PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Nigeria Stands Firm on Nuclear Test Ban, Says VP Shettima Vice President Kashim Shettima has reiterated Nigeria’s resolute commitment to opposing nuclear weapons testing, emphasizing that the country has no interest in pursuing nuclear capabilities. Speaking during a meeting at the Presidential Villa with a delegation from the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO), led by Executive Secretary Dr. Robert Floyd, Shettima underscored Nigeria’s focus on addressing pressing socio-economic and environmental challenges. Shettima highlighted the myriad issues facing Nigeria and other African nations, including widespread poverty and the impacts of climate change. “We are fighting poverty; we are fighting a war against the relationship between the economy and ecology in sub-Saharan Africa. We have no business dabbling in anything that has to do with nuclear weapons,” he stated, adding that nuclear conflict would yield no winners, only devastation. The Vice President pra...

 Senate President Akpabio, Speaker Abbas Slam Government Officials for Ignoring NASS Summons, Demand Stronger Fiscal Oversight Senate President Godswill Akpabio has expressed alarm over the growing trend of government officials and institutions disregarding legislative summons, describing it as a direct challenge to democratic principles and the rule of law. Speaking through Senator Abdul Ningi at the National Conference on Public Accounts and Fiscal Governance in Abuja, organized by the Public Accounts Committees (PACs) of the Senate and House of Representatives, Akpabio urged the committees to assert their constitutional powers. “The PACs possess the authority to summon any official to account for public expenditure. Any refusal to appear is an affront to democratic principles and a violation of the rule of law,” Akpabio stated, citing Sections 80, 81, and 88 of the 1999 Constitution. He criticized Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) for their non-compliance and called f...

 UK based woman tragically mu+dered shortly after bagging her PhD. Dr Fortune Gomo was over the moon when she graduated with her PhD in Geography and Environmental Science.  Days later, the 39-year-old was walking with her 10-year-old daughter when she was attacked and stabbed to death in broad daylight.  Dr Fortune Gomo, 39, who was originally from Zimbabwe, was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident on South Road Dundee,  Scotland at about 16:25 on Saturday, despite the best efforts of paramedics who responded swiftly, to the environmental scientist. A Zimbabwean mother and newly graduated PhD holder has been brutally stabbed to death in broad daylight on South Road in Dundee, sparking public outrage and calls for justice from the local African community. The victim, Dr. Fortune Gomo, believed to be in her 30s, was walking with her 10-year-old daughter around 4:25 p.m. when she was violently attacked. Despite emergency intervention by paramedics, she was pron...

 SCARVENGERS EXPELLED FROM ABUJA, RELOCATES TO MAKURDI 7th July, 2025       Local residents observed an influx of the scrap buyers into various areas of the Benue State capital, raising questions and concerns about the sudden movement. Sources indicate that the relocation was part of a broader clean-up operation in Abuja targeting informal businesses considered to be contributing to urban congestion and environmental concerns. Majority of the displaced dealers have now found their way to Makurdi, setting up temporary locations to continue their trade in recyclable metals and other scrap materials.  Their arrival has sparked mixed reactions, with some residents expressing worries about potential security and sanitation challenges, while others see it as an opportunity to boost local recycling and employment.

 Alleged €49 Million Fraud: EFCC Arraigns Two in Lagos     The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, on Monday, July 7, 2025, arraigned Abel Egerton Sokari, Nkiruka Chukwuma, and a company, Zakah Global Investment Limited, before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on a six-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence, possession of fraudulent documents, and forgery to the tune of Forty-Nine Million Euros (€49,000,000).   One of the counts reads: "That you, Abel Egerton Sokari, Nkiruka Chukwuma, Zakah Global Investment Limited, Cheryl Austin Adanti (at large), Husain Abid (at large), Shazad Muhammed (at large), and Ismail Adil (at large), on or about the 19th day of May 2025, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, attempted to obtain the sum of Forty-Nine Million Euros (€49,000,000.00) from First Bank of Nigeria by falsely representing ...

