PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Donald Trump scolded a reporter this week for asking about Jeffrey Epstein just as his own base turns on the White House over a new DOJ memo clearing Epstein of intelligence or blackmail ties. 🚨 The Justice Department and FBI say: No credible evidence Epstein worked for intel agencies No blackmail scheme involving global elites His 2019 death was a suicide “No further disclosures warranted” But not everyone is convinced. MAGA-aligned voices like Alex Jones and Laura Loomer are demanding answers and questioning why former officials hinted otherwise. Even Trump allies like JD Vance previously pushed Epstein theories  now, Trump’s Cabinet is trying to calm the storm. Attorney General Pam Bondi also addressed the so-called Epstein client list and a minute missing from jail footage calling it a routine tech reset.

 JUSTICE KPOJIME WAS A WOMAN OF UNCOMMON INTEGRITY - CHIEF ORTOM 8th July, 2025     The immediate past Governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom says the death of Justice Elizabeth Kpojime is a painful loss, not only to the judiciary but also to the state and country at large.  Chief Ortom describes Justice Kpojime as a woman of exceptional integrity, commitment, diligence and selflessness.  “Justice Kpojime was a shining beacon of professionalism, incorruptibility, and dedication to fairness and justice. Her contributions to the legal profession and her commitment to the rule of law have left an indelible mark on our justice system. She was a role model to many, inspiring us all with her resilience, discipline, and the pursuit of truth.” The former Governor states that Justice Kpojime demonstrated uncommon courage and honesty when she served as the head of the Commission of Inquiry into the Incomes and Expenditures of Benue State, set up by his administr...

 LAGOS LG POLLS : WHY EVERY LAGOSIAN MUST OWN  JULY 12  - TAYO OGUNBIYI  When most Nigerians talk politics, the conversation usually ends at “Who will be the President?” or “Who will be Governor?” Yet, the office holder who most directly shapes our daily realities is rarely mentioned. In truth, the Local Government (LG) Chairman or Councillor - those at the grassroots level- are often the most visible and immediate form of governance we experience. As the closest tier of governance to the people, the LG represents the smallest but most critical unit of administration. It stands as a cornerstone of responsive and inclusive leadership, precisely because of its proximity to communities.  This closeness enables it to better understand grassroots challenges, swiftly address local needs, and foster meaningful citizen engagement in the democratic process. At the heart of effective LG lies the principle of regular, democratic elections. These elections empower citizens ...

 Press Statement No Distractions: President Tinubu Staying the Course on Reform Agenda 8 July 2025, Abuja—Amid ongoing political discourse and increasing media speculation regarding the 2027 elections, it is necessary to reaffirm that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains firmly committed to its core mandate: delivering meaningful reforms and real economic growth for the Nigerian people. Even as we affirm the right of all Nigerians to freely exercise their constitutionally guaranteed freedoms of association and of speech, it is also important to underscore that President Tinubu’s administration will not be sidetracked by politicking or political distractions. The clamour in the media about the emergence of a new political ‘coalition’ is understandable, but Nigerians entrusted President Tinubu with a bold and transformative mandate, anchored in the Renewed Hope agenda. In just two years, this vision has already begun yielding tangible results. Crude oil theft has...

 NIGERIA'S ENVOY TO GUINEA-BISSAU IS DEAD  Nigeria's Acting Head of Mission in Guinea-Bissau, Zainab Joy Momodu, is dead. The Chargé d’Affaires ad interim died on Monday, July 7, 2025, at the Military Hospital in Bissau following a brief illness. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reached out to Momodu's family and colleagues to commiserate with them on her demise. She was described as a hardworking diplomat that negotiated several agreements for Nigeria. “Her passing is a profound loss not just to the Ministry, but to the entire diplomatic community,” the Ministry stated. “She served the nation with distinction, and her absence will be deeply felt.” Mrs. Momodu joined the Nigerian Foreign Service in 2010 as part of the 20th Regular Course of the Foreign Service Academy. 

BANKS TO REPORT TRANSACTIONS ABOVE N5M MONTHLY UNDER NEW TAX LAW EFFECTIVE 2026. Nigerian banks have been mandated to report all customer accounts with monthly transactions exceeding N5 million to the country’s tax authorities, according to the latest update from the National Orientation Agency (NOA). This directive was part of a sweeping tax reform signed into law, aimed at improving tax compliance, curbing financial irregularities, and aligning Nigeria’s fiscal structure with global standards. The new requirement, outlined in Section 30 of the 2025 Tax Reform Act, places commercial banks at the forefront of a major financial transparency push. Banks will be required to monitor and report high-value transactions on a monthly basis to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and other relevant tax bodies. Announcing the update via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the NOA stated that this measure is part of broader reforms to ensure that taxable income does not escape regulato...

