PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 A Kansas City Firefighter has tragically lost his life after being stabbed in the heart by a patient. This truly heartbreaking incident occurred at 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 27th. Emergency personnel were called to the report of a woman walking along the roadway in the area of 152 Highway and North Oak Traffic Way. The first responders arrived on the scene and made contact with the patient, 38-year-old Shanetta Bossell. Eventually EMS was called to the scene to transport Bossell to St. Luke's Hospital. As the ambulance was on the way to the hospital, Bossell fatally stabbed 29-year-old Graham Hoffman in the chest. It has not been reported whether Bossell had become combative or if this was a surprise attack at this point.  The ambulance was stopped alongside 152 Highway near Platte Purchase Road and  Bossell was taken into custody after the homicide.  Graham Hoffman was transported to North Kansas City Hospital. Sadly, the knife had pierced Hoffman's heart and he ...

 NAF DELEGATION VISITS CHINA TO BOLSTER AIR DEFENCE AND RADAR PARTNERSHIPS A delegation led by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, visited China from 20 to 25 April 2025 to strengthen ongoing efforts toward achieving Military Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria’s (MTRACON) airspace and developing formidable Air Defence Systems. The visit focused on deepening strategic partnerships with leading Chinese defence and technology firms. The delegation toured cities such as Beijing, Hefei, Nanjing, and Xi’an, engaging with top officials from organizations like the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) and China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO). They received briefings on advanced radar systems, air defence capabilities, and command and control technologies, including demonstrations of the Sky Dragon Weapon System and High Energy Laser Counter-UAV systems. Air Vice Marshal Suleiman Kabir Usman, representing the CAS, expressed confidence in t...

 Eight migrants die off Tunisia, 29 rescued: official Eight migrants from various countries died and 29 others were rescued after their boat capsized off the coast of Sfax in central Tunisia, the Tunisian National Guard told AFP on Monday. The migrants were "all foreigners", including some from Sub-Saharan Africa and others of different nationalities, said Houcem Eddine Jebabli, a spokesman for the National Guard. The Tunisian Defence Ministry said the shipwreck occurred early on Sunday. Tunisia is a key transit country for thousands of Sub-Saharan migrants seeking to reach Europe by sea each year, with Italy's island of Lampedusa only 150 kilometres (90 miles) away. Earlier this month, authorities began dismantling informal camps near Sfax where thousands of migrants, mainly from Sub-Saharan African countries, stayed. With the European Union's mounting efforts to curb migrant arrivals, many irregular migrants feel stranded in Tunisia. In 2023, Tunisia signed a 255-mi...

 Measles Outbreak Kills Two, Infects 20 in Zaria A measles outbreak in Ungwan Kanawa, Zaria LGA of Kaduna State, has claimed two lives and infected at least 20 others, health officials confirmed on Monday. Authorities linked the outbreak to years of vaccine hesitancy. In response, the Kaduna State Government, UNICEF, and WHO have launched emergency vaccination drives and intensified surveillance efforts. UNICEF’s Dr. Gerida Birukila warned that vaccine shortages threaten containment efforts, urging consistent supply to protect vulnerable children. Health officials have mobilized outreach teams to boost immunization and prevent further spread. Residents are advised to cooperate with health workers to curb the outbreak.

 Jigawa Governor Appoints Emir of Kazaure as Amirul Hajj for 2025 Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar A. Namadi, has appointed the Emir of Kazaure, Alhaji (Dr) Najib Hussaini Adamu, as the Amirul Hajj and head of the state's delegation for the 2025 Hajj exercise. The appointment was announced in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Bala Ibrahim, who also listed other members of the Amirul Hajj team. They include Dr. Yusuf Abdurrahman, Chief Imam of Hadejia Emirate; Alhaji Lawan Ya’u Roni, Talban Kazaure; Dr. Mahmoud Yunusa, Sa’in Dutse; and Alhaji Adamu Dauda Zakar, Durbin Hadejia. The SSG noted that the appointments were based on the appointees’ dedication, patriotism, trustworthiness, and piety. He congratulated the team and urged them to uphold these values as they work with the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board and relevant agencies to ensure smooth Hajj operations. The appointments take immediate effect.