 Shun Internet Fraud, Olukoyede Charges Youths The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede has again charged Nigerian youths to channel their creative energy to legitimate and resourceful ventures rather than internet fraud. The EFCC Chairman gave the charge on Friday, July 4, 2025 at an event organised by Delta Youth Parliament, tagged “Regional Youth Convergence on Internal Security and Digital Innovation,” held at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, Delta State. The EFCC Chairman who spoke through the Acting Zonal Director,  Benin Zonal Directorate,  Assistant Commander of the EFCC 1, ACE I Effa I. Okim, noted that Nigeria was one of the most blessed countries in the world with abundant natural and human resources, but has been tainted by large scale involvement of its youths in internet fraud. "Our youths are vibrant,  forward looking, resilient,  creative,  intelligent who can hold their own in any part ...

 PRESS RELEASE  NPF LEADS HIGH-LEVEL DISCUSSIONS ON TRANSNATIONAL ORGANIZED CRIME AND REGIONAL POLICE COOPERATION As IGP  Attends 13th AFRIPOL Steering Committee Meeting in Algiers, Algeria The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, is currently in Algiers, Algeria, where he is participating in the 13th Meeting of the AFRIPOL Steering Committee, taking place from July 7 to 8, 2025. The summit gathers Police Chiefs, senior law enforcement executives, and continental security stakeholders to address the growing complexities of terrorism, organized crime and violent extremism across Africa. The IGP is attending in his dual capacity as Nigeria’s Chief of Police and the current Chairperson of the West African Police Chiefs Committee (WAPCCO), reaffirming Nigeria’s leadership in continental security cooperation and regional threat mitigation. The two-day session features critical briefings, including a report on the current situation of Transnatio...

 LASG WARNS RESIDENTS OF STATE-OWNED HOUSING ESTATES AGAINST CONTRAVENTION OF RULES, REGULATIONS  As part of the sustainability of State Government Owned Housing Estates, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing, Engr. Abdulhafis Toriola has issued a warning to residents of State Government-Owned Housing Estates against contravening all well-known guidelines (rules and regulations) of the Lagos State Government. He solicited voluntary compliance with the guidelines to drive housing estates growth, emphasising that compliance with existing rules is vital for enabling sustainable development and economic growth of the state. Furthermore, the Permanent Secretary reiterated that it is the civic responsibility of the residents of State Government-Owned Housing Estates to comply with the existing guidelines written in their Letter of Allocation, Memorandum of Understanding and Deed of Sublease.  Engr. Toriola also called for total compliance with estate guidelines in a meet...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE ( Reissued and bio corrected)   President Tinubu Mourns the Passing of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin   President Bola Tinubu has received with deep shock the news of the passing of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who passed away at the age of 90.   The President extends his heartfelt condolences to the royal family, the government, and people of Oyo State, as well as the entire Ibadanland, on the loss of a revered traditional ruler, a statesman, and a symbol of peace, wisdom, and continuity.   President Tinubu mourns the Olubadan and celebrates his remarkable life of service to his people, the state, and the nation.   President Tinubu describes the late monarch as a highly accomplished man of peace, a public servant, a former military officer and a royal father whose life embodies the highest ideals of leadership, learning, and service.   "Oba Owolabi Olakulehin was not...

 Kenyan police disperse Saba Saba anniversary demonstrators Kenyan police have dispersed protesters marking the 35th anniversary of pro-democracy rallies in the capital Nairobi on Monday, Reuters reported. Activists rally every year on July 7 to mark the date in 1990 when opponents of then-president Daniel Arap Moi launched a bid to transform the country into a multiparty democracy. The protest is called "Saba Saba" - "seven seven" in Kiswahili - because of the date. Authorities have ramped up police deployments in Nairobi since youth-led protests in June 2024 that initially focused on tax hikes but expanded to cover other national issues, including better governance. Witnesses say police used tear gas and water cannon on Monday to disperse crowds along a key artery in Nairobi, as hundreds of demonstrators advanced, with some blowing whistles while they marched. Police had earlier blocked major roads leading into Nairobi and they heavily restricted vehicle traffic w...

 COURT FINES MAN FOR RAPING A PONY  A UK court has fined a 43-year-old man, Damion Ogeare, for raping a Shetland pony. The defendant, from Wiltshire, admitted to the offence after his semen and DNA were obtained by a vet from the animal.  The offence was committed in January 2024 and CCTV footage showed Ogeare going into the horse's stable and out later half-dressed. He was said to have restrained the pony with a dog leash found at the scene for the act. "To have one assaulted in such a degrading manner has completely ruined my trust in society," said Christine Woolley, the pony's owner. Ogeare's lawyer, Holly Fagan, said her client was "going through a period of acute loneliness and isolation" as well as unemployment at the time of the offence. Gordon Bebb of the Winchester Crown Court said he is shocked at Ogeare's offence and sentenced him to 18 months of community service which includes 30 days of rehabilitation activities. Ogeare was also ordere...