 LGSC EXTENDS DATE OF COMPUTER-BASED TEST FOR ONGOING  RECRUITMENT EXERCISE The Lagos State Local Government Service Commission (LGSC) wishes to inform all applicants that the date for the Computer-Based Test (CBT) for the ongoing recruitment into the Local Government Councils and Local Council Development Areas has been extended. The test, originally scheduled to hold between 7.00am and 7pm on Monday, 7th July 2025, will now hold from Monday, 7th July to Friday, 11th July 2025. This extension is in response to the congestion and traffic experienced by applicants and is aimed at ensuring accessibility and convenience for all participants. Applicants are advised to strictly follow the step-by-step guide below to access and take the test: 1.⁠ ⁠Visit our official website: www.lslgsc.com.ng Click on the Services tab (Use only Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge browsers for compatibility). 2.⁠ ⁠Access the CBT Portal: Click on the link provided to access the portal. 3.⁠ ⁠Locate the Lo...

 Suspected Diphtheria Outbreak In Kaduna Results In Deaths Of Four Children, Others Infected A suspected diphtheria outbreak in Zaria, Kaduna State, has tragically led to the deaths of four children and left at least five others infected, raising urgent concerns over public health preparedness in the region. One of the affected residents, Mallam Bashir Magaji Basharata of Kwarbai in Zaria City, shared the heartbreaking loss of his daughter to the disease. He revealed that three of his other children are now showing symptoms consistent with diphtheria, including swollen necks, labored breathing, and loss of speech. Basharata stated that his daughter was rushed to Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) in Shika for emergency care but unfortunately passed away despite the efforts of medical staff. He also reported that four other children with similar symptoms have been admitted to Kakaki Primary Health Care Clinic in a nearby community. In response, Dr. Bello Jamoh, Execut...

 Governor of Benue State launches Quick Response Squad to tackle insecurity in Benue. Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has unveiled a new security initiative tagged the Quick Response Squad (QRS), aimed at strengthening rapid response to security emergencies across the state. Governor Alia was represented at the official inauguration of the squad by his Deputy, Dr Sam Ode. The QRS is a joint operation comprising personnel from the Civilian Protection Guard (CPG), Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), local hunters, and the Joint Task Force (JTF). The squad is designed to respond swiftly and effectively to threats, particularly in vulnerable communities across Benue. More photos below. 

 President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte have started a three-day state visit to the UK. The first by a French president since 2008 and the first EU leader since Brexit. The Macrons were welcomed at RAF Northolt by the Prince and Princess of Wales, before joining King Charles and Queen Camilla in Windsor. They travelled in open-top carriages through Windsor in a royal procession escorted by the Household Cavalry. Catherine, Princess of Wales, made her first public appearance since speaking about her recovery from chemotherapy whilst on a visit to see the Wellness Garden in Colchester Hos pital, Essex on Wednesday 2nd July. She wore a Christian Dior jacket in a graceful nod to French fashion. At Windsor Castle, King Charles and President Macron conducted a ceremonial inspection of the guards in full regalia before heading inside for a private lunch. In a gesture of diplomacy and friendship, President Macron presented King Charles with: A rare Debussy opera score A ceremonial...

 ENUGU STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE UPDATE ON THE MURDER OF YOUNG LADY IN NSUKKA HOTEL: MALE SUSPECT ARRESTED, DECEASED’S PHONES OTHER EXHIBITS RECOVERED The Enugu State Police Command wishes to inform the public that following an intensive, diligent, and intelligence-led investigation, detectives have arrested the male suspect in the murder of one Deborah Sam-Praise Ememem (female, aged 22), who was recently found dead in a hotel room in Nsukka. Her iPhone, tablet, earbuds, and other personal belongings were also successfully recovered. The 22-year-old male suspect, Emmanuel Gambo, hails from Kogi State. The case, initially reported to Nsukka Urban Police Division, was transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (State CID) for thorough investigation. Findings revealed that on June 14, 2025, at about 9:00 p.m., the suspect, a second-year student of Material and Metallurgical Engineering at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), checke...

