PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 COMMISSIONER FOR POWER AND WATER RESOURCES COMMENDS STATE GOVERNMENT FOR LIGHTNING UP OGBOJI AND ITS ENVIRONS By Azuka Offor    The Commissioner for Power and Water Resource,  Mr.  Julius Chukwuemeka has commended the efforts of the Anambra State Government in providing the people of Ogboji community and it's environs with the installation of 7.5 injection sub- station at Anambra State Mis-use industrial city Ogboji and the extension of 33kv high tension from Oji River to Ogboji respectively. Mr. Chukwuemeka made this commendation during a joint inspection by some house members and members of the Ministry of Power and Water Resource on the on- going installation of 7.5 injection sub-station at Anambra State Mis-use industrial city  Ogboji. "The project when completed will provide 20-24 hours power supply to communities like Awa, Ufuma, Ajalli, Akpu, Ndiokpalaeze among others". The commissioner who was satisfied with the level of work done so far, maintaine...

 Nigeria Records 118 Lassa Fever Deaths, 645 Cases In 33 States The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 3,465 suspected cases of Lassa fever, with 645 confirmed infections and 118 deaths between January and March 2025. The centre stated on Sunday that the outbreak had affected 91 local government areas across 33 states, resulting in a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.3 per cent. The director-general of NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, disclosed that 20 healthcare workers have been infected across several states, including Ondo (8), Bauchi (4), Edo (1), Taraba (2), Ebonyi (1), Gombe (2), Benue (1), and Ogun (1). In response to the outbreak, the NCDC said it had deployed Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) to 10 states: Kogi, Plateau, Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Taraba, Benue, Gombe, and Nasarawa, for a two-week intervention. Due to the evolving nature of the outbreak, deployments in Edo and Taraba were extended by an additional 10 and seven days, respectively, it explaine...

 Trump Says He's Serious About 3rd Term Presidency  On Sunday, President Trump stated that he is "not joking" about the possibility of running for a third term, which he has mentioned for the second time in less than three weeks. During a phone conversation with NBC News's Kristen Welker, who noted that he often jokes about the topic, Trump insisted, "No, no, I’m not joking." He also claimed to have "the highest poll numbers of any Republican in the last 100 years," asserting that many polls show him in the high 70s and that he is very popular, with many people wanting him to pursue a third term. However, he added that it is still early in the administration. Trump had previously raised the idea of a third term during a St. Patrick’s Day event on March 12, which included House Speaker Mike Johnson and Ireland's Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, among others. He is constitutionally limited to two terms. When asked how he could return to the White House...

 Take your wife as your first daughter, not as your mate – Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Popular preacher and televangelist Pastor Chris Oyakhilome has shared his perspective on why men should regard their wives as their first daughters rather than as equals.  In a widely circulated video of him addressing his congregation, he stated, "Consider your wife as your first daughter, not as your mate."  Pastor Oyakhilome, the leader of LoveWorld Incorporated, emphasized that when men view their wives as equals, they may become frustrated with their actions due to heightened expectations. Conversely, if a man perceives his wife as a daughter, he is likely to be more forgiving and understanding of her behavior. He elaborated, saying, “If you view your wife as a mate, you may find yourself offended by her actions because you expect more from her. However, if you see her as your daughter, you will be more gracious and able to overlook minor issues.” The statement has sparked various reac...

 "Marine Le Pen's Political Future at Stake as Court Decides on Election Ban" Marine Le Pen, leader of France’s far-right National Rally (RN), faces a critical ruling on Monday, as a judge will decide whether she should be banned from the 2027 presidential election. This stems from a trial over alleged misuse of EU funds to pay party salaries. The prosecutor recommended both a €300,000 fine and a prison sentence for Le Pen, alongside a five-year ban from public office, with the ban taking effect immediately if convicted. The outcome is seen as crucial for Le Pen’s political future, with some arguing that preventing her from running could undermine democracy. Many commentators fear that giving judges the power to decide who can stand for election could have dangerous consequences for France’s democratic process. Le Pen remains confident that the court won't go as far as to block her candidacy.

