PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 EFCC Probes Mele Kyari, 13 Others Over Alleged $2.9 Billion Misappropriation in NNPC Refinery Funds The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into former senior officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), including former Group Managing Director Mele Kyari, over allegations of misappropriating $2.96 billion allocated for the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries. According to a letter dated April 28, addressed to the Group Managing Director at NNPC Towers in Abuja, the EFCC is scrutinizing disbursements of $1.56 billion for the Port Harcourt refinery, $740 million for the Kaduna refinery, and $657 million for the Warri refinery. The probe focuses on claims of fund misappropriation and abuse of office. Among the 14 individuals under investigation are Abubakar Lawal Yar’Adua, Isiaka Abdulrazak, Umar Ajiya, Dikko Ahmed, Ibrahim Onoja, Ademoye Adeniyi Jelili, Mustapha Magaji Sugungun...

 Customs Uncovers Falsified Drugs, Drones Worth ₦921 Million, Warns Importers Against Non-Compliance ...As CGC Inspects Real-Time Implementation of B'Odogwu at PTML, TCIP  The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a large consignment of fake, expired, and unregistered pharmaceuticals, along with controlled equipment, including drones and telecommunication devices, valued at ₦921 million. Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi disclosed this during a press briefing at Apapa Port on Wednesday, 30 April 2025, warning importers to comply strictly with import regulations. “Our seizures today reveal that importers are diversifying their contraband portfolios—combining pharmaceuticals, food items, and controlled technology in systematic shipments. Our collective vigilance remains the most effective deterrent against transnational criminal networks seeking to compromise our borders.” According to the CGC, operations conducted between January and April 2025 led to...

 SABC News Anchor Hlayiseka Mabunda Claims Unfair Dismissal After 18 Years of Service Veteran broadcaster and prolific SABC news anchor Hlayiseka Mabunda says he was unfairly dismissed from the public broadcaster after serving with dedication for 18 years. Mabunda alleges that his dismissal was the result of a personal vendetta orchestrated by the SABC News regional editor in Polokwane, whom he accuses of using petty disciplinary tactics to push him out. According to Mabunda, the disciplinary case against him was based on selective enforcement of rules around lateness, despite other employees arriving at similar times. "Even if others came in after me, it didn’t matter. The target was me," he says. He claims the disciplinary case was pushed by someone from SABC’s head office in Auckland Park, with the hearing chaired by a programmes manager from Phalaphala FM. The virtual hearing, held on 16 and 17 October 2024, allegedly denied Mabunda the chance to testify, and he was forma...

 FCCPC Rejects Meta’s Threat to Exit Nigeria, Upholds $220 Million Fine The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has dismissed Meta’s threat to exit Nigeria, asserting that the social media giant remains accountable for its legal obligations regardless of its decision to leave the country. The agency emphasized that ongoing judicial proceedings against Meta will not be affected by the company’s warnings. In a statement issued on Saturday by FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the Commission accused Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, of attempting to garner public sympathy and pressure regulators through its threat to shut down services in Nigeria. The FCCPC described WhatsApp’s warning as a tactic to sway its regulatory decisions. The response follows Meta’s statement that it might be “forced to effectively shut down the Facebook and Instagram services in Nigeria” to avoid enforcement measures. The controversy ...

 Anambra State Braces for Traffic Disruptions as President Tinubu Set to Visit The Anambra State Government has announced that President Bola Tinubu will visit the state on Thursday next week to commission a series of key infrastructure projects. The visit, however, is expected to cause temporary traffic disruptions in areas hosting the projects, prompting a call for public cooperation. In a statement issued by the Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, the government outlined preparations for the high-profile visit. “In preparation for this high-powered visit, the government anticipates slight adjustments to traffic flow and commuter schedules,” the statement read. “We kindly urge Ndi Anambra to cooperate with security agencies and other relevant authorities in the build-up to this visit.” The projects slated for commissioning include the new Anambra Government House, the Governor’s Lodge and Presidential Lodge, the Solution Fun City—an ultra-modern recreationa...

