PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 SA says won't withdraw Israel case, undo laws as Trump hosts Ramaphosa The United States must prove its claims that white South Africans are persecuted if it continues to push this charge, President Cyril Ramaphosa's office said Tuesday ahead of talks with Donald Trump, AFP reported. Ramaphosa's meeting with Trump in Washington on Wednesday comes with bilateral relations at an all-time low, with the US repeating unproven claims of a "white genocide" in South Africa to attack the government. "We need to reset the relationship... but more importantly, iron out issues of concerns that may exist, albeit some of them based on disinformation," presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya told 702 radio. Trump has offered "refuge" to white people from the Afrikaner minority, bringing over a first group of around 50 people on May 12. 'Displeasure at people leaving under false pretences' If this resettlement programme continues, South Africa ...

MAN 19YEARS, DRESSED AND DISGUISED AS A WOMAN, ARRESTED AT NGURORE LCCN CHURCH PREMISES  The Adamawa State Police Command, on the 18th May 2025 arrested one Mohammed Umar, 19years old, a resident of Abuja Road, Yola South local Government area, loitering within Ngurore LCCN church premises, wearing clothing that is typically associated with an opposite sex (women). Avoiding unwanted attention. The arrest follows a report received from Sunday Andrawus to Ngurore Divisional Police Headquarters, after observing the suspect's movement  within the premises of the Church. The Commissioner of Police Adamawa state Command *CP Dankombo Morris, PSC (+),* has Directed the case to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yola, for discreet and full scale investigation. The Command remains committed to ensuring public safety, Public order and encourages residents to keep vigilant and give timely report of  suspicious movement to the Police. Signed... SP Su...

Diesel explosion: No cause for alarm, says Ogun Govt Ogun State government, on Tuesday, assured athletes participating in the National Sports Festival holding in Abeokuta, as well as the residents of the state, of their safety, following a diesel tanker explosion near Alake's Sports Complex, one of the facilities used for the ongoing Sports Festival. Special Adviser to Ogun State Governor on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, in a statement, said that while there was an incident involving a diesel tanker that resulted in a fire outbreak, the fire was immediately put out to prevent any damage. Akinmade commended the promptness and proactiveness of the fire service in the state and the vigilance of officials at the complex, assuring participants at the sports festival of total safety. "The incident this afternoon involving a gas tanker close to one of our facilities for the National Sports Festival was very unfortunate. We thank God that the fire was immediately put out to ave...

 PURE WATER SACHETS, PET BOTTLES NOT INCLUDED IN BAN ON SINGLE USE PLASTICS - LASG CLARIFIES The Lagos State Government has again clarified that its statewide ban on Single Use Plastics (SUPs) which its enforcement comes into effect on July 1 does not include pet bottles, water sachets and nylon carrier bags of more than 40 micron thickness. The latest clarification was made on Tuesday by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab while reacting to deliberate viral misrepresentations by some people that the ban involves all categories of Single Use Plastics. According to the Commissioner, the position of the State Government has not changed that only single use plastics consisting of styrofoam food packs and all forms of polystyrene cups (disposal cups) are banned. “Other items banned in the single use plastics category are plastic straws, plastic cutlery and all single use carrier bags and nylons that have less than 40 micron thickness”, he stated He a...

 SAFEGUARDING LIVES, STRENGTHENING TRUST: NAF UNVEILS CIVILIAN HARM MITIGATION ACTION PLAN The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has made history by unveiling its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (CHMRAP), a groundbreaking policy designed to minimize civilian harm during air operations. Launched during the NAF’s 61st Anniversary Seminar in Abuja, the CHMRAP reflects NAF’s commitment to precision, accountability, and respect for human life in conflict zones. Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, emphasized: “This bold initiative formalizes our operational values and reinforces our dedication to democratic ideals and the protection of civilians.” The seminar also featured keynote addresses, expert lectures, and engaging discussions aimed at strengthening civil-military relations for more humane and effective air operations. More photos below. 

