PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Guinea revokes 46 mining licences, signalling stricter oversight of major operators Guinea has revoked the licences of 46 mining companies operating in the country, a government source told Reuters on Thursday, in what some analysts see as a warning shot to larger operators in the world's second-largest bauxite producer. The move comes amid growing resource nationalism in the military-ruled country and across Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, where authorities have tightened control over their vast mineral wealth since military coups in 2020. The Reuters Tariff Watch newsletter is your daily guide to the latest global trade and tariff news. Sign up here. The affected licences cover bauxite, gold, diamond, and graphite operations, but industry sources say none of the companies is a significant producer in Guinea's mining sector, which is dominated by major international firms. "These are just small, underperforming licences," said one mining analyst familiar with the situ...

 Zelensky calls Russian team in Turkey ‘phony’ as Putin skips peace talks  After a day of uncertainty, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky says he’s sending a team to Istanbul for peace talks with a Russian delegation. He’s announced his defense minister will lead the delegation.  Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, who first proposed the talks, won’t be attending. Nor will Zelensky, who said that he would not meet any official but Putin. Another key figure who won’t be there is US President Donald Trump, who had repeatedly hinted that he might upend his Middle East travel schedule to join the negotiations. He said Putin’s absence didn’t disappoint him, and that “nothing” would happen on Ukraine until he meets him. Kyiv and Moscow are not known to have held direct talks at any level since soon after Moscow launched its unprovoked, full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. But the stakes are higher this time, as both Trump and Ukraine’s European allies said they w...

 PRESS RELEASE WELFARE: NIGERIA POLICE FORCE, POLICE OFFICERS WIVES ASSOCIATION COMMISSION POWA MODEL CHILDREN SCHOOL IN BAUCHI STATE. The Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), under the leadership of Dr Mrs Elizabeth Egbetokun, in partnership with the Nigeria Police Force’s Force Education Unit, officially commissions the POWA Model Children School in Sum, Bogoro Local Government Area, Bauchi State, today Thursday, 15th May 2025. This glamorous event featured the inauguration of a Police officers children primary school (POWA Model School), a ground breaking ceremony for a proposed Police Secondary School, a fundraising initiative to support ongoing educational projects, and an empowerment programme aimed at supporting families of police officers and residents of the host community. Dr Mrs Egbetokun in her remarks stated that the project is more than just “bricks and mortar”. “It embodies a vision for a brighter future. It is a place where our children, the future doctors, la...

 A Missouri mother stopped her car in the middle of the interstate causing multiple crashes that left her young children in critical condition; she then walked away abandoning the children to their awful fate. On May 12th, 27-year-old Courtney Brown was driving on Interstate 270 with her 8-year-old and 3-year-old children unrestrained in the passenger seat. Suddenly, Brown stopped her vehicle in the middle of the eastbound lane causing a series of events that would leave her children intubated, fighting for their lives, and land Brown in jail. Immediately after stopping her vehicle in the middle of the busy interstate, Brown exited the vehicle. A motorist following behind Brown's car side-swiped the vehicle in an attempt to avoid a collision with another vehicle. After striking Brown's vehicle, the motorist stopped and exited the vehicle to check on Brown's vehicle. As the driver approached, he noticed two small children unbuckled in the passenger seat. Just mere seconds la...

