PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Court  Jails Businessman  Three Years for N2.3m Fraud in Maiduguri Justice Muhammad Maina of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri on Monday, August, 4, 2025, convicted one Alhaji Mala Gana to three years imprisonment.  Gana was first arraigned on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 by the Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a one count charge for the offence of criminal misappropriation to the tune of N2,360,000.00 (Two Million, Three Hundred and Sixty Thousand Naira). The charge reads: “That you, Alhaji Mala Gana, sometime in 2022 at Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, being entrusted with dominion over certain properties to wit; N2,360,000.00 00 (Two Million Six Hundred and Thirty Thousand Naira) by one Alhaji Goni Umar, as his investment for the supply of food items, such as groundnut and palm oil, did dishonestly misappropriated the said sum of  N2,360,000.00 00 (Two Million Six H...

PRESS RELEASE ‎ ‎POLICE WELFARE: IGP TO DECORATE PROMOTED NATIONAL AWARD RECIPIENTS ‎ ‎– As Police Service Commission Conveys Approval ‎ ‎The Nigeria Police Force is set to take a bold and historic step in the direction of motivation, meritocracy, and morale-boosting as the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, prepares to decorate select officers recently approved for promotion by the Police Service Commission (PSC) – officers whose conduct, courage, and character have stood out in service to the nation. ‎ ‎These are not just promotions. They are public endorsements of excellence. A national salute to officers who, despite the odds, chose the path of integrity, went the extra mile, and reminded us all what true service looks like. ‎ ‎Recall that in Press Release No. CZ:5300/FPRD/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.6/472 dated 25th July 2025, the Force publicly committed to recommending for accelerated promotion, any officer who had been named Police Officer of the Year or won ...

 No discrimination: President Tinubu rewards D'Tigress the way he rewarded the Super Falcons;  a plot of land  for each member of the team and the technical crew; $100,000 for each member of the D'Tigress and $50,000 to each member of the technical crew and national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) to both team and crew

 Oyetola moves against frequent boat accidents Maritime police underway Sweeping reform to improve maritime safety and prevent frequent boat accidents with accompanying fatalities are coming, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has said. He spoke at the weekend while receiving the report of the Special Committee on the Prevention of Boat Accidents in the country. The minister reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to making Nigerian waters safe for all users. He declared that the current spate of boat accidents was unacceptable and preventable. He added that it must be tackled through a blend of policy enforcement, stakeholder cooperation, and behavioural change. “The safety of our citizens on water is not just a policy responsibility; it is a moral duty. Every life lost in a boat mishap is one too many,” the Minister stated. “This report will serve as a foundation for immediate and long-term reforms. We will study the recommendations closely and act ...

 WAFCON: Adeboye sends powerful message to Tinubu General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has urged the Federal Government to ensure that football coaches receive fair and equal recognition for their efforts. This follows the recent triumph of Nigeria’s Super Falcons at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). Speaking during his sermon titled “The Winning Team” at RCCG’s monthly Thanksgiving service held at the Throne of Grace Parish, Ebute-Metta, Lagos, Pastor Adeboye applauded President Bola Tinubu for the financial gesture extended to the victorious team but maintained that coaches, such as Justin Madugu, deserved the same treatment as the players. “I appreciate the President for rewarding the Falcons,” Adeboye said. “But I find it difficult to understand why the coaches would get less. The players are stars, yes, but without the guidance of their coaches, there would be no victory. Coaches matter deeply, God bless them,” h...

 ‘It was like prison’ – Kemi Badenoch shares her experience as a student of FGGC Sagamu Leader of the United Kingdom Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, has said that attending the Federal Government Girls College, FGGC, Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria, was a prison experience. In a video clip of an interview on social media, the British politician said she was meant to cut the grass and wash the toilet with no running water while at Federal Government Girls School, Sagamu. “I went to a secondary school, it was called a federal government girls school in a place called Sagamu,” she said. “And that was like being in prison when I tell the stories about using a machete and having to fetch buckets of water. “And that was the first time that I was away from home, away from my family. It’s a federal boarding school. And it was a dormitory with about 150 [girls] I think, 20 to 30 in a room. And there were, you know, six rooms. “The machete was for cutting the grass. Well, because, who else is...