 92 Visually Impaired Candidates Sit for 2025 UTME in Kano A total of 92 visually impaired candidates, alongside others with Down syndrome and autism, sat for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) at the Kano centre, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) confirmed on Monday. The exercise, held at the School of Continuing Education, Bayero University Kano, was conducted under the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG) initiative for special needs candidates. Prof. Muhammad Yahuza-Bello, Kano centre coordinator and former BUK Vice Chancellor, said the candidates were drawn from Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Zamfara, and Kaduna States. He noted that JEOG, introduced by JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede in 2017, aims to provide inclusive access to education, with adaptive materials like braille and typewriters, and trained personnel assisting candidates. Yahuza-Bello revealed that over 500 special needs candidates are sitting for the UTME nationwide across 11 ...

 Two Escape Death in Osun Hit-and-Run Accident Two individuals narrowly escaped death in a hit-and-run accident along the Ife-Ondo Road in Osun State on Monday. According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Osun Sector Command, the crash, involving a black TVS motorcycle without a registration number, occurred around 12:50 p.m. near Ali Ahanran bends, about four kilometres from the FRSC base. FRSC spokesperson Agnes Ogungbemi, citing the Ifetedo Outpost report, said the likely cause was speed violation. The motorcycle rider, identified as Mutiu, and one passenger sustained injuries and were taken to Truman Hospital in Ondo for treatment. Emergency responders arrived within eight minutes, recovering two Itel mobile phones and ₦59,500 in cash from the scene. The hit-and-run incident remains under investigation. Sector Commander Taofeeq Sokunbi urged motorists to observe speed limits and drive responsibly to prevent avoidable accidents.

 EFCC Arrests 27 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Jalingo   Operatives of the Gombe Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Sunday,  April 27, 2025 arrested 27 suspected internet fraudsters in Jalingo  , Taraba State.    The suspects were arrested  at Fenson Guest house and mile 6 in Jalingo,  based on credible intelligence on their alleged involvement in internet fraud.   Items recovered from them include one Toyota Camry car( 2013 model) ,27phones,  five laptops and other electronic devices.   They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. One more photo below. 

  Husband of Late Gospel Singer Osinachi Sentenced to Death for Culpable Homicide Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, has sentenced Peter Nwachukwu, husband of late gospel singer Osinachi, to death by hanging for culpable homicide in connection with her death on April 8, 2022. The court found Nwachukwu guilty after the prosecution, led by the Office of the Attorney-General of themedia, successfully proved its case. Nwachukwu was arraigned on June 3, 2022, on a 23-count charge, including culpable homicide punishable by death, criminal intimidation, cruelty to children, and spousal battery. During the trial, the prosecution presented 17 witnesses, including two of Osinachi’s children, who testified as the fourth and fifth prosecution witnesses, and tendered 25 documents as exhibits. Nwachukwu testified in his defense, called four additional witnesses, and submitted four exhibits. Before sentencing, Nwachukwu’s counsel, R...

 FG Mandates Full CBT for WAEC, NECO Exams by 2026 to Curb Malpractice The Federal Government has directed the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) to transition to full Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for all their examinations by May or June 2026, as part of efforts to eliminate exam malpractice. The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced this during a monitoring exercise of ongoing exams alongside Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) officials in Bwari on Monday. Over 2 million candidates are registered for the exams across more than 800 centers nationwide. Alausa revealed that WAEC and NECO will begin administering objective papers via CBT starting November 2025, with full adoption of CBT for both objective and essay components by mid-2026. “If JAMB can successfully conduct CBT exams for over 2.2 million candidates, WAEC and NECO can do the same,” he said, emphasizing that the move would curb examination malpr...

 SOLUDO'S ANTI-DRUG ABUSE POLICY: INFORMATION MINISTRY PARTNERS CATTLE MARKET By Rose Oranye  The Anambra State Ministry of Information, in partnership with the Amansea Cattle Market, recently organised a sensitisation campaign against drug abuse and addiction at the Amansea Cattle Market. The event, themed 'Operation Stop Drug Abuse and Addiction', drew attention to the dangers of substance abuse and encouraged youths to pursue productive endeavours. Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, observed that the cattle market community is a strategic partner to the Solution Government in the development of the state and urged them, particularly youths, to avoid drugs to succeed in life and not live a wasted life. He warned that drug abuse leads to financial loss, poor decision-making, and potentially, mental degeneration up to the point of schizophrenia (madness). Mefor assured the youths of the government's interest in their welfare and offer...