  A Missouri man has been arrested after a victim comes forward and alleges her mother allowed Thomas Gibbs to rape her in exchange for methamphetamine while the victim was in grade school. 32-year-old Thomas Gibbs has been arrested after a victim of horrible childhood abuse begins to find her voice. We are so proud of her.  The unnamed victim suffered through YEARS of abuse so her mom could allegedly continue to do methamphetamine for "free". The victim was finally rescued from the situation when her grandmother was awarded guardianship. After finding safety and stability in her grandmother's home this young girl began to speak her truth to therapists and investigators.  The victim has alleged that between the ages of just 3 years old and 12-years-old, her mother would let various men r*** her for methamphetamine. During the year long investigation, she named Gibbs specifically and reported he had r**** her in exchange for drugs when she was 7 or 8 years old.  The v...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE POPE LEO XIV INVITES PRESIDENT TINUBU TO HIS INAUGURATION ON SUNDAY President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja for Rome, the capital of Italy, on Saturday at the invitation of Pope Leo XIV. Accompanied by top Catholic leaders, President Tinubu will attend a solemn mass marking the beginning of the Pontificate of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Bishop of Rome and the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church.   In the Papal invitation sent by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Pope Leo XIV underscored the need for President Tinubu's physical presence "at this moment of particular importance for the Catholic Church and the world afflicted by many tensions and conflicts". Pope Leo further stressed: "Your great nation is particularly dear to me as I worked in the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s." President Tinubu's entourage includes the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Archbishop of O...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS STATEMENT SAHARA GROUP GMD EXPRESSES STRONG CONFIDENCE IN PRESIDENT TINUBU'S ENERGY REFORMS Mr Kola Adesina, the Managing Director of Sahara Group, has expressed strong confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's bold energy sector reforms.   In an interview for an upcoming State House TV documentary marking the second anniversary of President Tinubu's administration, Adesina lauded the government's policies for improving transparency, regulatory consistency, and expanding investment opportunities.   "The most significant shift I have seen—without a doubt—has been the government's willingness to confront the long-term inefficiencies within the petroleum sector. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's courage in removing the fuel subsidy and market distortions hasn't been rivalled in the history of Nigeria," he said.   Adesina noted that removing subsidies has created a more sustainable energy environment, enabling businesses and policymaker...

 EFCC Arrests Auditor, Cashier for Alleged N275m Fraud in Uyo Operatives of the  Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, have arrested Sylvanus Edet Akpan, Auditor of Ubotex Limited, Uyo  and Akaninyene Enefiok Achibong,   Cashier,  for alleged criminal conspiracy, breach of trust, forgery and stealing by conversion to the tune of N275,000,000 (Two Hundred and Seventy Five Million Naira only).  They were arrested separately  on April 25, 2025 and May 12, 2025 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.  Their arrest was based on the claims of a petitioner who alleged that the duo manipulated the accounts of Ubotex Limited and fraudulently stole N275m from the company.    The petitioner allegedly employed the services of an external Auditor to review and audit  the financial activities of the company between 2021 and 2025 and discovered that the  suspects conspired and falsified account books and ...

 Troops Overrun Terrorist Hideout in Sambisa Forest A joint operation between troops of Operation Hadin Kai and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) was conducted in the Sambisa Forest today, 15 May 2025, between 6am and 12pm. The aggressive patrol and clearance operation targeted terrorist strongholds in Garin Malam Ali, Garin Glucose and Ukuba. The troops successfully invaded the strongholds, forcing the insurgents to flee and abandon their arms and ammunition. Recovered items include various weapons and IED-making equipment. The exploitation of the Sambisa Forest is ongoing. More photos below. 

 32.9kg cocaine trafficking: 10 Thai sailors, ship convicted, fined $4.3million . Conviction will send strong warning to int’l drug cartel, local collaborators, says Marwa, commends NDLEA officers for diligent investigation and prosecution After over three years of diligent prosecution by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), a Federal High Court in Lagos presided over by Justice Daniel Osiagor has convicted 10 Thai sailors and their vessel named MV Chayanee Naree for trafficking 32.9 kilograms of cocaine from Brazil into Nigeria through the Apapa seaport, Lagos. The convicted sailors who are all nationals of Thailand include: Krilerk Tanakhan; Boonlert Hansoongnern; Jakkarin Booncharoen; Thammarong Put-tlek; Worrapat Paopinta; Marut Kantaprom; Werapat Somboonying; Urkit Amsri; Panudet Jaisuk and Amrat Thawom. They were first arraigned before the court along with nine Nigerian suspects by NDLEA in February 2022 on offences bordering on conspiracy and unlawful transporta...