 GROUP OF PARROTS SEPARATED FOR LAUGHING, SWEARING AT VISITORS A group of five parrots was reported to laugh simultaneously and swear at visitors at a British zoo. When their disruptions became unbearable to zoo managers, the group of five African grey parrots was disbanded to stop them harassing visitors.  Scientists said the intelligence of African grey parrots rivals that of a 4-6 year-old child. And that they are able to learn human languages and reinforce social behaviours when grouped together.

 FORMER GOV. RASHIDI LADOJA SCHEDULED TO BE CROWNED NEW OLUBADAN Following the unforseen death of the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, on Monday morning, former Governor Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, 81, is billed to become the next Olubadan.  The 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, joined his ancestors on Monday, July 7, 2025, two days after celebrating his 90th birthday. He was crowned king in July 2024 by Gov. Seyi Makinde. Oba Dr. Mohood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, who died in March 2024, was the Olubadan of Ibadan before the ascension of Olakulehin. High Chief Ladoja of the Egbe Agbe Ruling House is next in line to the ancient throne of Ibadanland. He was crowned the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland in August 2024 by Oba Olakulehin. Ladoja was a former senator and governor of Oyo State between 2003 and 2007. 

 Accident on 3rd Mainland Bridge, Lagos A road accident between a Toyota Camry and a commercial bus "Danfo" has left several passengers injured on 3rd Mainland Bridge. The accident occurred before Adekunle Junction, inward Lagos. The commercial bus sumersualting multiple times. RRS biker and patrol vehicles are assisting in helping on giving first aid to the injured passengers, while men of the Adekunle Police Division are equally on ground, and are providing rescue support. Emergency services providers have been mobilised. No life loss in the unfortunate incident. Free flow of vehicular movement has been restored and the ill-fated vehicles evacuated  from the road. More photos below. 

 Women’s Coalition Urges Senate to Appeal Court Ruling on Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Reinstatement A coalition of over 1,000 women-focused civil society organizations, under the banner of the Coalition of Concerned Women for Legislative Integrity (CCWLI), has called on the Nigerian Senate to urgently appeal a Federal High Court ruling ordering the reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The group described the court’s decision as “deeply troubling” and a potential threat to parliamentary discipline and democratic integrity. In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, CCWLI’s National President, Barr. Nana Amina Abdullahi, urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Senate leadership to defend the legislature’s autonomy by challenging the ruling. The Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Binta Nyako, had on Friday declared the six-month suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, as excessive and lacking legal basis. The court ordered her imme...

 58 Inmates Sit for NECO in Kano Custodial Centres The Nigerian Correctional Service in Kano says 58 inmates are currently writing the 2025 NECO SSCE, thanks to registration fees paid by the state government. The NCoS hailed Governor Abba Yusuf’s support for inmate rehabilitation and education.

 “God cannot be mocked” — Cynthia Morgan calls out ex-label boss Jude Okoye in fiery post Singer Cynthia Morgan, also known as Madrina, has taken to social media to call out her former label boss, Jude Okoye, over unresolved issues dating back to their fallout in 2016. In a strongly worded Instagram post, the Morgan accused Jude of speaking ill about her behind her back while allegedly avoiding every attempt she has made to meet with him in person. She wrote: “@judeengees all you’ve done since 2016 is talk behind my back... all efforts to see you in person has been to no avail. It is no news that I am disappointed in you and I know you’re also disappointed in yourself, hence your no face polity...”

 Today, as we mark twenty years since the tragic events of 7th July 2005, my heartfelt thoughts and special prayers remain with all those whose lives were forever changed on that ferible Summer's day.  While the horrors will never be forgotten, we may take Comfort rom the wày such events rally communities together in solidarity, solace and determination. It is this spirit of unity that has helped London, and our nation, to heal.  As we remember those we lost, let us therefore use this 20h anniversary to reaffirm our commitment to building asociety. where people of all faiths and backgrounds can live together with mutual respect and understanding. always standing firm against those who would seek to divide us. More photos below. 