 NBA Awka Branch Ends 2025 Bar Week With Historic Thanksgiving  ...As Orakwe Appreciates Soludo's Development Policies By Michael Ezenwata The Nigerian Bar Association, Awka Branch has ended its week with a mass celebration attended by its members at the St.Patrick's Cathedral, Awka. The chairman of the association, Bona Orakwe (Esq) in a press statement in Awka after the celebration,noted with satisfaction the eventful outing of the bar which exposed members to the nitty-gritty and activities that promoted the legal practice and some social activities. The legal expert expects its members to leverage on the activities of the bar to improve their jurisprudence competences. He used the forum to eulogize Governor Chukwuma Soludo as a leader who has moved Anambra State to the next level. According to him, Soludo's administration has put in place structures addressing the socio-economic needs of the state residents. On his part, the Chairman Planning Committee of the NBA week,P...

 LAGOS TASKFORCE ARRESTS 52 SUSPECTS DURING CLEAN-UP EXERCISE ON LAGOS ISLAND In a determined effort to rid the metropolis of environmental infractions, criminal elements and enhance public safety, the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit carried out a routine enforcement and clean-up operation in the early hours of Saturday, 26th April 2025. The operation which commenced at approximately 12:35 a.m., was led by the Chairman of the Agency, CSP Adetayo Akerele, and targeted key areas including Lekki, Ikoyi, Falomo Bridge, Eko Hotel, and Ligali Ayorinde. These areas had been flagged through numerous complaints and distress calls indicating the presence of street urchins, miscreants, hooligans, pickpockets, and other suspected criminals, especially during late hours. During the raid, a total of fifty-two (52) suspects comprising fifty one (51) males and one (1) female were apprehended. The Agency successfully restored order and sanity to all locations visit...

 FITCH UPGRADES LAGOS, THREE OTHER STATES TO STABLE  . . . Sanwo-Olu Thanks Lagosians, Promises More Action  Lagos has got a clean bill of health on its economy - courtesy of Fitch Ratings. The internationally renowned rating Agency has upgraded the Long-Term Foreign and Local-Currency Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) of Lagos, Kaduna, Kogi, and Oyo states from ‘B-’ to ‘B’. This is a big boost for investors’ confidence and a testimony to the strength of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda - the six-pillar economic plan of the Governor’s administration.  According to information posted on the Agency's website, the outlook for all four states remains stable. The rating follows the upgrade of Nigeria’s sovereign rating to ‘B’ from ‘B-’ on April 11, 2025, reflecting improved macroeconomic stability and policy reforms. Fitch, in line with its rating criteria, mirrored the sovereign upgrade in the affected States, given the predominant role of the federal go...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES REMO STARS FOOTBALL CLUB ON HISTORIC LEAGUE VICTORY   President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulates Remo Stars Football Club on winning the 2024-2025 Nigerian Premier Football League title, a milestone achievement that spotlights Ikenne and Ogun State.   President Tinubu describes the historic victory, four years after the team's promotion to the elite league, as a testament to the hard work, discipline, and unyielding spirit of the players, the coaching crew and the management.   The President admires the team's resilience and perseverance, noting their courage in pursuing success despite three previous near-misses in the race for the league title. He hopes their example will inspire other Nigerian clubs to pursue their dreams continuously with tenacity and optimism.   He also commends the vision and commitment of the club's owner and chairman, Mr. Kunle Soname. His investment in grassroots football—exemplifi...

 Court Orders Aisha Achimugu to Honour EFCC Invitation   Justice I.E. Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has ordered Aisha Achimugu to appear before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, to answer questions regarding an ongoing investigation.   The judge also directed that she must appear before the court on Wednesday, April 30,  2025.    The order was made in a ruling delivered on Monday, April 28, 2025, in respect of a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/626/2025, filed by Achimugu against several law enforcement agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, the Department of State Services, DSS, the EFCC, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ,NSCDC, and the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS.    In its response to Achimugu’s application,   EFCC's Counsel,  Ekele Iheanacho,  SAN, informed the court of a counte...

 Nigerians should  Identify with Anti-corruption Fight- NUJ The Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ,  Kaduna State Chapter has urged Nigerians to ensure greater successes of the anti-corruption fight by identifying with the fight and owning it. The call was made by its  Chairman, Abdulgafar Alabelewe when the Acting Director, Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Bawa Usman Kaltungo,  paid a familiarization visit to the Union’s chapter. “The fight against corruption must be owned and fought by everyone to ensure its success because corruption affects everyone,” he said.  Alabelewe noted that the media was critical in the anti-corruption fight and assured the EFCC of the support of the NUJ in the state. “Our doors are always open to the EFCC whenever the need arises because the media is key in the dissemination of information to the general public,” he said. While appreciati...