 Press Statement FG Confirms No Water Has Been Released from Lagdo Dam The Federal  Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation wishes to state that the Cameroonian authorities have not released water from the Lagdo Dam, contrary to the rumours circulating in the media. The Honourable Minister, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, on 7th July 2025, had direct communication with the Lagdo Dam Manager, Mr. Ahmad Bivoung, who confirmed that the dam is currently at a low level of 2.06 meters and no water has been released. The Ministry is currently maintaining constant communication with Cameroonian authorities and assures the public that any official release of water will be promptly communicated. The Minister urged the public to disregard false reports and remain calm, while continuing to observe flood safety and preparedness measures earlier issued. Prof. Utsev also advised communities receiving early warning signals particularly in Lokoja (Kogi State), Wurobokki (Adamawa State), ...

 99% of the Kidnappers we have arrested in Anambra are Igbos--- Governor Chukwuma Soludo  ‎Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State made a comment during a speech in Maryland, United States, where he claimed that about 99% of all the arrested kidnappers in the state are Igbos, not Fulani herdsmen.  ‎ ‎The statement, made on July 7 during his U.S. visit, has drawn a sharp and damning response from the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), a human rights and advocacy group in Nigeria.‎Speaking in Maryland, Governor Soludo claimed, "I have been in office for 3 years and 3 months, if we have arrested 100 cr!minals in the bush such as k!dnappers, etc,  99.9% of them are  "Umuaka Igbo". ‎ ‎He further mentioned that Igbo youths have embraced k!snapping as the most lucrative business after yah00 ¥ahoo, thereby dismissing the security reports about Fulani herdsmen occupying forests in Anambra as “false narratives.” 

 After 26 Years on Death Row for Buying a Stolen Generator, Ogbonna Igbojionu Reunites With His Mother in a Triumphant Testimony of Hope and Redemption.  Ogbonna Igbojionu, a native of Abia State, has emerged victorious after spending 26 years on death row at Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison in Lagos. He was just 22 years old in 1999 when he was arrested and convicted for unknowingly purchasing a stolen generator — a crime that led to a death sentence. Now 48, Ogbonna stepped out of prison a free man after a long and harrowing legal ordeal, during which he consistently maintained his innocence.  His case, like many others, highlights deep flaws in Nigeria’s justice system — particularly in how poor and unconnected individuals can be handed severe punishments without adequate legal representation.  Tears flowed as Ogbonna reunited with his ageing mother, who had prayed and waited for decades to see her son again. Their emotional embrace marked a bittersweet moment — a...

 ASUU directs members to begin nationwide strike The leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has confirmed that a directive has been issued for all branches of the union nationwide to withdraw their services over the delay in the payment of June 2025 salaries to its members, citing the enforcement of “No Pay, No Work” resolution. ASUU branches in two federal universities, the University of Jos and the University of Abuja, have already commenced strike action in compliance with the directive. President of ASUU, Prof. Chris Piwuna, who confirmed the development to Tribune Online on Monday in Abuja, said what the institutions are doing is simply enforcing a National Executive Council (NEC) resolution of the union that any month in which salaries are delayed beyond three days, members should withdraw their services until the salaries are paid. Piwuna lamented the lackadaisical attitude of government officials toward the issue of lecturers’ salaries, which he descr...

 Osimhen chooses Galatasaray, ends Napoli stay Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen, has agreed to join Turkish club Galatasaray on a permanent deal, PM News has learnt.  The news was shared by Nigerian sports journalist, Buchi Laba, who is known to be close to the Super Eagles forward. According to Laba, Osimhen has finally said “yes” to leaving Napoli for Galatasaray after weeks of speculation about his future. In a post on X, Laba wrote: “Exclusive: Victor James Osimhen says YES to Galatasaray and wants to continue with the Turkish team. For weeks, Napoli has been begging Victor Osimhen to remain with them. However, Osimhen has made it very clear that he wants to leave the Italian club. Galatasaray and Napoli are now negotiating the payment of his release clause.” Victor Osimhen joined Napoli from Lille in 2020 and became one of their top players, helping the club win the Serie A title for the first time in 33 years. His performances attracted interest from big European clubs, bu...