 PRESS RELEASE IGP ENGAGES GLOBAL POLICE LEADERS, AS WORLD POLICE SUMMIT COMES TO A CLOSE Harps on Global Collaboration, Data Sharing to Tackle Transnational Crimes The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has reiterated the need for enhanced global and local collaboration among law enforcement agencies and stakeholders in the fight against transnational organized crimes. He made this known during a high-level engagement with other world police leaders at the ongoing World Police Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The IGP emphasized the critical role of intelligence-led policing, real-time data sharing, and inter-agency cooperation in tackling the complex nature of modern-day crimes which transcend borders. He noted that as criminal networks become more sophisticated and globally interconnected, policing responses must equally be proactive, collaborative, and technologically driven. While engaging various police leaders at the summit, the IGP co...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE WE'RE BETTER OFF TOGETHER, PRESIDENT TINUBU TELLS MALIAN LEADER President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a message to Malian leader General Assimi Goita, reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to supporting Mali's democratic transition and deepening economic ties between the two nations, declaring that West African countries are stronger when united. The President spoke on Thursday in Abuja while receiving the Letter of Credence from the Ambassador of the Republic of Mali, Cheick Oumar Coulibaly. "We should strengthen our bilateral relations, and it is hoped that Mali will achieve its democratic goals. We are open to any support we can render. I want you to see yourself as a member of the family here. "For me, we are one in West Africa and Africa. The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) has made its position clear, but no nation can succeed alone. We see Mali as a brother and are ready to collaborate and exchange ideas.  "I can assure you that Nigeria is...

 Inflation rate declines in April: Harbinger of better things to come: NBS report In April 2025, the headline inflation rate eased to 23.71% relative to the March 2025 headline inflation rate of 24.23%. Looking at the movement, the new inflation rate showed a decrease of 0.52% compared to the March 2025 Headline inflation rate. On a year-on-year basis, the Headline inflation rate was 9.99% lower than the rate recorded in April 2024 (33.69%). This shows that the Headline inflation rate (year-on-year basis) decreased in April 2025 compared to the same month in the preceding year (i.e., April 2024), though with a different base year, November 2009 = 100. Furthermore, on a month-on-month basis, the Headline inflation rate in April 2025 was 1.86%, which was 2.04% lower than the rate recorded in March 2025 (3.90%). This means that in April 2025, the rate of increase in the average price level is lower than the rate of increase in the average price level in March 2025

 House of Reps Refutes Claims of Summoning Benue, Zamfara Speakers The House of Representatives has debunked reports alleging that it summoned the Speakers of the Benue and Zamfara State Houses of Assembly over ongoing political disputes in their respective states. In a letter dated May 8, 2025, signed by Professor Jake Dan-Azumi, Chief of Staff to the Speaker, the House clarified that it has no record of referring the matter to its Committee on Public Petitions. The letter, addressed to the Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, responded to the group’s inquiry but firmly denied issuing any summons. “I am directed to acknowledge receipt of your letter concerning the summons issued to the Honourable Speakers of the Benue and Zamfara State Houses of Assembly, and to respectfully inform you that the House of Representatives has no record of a referral of the matter to the Committee on Public Petitions,” the statement read. The House reiterated its co...

 EFCC Arrests 31 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Port Harcourt   Officers of the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 arrested 31 suspected internet fraudsters at different locations in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.   Their arrest followed credible intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities.   Items recovered from them include cars, smart phones, smart wristwatches and laptop computers.   They will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation. More photos below. 

  Prison Decongestion: Ogun CJ Frees 67 Inmates Ogun State Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, has released 67 inmates from Sagamu, New Abeokuta, and Ibara correctional centres to decongest prisons. Some were freed due to old age, ill health, or prolonged detention without trial. Dipeolu urged the freed inmates to reintegrate and avoid reoffending.

 Senate Advances Bill Mandating MDAs to Patronise Local Auto Firms The Senate has passed for second reading a bill mandating Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to prioritise local automobile manufacturers and indigenous companies in procurement. The bill, presented by Senator Patrick Ndubueze, gained support during Thursday's plenary. Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin highlighted its economic impact, noting growing public demand for Made-in-Nigeria products.

 Bill to make voting compulsory for Nigerians passes second reading in Reps A Bill for an Act to Amend the Electoral Act, 2002 to make it mandatory for Nigerians of Maturity Age to Vote in all National and State Elections has scaled second reading in the House of Representatives. The proposed legislation was sponsored by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, and Daniel Asama Ago. Leading the debate during plenary on Thursday, Ago said the bill aimed to encourage citizens’ participation in the electoral process, noting that voter apathy during elections would be addressed if the bill scales legislative scrutiny. Ago, who represents Bassa/Jos North under the Labour Party, believes mandatory voting can reduce the influence of vote buying. The Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, in his contribution believes this is a good step in the right direction. He also cited examples of other countries such as Australia where the practice is upheld. Some lawmakers argued that citizens have lost confidence in t...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU REJOICES WITH BENUE STATE GOVERNOR ALIA President Bola Tinubu warmly felicitates the Governor of Benue State, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, as he marks his birthday on May 15. The President extols Governor Alia's compassion and humanitarian spirit, which is evident from his service in the priesthood and public office. He notes that the Governor has remained faithful to his calling, translating the virtues of integrity and selflessness into transformative leadership for the people of Benue State. President Tinubu commends Governor Alia's unwavering commitment to peace, security, and stability in Benue, acknowledging the courage and clarity with which he pursues lasting solutions that foster good governance and development. The President affirms his administration's strong support for these ideals, noting that they align with the broader goals of the Renewed Hope Agenda to secure the nation, uplift lives, and promote unity across al...