 EFCC Re-arraigns Ex-NDDC Boss, Omatsuli For Alleged N3.6bn Fraud In Lagos The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, May 19, 2025, re-arraigned Tuoyo Omatsuli, a former Executive Director on Projects, Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, before Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.  Omatsuli, alongside Francis Momoh, Don Parker Properties Limited and Building Associates Limited, is standing trial over an amended 46-count charge bordering on conspiracy and money laundering to the tune of over N3,645,000,000 (Three Billion, Six Hundred and Forty-five Million Naira).  The  Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, had on December 15, 2021, upturned the ruling on the No-case submission delivered by Justice Saliu Seidu. Justice Seidu had earlier discharged Omatsuli, while holding that the three remaining defendants had a case to answer.  Dissatisfied with the ruling of Justice Seidu, the EFCC had appealed to the Co...

 Famous YouTuber and BJP leader Manish Kashyap was allegedly assaulted by junior doctors at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) on Monday.  Kashyap had gone to the hospital in the afternoon to help a patient when he got into a dispute with a female junior doctor. The argument reportedly turned serious when Kashyap started recording videos inside the hospital premises. According to sources, the junior doctors were angered by Kashyap’s behavior towards their female colleague. In response, they allegedly locked him in a room for nearly three hours and beat him. Later, Kashyap posted photos of himself on social media from a hospital bed, claiming he was injured and receiving treatment. While the doctors accuse Kashyap of misbehaving with a female doctor, his supporters say he was unfairly held and assaulted. Adding confusion to the incident, an associate of Kashyap later claimed that no such altercation took place at all and denied any wrongdoing. Pirbahor Police Station in-...

 Stolen Vehicles Headed for Zimbabwe Intercepted by Police in Limpopo Police in Limpopo have made a major breakthrough by recovering two stolen vehicles worth around R1.4 million, both believed to have been on their way to Zimbabwe through the Beitbridge border. The first interception happened on Sunday, 18 May 2025, near the Polokwane weighbridge on the R101. A Toyota Hilux GD6 double cab was stopped during a joint anti-smuggling operation by the SAPS Anti-Smuggling Team, Tshimollo Security and Reflex Anti-Hijacking Security. One male suspect managed to flee into nearby bushes, while two female suspects, aged 19 and 20, were caught after trying to escape on foot. They were arrested and charged with possession of a suspected stolen vehicle. The Hilux had been reported stolen in Garsfontein, Pretoria, just two days earlier. In a separate incident the same day, officers stopped a Toyota Corolla Cross in Mokopane CBD, also on the R101. It was found to have been stolen from the Wierdab...

 Gov Abdulrazaq proud of strides in tech, creative sector, enterprise as Kwara hoists Unity Flagpole •Says it’s a symbol of national pride, unity Kwara State on Monday officially hoisted its 70-meter Unity Flagpole, which Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq called a towering symbol of “national unity, our collective journey and aspirations as a people”.  At a brief ceremony in Ilorin, the Governor said the state was not just raising a flag, but was unveiling a bold symbol of unity, pride, and national identity.  He was represented by Commissioner for Communication Bola Olukoju, who was assisted by three other Commissioners: Aliyu Kora Sabi (Transport); Nafisat Buge (Environment); and Nnafatima Imam (Social Development). Watched by hundreds of citizens from different axes of the metropolis, the flag hoisting was also witnessed by Deputy Police Commissioner, DCP Nurudeen Abdulraheem, other top officials, bureaucrats, and many others.  “Just like the Innovation Hub, Visual ...

 Senate Advances Proceeds of Crime Bill 2025 to Streamline Asset Recovery The Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Bill 2025 has passed its second reading in the Senate, aiming to amend the existing Proceeds of Crime Act 2022 to improve transparency, accountability, and efficiency in managing assets recovered from illegal activities. Sponsored by Senator Idiat Adebule (Lagos West), the bill proposes establishing a central agency to oversee the management and disposal of recovered assets, a role currently fragmented across 18 government agencies. During the debate, Adebule highlighted that the current system’s overlapping responsibilities have led to inefficiencies, mismanagement, and potential corruption. “The lack of coordination and standardized procedures among the agencies has made asset recovery opaque and unaccountable,” she stated, emphasizing the need for an independent body to streamline processes and curb leakages. The bill sparked mixed reactions among senators. S...