 Netanyahu nominates Trump for Nobel peace prize Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli prime minister, has nominated US President Donald Trump for the Nobel peace prize. Netanyahu, who is in Washington for a meeting with US officials, presented Trump with the letter he submitted to the prize committee. “I want to express the appreciation and admiration not only of all Israelis, but of the Jewish people,” Netanyahu said at a White House dinner on Monday. The prime minister praised Trump’s “pursuit of peace and security”. “He’s forging peace as we speak, in one country, in one region after the other,” Netanyahu said. “So, I want to present to you, Mr. President, the letter I sent to the Nobel Prize Committee. It’s nominating you for the Peace Prize, which is well deserved. You should get it.” “Coming from you in particular, this is very meaningful,” Trump replied. This is the second time Trump has been nominated for the Nobel peace prize. Last month, Pakistan recommended the US president for t...

 Zelensky to replace Ukraine’s U.S. ambassador to please Trump Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has agreed to replace Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States, Oksana Markarova, during a recent phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump. The Financial Times reported on Tuesday. The two sides were now in talks over possible successors, who would need approval from both countries, the UK newspaper said, citing two people familiar with the matter. Markarova, who has served as ambassador in Washington since 2021, has been criticised by some Republicans for being too closely aligned with the Democratic Party. Her replacement could be an attempt by Zelensky to appease Trump during a sensitive time for Ukraine. Earlier, Washington withheld previously approved arms deliveries, as Russia continues heavy missile and drone strikes more than three years into its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Zelensky reportedly plans to announce Markarova’s replacement next week as part of a broader ...

 EFCC Commences Investigation of Suspect Over Undeclared $420,900, £5,825, CFA3,946,500 Alleged  Fraud The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  EFCC,  has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the case of one Ahmad Salisu, arrested by the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, for allegedly concealing and failing to declare the sum of $420,900 (Four Hundred and Twenty Thousand, Nine Hundred US Dollars),  £5,825, (Five Thousand, Eight Hundred and Twenty Five Pounds Sterling), CFA3,946,500 (Three Million, Nine Hundred and Forty Six Thousand, Five CFA) and  Cameroonian CFA 224,000( Two Hundred and Twenty Four Thousand Cameroonian CFA). Salisu was intercepted by Customs operatives during a routine check on Monday,  July 7, 2025 at  Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano. Upon physical inspection, it was revealed that the cash was meticulously concealed in a polythene bag covered by cloth and other fabrics in th...

 Police state speeding was 'likely cause' of Diogo Jota's fatal car crash Liverpool and Portugal star Diogo Jota was likely speeding when his car veered off a motorway in Spain last week, killing him and his brother, Spanish police said on Tuesday. The shock deaths of Jota, 28, and Andre Silva, 25, on July 3rd plunged the football world into mourning, less than two weeks after the striker got married. An ongoing investigation is examining "the marks left by one of the vehicle's wheels.

 Facts show the opposition are wrong about the presidency of Bola Tinubu President Tinubu is not doing well, he is not governing Nigeria well, so claim the desperation opposition. But the data are showing that they are wrong and blind.  Nigeria’s economy under the reforming presidency of Bola Tinubu demonstrates resilience and prospects of growth. Big money has taken adequate notice and the owners  are heading to Nigeria to invest their funds, according to Cardinal Stone.  Read the story by Business Day. A teaser:  “In a world rattled by war, inflation, and erratic trade policies, some of the savviest investors are quietly shifting their attention back to Nigeria. “You wouldn’t guess it by looking at the headlines. Conflict in the Middle East, volatile oil prices, and an uncertain global economy have kept financial markets on edge. The World Bank just downgraded growth projections for most developing countries. But there’s one outlier: Nigeria. While other count...

 PRESS RELEASE  NPF COLLABORATES CLEEN FOUNDATION, INITIATES SECOND PHASE TRAINING FOR  PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICERS ON SOCIAL AND BEHAVIOURAL CHANGE COMMUNICATION, GBV PREVENTION. As IGP Declares Training Open in Lagos The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has partnered with the CLEEN Foundation to conduct a specialized training on Social and Behavioural Change Communication (SBCC) and Gender Based Violence Preventive Strategies for Police Public Relations Officers (PPROs) across the country. The second phase of the initiative, aimed at strengthening strategic communication capacities within the Force, commenced today, Monday, July 8, 2025, to be held till Thursday July 10, 2025, at Ikeja, Lagos State, with the First phase having been held from 24th - 26th June 2025, at Kaduna State. The IGP, who was ably represented at the opening ceremony by the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Comman...