 PRESS RELEASE POLICE ARRESTS ONE FOR ONLINE RECRUITMENT SCAM, CYBER RELATED FRAUD  Cautions Nigerians to beware of Impostors  The Nigeria Police Force (National Cybercrime Centre-NPF-NCCC) has arrested one Dauda Samuel, a 28-year-old male, for his alleged involvement in the Nigeria Police Force recruitment scam, computer-related fraud, and identity theft, following credible intelligence and multiple complaints from members of the public. The arrest stems from reports that an individual had been impersonating the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, DIG Frank Mba, on Facebook. The suspect allegedly exploited this false identity to promote a fictitious Police recruitment exercise, fraudulently extorting money from unsuspecting Nigerians under the pretence of offering employment into the Nigeria Police Force. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect created and operated fake Facebook accounts bearing the name and image of the DIG in charge of Training  and D...

 PRESS RELEASE  NIGERIA'S ECONOMIC REFORMS GAIN MOMENTUM AS EDUN, INTERSWITCH DISCUSS DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE In a significant step towards advancing Nigeria’s economic transformation, the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Mr Wale Edun has met with the Chairman of Interswitch Group, Mr Ken Olisa to discuss the country's reform agenda and private sector collaboration At the meeting, which was held in his office in Abuja today, HM Edun outlined ongoing macroeconomic reforms—exchange rate unification, subsidy removal, and targeted social investments—now yielding early gains in inflation control and investor confidence.  He also highlighted Nigeria’s successful domestic dollar bond issuance and the strong global support received during the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings.  Interswitch expressed readiness to support digital infrastructure and fintech inclusion as part of the country’s economic transformation goals This meeting underscor...

 PRESS RELEASE SGF APPEALS TO RELIGIOUS LEADERS TO PROMOTE NATIONAL UNITY AND PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, CON, has made a passionate appeal to  religious leaders to collaborate with the Federal Government in order to strengthen national security and unity, in-line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda. SGF made this appeal while receiving a delegation of clergy men under the auspices of the Northern Pentecostal and Charismatic Bishops Communion of Nigeria, led by its Chairman, Archbishop JohnPraise Daniel, in Abuja.  He emphasized the sacred role of religious leaders in society, highlighting their responsibility to support government efforts toward interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence. The SGF praised President Tinubu as a leader committed to inclusivity and national cohesion, noting his administration’s balanced appointments reflecting Nigeria’s diversity.  “President Tinubu...

 Togo leader swaps titles after contested shift to parliamentary system Togolese leader Faure Gnassingbe, whose family has ruled the west African country for nearly six decades, swapped titles on Saturday to complete a constitutional reform criticised by his political opponents, AFP reported. Gnassingbe, who came to power on the death of his father Eyadema Gnassingbe in 2005, took the oath as the President of the Council of Ministers, now the highest executive office in the land following last year's reform. His opponents see Togo's shift from a presidential to a parliamentary system, enacted in May 2024 and completed by Saturday's swearing-in, as a means for Gnassingbe to extend his stay in power. Following the reform Gnassingbe's original role of President of the Republic has become a ceremonial post, replaced as the executive office by the President of the Council of Ministers. That office would be drawn from the majority party in the National Assembly - currently Gn...

 South Africa hands over remains of anti-apartheid activist executed 40 years ago South Africa's government handed to his family Saturday the exhumed remains of a political activist whose execution by the apartheid regime 40 years ago caused an international outcry, AFP reported. The ceremony for Benjamin Moloise came amid new scrutiny of politically motivated atrocities committed during white-minority rule, which ended in 1994, with President Cyril Ramaphosa announcing last week an inquiry into delays in prosecutions. Apartheid authorities hanged Moloise in 1985 when he was 30 years old for the killing of a security policeman, which he denied. His execution sparked riots in South Africa and protests from several international capitals. Unmarked graves The United Nations passed a resolution calling for the death sentence to be commuted and Pope John Paul II condemned the execution as adding "anguish to a persistent situation of objective injustice". The remains of another...