  TUC, PENGASSAN Protest at Finance Ministry Over Unpaid Pensions, Allowances Members of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) staged a protest on Tuesday at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja, demanding the payment of pension, allowance arrears, and other emoluments for workers. The protesters, dressed in red T-shirts and wielding placards, locked the ministry’s gate, preventing vehicles from entering or leaving and forcing workers to turn back. TUC Secretary General, Nuhu Toro, explained that the protest was prompted by the ministry’s withholding of internally generated revenue (IGR) from the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), which funds workers’ salaries, pensions, and allowances. “We are here because of withheld IGR accrued to the NNRA, and we are finding it difficult to reconcile why. Their contemporaries in the same sector have been paid,” Toro said. He noted that the withheld funds h...

 Tanzania's police X account hacked, announces President Samia's 'death' Tanzania's police X account has been hacked to publish a hoax post on the death of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, TRT Afrika reported. Police said the “false and misleading post”, which has since been pulled down, was published on their account by an external party. The authorities have not named any suspects. The YouTube channel of the Tanzania Revenue Authority was also targeted, according to Tanzanian news outlets, raising fears of a coordinated cyberattack on government institutions. However, the authorities have assured that the situation was brought under control. The attack came amid an increasingly tense political atmosphere in the East African country, which is due to hold elections later this year. President Samia Suluhu Hassan came to power in 2021 after the death of her predecessor John Magafuli. She was his deputy. There have been speculations that she will contest in the forthcomi...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE Umahi: All Southeast governors supporting President Tinubu; hints Lagos-Calabar superhighway to be tolled from December Minister of Works Senator Dave Umahi said all the governors in the Southeast region are supporting President Bola Tinubu and urged the undecided, such as former governor Peter Obi, to join the train.  He also said a section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is nearing completion and that users will have to pay a toll starting in December.  Senator Umahi disclosed these in a feature interview for an upcoming State House documentary marking President Tinubu's second anniversary. Umahi said that all South East governors support President Bola Tinubu's administration, regardless of their political affiliations.  According to the minister, the South East is witnessing a new wave of federal attention and infrastructure development under President Tinubu.  “The Igbo man is enterprising and blessed with God-given wisdom. Wh...

 Abia Government Postpones Port Harcourt Road Commissioning to June The Abia State Government has announced the postponement of the commissioning of the Port Harcourt Road project, initially scheduled to be flagged off by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The delay was disclosed by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, during a press briefing on Tuesday. “I am sure some of you may have been hearing about it through the grapevine, so this is a formal announcement that the exercise has been put off,” Kanu stated. “I recall that Mr. President, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu, was to be on hand to flag off that project, but due to his schedule at this time, he elected to come to the state sometime in early June to flag off the project.” The commissioner did not provide further details on the specific reasons for the president’s scheduling conflict but confirmed that the event has been rescheduled for early June. The Port Harcourt Road project is a significant infrastructure ...

 N3.3tn fibre lines, 7,000 telecom towers rollout begins Q4 2025 — FG The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has disclosed that the rollout of the N3.3 trillion 90,000 kilometres of fibre lines, 7,000 Telecom Towers infrastructure nationwide, will formally commence in Q4 2025. Tijani made the remarks in a statement released on Monday during an interview for an upcoming State House documentary to mark President Bola Tinubu’s second anniversary. He also stated that the sector witnessed massive growth under President Bola Tinubu, attracting $191 million in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Q1 2024 from $22 million recorded in Q1 2023. Tijani highlighted the sector’s robust workforce development, driven by the three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, and revealed plans for a $2 billion initiative to deploy 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic infrastructure nationwide, starting in Q4 2025. According to him, “These foundational reforms, c...

