PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 *ANAMBRA STATE POLICE COMMAND DIARY FOR THE WEEK UNDER REVIEW: POLICE ARRESTED A SUSPECT WITH A PRIVATE PART OF A LADY, RECOVERED AN ABANDONED SUSPECTED STOLEN VEHICLE, RESCUED A KIDNAPPED DRIVER UNHURT AND ARRESTED THREE SUSPECTS FOR DIVERSION OF A TRUCK LOADED WITH GOODS WORTH NINE MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND NAIRA* The Joint Security Team comprising Police attached to the Awada Police Station and Anambra Vigilante Operatives on patrol along Jude Onyekwere Street, Awada, Obosi on 6th July 2025 by 3.30pm arrested a male suspect, Samuel Eze aged 25 years with a woman's breast. It was recovered immediately and deposited at the morgue for preservation, while the suspect is undergoing Police interrogations for necessary Police investigative actions and prosecution.  In another development, the Police Officers attached to the Rapid Response Squad, acting on credible information, rescued a kidnapped driver at 12.45 pm on  4th July, 2025. The team also recovered a truck load...

 Woman Exiting Church Struck By Stray Bullets: Waterloo - KZN *Warning: Pictures May Be Considered Graphic & Are Not For Sensitive Readers.  A 30 year old woman was struck by two (2) stray bullets in Waterloo - KZN yesterday (Saturday) afternoon.  Members of Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) were called out to Bat Road at approximately 20:12. On arrival, Reaction Officers met with the victim. She explained that she was leaving the place of worship when she was shot on her right buttocks and under her right arm. According to bystanders, the occupants of a white VW Polo (registration unknown) fired shots randomly before they sped off.  The victim was in a stable condition and transported to a medical facility privately. More photos below. 

 Eze Ofoegbu Declares Suspension by Abia Traditional Rulers Council Invalid, Cites Recognition of Tinubu’s Achievements The Traditional Ruler of Umudiawa Autonomous Community, Eze Nnamdi Ofoegbu, has dismissed his purported suspension by the Abia State Traditional Rulers Council as “null and void,” asserting that he committed no offense to warrant such action. Speaking during an interview with journalists at his Umudiawa Palace on Sunday, Eze Ofoegbu claimed his suspension stemmed from his decision to honor President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for developmental strides in the South East. Eze Ofoegbu, who also serves as the Chairman of the Ndigbo Progressives Traditional Rulers Forum, explained that his “offense” was presenting an award to President Tinubu through the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, recognizing the president’s contributions to the region. He defended the action, stating it was within the forum’s rights to encourage further development in the South East. “It i...

 Don Jazzy Admits Struggles with Commitment, Prefers Honesty in Relationships Renowned Nigerian music executive and Mavin Records CEO, Michael Collins Ajereh, popularly known as Don Jazzy, has openly shared his views on commitment, revealing that he lacks the discipline to remain devoted to a single partner. The music mogul made these candid remarks during an appearance on *The Nancy Isime Show* on Sunday, emphasizing his preference for honesty over making unfulfilled promises. Speaking on the show, Don Jazzy explained that his transparency about his struggles with monogamy might deter some women, but he values truthfulness in relationships. “I don’t believe that I am strong enough to be with [only] one person. I think. People will run away from me being truthful. I will not be dating you and telling you that you’re the only person,” he stated. The Mavin boss further elaborated that while some individuals can remain faithful once attracted to a partner, he finds it challenging to l...

 Edo State Government Approves ₦1 Billion Bursary for Students Nationwide Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has approved a ₦1 billion bursary scheme for Edo indigenes studying in tertiary institutions across Nigeria. The announcement was made during a youth town hall meeting in Benin City, underscoring the administration’s commitment to education and youth empowerment. The bursary initiative, set to run annually, aims to alleviate financial burdens on students, promote academic excellence, and ensure access to quality education for Edo indigenes. Governor Okpebholo emphasized that the program will support students regardless of their institution’s location within Nigeria, fostering inclusivity and equal opportunity. To ensure transparency and authenticity, eligibility for the bursary will be verified through applicants’ local government authorities. The verification process is designed to confirm that only genuine Edo indigenes benefit from the scheme, preventing fraudulent cla...

 ‎GOV. OTTI SECURES THE RELEASE OF CITIZENS ON DEATH ROW AFTER 26 YEARS IN PRISON, FACILITATES THEIR REINTEGRATION INTO SOCIETY   ‎ ‎The intervention of Abia State Governor, His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has helped Mr. Ogbonnaya Igbojionu, an Abia citizen, and two other citizens of Nigeria from other regions to regain their freedom after 26 years in prison after they were sentenced to death. ‎ ‎Presenting the released individuals on Saturday 6th June, to Governor Otti, Hon. Simon Oshi from Enugu State, who contacted the Governor for his intervention, said that he got the information about the case through a social media influencer, Olumide Ogunsanwo, popularly known on the social Media space as "Sea King" and had to contact Governor Otti for his intervention. ‎ ‎"Now, when the popular social media influencer brought it up on social media, I took it upon myself and said, let me actually go and verify if what they are saying is true. ‎ ‎"So, I went with a team of...