 Flash Floods Cripple Lagos, Cause Gridlock and Submerge Homes Torrential rain on Monday flooded major roads and homes across Lagos, leaving commuters stranded and vehicles submerged. Affected areas include Ikorodu, Lekki, Alimosho, and the Lagos-Abeokuta Motorway. The Lagos government urged calm and issued safety advisories, while NiMet’s earlier warning of flash floods proved accurate. Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab assured residents of ongoing efforts and advised those in flood-prone areas to relocate if necessary.

 MACBAN Alleges Cattle Killings, Rustling in Plateau; Ron Group Denies Claims The Plateau State chapter of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has alleged that 18 cows were killed and 130 rustled by natives in Howl community, Bokkos LGA. State Chairman Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo claimed the incident occurred on July 30 and accused members of the Ron ethnic group of involvement. He also lamented security agencies’ alleged inaction. In response, Ron community leader Barr. John Apollos Maton dismissed the claims as false and provocative, accusing MACBAN of using such allegations to justify attacks by Fulani militias.

 NiMet Warns of Thunderstorms, Flash Floods Nationwide The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast thunderstorms and moderate rainfall across the country from Monday to Wednesday, warning of potential flash floods in parts of Adamawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Oyo, Delta, and Bayelsa States. The public is advised to avoid flood-prone areas, secure loose items, and stay updated via NiMet’s platforms.

Inter Miami say Messi out indefinitely with ‘minor muscle injury’ Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi will be sidelined indefinitely with what the MLS team described as a “minor muscle injury in his right leg” in a statement on Sunday. The 38-year-old Argentine legend suffered an upper right leg injury early in Miami’s penalty-kicks home win over Mexico’s Necaxa on Saturday in a Leagues Cup match. Messi went out in the 11th minute but walked off the field and into the locker room. Messi “underwent medical tests to evaluate the extent of the muscle discomfort he experienced,” which forced him out of the match, Inter Miami said in its statement. “The results confirmed a minor muscle injury in his right leg. His medical clearance will depend on his clinical progress and response to treatment,” the club said. That means there is no timetable for a return by the Miami talisman, who shares the MLS season lead with 18 goals and also has nine assists in 18 matches. Jordi Alba, who netted an equal...

 Ogun Prisons in Crisis: Inmates Sleep Standing, Await Trial for Years Ogun State correctional centres face severe overcrowding, with inmates sleeping standing and awaiting trial for over a decade. At Ibara Centre, built for 1,600, over 3,000 inmates are crammed in. Former detainees report disease outbreaks, poor healthcare, and mental breakdowns. “We slept like sardines. Some died from ulcers, others went mad,” said one ex-inmate. Chief Judge Mosunmola Dipeolu confirmed inmates in Sagamu can’t lie down due to congestion. Despite laws against prolonged pre-trial detention, enforcement remains weak. Stakeholders are calling for urgent reforms.

 Church of Nigeria Rejects Election of Openly Lesbian Archbishop in Wales The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has publicly rejected the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann as the new Archbishop of Wales, citing her openly lesbian identity as a “serious departure from biblical teaching” and a threat to the unity of the global Anglican Communion. The condemnation was issued in a statement by the Church’s Primate, The Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, on Monday, August 4, 2025. In the statement, Ndukuba described Vann’s election as evidence of a broader issue within the Anglican Communion, referencing 2 Timothy 4:3–4 to argue that “many who claim to be members of the body of Christ can’t endure sound doctrine.” The Church accused Bishop Vann of contributing to the ongoing crisis surrounding same-sex marriage within the Anglican Church, further straining relations among its global members. “The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) will not recognize the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann a...

 A baby has been born from an embryo frozen in 1994 making him the oldest-known frozen embryo ever brought to life. Lindsey and Tim Pierce, an Ohio couple, struggled with infertility for years before adopting the decades-old embryo through an agency. Their healthy son, Thaddeus, was born July 26, proving that even a 30-year-old embryo can still bring new life into the world. Would you ever consider embryo adoption? What are your thoughts on this historic birth? 👇

 YOU INSPIRE WOMEN - TINUBU'S WIFE TELLS D'TIGRESS First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has congratulated the D'Tigress for winning the FIBA Women's AfroBasket tournament for the fifth time in a row.  After beating Cameroon and Senegal to reach the finals, the Nigerian women basketball team slammed Mali on Sunday in a 78-64 victory that made them the pride of Africa and seventh in the world. After President Bola Tinubu felicitated with the team and asked to see them in Abuja, Senator Oluremi Tinubu also congratulated the D'Tigress and called them an inspiration to everyone. “You are true inspirations and pride to girls and women in general," she wrote. "Thank you for keeping the Nigerian flag flying."