 CENTRAL NAVAL COMMAND COMMEMORATE EID-AL-FITR  On Sunday 30 March 2025, the Headquarters Central Naval Command (HQ CNC), in collaboration with the Central Fleet, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH and the civilian community marked the conclusion of Ramadan with an Eid-al-Fitr prayer ceremony held at the NNS SOROH parade ground. Presiding over the prayers session, the Command’s Imam delivered a sermon emphasising perseverance in faith and devotion. He urged Muslim faithfuls to not relent in their supplications and to strengthen their trust in God Almighty.   In attendance were the Chief Staff Officer HQ CNC, Rear Admiral SA Adepegba, alongside Principal Staff Officers from HQ CNC, Central Fleet, and NNS SOROH. The gathering underscored the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to fostering unity and religious observance within its ranks.   NigerianNavy  More photos below. 

  "50 Cent saved me from making the greatest mistake of my entire life. I almost got married to a Gold Diger."  - Chris Brown "I bought a ring and went to meet 50 Cent and told him that I was gonna propose, get married, and settle down. And he looked at me, laughed and said: 'Hey Chris, she'll dîvorcé you and leave with half of your wealth. There ain't no love out here.' Then after I went and got a haircut, I realized that I was about to make the greatest mistake of my entire life. But then after I refûsed to mãrry that girl, she got married to another man few years later and today she's dîv0rced. And just like 50 Cent said, she took 75% of her ex-husbãnd's wealth. Fvck marriage mehn. I'm never getting married cuz I don't wanna be one of the investors in the Dîv0rcé Business. Men have noth!ng ga!n from mãrrîage." 

 Online Idiots Said Wike Suffered Stroke And Has Been Flown Abroad – Onanuga The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has debunked rumours that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, is sick and has been flown abroad. The presidential media aide submitted that online idiots are the ones spreading rumours about the alleged ill health of the FCT Minister. Onanuga, in a post on Sunday via his 𝕏 account, lambasted those alleging that Wike has suffered a stroke and has been flown abroad for treatment. Sharing a video of the FCT Minister’s sallah homage to President Tinubu, Onanuga wrote: “Here is Nyesom Wike, the Minister of FCT, reported by some online idiots to have suffered a stroke and flown abroad.” Wike, on Sunday, led the FCT community to pay a Sallah homage to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House Banquet Hall. The visit is part of the Eid-El Fitr celebration, which marks the end of the 2025 Ramadan fas...

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE WE REMOVED FCT FROM THE TREASURY SINGLE ACCOUNT TO SPEED UP DEVELOPMENT – PRESIDENT TINUBU   President Bola Ahmed Tinubu explained on Sunday in Abuja that his administration removed the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) to expedite development and enhance resident participation in governance. . The President, who received FCT residents at the Presidential Villa for Sallah homage, said the bureaucracy associated with the TSA was hampering infrastructure growth in the capital city and had to be reviewed for impact and progress.   The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, led the residents during the homage.   President Tinubu highlighted that freeing the FCT from TSA restrictions has swiftly catalysed infrastructure improvements, enhanced healthcare services, and increased security measures.   "I remember the day that the FCT Minister came to meet me, and he said, please take us out of the problem of the TSA so ...

 Eid-el-Fitr: Wike, FCT Community Leaders Pay Homage to Tinubu in Aso Rock In a show of respect and tradition, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, led community leaders in the territory to pay Sallah homage to President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Banquet Hall of the State House in Abuja on Sunday. During the event, Wike presented an Eid-el-Fitr congratulatory card to Tinubu, as seen in a video clip posted by Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the minister. Wike's attendance at the event also laid to rest rumors circulating on social media about his alleged ill health, including claims that he had collapsed at an event in Abuja.

 Imo: Protest Rocks Owerri Over Demolition of Old Timber Market Residents of Umuonyima community in Owerri Municipal Council of Imo State took to the streets to protest the demolition of the Old Timber Market by the state government. The protesters, led by community leaders, expressed their outrage over the sudden demolition, which they claim was carried out without adequate notice. According to Christian Anukam, President General of the Community, the government's action was "inhumane" and caught them off guard. "They came and informed us just a day before the demolition," Anukam said, adding that the community had supported the APC-led administration of Hope Uzodinma. Community leaders, including Paschal Ugwuanyi and Prince Mike Ukaegbu, emphasized that the land was released to them in 2007 for the market and that they were not given sufficient time to secure their goods before the demolition. They pleaded with the state government to reconsider and provide mo...

