy. 4) Diocesan Guards further exacerbated the already irritant crowd when they tried to force people out of the Cathedral compound. 5) Going forward only 17 parishes are allowed to come to the Cathedral for the Christ the King Celebrations. 6) Other Parishes can celebrate at their Vicariate Centres. 7) Persons with health issues should no longer participate in the procession. 8) Enough provisions should be made for water, energy drinks, ...

 Ijoba Lande's Wife Breaks Silence on Infidelity Allegations Dara, the estranged wife of comedian Ijoba Lande, has spoken out about the infidelity allegations against her. In an interview with socialite Esabod and other TikTokers on Sunday, Dara admitted to sitting naked on actor Baba Tee's lap during a 'Truth and Dare' game at his residence. Dara explained that she met Baba Tee in July 2024, when she accompanied her friend Marygold to his house. She claimed that Baba Tee was unaware of her marital status at the time. According to Dara, the group engaged in a 'Truth and Dare' game, during which Marygold stripped naked and performed a sex act on Baba Tee. Dara alleged that she had consumed 10 shots of alcohol and that Marygold and Baba Tee had smoked marijuana. Dara stated that Marygold dared Baba Tee to have sex with her, but she refused, instead opting to sit on his lap. She emphasized that no sexual activity occurred. The interview follows Baba Tee's publi...

 EFCC Arrests 14 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Jos   The Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC have arrested fourteen suspected internet fraudsters.   They were arrested in K-Vom and Rayfield areas in Jos, Plateau State on Saturday March 8,  2025 following credible intelligence on their suspected involvement in internet-related activities.      Items recovered from them include five laptops, 13 phones and two power banks.   The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.  One more photo below. 

 US open to minerals partnerships with Democratic Republic of Congo nerals partnerships with Congo, the State Department said in a statement to Reuters, after a Congolese senator contacted U.S. officials to pitch a minerals-for-security deal. Democratic Republic of Congo, which is rich in cobalt, lithium and uranium among other minerals, has been fighting Rwanda-backed M23 rebels who have seized swathes of its territory this year. Talk of a deal with the U.S. - which is also in discussions with Ukraine over a minerals pact - has circulated in Kinshasa for weeks. "The United States is open to discussing partnerships in this sector that are aligned with the Trump Administration's America First Agenda," a State Department spokesperson said, noting that Congo held "a significant share of the world's critical minerals required for advanced technologies." The U.S. has worked "to boost U.S. private sector investment in the DRC to develop mining resources in a ...