 I BECAME A BABALAWO AFTER VOMITING BLOOD FOR SIX MONTHS - 9ICE Famous hitmaker, 9ice, said he became a core traditionalist and a practising Babalawo after he was cured from a spiritual attack about 15 years ago. The Gongo-Aso crooner said he vomited blood for six months and could not be cured medically until he sought traditional remedies. He disclosed he had to go deeply African because there was no medical explanation for his condition.  “When I was vomiting blood for about six months, I had to leave my house," he stated. "It happened in 2009/2010. It was not a medical condition.  “I am not a Christian or a Muslim, I am a Babalawo. I am an African. I am a traditionalist. The first time I experienced ifa was when I was vomiting blood. Someone referred me to ifa. I just wished that I had known ifa at the beginning.” The multiple awards winner said he understood why legendary Afrobeats superstar Fela Anikulapo Kuti embraced African traditional religion now. 

 Peter Obi and his wrong examples Peter Obi, the aspiring presidential candidate of the fledgling opposition party, must have flunked history in school. In justifying his so-called ‘sacrosanct’ pledge to serve only one term of four years, he cited Abraham Lincoln, JFK, and Nelson Mandela as leaders he wanted to emulate. A simple fact check by a politician who always challenges his gullible and unthinking mob to verify his statements would have revealed that he quoted the wrong examples. Obi would have found that Lincoln, at the time he was assassinated, had finished his first term, had won re-election, and had been sworn in for a second term. Lincoln began his first term on March 4, 1861. He won re-election on November 8, 1864, and was sworn in on March 4, 1865, before his assassination on April 15, 1865. John F. Kennedy, who shared a similar tragic fate with Lincoln, came into office on 20 January 1960 as the 35th President of the United States. He was assassinated on November 22,...

  WAEC Releases 2025 WASSCE Results for School Candidates The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially announced the release of the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results for school candidates. The announcement was made via a statement posted on X at 12:53 PM WAT on Monday, August 4, 2025. According to WAEC, candidates who participated in the 2025 WASSCE can now access their results online. “The West African Examinations Council is pleased to inform candidates who sat WASSCE for School Candidates, 2025 that the result has officially been released today, Monday, August 4, 2025,” the statement read. Candidates are directed to visit the official WAEC result portal at http://waecdirect.org to check their performance. The council advised candidates to ensure they have their examination details ready to log in and view their results. The release of the 2025 WASSCE results marks a significant milestone for thousands of students across Nige...

 Minister Umahi Rejects Claims of South East Neglect in Road Infrastructure, Demands Retraction The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has debunked a publication claiming that the South East region has been overlooked in road infrastructure development, describing it as “false and misleading.” The statement, issued on Monday through the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed, addressed a report titled “The Politics of Asphalt: Why is the South East Missing from the Map?” which Umahi labeled as mischievous and deceptive, demanding its immediate retraction. Umahi emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has been equitable in its infrastructure projects across all regions, including the South East. He noted that Tinubu has revived 90 percent of abandoned road projects, some dating back to 2013, and initiated new ones without regional bias. Among the highlighted initiatives are four Legacy Projects approved to cover Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones,...

 Former Enugu SSG, Prof Ortuanya, emerges as the new Vice Chancellor of  University of Nigeria, Nsukka(UNN)  A Professor of Law and former Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Simon Ortuanya, has emerged as the 16th Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). This was confirmed in a press release by the Acting Public Relations Officer of the institution, Inya Agha Egwu. Prof Ortuanya beat 25 other candidates to clinch the keenly contested position. His appointment was ratified on Sunday in Enugu by the Governing Council of the University, following a transparent and merit-based selection process chaired by Mr Kayode Ojo, Chairman of the Governing Council.

 Things you shouldn’t do for a man By Funke Egbemode Patty was in pain, deep searing pain. She was not supposed to be in this place, end up at this sorry pass. She gave Alhaji her all, the relationship her everything. Relationship?  Was what they had even worth calling a relationship? Looking back from her balcony of grief, all she could see now was a one-winged flight that eventually crashed spectacularly. The pain wracking her body and soul was made worse by the feeling of foolishness. You know how you feel when you finally realized you’ve been used, had, taken advantage of and you allowed it all to happen, with your eyes wide open. Patty wept and howled. She cursed and creamed but unless an uncommon miracle happens tomorrow, Alhaji was lost forever, her heart shattered into smithereens, her self-esteem in the mud. What really happened? Patty and Alhaji were an item for four solid years. Alhaji’s two wives and children knew Patty as the ‘latest sisi’ in Alhaji’s life. He’d s...