 'Upload Your IJMB, JUPEB Results or Forfeit Admission' - JAMB Orders Direct Entry Candidates The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a warning to all Direct Entry (DE) candidates who applied for admission through the 2024 DE mode using awaiting results from IJMB or JUPEB. According to JAMB's spokesman, Fabian Benjamin, these candidates must urgently visit any approved CBT centre to upload their results as soon as they are released. Benjamin emphasized that failure to comply with this directive would result in disqualification from consideration for the 2024 DE admission. This policy is similar to that for UTME candidates, where no candidate will be considered for admission with awaiting results. Key Takeaways: - Upload Results Immediately: Candidates must upload their IJMB or JUPEB results as soon as they are released. - No Admission with Awaiting Results: No candidate will be considered for admission with awaiting results. - Verification of Credenti...

 Edo PDP Tackles Okpebholo Over ‘Deteriorating Security Situation’ The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has condemned Governor Monday Okpebholo's handling of the state's security situation, which they claim has rapidly deteriorated. The party's criticism comes after the gruesome murder of innocent travelers in Uromi, who were accused of kidnapping and killed by a mob. Governor Okpebholo responded to the incident by suspending all illegal vigilante groups operating in the state and suspending the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP Friday Ibadin (Rtd.). However, the PDP faulted the governor's actions, stating that they expose the absence of a coherent security framework under the current administration. The PDP is calling for the following measures to restore security and prevent further loss of lives in Edo State: - Comprehensive Audit and Overhaul of the Edo State Security Corps: Eliminate unregistered groups and ensure accountability in operations...

 Niger withdraws from Lake Chad military force  Niger has quit an international force fighting armed Islamist groups in West Africa's Lake Chad region as it seeks to shore up security around oil assets at home, the government said in a bulletin on state television, Reuters reported. The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which also includes soldiers from Nigeria, Chad and Cameroon, has been working to stem the insurgency since 2015, but progress has been hobbled by division and poor coordination, allowing armed groups to flourish across the region's sparsely populated scrublands. MNJTF has yet to comment on Niger's withdrawal, and it is unclear how the step will affect the mission's future. The Lake Chad region has been repeatedly attacked by militant groups, including Islamic State in West Africa and Boko Haram, whose insurgency erupted in northeast Nigeria in 2009 and has killed tens of thousands of people. Last year, Chad threatened to pull out of the MNJTF afte...

 You lied: Atiku, Wike renew fight over choice of 2023 running mate Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Minister of Federal Capital Territory,FCT, Nyesom Wike, have renewed their fight over the latter’s choice of running mate in the 2023 general elections. The two chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who fell out with each other after the PDP presidential primaries that saw Atiku picking former Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, as running mate, are engaged in a war of words over what truly transpired. Atiku, in an interview, said he had no regret ignoring Wike for Okowa, adding that he acted according to the preference of party leaders. Atiku said PDP leaders had nominated three names, including Okowa, Wike, and Emmanuel Udom, former governor of Akwa Ibom, for the position. He added that Okowa was rated in the first position, followed by Wike who emerged second, and Udom third. Atiku said he decided to consult with the party in 2023 after facing criticisms for n...

 Lekki, Italy based businessmen arrested over illicit drug shipments to Nigeria, Europe . As NDLEA destroys 13,198 kilograms skunk in Edo forests; busts drug repackaging factory in Katsina village, recovers 86,000 pills of opioid, arrests 4 . Marwa commends personnel, prays for safer and drug free society on eid-el-fitr Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have arrested a Lekki-based businessman and proprietor of Damillionz Takeout, Arokodare Damil Ebenezer in connection with the shipment of 60 parcels of Loud, a strong strain of cannabis, from the United States of America to Nigeria. The 43-year-old businessman was arrested at Bay Lounge, Admiralty Way, Lekki area of Lagos where he does his illicit drug business on Monday 24th March 2025 while he was expecting to take the delivery of his latest drug consignment. His arrest followed the seizure of his cargo that arrived Nigeria in seven big cartons at a logistics company in Lagos on 12th March by NDLEA ope...