 Ex-military leader Nguema promises a 'different Gabon' as president General Brice Oligui Nguema was sworn in as the fourth president of the Republic of Gabon on Saturday, signalling a return to constitutional order in the country after nearly two years of political transition following the 2023 military coup in the Central African country known for its oil wealth. Hundreds of thousands of people gathered at a stadium in the capital, Libreville, to witness the ceremony, AP reported. In his address at the inauguration ceremony, Nguema promised “a different Gabon, in line with our aspirations ... we will diversify our economy through the transformation of our raw materials.” The former head of the country’s republican guard unit pledged to diversify the central African nation's largely oil-dependent economy, reform the education system, and reduce youth unemployment. ‘Democratic renewal’ “Today we celebrate democratic renewal,” Nguema said during a speech . “I promise to serv...

 STATEMENT BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND NATIONAL ORIENTATION, MOHAMMED IDRIS, FNIPR, ON THE OCCASION OF THE WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY  Today, as Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark World Press Freedom Day 2025, with the theme “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media,” we are reminded of the critical role the media plays in shaping informed societies, especially in an era increasingly defined by technology. As we commemorate this important day, let us all - government, media, and civil society - work together to protect freedom of expression while embracing technology that advances, rather than diminishes, the values we hold dear. Let me reaffirm that the Tinubu Administration remains deeply committed to upholding press freedom as a cornerstone of our democracy. A free and responsible media is the lifeblood of any democratic society - it gives citizens the power to express themselves freely a...

 Labelling Tinubu’s administration ‘Yoruba government’ attempt to scuttle second term – Afenifere The National Organising Secretary of the Pan Yoruba Socio Political Organisation Afenifere Abagun Kole Omololu has said labelling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s led administration ‘Yoruba government’ by some was to stir embers of division among Nigerians to deny the President a second term in office. He said the Tinubu’s government is not running a Yoruba government but an all inclusive administration.  A statement by the Afenifere chieftain said Tinubu did not became President by tribal inheritance but by democratic choice through result of votes by Nigerians of every tongue, creed and religion. According to him, to label Tinubu’s administration as “Yoruba” is not only dishonest but a vile act of tribal opportunism.  He said: “When President Muhammadu Buhari held office for eight years, no one branded his leadership as a “Fulani government. No tribal coalition was formed to d...

 Musk's Starlink given green light in DR Congo after earlier ban Democratic Republic of Congo said had become the latest African country to grant a licence to tech billionaire Elon Musk's Starlink and that the company would begin operations soon, according to Reuters. The government had previously resisted allowing access to Starlink, with military officials warning it could be used by rebel groups including Rwandan-backed M23, which has seized more territory than ever before in the east of the country this year. In March 2024, the Congolese Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority said use of Starlink was banned and violators would face sanctions. The same entity announced on Friday that the company had been given a licence and "will proceed with the launch of its services in the coming days." Starlink is also trying to establish a presence in neighbouring Uganda. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said on Tuesday that he had a productive meeting with Starlink...

 Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Denies Allegations of Smear Campaign Against Senate President Akpabio Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has refuted claims by UK-based Nigerian businesswoman Sandra Duru, also known as Prof. Mgbeke, who accused her of orchestrating a media campaign against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. In a Facebook livestream on Thursday, May 1, Duru alleged that Senator Natasha falsely accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and offered her millions of naira and US dollars to join a campaign aimed at ousting the Senate President. Duru claimed the plot was designed to weaken President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by removing a key ally in the National Assembly. She supported her accusations with audio recordings, which she claimed were phone conversations with the senator. In a statement on Friday, Senator Natasha dismissed the allegations as fabricated, accusing Duru of acting on behalf of Akpabio. “I have carefully watched a livestream ...

 Wike Urges Suspended Rivers Governor Fubara to Be Honest with Tinubu, Condemns Walkout on First Lady Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has advised suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to be transparent with President Bola Tinubu about his intentions, rather than making contradictory statements and actions. The counsel was issued in a statement by Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, on Saturday. Wike criticized Fubara’s approach to seeking peace amid their ongoing political rivalry, stating, “It is not enough to be visiting people to plead for peace; those who genuinely want peace work and act for it.” He accused Fubara’s allies of undermining peace efforts by sponsoring insults against President Tinubu, his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and others. “All those shenanigans won’t bring peace, and I am sure they know that, because they are not sincere with their up and down pleadings for peace,” Wike added...