 Flood destroys houses, schools, farms in Plateau, Bauchi, Niger A torrential downpour on Sunday wreaked widespread destruction across communities in Plateau and Bauchi states, leaving scores of houses destroyed, farmlands submerged, and hundreds of residents displaced. In the Menkaat community, Shimankar district, Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State, over 50 houses, including schools and a worship centre, were destroyed. Residents said the rainstorm, which began in the early hours, was accompanied by strong winds that uprooted trees, knocked down electric poles, and blew off rooftops, causing several buildings to collapse. Mazawaje Daniel Danjuma, the councillor representing Shimankar, confirmed the extensive damage, saying that rice farms were especially affected as floodwaters with sand overwhelmed the fields. Uncertainty over Bayo Ojulari’s job as NNPCL boss Nigerians may pay more for fuel as FG plans 5% surcharge “Many residential buildings have collapsed. The inten...

 Keyamo mocks ADC coalition, calls their tactics ‘expired 419 formats’ Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has ridiculed the rising confidence of the opposition coalition to unseat the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing their political manoeuvres as outdated ‘419 formats’ that no longer fool Nigerians. Speaking during a televised interview, Keyamo said Nigerians have become more politically discerning and are aware of the opposition’s gimmicks, which he claimed are nothing more than recycled strategies dressed up for public appeal. “I know them very well, and they know us very well. These tactics they are employing are expired. They are 419 formats that have been used over the years. I was an EFCC prosecutor. I know those formats. Nigerians know them too. You cannot deceive Nigerians with these expired formats again,” he said. Keyamo accused the opposition of manipulating economic data and amplifying isolated incidents to project a false im...

 Defections: I have not left APC, remain committed — Senator Yar’adua ABUJA — Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua (Katsina Central), has denied reports suggesting he is planning to defect from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He reaffirmed his loyalty and commitment to the party. Senator Yar’adua dismissed the defection claims in a statement issued Sunday night, describing the reports as baseless speculation and media mischief. He emphasized that he remains a committed member of the APC and fully supports the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “I wish to categorically reaffirm my unwavering commitment and support for the All Progressives Congress (APC). I urge the press to disregard any speculative headlines suggesting my defection from the party. It’s essential to clarify that not all individuals sharing the Yar’Adua surname imply a political association with me,” he stated. Yar’adua, who also chairs the Northern Senators Fo...

 Wike’s ex-chairmen re-emerge as candidates for Rivers LG polls The chairmanship and councillor candidates have emerged ahead of the August 30th, 2025 local government elections in Rivers State. Political parties held their primaries across various centres in the states on Saturday after the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission released guidelines for the election. Our correspondent reports that some candidates emerged through the normal process while others were reportedly chosen via consensus. Candidates who emerged are from both the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress all loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. In Ikwerre local government area, Charles Wobodo emerged as the APC Chairman candidate for the August 30th LG poll. Wobodo clinched the party’s ticket with 64 votes of the 65 votes cast during the primary electronic. The Returning Officer, Daniel Michael, who announced the result stated, “By this we declare that...

 Obi has lost grip on opposition politics – Deji Adeyanju Human rights activist and lawyer Deji Adeyanju on Sunday hinted that former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi may not be the running mate to 2027 presidential hopeful Atiku Abubakar. Adeyanju said Obi should go and thank God in church if Atiku considers him as his running mate in 2027. Posting on X, Adeyanju said the North controls opposition politics while President Bola Tinubu controls the South. He wrote: “In my view, if Obi sees Atiku VP this time, he should rush to church to give testimony. “He no longer holds any vital card, the Northerner political actors now hold all the aces for 2027 as opposition politics while Tinubu controls the southern chess board.” Adeyanju also suggested that President Tinubu will emerge victorious in 2027. “As of today, I see a Tinubu victory in 2027. And I’m not a prophet of doom ooo. “Bola Tinubu is not Buhari or GEJ. The opposition needs to have a better plan. The Edo election...