 Nigerian teenager’s corpse recovered from Ireland river A search and rescue operation by emergency workers in Ireland has led to the recovery of the corpse of a 16-year-old Nigerian, Emmanuel Familola, who drowned while swimming in a river in the Buncrana Community. PUNCH Metro gathered on Monday from a report by local media, Raidió Teilifís Éireann, that the incident happened on Saturday, May 10, after the teenager, alongside two others, encountered difficulties while swimming. The report noted that a search and rescue party was deployed to the area following an alarm raised by witnesses. “The body of a teenager has been recovered from waters off the coast of Co Donegal after three teenagers got into difficulty while swimming in Lough Swilly yesterday afternoon. “The body was discovered last night between Ned’s Point and Fahan, close to the town of Buncrana, and was removed to Letterkenny University Hospital. It followed an extensive air and sea rescue operation to find the teena...

 Davido fulfils promise to Bright Chimezie Famous Afrobeats star, Davido, has made good on his promise to host Bright Chimezie at his Lagos home. The warm gesture comes after Davido’s hit track “With You” featured a sample from Chimezie’s classic song “Because of English”. Chimezie had earlier expressed his appreciation for Davido’s nod to his work, praising the Afrobeats star for incorporating his iconic sound into his new track. In return, Davido showed his gratitude for Chimezie’s kind words, hailing him as a legend and an inspiration in the music industry. On Monday, Chimezie arrived at Davido’s residence, where the two musicians shared a warm moment, exchanging pleasantries and laughter. As they spent time together, Davido introduced Chimezie to his team, and the pair were spotted dancing and jamming to the music that brought them together.

 Muyiwa Ademola’s movie rakes in N269 million in three weeks Ori: The Rebirth, a Yoruba-language film directed by veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker Muyiwa Ademola, has grossed N269 million in ticket sales within its first three weeks in cinemas across Nigeria, according to data from the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN). Nigeria: Nigerian fashion The film, which debuted in cinemas nationwide on May 1, added another N40 million between May 16 and 18, continuing a strong box office performance that has seen it become one of the most commercially successful indigenous films of 2025. Ademola, 52, directed and co-produced the movie alongside Adekola Tijani and Tope Adebayo Salami. The project is a spiritual successor to his 2005 classic Ori—which earned Best Indigenous Film at the inaugural Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA). The film opened to an impressive N97.8 million during its first weekend, with a remarkable N19.5 million earned on its opening day alone—making i...

 Katsina: Fresh bandit attack hits Charanchi Local govt A fresh wave of insecurity struck Katsina State on Monday night as bandits launched an attack on Rairaye community in Radda district, Charanchi Local Government Area, leaving one person injured and a large number of cattle rustled. The incident was disclosed in a post on Tuesday by prominent security analyst, Bakatsine, via his handle on X (formerly Twitter). “Last night, bandits stormed Rairaye in Radda district, Charanchi LGA, Katsina State. One person was injured and a large number of cattle were rustled. “This is yet another blow as communities across Katsina continue to face growing insecurity,” Bakatsine wrote. As of the time of filing this report, the state police command is yet to issue an official statement regarding the attack.

 UTME resit: JAMB to release results of 379,000 candidates Wednesday The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board  has announced that it will on Wednesday release the results of 379,000 candidates who sat the rescheduled Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination between Friday and Monday. JAMB rescheduled the exam following widespread outcry over mass failure during the initial UTME. The board admitted to technical and human errors, especially in Lagos and South-East states, which significantly affected candidates’ performance. Out of the 1.9 million candidates who sat this year’s UTME, over 1.5 million scored below 200 marks out of a possible 400, prompting widespread concern among stakeholders. Following sustained pressure, JAMB investigated the mass failure and discovered technical and human errors in its system.. JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, last week publicly accepted responsibility for the errors, even shedding tears while announcing a resit for the affected can...

 Zulum And The Surge In Insurgency BY REUBEN ABATI  There is a surge in insurgency in Nigeria. There is a ferocious return and dominance of the Boko Haram, the terror group in Nigeria linked with Al Qaeda and ISIS at various times, but which has now become so domesticated that the Nigerian government proves helpless to fulfill its obligations to the Nigerian people under Section 14(2) of the !999 Constitution. The primary duty of the government is to ensure the security and welfare of the people. In April, Professor Babagana Zulum, Governor of Borno State cried out that the federal Government was not serving this purpose whereas he as a sub-national leader was doing everything to liaise with the Federal Government to secure peace in Borno State and the North East. Babagana Zulum is a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). What was meant as a honest confrontation within the APC family soon turned into an occasion for verbal conflict. The Minister of Information, ...