 Trump Sparks Controversy with AI-Generated Image of Himself as Pope U.S. President Donald Trump has stirred a wave of amusement and criticism after posting an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the Pope on his Truth Social platform. The image, which was reposted by the White House’s official X account on Saturday, depicts Trump in full papal attire, including white robes, a golden crucifix, and a mitre, with one finger raised skyward. The post follows Trump’s recent humorous remark to reporters, where he quipped, “I’d like to be pope, that would be my number one choice,” when asked about his preference for the next head of the Catholic Church. The digitally altered image has sparked a mix of laughter, disbelief, and debate across social media, with reactions ranging from amusement to accusations of trivializing a sacred office. Neither the White House nor Trump’s team has commented further on the intent behind the post, leaving observers to speculate on whether it was meant ...

 Labour Party Crisis: Abure Slams Abia Governor Otti, Calls Him ‘Clueless’ Over Leadership Dispute The National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Julius Abure, has launched a scathing attack on Abia State Governor Alex Otti, accusing him of ingratitude and misinformation amid the ongoing leadership crisis within the party. Speaking at an emergency National Executive Committee meeting at the LP secretariat in Abuja on Friday, Abure claimed Otti was “nothing” before the party provided him the platform to become governor. Abure’s remarks were in response to Otti’s recent interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show, where the governor asserted that his faction had “retrieved” the party leadership from Abure. Otti had described Abure’s efforts to retain control as “masturbating” and referenced a Supreme Court judgment, which he claimed supported his position. “Today, we have fought and retrieved the Labour Party,” Otti said, adding that he could not rule out leaving the party if it be...

 Air Peace Defends Flight Cancellations, Prioritizes Safety in Response to NCAA Nigerian airline Air Peace has reaffirmed its commitment to passenger safety, stating it will continue to cancel or delay flights when necessary due to safety concerns, in response to warnings from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). The airline emphasized that such decisions are not made lightly or “for the fun of it,” prioritizing safety over profit. In a statement issued on Friday, Air Peace addressed NCAA allegations that it was operating beyond its capacity, leading to frequent flight disruptions. The NCAA’s Director General, Capt. Chris Najomo, had urged the airline to improve its domestic operations following public complaints about chronic delays and cancellations, insisting that Air Peace align its routes with available aircraft. Air Peace refuted claims of fleet shortages, asserting, “We must clearly state that Air Peace has more aircraft available than are currently rostered for dail...

 TROOPS OF NIGERIAN ARMY ELIMINATE NOTORIOUS BANDIT KINGPINS, RECOVER MASSIVE ARSENAL IN DECISIVE ZAMFARA OFFENSIVE In a meticulously coordinated counter-terrorism operation, troops of 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have dealt a crippling blow to terrorist elements, achieving a significant breakthrough in ongoing military operations across Zamfara State. The offensive, which focused on Talata Mafara and Kaura Namoda Local Government Areas, underscores the NA's sustained commitment to dismantling terrorists' strongholds and restoring peace to affected communities. At the break of dawn on 1 May 2025, troops of Combat Team 6, while on a fighting patrol, engaged a large heavily armed group of terrorists who had invaded Mai Kwanugga village in Talata Mafara LGA. The terrorists, who had unleashed mayhem by attacking innocent civilians and razing homes, were decisively engaged in a fierce and well-coordinated firefight. The encounter resulted in the neutralization of several insurgents, in...

 Late Shebah Rilakwo Not Our Student, NSUK Clarifies The Nasarawa State University, Keffi, NSUK has reacted to reports circulating in some online media outlets regarding the death of its student, Shebah Rilakwo Jatau. In a statement issued by its acting Information and Protocol Officer, Jaafar Abdullahi Abubakar, the state-owned University, however, said the deceased was not a student but the son of a staff member, Professor Benson Shedrack Jatau. Abubakar, who described the reports as misinformation, urged members of the public to disregard them in their entirety. The deceased, who has since been buried according to reports, took h¡s own l¡f£ on April 28, 2025, at the university's senior staff quarters.