 *ANAMBRA STATE POLICE COMMAND* *PRESS STATEMENT* *15th May, 2025* The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, *CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, minps, PhD*, today, Thursday, 15th May 2025, at about 11:30am, led a team of senior officers—including the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations and experienced detectives from the Command—on a visit to the crime scene at Egbebelu village, Nanka, Orumba North Local Government Area, where two persons were gruesomely murdered by yet-to-be-identified armed men operating on a motorcycle. The visit follows a reported incident involving the murder of two individuals, one of whom has been identified as a legal practitioner who had earlier secured the bail of an accused person in a pending murder case at High Court II, Ekwulobia. Preliminary investigations suggest that the victims were attacked while returning from the court session, having been trailed and double-crossed by the assailants. One of the victims survived the attack and ...

 PRESS RELEASE    15/05/2025   ABANDONED AND UNCLAIMED VEHICLES, TRICYCLES AND MOTORCYCLES. The Abia State Police Command hereby requests owners of abandoned unclaimed exhibits at: OHURU ISIMIRI DIVISION .  1. Motor with REG NO. 174AE 2. Tricycle with REG. NO. KKE 329 WX 3. One Tricycle without REG. NO. 4. One scrab motorcycle with out REG. NO. 5. One Mate Motorcycle without REG. NO.  OSISIOMA DIVISION  1.  One scrab Toyota Carina II car with REG. NO. AH 443 ABS. 2. 'A' one scrab Lady's Yamaha Mate 90 without registeration Number.  'B' One scrab lady's mate Yamaha motorcycle with registration number QC 219 EZA. 3. 'A' One scrab Qlink CG motorcycle without registration number. 4. 'A' One scrab Qlink CG motorcycle without registration number. 'B' One scrab Lady's Sayang motorcycle without registration Number. 5. 'A' One scrab Daylong CG motorcycle with registration number AD 490 E.  ISUOCHI DIVISION  1. One Kynstone Motorcycle w...

 South Sudan dismisses President Kiir's death rumours South Sudan's government on Thursday denied that President Salva Kiir had died, following online speculation. The long-serving 73-year-old leader has recently been dogged by rumours of ill-health. But he has been pictured in recent months meeting visiting dignitaries and ordering a series of dramatic government reshuffles. He has also moved decisively against his long-time rival, and the current first vice-president, Riek Machar, placing him under house arrest and detaining several of his allies. ‘Irresponsible rumours’ Late Wednesday, reports began emerging on social media claiming that Kiir had, in the words of one Kenyan personality, "kicked the bucket", TRT Afrika reported. South Sudan's foreign ministry issued a statement the following day, saying it "categorically and strongly denies the false and malicious reports circulating on social media claiming that His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardit...

 Final Batch of Ogun State Pilgrims Arrives in Saudi Arabia for 2025 Hajj The final batch of intending pilgrims from Ogun State has arrived safely in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to participate in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage. Led by the Amirul Hajj, Alhaji Samsudeen Adebayo Apelogun, a total of 247 pilgrims landed at the Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah at exactly 2:10 a.m. on Thursday, following their departure from Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. Speaking to journalists shortly after their arrival, Alhaji Apelogun urged the pilgrims to conduct themselves with discipline and integrity throughout their stay in the Holy Land. He emphasized the importance of representing Ogun State and Nigeria positively by maintaining high moral standards. “I enjoin you to eschew illegal activities, such as unauthorised movements, and refrain from carrying prohibited items,” he cautioned. He further advised pilgrims to adhere strictly to the instructions of b...