 2026 guber: I’ll unseat Adeleke as Osun governor — Ex-senator Husain vows Former Senator representing Osun West, Mudashiru Husain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has declared his intention to contest the 2026 Osun governorship election, vowing to unseat incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke. Husain, a long-time political rival of Adeleke, made the declaration while addressing party supporters.  The Nation recalls that both politicians clashed in the 2017 Osun West Senatorial by-election, which Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won. Speaking through a statement by his campaign media head, Victor Ojelabi, Husain said he is prepared to reclaim the state for the APC if chosen as the party’s flagbearer. He recounted his earlier sacrifice for the party, noting that he stepped down for the late Senator Isiaka Adeleke in 2015, a move he said indirectly boosted the political rise of Ademola Adeleke, who later defected to the PDP. “I defeated Isiaka Adeleke in 2011 and...

 Senate begins plenary by 1pm today instead of 11am.   The Senate has shifted its plenary sitting from 11am to 1pm today.  The Clerk to the Senate, Andrew Nwoba, who announced the shift in a statement, said the action has become necessary due to the opening ceremony for the First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament fixed for 10.00 am which the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, will be attending. Nwoba said: “This is to bring to the attention of Distinguished Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that the Senate will resume its plenary session by 1:00pm instead of 11:00am, tomorrow (Tuesday), 20-05-25. “This shift in time for resumption is due to the Opening Ceremony of the First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament, tomorrow (today) by 10.00 am which the President of the Senate will be attending. “The Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, will also be in attendance as he is the 1st Deputy Speaker of that Parliament. “Any inconven...

BudgIT Uncovers N6.93tn Worth of Inserted Projects in 2025 Budget BudgIT has revealed that the National Assembly inserted 11,122 projects worth N6.93 trillion into the 2025 federal budget, raising concerns over fiscal abuse and political manipulation. The civic tech group said many of the projects lack justification and divert funds from national priorities. Key flagged insertions include 238 projects above N5 billion, 1,477 streetlight projects costing N393.29 billion, and N6.74 billion for traditional ruler "empowerment." BudgIT urged President Tinubu to reform the budget process and align spending with the national development plan.

 NAFDAC Busts Group Distributing Suspected Fake Drugs Under Guise of Evangelism in Rivers State The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a group in Rivers State allegedly distributing suspected counterfeit drugs to the public under the pretext of evangelism. The announcement was made on Monday by NAFDAC’s South-South Zonal Director, Chukwuma Oligbu, during a media briefing in Port Harcourt. According to Oligbu, NAFDAC operatives tracked the group to Abuloma Community Town Hall, where one member was arrested while administering a suspected fake drug to a member of the public. The agency seized several products, including unregistered eye drops, bottled water, cleansers, and tablets, which were evacuated to NAFDAC’s office for further investigation and documentation. The products included items branded as Evangelist Jenkins Supernatural Water, Evangelist Jenkins Cleanser, and Evangelist Jenkins Eye Drop. Oligbu revealed that the group, p...

 PETROAN Urges President Tinubu to Address Delays in Port Harcourt, Warri, Kaduna Refinery Rehabilitation The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing delays in the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries. The call was made in a statement issued on Monday by PETROAN’s spokesperson, Joseph Obele, on behalf of National President Billy Gillis-Harry. PETROAN expressed concern over the prolonged delays in completing the rehabilitation of the 210,000 barrels-per-day Port Harcourt Refinery, as well as the Warri and Kaduna refineries. The association highlighted that these delays have negatively affected petrol price stability and Nigeria’s economy, exacerbating fuel scarcity challenges. The group demanded that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) provide a clear and realistic timeline for the completion of the refinery projects, particularly the s...