 Israeli attack on Beirut blatant violation of ceasefire – Iran Iran has condemned the Israeli strikes on Beirut, calling them a “blatant violation” of the ceasefire. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei made this known in a statement on Saturday. “The excuses made by the Zionist regime for justifying the aggression against Lebanon are totally baseless and unjustifiable,” Baqaei said. He also called on the international community to “make decisive plans to counter the occupying regime’s constant law-breaking in the region—from Gaza to Lebanon and Syria—and the regime’s growing threats against international peace and security.” The Israeli military carried out several airstrikes on southern Beirut on Friday after a rocket attack was launched at Israel from southern Lebanon. Hezbollah has denied involvement in the incident and has not responded to the Israeli assaults.

 Turkey: Osimhen fires blanks as Besiktas ends Galatasaray’s unbeaten run On-loan Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen failed to find the back of the net as his side lost 2-1 to Beşiktaş on Saturday. Osimhen, who was declared fit for the game after representing Nigeria during the international break, started the Turkish league fixture. Rafa Silva opened the scoring in the 23rd minute of the encounter before Lucas Torreira equalised in the 45th minute. Gedson Fernandes grabbed the winner for the hosts as Galatasaray suffered their first defeat of the season. The Nigerian has scored eight goals in his last five league outings for the Yellow and Reds. Osimhen is currently the leading scorer in the Turkish Süper Lig this season, with 20 goals from 22 matches. Galatasaray remain top of the table with 71 points from 28 games.

 Trump terrorising students to silence dissent – Congresswoman Pressley Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley has accused the Donald Trump administration of “terrorising students to silence dissent.” Pressley made this claim in a post on X, where she issued a strongly worded defence of Turkish graduate student Rumeysa Ozturk. Ozturk was detained by immigration authorities in Massachusetts over her advocacy for Palestinian rights. She was whisked away by plainclothed, masked agents in the streets. Pressley described the incident, which was captured on video, as a “kidnapping.” Several international students, including Ozturk, have been arrested and had their visas revoked due to their activism against Israel’s war on Gaza. “This administration is terrorising students to silence dissent because that’s what a dictator does. “And the only reason she was kidnapped is because she holds a dissenting political view, different from Donald Trump’s. That’s it. “This should be a five-alarm fire for an...

 Two scavengers arrested for stealing aluminum cables in Ogun The Ogun State Community, Social Orientation and Safety Corps, also known as So-Safe Corps, has arrested two scavengers for stealing aluminium cable wires at Onijanganjangan, Obada-Oko, in Ewekoro Local Government Area of the state. The suspects, Kamoru Mustapha and Mubarak Idris were arrested on Saturday during a routine patrol. The arrest was confirmed in a press statement issued by the office of the State Commander of So-Safe Corps, Soji Ganzallo, through the office of the Director of Information and Public Relations, Moruf Yusuf. Part of the statement read: “At about 0500 hrs on 29 March 2025, Corps officers on routine patrol apprehended the two suspects, Kamoru Mustapha, 25, and Mubarak Idris, 26, for stealing aluminium cable wires. “The suspects, who were scavengers, were caught in a bush while carting away aluminium cable wires at Onijanganjangan, Obada-Oko, in Ewekoro Local Government Area.” The state commander r...

 Lynched Edo travellers: Governors move against reprisals as 16 slain hunters buried Tears flowed on Saturday in Uromi, Edo State, as the remains of the hunters who were lynched by a mob were interred. Members of the Hausa community converged on the community cemetery to pay their last respects to the victims, who were burnt to death on Friday after being accused of being kidnappers. Our correspondents had earlier reported that the men were travelling in a Dangote Cement truck when they were intercepted around 1.30pm by local security guards. After the guards searched the truck and found dane guns, they raised the alarm, which triggered the mob attack. ‘19 hunters buried’ A video of the funeral rites posted on X by a security analyst, Zagazola Makama, showed the moment the victims were buried. The 1 minute 29 seconds clip captured members of the Hausa community in a solemn mood as the wrapped corpses were placed beside large graves. The man filming the burial, who spoke in Hausa, s...

 Reverse telecom tariff or face protest, students warn FG The South-West zone of the National Association of University Students has called on the Federal Government to reverse the hike in telecommunication tariffs. The university student body said the country would witness the mobilisation of learners against the hike if the government and other stakeholders failed to address the issue. Other imperative issues that NAUS asked the government to address included rising insecurity on campuses, epileptic power supply, and incessant strikes, among others. The students made these demands known in a press conference held on Thursday in Lagos. According to the statement signed by the NAUS National Vice President (South-West), Tiamiyu Olayinka, the reversal of increased telecommunication tariffs was crucial as students depend on affordable internet access to learn in this digital age. “Students across campuses depend on affordable internet access to attend virtual lectures, conduct researc...