 VeryDarkMan was one of the popular faces that turned up at the 17th Headies Awards in Lagos. A clip showed how people reacted as the social media critic and his friend Dkokopee arrived at the Headies. Mixed reactions have also trailed VeryDarkMan's presence at the 17th Headies Awards, which took place on Sunday.  Photo credit - @verydarkblackman/Instagram. More photos below. 

 Fire Destroys Staff Quarters at Sa’adu Zungur University, Bauchi A fire outbreak on Saturday gutted four houses at the Senior Staff Quarters of Sa’adu Zungur University, Gadau, Bauchi State, destroying property worth millions of naira. University spokesperson Auwal Hassan confirmed no casualties were recorded. He said the university management has pledged support to affected families and praised the swift response of security and fire service teams. An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.

 Grief as 11 Victims of Suspected Herdsmen Attack Buried in Benue Tears flowed in Otobi Akpa, Benue State, on Sunday as 11 victims of the April 15 suspected herdsmen attack were laid to rest in a mass burial. The community, overwhelmed with grief, described the tragedy as unprecedented in Akpa’s history. Families who lost multiple members struggled with the trauma, as the arrival of the white caskets plunged mourners into wailing. Security operatives at the burial were visibly moved. Community leader, Emaikwu Ode, lamented the rising violence, recalling peaceful coexistence with Fulani herders in the past. He warned that continued attacks could spark wider conflict if not addressed. Ode also disclosed that some residents remain missing following the attack. Of the 15 victims killed, four non-indigenes were buried in their hometowns.

 Cardinals to Begin Papal Conclave on May 7, Vatican Announces The Vatican announced on Monday that Catholic cardinals will begin voting for a new pope on May 7, following the death of Pope Francis last week. Cardinals under the age of 80, known as the "Princes of the Church," will gather in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new leader for the world's 1.4 billion Catholics. The date was set during a meeting of cardinals earlier on Monday, just two days after Francis’ funeral. The late pope passed away on April 21 at the age of 88.

 Kwara Pilgrims Set to Begin Hajj Journey on May 12 The Kwara Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced that the first group of intending pilgrims will depart Ilorin International Airport for Saudi Arabia on May 12. Executive Secretary of the Board, Abdulsalam Abdulkadir, disclosed this on Sunday during a sensitisation programme for 2025 pilgrims in Ilorin. He added that the second, third, and fourth batches would leave on May 14, 16, and 17 respectively. Abdulkadir confirmed that accommodation and catering arrangements have been finalised in Saudi Arabia. He also outlined that vaccines will be distributed on April 28, uniforms on April 30, and travel bags on May 1. Pilgrims who paid over N8.4 million in Hajj fees will receive refunds after the pilgrimage, he said, noting that visas for all 2,174 intending pilgrims have already been processed. Meanwhile, Justice Abdul-Lateef Kamaldeen, Grand Khadi of the State Sharia Court of Appeal, urged the pilgrims to approach the Hajj with r...

  Sultan of Sokoto Declares April 29 as First Day of Zulki’ida 1446AH The Sultan of Sokoto and President of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, has declared Tuesday, April 29, 2025, as the first day of Zulki’ida 1446AH. This announcement was made in a statement by Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Sultanate Council’s Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs. According to the statement, no credible reports of the new moon’s sighting were received across Nigeria on Sunday, April 27, leading to the completion of Shawwal with 30 days, in accordance with Islamic tradition. The Sultan urged Muslims to continue praying for peace, unity, and national progress while emphasizing the importance of compassion, tolerance, and respect. The Sultanate Council also appreciated the efforts of the National Moon Sighting Committees and advised Muslims to rely only on official announcements for religious guida...

  T.D. Jakes Steps Down as Lead Pastor of The Potter’s House Bishop T.D. Jakes on Sunday announced he is stepping down as lead pastor of The Potter’s House, handing over leadership to his daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts, and her husband, Toure Roberts. The transition, years in planning, was finalized months after Jakes suffered a massive heart attack while preaching. Fighting back tears, Jakes told the congregation, “I cannot afford, especially after November, to risk something happening to me and you be sheep without a shepherd." Sarah Jakes Roberts, set to take over in July, expressed her gratitude, saying, “I’m honored, as your daughter." Jakes founded The Potter’s House in 1996. Watch video below.