 JAMB Clears FUTA Graduate Over Fake Admission Claim JAMB has reinstated the admission status of FUTA graduate Jamiu Basola after previously flagging it as fake. Basola, who graduated in 2024 with a 4.41 CGPA, was unable to access NYSC mobilisation due to the issue.  Following intervention by NANS and FUTA’s Civil Engineering Department, JAMB reactivated his portal and added his name to the matriculation list. NANS hailed the development as a win for student rights and pledged to monitor Basola’s NYSC mobilisation.

 Over 100 Houses Destroyed by Heavy Rainfall in Kebbi Heavy rainfall on Friday night destroyed over 100 houses in Zogirma village, Bunza LGA, Kebbi State, leaving several residents injured.  Four villages in Arewa LGA—Tungar Chindo, Tungar Kure, Feske Malabawa, and Feske Rafi—were also flooded, damaging over 60 homes and livestock. Local officials have promised to report the incident to the state government for action.

 Olubadan’s Death: Ex-CCII President Officially Informs Makinde Former CCII President, Chief Adebayo Oyero, led family members to formally inform Governor Seyi Makinde of the death of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin. The monarch, coronated in July 2024, passed away early Monday.

 Kaduna Student With Disability Threatens To Commit Suicide If Gov. Uba Sani Doesn’t Get Him A Bike, Says His Life Depends On It Musa Usman Gizo, a student in Kaduna State living with a disability, has threatened to take his own life if the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, does not provide him with a mobility bike. Gizo, who submitted a letter to the Government House over 60 days ago appealing for assistance, said he needs the bike to aid his movement to school and support his daily hustle for survival.  According to him, the letter has received no response since it was submitted. “I’d rather commit suicide—lose my life—than leave Government House without a bike today. My dreams, my future, everything is on the line. All I need is a bike, sir,” he wrote.

 INITIATION AND SUPREMACY BATTLE AMONG CULT GROUPS IN ANAMBRA: CP ORUTUGU ORDERS CLAMPDOWN ON ANY UNLAWFUL GATHERINGS IN THE STATE _Steps up security deployment with the School Protection Squad - Operatives to be on the offensive in student-populated areas_ _Urges Proprietors of hotels and bars or any related places to refuse hosting of such gatherings in their facility_ The Commissioner of Police Anambra State  CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc MNIPS PhD has ordered a clampdown on any unlawful gathering in the State. This follows the security intelligence-led policing and community information that suggests that the Neo-Black Movement of Africa may use today 7th of July 2025 to execute plans that could lead to serious public disorder, including cult initiations and reprisals against rival cult groups in the State.  The *CP* noted that these criminal activities happen within student-populated areas, and stepped up the security deployment with the School Protection Squad directing the...

 IMAM DEFILES NEIGHBOUR'S 8-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER  An Imam named Abdulkareem Kadiri in Ede, Osun State, has confessed to raping his neighbour's 8-year-old daughter. Imam Kadiri was caught by the girl's mother on Sunday afternoon in the act of defiling her daughter. The mother came across the abomination when she set out to search for her daughter. “I know her parents, we lived in the same compound. I sent her to help me buy groundnuts and when she returned I defiled her,” Kadiri confessed after being caught. The irate mother held the assailant and raised a shrill alarm that attracted the community. Amotekun operatives were called in and they handed over Kadiri to police officers.  Medical officers at Babasanya Hospital confirmed the girl was bleeding from her private area because she was forcefully penetrated.  Osun Police command spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the incident.. 

 Trump threatens extra 10% tariffs on countries aligning with BRICS President Donald Trump said the US will impose an additional 10% tariff on any countries aligning themselves with the "Anti-American policies" of the BRICS group of developing nations, whose leaders kicked off a major summit in Brazil on Sunday, Reuters reported. With forums such as the G7 and G20 groups of major economies hamstrung by divisions and the disruptive "America First" approach of the US president, BRICS is presenting itself as a haven for multilateral diplomacy amid violent conflicts and trade wars. In opening remarks to the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva drew a parallel with the Cold War's Non-Aligned Movement, a group of developing nations that resisted joining either side of a polarized global order. "BRICS is the heir to the Non-Aligned Movement," Lula told leaders. "With multilateralism under attack, our autonomy i...