 Nigeria Petrol Price Hike: Nigerians Groan as Pump Rate Hits N970 Per Litre Lagos fuel prices have surged to N930–N970 per litre, up from N865, causing public outcry. Oil marketers attribute the hike to increased landing costs. Commuters and businesses struggle as Abuja and Ogun also report rising prices. Nigerians demand government intervention amid the ongoing NNPC vs. Dangote Refinery price war. Lagos residents are reeling from yet another hike in petrol prices as pump rates skyrocketed to between N930 and N970 per litre, up from the previous N865 per litre. The sudden increase, which took effect on Saturday evening, has sparked frustration and economic concerns across the country. Fuel station attendants confirmed that earlier in the day, petrol was being sold at N865 per litre, but they later received instructions to adjust prices upward. This development aligns with recent disclosures from oil marketers, who reported an N88 per litre surge in the landing cost of imported pet...

 I’ve been receiving death threats for telling Nigerians not to criticise Tinubu – Peller Controversial streamer, Peller, has claimed that he has been receiving death threats after he urged Nigerians to stop the ongoing #30DayRants challenge on TikTok. Peller has faced significant backlash after urging Nigerians to refrain from criticising poor governance under the #30DayRants challenge. He highlighted that continued criticism could lead to a ban on the platform in Nigeria, which would affect his livelihood. During a recent livestream, Peller claimed that some persons threatened to shoot him like they shot his colleague, Oloba Salo, in the Lekki area of Lagos State last year. He said, “I have been receiving death threats. Some people threatened to shoot me like they shot Salo in Lekki Phase 1. They asked me to watch my back when going out. “What is all these? I’m not talking again. Good bye.”

 SERAP to National Assembly: Drop bill to jail eligible Nigerians who fail to vote Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged leaders of the National Assembly- Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas “to immediately withdraw the oppressive bill which contains repressive provisions to jail any Nigerian of voting age for six months and/or impose a fine of N100,000 on them if they fail to vote in national and state elections.” Nigerian online marketplaces SERAP urged Mr Akpabio and Mr Abbas to instead “amend the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and the Electoral Act 2022 to remove constitutional immunity for state governors and their deputies who commit electoral offences, including vote-buying, to facilitate the investigation and prosecution of perpetrators.” SERAP also urged Mr Akpabio and Mr Abbas “to amend the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act to explicitly prohibit the appointment of ...

 Ladoja storms Makinde’s private residence after Eid-el-Fitri prayers In what seem a good turn of event in the State, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja on Sunday visited the Ikolaba private residence of Governor Seyi Makinde. The former Governor, who was earlier at the Agodi Eid Prayer Ground, arrived the residence in company of the Senator representing Oyo South, Sharafadeen Alli and other aides. Ladoja, whose presence at the residence was greeted by mixed reactions, as many looked in admiration and joy. Dressed in white with the Olubadan staff of office behind him, Oba Ladoja was received was led in by the Director General (DG) Protocol to the Governor, Otunba Gboyega Badejo as the Personal Assistant to the Governor, Alhaji Akeem Azeez. The joy and excitement that trail the arrival of the former governor was almost truncated when security operatives who manned the door from inside, unaware of the arrival of Oba Ladoja could not be reached to open the door for the...

 Okpebholo bans illegal vigilante groups, suspends security chief over killing of hunters Monday Okpebholo, governor of Edo, has suspended Friday Ibadin, commander of the Edo State Security Corps, over the killing of 16 hunters in the Uromi area of the state. In a statement released by the secretary to the state government on Saturday, Okpebholo also ordered the suspension of illegal vigilante groups operating in the state. On Thursday, a mob in the Uromi area of Edo killed 16 hunters of northern descent who were travelling from Elele, Rivers state. The police had said the hunters were killed after a local vigilante group, who mistook them for kidnappers, found 19 locally fabricated firearms in their possession. President Bola Tinubu had ordered the police and security agencies to swiftly investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice. In the statement, the Edo governor said the vigilante group that carried out the act was not registered or profiled under the state security corp...