 Politicians Only Fight for Positions, Not the Masses — Bafarawa Former Sokoto State Governor, Attahiru Bafarawa, has criticized Nigerian politicians, accusing them of pursuing personal interests over the welfare of the masses. In an interview with BBC Hausa, Bafarawa lamented the collapse of genuine opposition, noting that defections to the ruling APC are driven by selfishness. He decried the current political atmosphere as confused and self-serving, with politicians blinded by ambition and citizens weakened by poverty and ignorance. Bafarawa warned that rising illiteracy, especially in Northern Nigeria, threatens the country’s future, and stressed that only divine intervention can save Nigeria.

 Republic of Congo Would Like to Join BRICS, President Says Nguesso also announced that he will take part in 80th victory anniversary commemorations in Moscow, and hopes to meet Putin, Sputnik reported. "BRICS projects, in our opinion, are interesting for Africa, and for our country in particular. We think that in this case, Congo will be ready to take its place in BRICS," Denis Sassou Nguesso told the Russian media. The president said that he took part in a number of BRICS meetings, the last of which was in Russia in 2024. "We saw that BRICS is opening its doors to other states and is ready to expand. I think this is an important step," Sassou Nguesso noted. "First of all, we are going to take part in the Victory Day parade on Red Square. Then, I hope, we will hold talks with President Vladimir Putin to review the cooperation between our countries and outline further plans," Sassou Nguesso said in an interview with the African Initiative news agency. ...

  Senator Natasha mocks Akpabio with ‘Erection’ apology The suspended Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central), has issued a sarcastic and satirical apology to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, reigniting discussions about gender dynamics and power struggles within Nigeria’s legislative chambers. In a letter dripping with biting irony, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan offered what could be described as a profuse “apology” for the “grievous crime” of maintaining dignity and self-respect in the Senate President’s presence. Mockingly, she referenced expectations of compliance, writing: “How remiss of me not to understand that my refusal to indulge your… ‘requests’ was not merely a personal choice but a constitutional violation of certain men’s entitlement.” Addressing systemic sexism, she continued: “Please find it in your magnanimous heart — somewhere buried deep beneath layers of entitlement — to forgive this stubborn woman w...

 Drama at 17th Headies as Odumodublvck Refuses to Leave Stage After Next Rated Win Rapper Odumodublvck caused a stir at the 17th Headies Awards on Sunday at the Eko Convention Centre, Lagos, after refusing to leave the stage following his Next Rated award win. Storming the stage with his mother and over 10 supporters, Odumodublvck’s microphone was cut off mid-speech as organisers tried to manage time. However, he resisted leaving, prompting the organisers to restore his microphone to allow him finish. In his speech, he reflected on overcoming industry barriers, crediting his success to "my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ." Odumodublvck beat Shallipopi, Qing Madi, Ayo Maff, and Nasboi to clinch the coveted Next Rated award, which comes with a car prize. The award was presented by Afrobeats star Davido. Last year, Odumodublvck won Rookie of the Year at the 16th Headies in Atlanta, earning a house prize in Lagos.

 FRENCH ROLE IN SUPPORTING TERRORISM IN MALI MALI 🇲🇱: President ASSIMI GOITA; Those who say that France hasn't done anything or that France has to stay. I've been on the frontline with them, I've eaten with them, I patrolled with them, I listened to their radio. " "What I heard if you was there you're going to shoot them. When we were on a field the French put us in front and in case of no danger we would answer R.A.S."   "And in case they shot at us, they said this is war, huh!" Many Malians fell in front of us and we couldn't say anything. " "All you had to do was revolt and the next day Bamako called you. That is, if 100 Malian soldiers died, a single Frenchman would fall or zero loss on the French side. " "I remember that famous day when we were 5 kilometers from Kidal, we could already see the rebels coming back. We told each other that Kidal is going down. In no less than 15 minutes a lieutenant colonel comes to i...