 Iyabo Ojo fires back at VeryDarkMan over Mohbad claims: "It’s a crime to post private chats" The drama surrounding late singer Mohbad’s case took a fresh twist on Sunday as Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo finally broke her silence and responded to social media activist VeryDarkMan’s explosive allegations. In a video posted on her official page, Iyabo Ojo dismissed claims that she led a secret WhatsApp group created to derail justice for Mohbad. She warned that leaking private chats without consent is a criminal offence, hinting that legal steps could follow if such material is made public. “It’s a crime to post private chats, and I’m sure you know the law,” she said pointedly, addressing VeryDarkMan directly. “But if the right authorities request it, I have people who can provide it. I’ve already left the group.” Her response comes a week after VeryDarkMan, accused Ojo of heading a covert WhatsApp group used to manipulate public opinion and orchestrate his arrest. He had named o...

 “Call me Crazy, but I keep my Word” - Obi fires back at Soludo over One-Term promise Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has restated his commitment to serve only a single four-year term if elected President, declaring that his vow is “sacrosanct” and rooted in the tradition of purposeful, accountable leadership. In a passionate statement released via social media, Obi invoked the legacies of iconic global leaders such as Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Nelson Mandela to emphasise that the true measure of leadership is not time in office, but service to the people. “One of the greatest American Presidents, Abraham Lincoln, served only four years, yet his legacy endures as a model of principled leadership,” Obi wrote. “Another iconic figure, John F. Kennedy, did not even complete a full term, yet his vision and ideals continue to inspire generations. In Africa, Nelson Mandela, revered globally as a symbol of justice and reconciliation, chose to serve only one term as Pr...

 N712bn airport renovation: ADC goofs as Keyamo says project misunderstood by critics …As analysts call for forensic audit, full disclosure of contractors, contract terms A political and industry storm is brewing over the Federal Government’s proposed N712 billion renovation of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, with opposition parties and aviation experts calling for a forensic audit and full transparency over the scope, cost, and legality of the project. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is leading the charge against the plan, describing it as an “outrageous abuse of public funds” and accusing the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of attempting to “re-award and re-loot” a terminal that was only recently commissioned under former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2022. In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Barrister Kennedy Odion, the ADC demanded a public inquiry into the renovation deal. “Nigerians are not idiots....

48 months enough for any leader who is ready to make meaningful difference — Obi …Insists public trust in leadership must be urgently restored Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, has reaffirmed his commitment to serve only a single four-year term if elected President of Nigeria, insisting that purposeful leadership does not depend on prolonged tenure. In a statement released via his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, the former Anambra State governor stated that a determined and people-oriented leader can deliver tangible progress within the constitutionally allotted timeframe. “Forty-eight months is enough for any leader who is focused and prepared to make a meaningful difference. I do not intend to stay a day longer,” Obi declared. Referencing notable global leaders who served limited terms but left powerful legacies, Obi cited Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Nelson Mandela as figures who governed with princip...

 Abuja chief imam’s son shot dead over land dispute The family of Abubakar Yaqub, Chief Imam of the Kuchibuyi community in the Bwari area of the Federal Capital Territory, is in mourning after his son, Attahiru Abubakar, was allegedly shot dead by police officers during a land dispute in the area on Saturday. PUNCH Metro gathered that Attahiru died instantly after being hit by a police bullet, while his elder brother, Abass, sustained gunshot wounds and is currently battling for his life at a hospital. The FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, in a statement released Saturday, had stated that the police were responding to a civil disturbance in the area. According to her, “The FCT Police Command received a distress call regarding a civil unrest incident stemming from a land dispute at Kuchibuyi community under Byazin Division. So This Happened (EP325) Reviews: Super Falcons honoured with national awards, cash, and homes0:00 / 0:00 “The Divisional Police Officers of B...

Authorities warn Montana bar shooting suspect may return as manhunt continues Montana officials warned residents on Sunday that the suspect in Friday’s deadly shooting at a bar in Anaconda could return to the area as an intensive manhunt continues. The suspect, identified as 47-year-old Michael Paul Brown, is accused of fatally shooting four people at the Owl Bar on Friday morning before fleeing the scene. Attorney General Austin Knudsen described Brown as “armed and extremely dangerous,” urging the public to remain alert and call 911 immediately if he is spotted. A $7,500 reward is being offered for information leading to his capture. The victims have been identified as bartender Nancy Lauretta Kelley, 64, and patrons Daniel Edwin Ballie, 59, David Allen Leach, 70, and Tony Wayne Palm, 74, all residents of Anaconda. Brown, who lived next door to the bar and was a frequent customer, allegedly used a rifle during the attack. Authorities said he initially fled wearing a tie-dye shirt and...