 A Riverton, Illinois man has been arrested on CP charges... and for having intimate relations with a calf.  39-year-old Benjamin Tarr is being charged for CP.  According to authorities, the offenses involve children under the age of 13-years-old. Prosecutors also allege that Tarr engaged in lewd s*xual activities with a calf in June of 2025. Riverton, Illinois is in Sangamon County. Tarr was denied pretrial release and is due in court on July 25th.

 "I'm not going to make it."  These were the heartbreaking last words of a Texas father after sacrificing his life to save his family. 27-year-old Julian Ryan lay in his family home with his life draining from him as his family watched helplessly. Julian was at his home in Ingram, Texas with his fiance and their children when last Friday's fatal flooding began to take effect. As the flood waters rose, the family quickly found themselves knee deep in water inside of their home. The young family did what they could to keep the flood waters at bay, but the situation was spiraling out of control. They could not open a door due to the immense force of the flooding water.  With dwindling options, Julian decided to punch out a window in order to safely evacuate his children, fiancé and mother-in-law.  Sadly this heroic act would be his last. In the process of punching out the window, Julian sadly severed an artery in his arm.  His fiance's repeated calls to 911 would g...

  A South Carolina grandmother is facing charges after telling her 12-year-old granddaughter to swim for help in dangerous conditions.  We will preface this story by assuring you that the young girl was found and although she suffered scrapes and cuts, she is otherwise unharmed. 53-year-old Anne Lachel is facing charges of unlawful conduct towards a minor. These charges stem from a July 1st incident at the Bushy Parking Boat Landing.  On that day, Berkeley County Sheriff's Deputies were called to the report of a missing 12-year-old girl. The call for help was made by Anne Sellers, who told deputies she and her granddaughter had become stranded when their jet skis had broken down. Sellers told deputies her granddaughter had attempted to swim for help, and she was now missing. The deputies quickly swung into action, calling in help from multiple other agencies. A combined effort utilizing marine vessels and drones were able to locate the young girl.  She was discovered...

 ANAMBRA POLICE ARRESTS ONE DREADED CULT MEMBER LINKED TO THE MURDER AND ABDUCTION OF UNSUSPECTING MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC EARLY LAST MONTH IN OKO ORUMBA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA Police Operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Awkuzu on 7th July 2025 arrested a male suspect one Chukwujekwu Micheal Okoye a.k.a Bus-Stop, aged 25 years old. The arrest is a follow-up to the disturbing incident at Oko which records the injury to two persons, murder of two persons and abduction of two others who were later released after ransom was paid early last month at the Total Junction and Tipper Junction respectively all in Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area.  The Operatives also recovered one automatic pump-action gun and two handsets.   It would be recalled that the suspect in the early hours of the 22nd May, 2025 robbed a victim of his handset and other valuables at gunpoint in Oko. He confessed to being an active member of the Aye Confraternity Cult group and ...

 2025 International Day for Cooperative: Stakeholders solicit for more support for Cooperative Societies  By Amaka Isikala/Ebele Iyke Odili The Ministry of Industry, Anambra  State has joined its counterparts Worldwide to celebrate the International Day for Cooperatives with stakeholders soliciting for more support of the Cooperative Societies. The celebration was done through the Ministry's Department of Cooperative Development. The event which showcased the potentials, skills and various agricultural products of cooperatives societies from all the 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state was held at the Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Awka. The event is celebrated yearly on the  first Saturday of July; this year's theme is 'Export Market; Opportunities for Cooperative Farmers, trends and prospects aimed at enhancing and increasing the awakening of the Cooperative world wide'. The celebration is an initiative to promote cooperatives societies and their values, raise ...

 RIVERS STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE Fire Incident in Choba, Port- Harcourt. The Rivers State Police Command is aware of and deeply concerned about a circulating social media report depicting a fire incident that occurred at No. 11B Okoro Street, Choba, Port Harcourt. According to the report, one Cynthia Chukwundah, a 300-level female undergraduate student of the University of Port Harcourt, allegedly set her boyfriend one Saint Sunny Amadi, a  32-year old male from the Elibrada Community in Emohua LGA, ablaze in a room, resulting in severe injuries during the inferno. and was rushed to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) for medical treatment. Upon receiving the report at about 1112 hours, Police detectives from Choba Division promptly visited the scene and the victim at the hospital, who was in critical condition. Unfortunately, the victim later succumbed to injuries and died while on admission. The Police have located Cynthia, who is currently rec...