 Don’t bring old PDP habits to APC  —  Ned Nwoko tells Gov Oborevwori The Senator representing Delta North, Ned Nwoko, has asked Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State to leave “old habits” of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) behind as he joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).  Following Oborevwori’s defection, Nwoko, in a statement addressed to the governor, advised him to ensure his move to the APC is transformative. Although he commended the governor for dumping the PDP, he advised him to leave behind “old deals” that destroyed the opposition party in Delta State. He said, “Leave behind the politics of survival and step into the politics of legacy.” “No one pours new wine into old wineskins. Old habits, old politics, and the old deals that led to the gradual decline of the PDP in Delta must be left behind.” Nwoko also maintained that the ruling party has already begun preparing for constitutional amendments, including the creation of Anioma and N...

 Destroying PDP would collapse opposition, democracy in Nigeria, Lamido warns Former Jigawa State Governor and stalwart of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Sule Lamido, has warned against the ongoing efforts to undermine Nigeria’s main opposition party, declaring that the destruction of the PDP could trigger a collapse of democracy in the country.    Lamido, who is also a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, predicted that in the next five months, serious things may happen, insisting that the way people are leaving the PDP is very ominous for Nigeria.   Speaking after his election as a National Delegate during the PDP Local Government Congress in Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State, Lamido expressed grave concern over what he described as a systematic assault on opposition forces through the manipulation of state institutions like the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the police, and security agencies.    Lamido said: “In their wisdom, my peo...

 240 Kano Workers Found Receiving Double Salaries, 217 Share Same BVN — Government The Kano State Government has uncovered 240 civil servants receiving double salaries and 217 individuals operating under the same Bank Verification Number (BVN), following a biometric verification exercise. Dr. Sulaiman Wali Sani, Special Adviser to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on Civil Service Matters and Chairman of the State Coordinating Committee, announced the findings at a press briefing on Sunday. He explained that the irregularities were exposed through the work of two committees overseeing state and local government payrolls. Sani described the discovery as part of ongoing efforts to reform the state’s civil service and fulfill Governor Yusuf’s campaign promises. He added that 1,335 workers also failed to present themselves for verification, raising further suspicions of ghost workers. Similarly, Alhaji Umar Idi, Chairman of the Local Government Standing Committee, said a recent audit identifie...

 Kebbi Gov Nasir Idris Dismisses Defection Rumours, Reaffirms Loyalty to APC Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, has firmly denied rumours of his planned defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing them as “ridiculously malicious” and driven by “political comedians.” In a statement on Sunday, Idris, popularly known as Kauran Gwandu, reiterated his commitment to the APC, declaring, “I am made in APC, by APC, and for APC,” and vowed to be “the last man standing” in the party. Reacting to social media claims linking him to a coalition allegedly led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Idris stressed his loyalty to President Bola Tinubu’s vision and his dedication to delivering good governance in Kebbi. The governor, through his Chief Press Secretary, Ahmed Idris, dismissed the defection rumours as baseless, reaffirming Kebbi State’s status as an APC stronghold and pledging unwavering service to the people.

 105 Companies Granted Tax Waivers in Q4 2024 — NIPC The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) has announced that 105 companies were granted corporate income tax waivers under the Pioneer Status Incentive in the fourth quarter of 2024. According to the NIPC’s Q4 report, the beneficiaries, including Dangote Fertilisers, Mikano International, Dufil Prima Foods, and Edo Refinery, collectively invested over N2.4 trillion. The pioneer incentive offers qualifying firms a three-year tax holiday, extendable by up to two years, to stimulate industrial growth. As of December 31, 2024, NIPC received 19 new applications, approved extensions for eight companies, and granted 22 fresh approvals. While the report did not disclose the total value of the waivers, authorities have flagged concerns over the rising cost of tax incentives, which reportedly amount to about N6 trillion annually.

  The Kano State Judicial Service Commission has suspended two court registrars and issued warnings to two Upper Sharia Court judges over misconduct. Judiciary spokesman, Baba Jibo Ibrahim, announced the disciplinary actions, which followed the Commission’s 80th meeting on April 22, 2025, based on recommendations from the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee. Principal Registrar II, Ibrahim Adamu, was suspended without pay for six months and had his promotion deferred after verbally assaulting and attempting to attack a superior — his second offense. In a separate case, Maigida Lawan, Principal Registrar at the Sharia Court of Appeal, was demoted from Grade Level 13 to 12 and suspended for six months for soliciting and accepting improper gratification. Upper Sharia Court Judges, Alkali Mansur Ibrahim and Alkali Nasiru Ahmad, received formal warnings for using abusive language against a litigant and for improperly detaining a judgment debtor, respectively. The Commission reaffirmed...