 Benin, Togo Owe Nigeria Over $11 Million in Unpaid Electricity Bills, Threatening Power Market Stability The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has revealed that Benin and Togo failed to remit over $11 million for electricity supplied by Nigeria in the first quarter of 2025, raising concerns about the sustainability of cross-border power exports. According to NERC’s latest report, the two neighboring countries were invoiced a total of $17.24 million for electricity consumed between January and March 2025, but only $5.8 million was paid, leaving an outstanding debt of $11.44 million. The persistent failure of Benin and Togo to settle their electricity bills has sparked renewed calls from stakeholders in Nigeria’s power sector to suspend cross-border electricity exports until the debts are cleared. Industry experts warn that the poor remittance trend is placing significant financial strain on Nigeria’s electricity market, potentially undermining efforts to stabilize a...

 PRESS RELEASE IGP MOURNS RETIRED AIG LIMAN SHETTIMA, PRAYS FOR REPOSE OF HIS SOUL The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, on behalf of the entire officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, extends his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and former colleagues of retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Liman Shettima, OFR, NPM, mni, who passed away yesterday 5th July, 2025 at his residence in Jos, Plateau State. AIG Liman Shettima, a distinguished and accomplished officer, served the Nigeria Police Force with honour and dedication until his retirement on 4th June, 1999. During his years in service, he served as the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 6 Headquarters, Calabar, he was the Commissioner of Police in charge of Kastina State Command and also served as the CP admin Polac. His decades of service left a legacy of professionalism and commitment to nation-building. The late AIG was widely respected f...

 Ethiopian PM Holds Talks With Brazilian President Ahead of BRICS Summit The talks focused on bilateral and multilateral issues, as well as boosting trade and investment, Abiy Ahmed said after his meeting with Lula da Silva, Sputnik reported. "Our meeting today marks another step forward in strengthening the relationship between our two nations, which has grown significantly in recent years," the PM emphasized.

 Ebonyi Youths declares support for President Tinubu in 2027 Election  Ebonyi youths have declared their support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections. The youths declared their support during the inauguration of the Ebonyi chapter of South-East Renewed Hope Agenda, on Saturday in Ebonyi. Its National Coordinator, Belusochukwu Enwere, who inaugurated the support group, lauded the youths for their support for the President. He described South East Renewed Hope Agenda as a socio-political group composed of progressive Nigerians from the South-East region whose membership are drawn from men, women, youths of all faiths and tribes.

 Peter Obi can never be president again, his time has passed– Nyesom Wike The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has thrown jabs at former presidential candidate Peter Obi, insisting that he can no longer become Nigeria‘s president. Wike made this known in a thanksgiving service he organized in an Anglican church to thank God for successful projects he has executed in Abuja. While reacting to the proposed coalition, Wike dismissed Peter Obi's chances of ever becoming president, citing his record as a former governor. He mentioned that the reason why Peter is saying that there is no democracy in Nigeria is because he is no longer in power, also stating that Peter Obi never practiced Democracy when he was governor of Anambra state. "For eight years, he was governor, and he didn’t conduct a single local government election. Never. Only you, governor of all the local governments,” The FCT minister further criticized Obi’s constant movement across ...

 WHY I ABANDONED LAW FOR FILM - FEMI ADEBAYO Actor Femi Adebayo has revealed that he left the legal profession for acting because of the huge pay and because his father is a veteran actor. Femi said that following his graduation from the University of Ilorin in Kwara State, he earned a monthly salary of N20,000 as a lawyer. But a change of destiny came the day he was offered N50,000 to feature in a movie for just three days. “Back then, acting was nothing more than a hobby,” Adebayo recounted. “But when I got an offer to earn ₦50,000 for a three-day shoot—more than double my monthly salary as a lawyer—I knew I had to make a decision. That moment made it clear: acting is my true calling.” The famous Nollywood actor said his father, Adebayo Salami, supported him all through his decision and transition to a new industry and that he is happy he made the switch when the opportunity came calling.

 NATASHA AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN RESUMES SENATE ON TUESDAY  Following a court injunction stating that the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is illegal in that it deprives her constituency national representation in the Senate, the senator announced she will be resuming in the Red Chamber on Tuesday. “I thank you for your support," said Akpoti-Uduaghan in a recent video. "I am glad we are victorious today. We shall resume in the Senate on Tuesday by the grace of God.” Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja advised the Senate to consider reinstating the suspended senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly. The court ordered Akpoti-Uduaghan to publish apology to the Senate in two national dailies and on her Facebook account as well as to pay a N5 million fine for failure to publish the apology the first time she was ordered to do so by the court.