 ‎Igbo Speaking Community Asks Ndigbo To Support APC In Lagos Local Government Election ‎ ‎The President of Igbo Speaking Community, Lagos State, Chief Sunday Udeh, has called on the APC to accommodate Ndigbo in governance as he asks Ndigbo to support the ruling party in the Local Government election coming up on 12th July, 2025. ‎ ‎Chief Udeh stated this  during the unveiling of the multimillion Naira befitting secretariat built by the members of Igbo Buru Otu Association of Nigeria led by Eze Chika Nwokedi in Lagos State. ‎ ‎Chief Udeh, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the event, noted that there was need for Ndigbo to work in synergy with the ruling APC in Lagos State. He however, also said that the leadership of the party shouldacknowledge the support by giving appointments to Ndigbo in the Local Government areas to build strong support in the local areas. ‎ ‎He also stated that the population of Ndigbo in Lagos State, which put to about 45 per cent, was enough for t...

 If I were to advice our beloved Leader Peter Obi in respect to 2027, I would advise him not to contest for Presidency--- Nze Tobe Osigwe Nze Tobe has opined that Peter Obi should give up his 2027 presidency ambition, stating that he is of the opinion that anybody that should challenge Tinubu for 2027 general elections should be from the Southwest instead of south east. "I believe the new coalition,ADC, is a welcome development in terms of Opposition politics, However, I am if the opinion that opposition party's presidential candidate should come from the Southwest "

 Zainab Galadima: 2027 will be Tinubu’s toughest battle — he may get only 30% of northern votes Zainab Galadima, daughter of Buba Galadima, a chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), says President Bola Tinubu may secure only 30 percent votes from the north in the 2027 presidential election. Speaking in an interview on the ‘Mic On podcast’ hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, a journalist with Channels Television, Zainab said the 2027 election would be Tinubu’s most difficult political contest yet. She added that the growing opposition forces and the level of discontent in the north would make the president’s re-election bid more challenging. “Honestly, I don’t have good reviews (from northerners about Tinubu). It’s really bad. Tinubu may get, maybe, 30 percent or less,” she said. “It’s going to be worse than the 2023 elections. The chances of Tinubu winning the 2027 election is going to be the toughest battle that he will ever see. “It’s going to be the toughest because this coali...

 Natasha: We’re yet to receive Certified True Copy of judgment – Senate The Senate on Sunday acknowledged the court judgment on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan but noted it was yet to receive the Certified True Copy, CTC, of the judgment. The Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, said this in a statement in Abuja. He said the CTC of the judgment was necessary for a thorough review and informed determination of the next course of action. He stated that pending receipt of the CTC, the senate would refrain from taking any step that might prejudice its legal position regarding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension. “The senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria acknowledges that judgment was delivered on July 4th by the Federal High Court, Abuja, in the suit instituted by Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. “However, the senate is yet to be served with the certified true copy (CTC) of the said judgment. “Our legal representatives, who were in attendance at th...

 NLC to FG: Millions of Nigerians in multidimensional poverty The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the federal government to take urgent and decisive steps to address what it described as a deepening cost-of-living crisis, growing socioeconomic inequalities, erosion of workers’ welfare, and worsening insecurity across the country. The call was made in a communiqué issued at the end of a joint meeting of the NLC’s National Administrative Council (NAC) and Central Working Committee (CWC) held in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The document was signed by NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and General Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja. The union expressed grave concern over the “escalating economic hardship, which has pushed and kept millions of Nigerians in multidimensional poverty.” It noted that workers and their families continue to suffer the brunt of persistent inflation, rising food prices, exorbitant transport costs, and the erosion of real wages. The NLC also decried the “alarm...

 Nigeria ‘dead’ before Tinubu took over — Wike …Cautions church against 2027 mistake over Obi ABUJA—Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, yesterday, said the country was practically ‘dead’ before President Bola Tinubu assumed office. While acknowledging that Nigeria still faces serious challenges, Wike said the President has taken difficult but necessary decisions that will help the country recover. He also cautioned Christian faithful against making what he described as another mistake in the choice of Nigeria’s president in 2027, noting that the Church nearly made a fatal error in 2023 due to sentimental attachments. Wike advised Saint James’ Anglican Church in Asokoro, Abuja, where he led some associates in a thanksgiving service to God following the successful commissioning of 16 projects in the nation’s capital. The minister also took a swipe at the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, describing him as the opposite of the democr...