 Kaduna Government Denies Alleged Plot To Arrest Critic, Nura Usman Labels Rumours “Mischief” The Kaduna State Government has firmly denied claims circulating on social media that it is plotting to arrest one Nura Usman over his critical views of Governor Uba Sani.  In a statement released on Wednesday by Abdullah Yunus Abdullah, Senior Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor, the government described the allegations as false and the product of "mischief makers" intent on sowing discord. Abdullah, who said he took steps to verify the allegations with top government officials and security agencies, maintained there was no plan to arrest Usman. He characterized the rumours as "utterly ridiculous" and aimed at creating tension in the state. “Governor Uba Sani is a renowned human rights and pro-democracy activist. He respects free speech and constructive criticism. The idea that the government would arrest someone over a social media post is not only false but de...

 Kaduna Gov Didn’t Approve Controversial LG Appointees’ List – Aides A controversial list of appointees across the 23 local government areas of Kaduna State, purportedly said to have emanated from the Office of the Governor of Kaduna State, has sparked outrage within the Government House and among prominent politicians in the state. Arewa PUNCH gathered from inside sources that the list was circulated without the knowledge or approval of Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State nor the respective council chairmen. Sources within the Kaduna State Government told Arewa PUNCH that the list, which first surfaced on social media platforms in recent days, did not originate from any official or authorised government channel. The document, which names alleged political appointees alongside supposed sponsors, some of them prominent politicians, has raised concerns about internal sabotage and the spread of misinformation within the state’s political system. “The list is not only fake, but was delib...

 Nigeria No Longer Saving Excess Crude Earnings Nigeria’s Excess Crude Account (ECA), once a strategic fiscal buffer designed to cushion the economy against oil price volatility, remains alarmingly underfunded despite a significant rally in global oil prices that surpassed the national budget benchmark. The balance in the account stands at a meagre $473,754.57. The Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, disclosed the figure during the 149th National Economic Council (NEC) meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The current administration under President Bola Tinubu has not made any known remittances into the ECA since assuming office in May 2023. This is despite international oil prices averaging over $80 per barrel—well above the $77.96 benchmark set in the 2024 Appropriation Act. Established in 2004 by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the ECA was conceived as a stabilisation mechanism to store oil r...

 OTCI FACILITATES SUCCESSFUL RESOLUTION OF MANDATE OVERLAP BETWEEN MINISTRIES Stakeholders' Engagement Meeting on Mandate Delineation Between the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and the Ministry of Waterfront and Infrastructure Development regarding Dredging and Mining The Office of Transformation, Creativity, and Innovation (OTCI), as the internal consultant for LASG, has successfully addressed the overlapping functions between the Ministry of Waterfront and Infrastructure Development (MWID) and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR), fostering a more streamlined governance structure for Lagos State.   During an engagement with both ministries held recently at the Secretariat, Alausa, presentations and in-depth discussions facilitated by the OTCI ensured that a clear delineation of responsibilities was established regarding dredging, mining and mineral resources.  The delineation aims to enhance governance efficiency and prevent future conflict...

 LAGOS FIRES UP EXAM CONFIDENCE FOR WASSCE, NECO CANDIDATES WITH ROBUST SUPPORT As the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) approach, the Lagos State Government is actively bolstering the morale and preparedness of its students. Through the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, a strong message of confidence and strategic support is being conveyed to candidates, emphasising that thorough preparation coupled with the right mindset paves the way for success. The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, underscored the pivotal role of a positive mindset and self-assurance in navigating the pressures of external examinations. He stated that cultivating this mental fortitude will be instrumental in helping students effectively manage exam stress and ultimately enhance their performance in the upcoming crucial assessments. To further empo...

 "WE PLACE HIGH PREMIUM ON MEDICAL SERVICES AS A FORCE MULTIPLIER" — CAS The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, has reaffirmed the vital role of medical services in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), emphasizing their impact as a strategic enabler of operational effectiveness. Speaking at the graduation ceremony of Sundry Medical A1 Upgrading Course 6/2025 and Basic Medical Course 3/2025 on 2 May 2025 at Nigerian Air Force School of Medical Science and Aviation Medicine (NAFSMSAM), Kaduna, the CAS stated: “We place high premium on medical services, not just as a support function but as a force multiplier.” He praised the graduating personnel for their dedication, resilience, and commitment to excellence as hallmarks of the NAF’s growing capacity to deliver responsive, world-class healthcare across its operational theatres. Under his leadership, the NAF has intensified investment in the training and development of its medical professionals, with speciali...