 Fatal Crash on Zaria-Kano Road Claims 21 Lives in Fiery Accident A horrific road accident has claimed the lives of 21 people along the Zaria–Kano highway after a commercial Hummer bus collided with a trailer in a failed overtaking attempt. Eyewitnesses report that the bus driver veered into the opposite lane while trying to overtake, resulting in a head-on collision with an oncoming trailer. The impact sparked a massive fire that instantly engulfed both vehicles. All 21 occupants of the Hummer bus were tragically burnt to death, while both the bus and the trailer were completely destroyed by the blaze. Emergency responders later arrived at the scene to recover the remains and launch an investigation. The incident has once again raised concerns over reckless driving and safety on Nigerian highways. More photos below. 

 Yahaya Bello: Kogi is one-party state… 2027 elections will be the easiest for APC Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi, says the 2027 elections will be the “simplest, easiest” for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu.  Bello spoke on Saturday at a rally in Isanlu in Yagba east LGA of Kogi while welcoming a group of politicians who were defecting to the APC. Bello declared that the wave of defection translates to Kogi becoming a “one-party state,” adding that Nigerians will keep Tinubu at Aso Rock till 2031. “Today, Kogi state house of assembly is going to be one. There would be no minority leader again. The minority leader in the state house of assembly is decamping today,” Bello said. “Kogi is a one-party state. And, by the special grace of God, come 2027, I have said it before that there is no vacancy in Aso Rock. Tinubu’s mandate was given to him by Nigerians, and they will say to him, ‘hold this mandate until 2031’. “Who is doing more coal...

 ADC coalition full of people with presidential ambitions – Datti Baba-Ahmed Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the running mate of Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election, has observed that the opposition coalition, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is full of people with presidential ambitions. DAILY POST reports that the coalition consists of political bigwigs including former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, ex-Labour Party presidential candidate, Obi, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, ex-Kaduna State governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, former Senate President David Mark, and numerous others. Baba-Ahmed, speaking in an interview with Trust TV, explained that the ADC does not have a politician in the mould of Bola Tinubu that suppressed his presidential ambition to give a platform to the likes of Atiku in 2007 or former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015. Noting that the coalition is full of options and and resources, Datti Baba-Ahmed said the downside is that the...

 David Mark root cause of PDP crisis – Bode George A former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Bode George, has accused former Senate President, David Mark, who is now the Interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, of contributing to the internal crisis currently rocking the PDP. Speaking in an interview with Sunday PUNCH, George alleged that Mark was responsible for organising the controversial national convention, which according to him, laid the foundation for the party’s crisis. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Mark, former Jigawa and Sokoto state governors, Sule Lamido and Aminu Tambuwal respectively, among others at a meeting in Abuja last week, urged PDP members to join the ADC to rescue the nation in the next general election. “The meeting encourages all well-meaning PDP members and other patriotic Nigerians to join the coalition. All coalition partners must be united on the issues of national unity, democracy, national securit...

 Arsenal sign Zubimendi from Real Sociedad for £60m Arsenal have completed the signing of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in a deal worth almost £60m. The Spain midfielder is the Gunners' second signing of the summer transfer window, following the arrival of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea for £5m. The 26-year-old, who rejected an approach from Liverpool last summer, came through the ranks at Real Sociedad before becoming a regular in their first team. The deep-lying midfielder - who played 236 times for the Spanish club, scoring 10 goals - has signed a five-year deal. "This is a huge moment in my career," said Zubimendi. "It's the move I was looking for and one I wanted to make. As soon as you set foot here, you realise how big this club and this team are. "I set my sights on Arsenal because their style of play is a good fit for me. They have shown their potential recently and the best is yet to come." Last season Zubimendi was part of th...

  Congratulations to our #TOETriplets on their high school graduation 🎓and prize awards.  Next stop, Uni!  #TOEWay. More photos below. 

 "If Wike Can Dine With APC While Wearing PDP’s Cloak, We Too Can Uphold Our Membership While Aligning With Coalition — Not For Appointments, But For A Nigeria That Works," Says Leader Of PDP Group, Comrade Vincent Williams In a bold and clarifying statement, Comrade Vincent Williams, the State Coordinator of the national solidarity group “I Stand With PDP,” has finally broken his silence amid growing speculation about his political stance in Nigeria’s evolving power dynamics. Responding to inquiries about his perceived quietude, Williams dispelled any notion of confusion, declaring: "There is no confusion—only strategy."  His statement reaffirms unwavering loyalty to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) while raising concerns over internal sabotage and ideological drift. "I, Vincent Williams—State Coordinator of PDP’s foremost national solidarity group, ‘I STAND WITH PDP’—alongside progressive allies, remain committed to the party’s ideals," he stated, poi...

 “Sai Peter Obi” – Bashir El-Rufai’s Public Support For Peter Obi Sparks Reactions Bashir El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, stirred widespread reactions on social media Wednesday after openly expressing support for Labour Party's Peter Obi. Once known for his sharp criticism of Obi, Bashir surprised many by sharing a photo of the former Anambra governor standing beside his father during the opposition coalition meeting held on July 2. He captioned the post with a telling remark: “He don dey mature,” signaling a shift in his political stance. When asked by a user on X (formerly Twitter) whether he would now stop criticizing Obi, Bashir confirmed that his views had indeed changed. He went on to declare his support with the Northern slogan: “Sai Peter Obi.” Addressing the sudden change, Bashir defended his new position, stating that just as other political commentators revise their opinions, he too has the right to reassess and update his political beliefs....

 KDSG To Begin 10-Day Free Bus Service For Civil Servants, Students On Monday The Kaduna Subsidized Transport Scheme (KSTS) will commence  free transport  service for civil servants,  primary school pupils  and secondary school students from next Monday. The Director General of Kaduna State Regulatory Authority(KADSTRA), Engr Inuwa Ibrahim who disclosed this in a press statement, noted that the free transport service will last for ten days only. Engr Ibrahim pointed out that the gesture underscores Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to the welfare of civil servants and students in Kaduna State by easing their transportation burden. It will be recalled that President Bola Tinubu had commissioned 100 Compressed Natural Gas(CNG) buses at Murtala Mohammed Square during his state visit on June 19, 2025. The Director General who said that some of the buses will start plying the road on Monday,  warned that the free  transport service will operate in strict adher...

 Pastor Adeboye Vows to Remain Unshaken by Insults, Urges Peaceful Conduct In a powerful address during a recent sermon at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) headquarters in Lagos, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the RCCG, declared that no amount of insults or provocation would sway him from his commitment to peace and godliness. The statement comes amid ongoing discussions and criticisms surrounding religious leaders in Nigeria, particularly on social media platforms. Speaking to a large congregation on Sunday, July 6, 2025, Pastor Adeboye emphasized his resolve to maintain composure in the face of verbal attacks. “No amount of insults will provoke me,” he said, urging his followers to adopt a similar stance of restraint and humility. “As Christians, we are called to respond with love and peace, not anger or retaliation. Our focus must remain on God’s work and spreading His message.” The revered cleric, known for his calm demeanor and spiritual leadership, d...

 Women and Youths of Bendeghe Ekiem Threaten Naked Protest Over Cocoa Estate Privatization in Cross River Women and youths from the Bendeghe Ekiem community in Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State have issued a 14-day ultimatum to the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture, Johnson Ebokpo, to reverse the planned privatization of a government-controlled cocoa estate or face a naked protest. The threat was announced during a peaceful demonstration on Saturday, July 5, 2025, as the community expressed strong opposition to the proposed policy, citing concerns over loss of livelihoods and increased crime. The protest, which saw residents carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Our cocoa estate is not for sale” and “Give us our land back,” highlighted the community’s deep connection to the cocoa estate, a major source of employment and economic stability. Community women leader Ntunkai Obi and women’s chief Helen Ogar, speaking to journalists, demanded immediate dialogue w...

 Anambra 2025: INEC Commences Training For Corp Members  By Juliana Nwachukwu  The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced intensive training for corps members ahead of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise slated for July 8 to 17, 2025 in preparation for the upcoming November 8 gubernatorial election in Anambra State. The training, is being conducted simultaneously across all the 21 local government areas of the state and was aimed at equipping corps members with necessary skills and knowledge to support the voter registration process effectively. According to the officials, the training covers key aspects of the CVR exercise, including the use of biometric data capture devices, voter data management, and adherence to electoral guidelines and protocols. The corps members, who are expected to play a vital role in the registration process, have shown enthusiasm and commitment to ensuring a smooth and credible exercise. Speaking after the exerc...

 NDLEA intercepts Saudi, UK-bound cocaine in lipsticks, property title documents . Arrests drug kingpin ‘Warri kinsman’ over drug shipment; couple, 2 daughters, family friend detained for running drug ring; recovers $17.7million travelers’ cheques in children books going to Malaysia Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted cocaine consignments concealed in lipsticks and property title documents going to the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia respectively. The illicit drug consignments were recovered from cargos being prepared for shipment at a courier company in Lagos on Thursday 3rd July 2025 by NDLEA officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI) attached to the logistics firm.  A total of 420grams of cocaine factory fitted in 84 pieces of female lipsticks heading to the UK were seized, while 280grams of the same Class A drug were uncovered in a property title document (Certificate of Occupancy, C of O) being se...