PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Rodrigo Paz wins Bolivia presidential runoff, first conservative leader in decades Rodrigo Paz, a centrist senator, has emerged as Bolivia’s next president, according to early results on Sunday, signaling a historic political shift after nearly two decades under the Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) party amid the country’s most severe economic crisis in decades. Paz captured 54.5% of the vote in the runoff, surpassing former right-wing President Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga, who received 45.5%, with officials describing the trend as decisive. Paz and his running mate, former police Captain Edman Lara, drew strong support from rural and working-class voters frustrated by soaring inflation and a critical shortage of U.S. dollars that disrupted food and fuel supplies. While MAS faced historic losses in the August elections due to internal divisions and public dissatisfaction, voters appeared wary of Quiroga’s radical economic proposals, including a potential IMF bailout. Paz, whose Christian ...

Kenny Loggins criticizes use of his song in AI Trump video, calling it 'designed to divide us' Kenny Loggins has voiced strong opposition to President Donald Trump’s latest AI-generated video. The musician, famous for hits like “I’m Alright,” “This Is It,” “Footloose,” and “Danger Zone,” responded Monday after Trump posted a video on Truth Social Saturday night that used snippets of “Danger Zone.” The AI video depicted Trump piloting a fighter jet while dropping what appeared to be feces on demonstrators at “No Kings” rallies. “This is an unauthorized use of my performance of ‘Danger Zone,’” Loggins said in a statement on his official website. “Nobody asked me for my permission, which I would have denied, and I request that my recording on this video be removed immediately. I can’t imagine why anybody would want their music used or associated with something created with the sole purpose of dividing us.” He added, “Too many people are trying to tear us apart, and we need to find...

 NAHCON CHAIRMAN INAUGURATES AVIATION MONITORING COMMITTEE FOR 2026 HAJJ OPERATIONS. The Chairman/CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria NAHCON, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has inaugurated the Aviation Monitoring Committee for the 2026 Hajj exercise in Abuja. The Chairman charged the committee to function as diligent gatekeepers, entrusted with the critical mandate of undertaking transparent and impartial monitoring of all aviation matters. He made it clear that the committee is a functional, non-decorative body, reflecting the Commission's zero-tolerance for failure and its core commitment to pilgrim welfare. A statement by Ahmad Muazu Technical Assistant, Media, To the Chairman/CEO, NAHCON, indicates that the chairman says, “For the Nigerian Government, under the visionary leadership of President Bola Tinubu, facilitating this spiritual journey for its citizens is not just a statutory duty, it is a sacred trust. We are committed to ensuring that every Nigerian pilgri...

 NLC Issues Four-Week Ultimatum to FG Over Tertiary Institutions’ Union Negotiations The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the Federal Government a four-week ultimatum to conclude negotiations with all tertiary institution-based unions, threatening nationwide industrial action if the deadline is not met. The announcement was made by NLC President Joe Ajaero during an interactive session with labour correspondents in Abuja, following a meeting with leaders of tertiary institutions’ unions at the NLC headquarters. The NLC condemned the government’s “no-work-no-pay” policy targeting members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) for their ongoing nationwide strike, describing it as punitive. Ajaero declared, “The policy of no work, no pay will henceforth be no pay, no work. You can’t benefit from an action you instigated.” He attributed 90% of strike actions in Nigeria to the government’s failure to honor agreements, signaling an end to such practices. The ultimatum ...

 FG Urges Use of Public Relations to Counter False Genocide Narrative Against Nigeria The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has urged communication professionals to deploy truth-based public relations as a strategic tool to counter the false narrative of a so-called genocide against Christians being propagated against Nigeria. Speaking at the National Unveiling of the World Public Relations Forum (WPRF Abuja 2026), held on Monday in Abuja, the Minister warned that Nigeria faces existential reputational threats from foreign actors who seek to distort facts and weaken national unity. “We must come to terms with existential reputational threats to our national brand, in which external purveyors of untruth are mischaracterizing our nation as a destination for a so-called persecution of people based on their religious faiths. This is propaganda externally woven by those who want to weaken our unity. For the umpteenth time, I am emphatic that there’s no io...

 Tinubu Applauds Olukoyede for  Notable Asset Recovery, Conviction Records President Bola  Ahmed Tinubu has showered encomiums on the Ola Olukoyede leadership of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC for achieving new heights in asset recovery and convictions. He gave the commendation  in his keynote address and official opening of the 7th EFCC-NJI Capacity Building Workshop for Justices and Judges,  on Monday, October 20, 2025 at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja with the theme: “Enhancing Justice in the Fight against Economic and Financial Crimes.” The President who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima stated that, “As an administration we have prioritized public accountability by strengthening the anti-corruption agencies and accorded them the needed independence to execute their statutory mandates. This enabling environment is evident in the impact that has been made in the last two years.  “The EFCC for example has record...

 Kenneth Okonkwo Slams FG Over Delay in Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial, Demands Immediate Release A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and lawyer, Kenneth Okonkwo, has criticised the Federal Government over the continued detention and delay in the trial of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu. Okonkwo, while addressing journalists, described the prolonged incarceration of Kanu as a “failure of justice” and called for his immediate release or a political resolution to the matter. He faulted the government’s handling of the case, stressing that detaining a man for several years without judgment was against the   of justice.” Kenneth  Okonkwo urged the government to uphold constitutional values and adopt a humane and lawful approach in resolving issues surrounding Kanu’s continued detention.

 21 Dead, 144 Injured in Anambra Road Crashes from January to October— FRSC The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Anambra State has revealed that 21 people lost their lives, while 144 others sustained various degrees of injuries in different road accidents across the state between January and October 2025. Sector Commander, Bridget Asekhauno, disclosed this while addressing journalists, noting that most of the crashes were caused by speeding, dangerous driving, and brake failure. She urged motorists to obey traffic rules and ensure their vehicles are in good condition to prevent further tragedies on Anambra roads.

 ENUGU STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE ENUGU POLICE ARREST ESCAPING ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECT DISGUISED IN NYSC UNIFORM, RECOVER IMITATION GUN AND ROBBED ITEMS Police Operatives serving in the Enugu State Command, attached to the Safer Highway Patrol, on 11th October 2025, intercepted and arrested one male suspect, Chinecherem Ugwuagu, aged 25, who was dressed in a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) uniform, along the Enugu/Onitsha Expressway. A gun-like object made from a body lotion container wrapped with cloth, a robbed Carter motorcycle, clothes, bank ATM card, and other exhibits were recovered from him. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect, on the same date at about 8:00 a.m., broke into the house of a victim at 9th Mile, Udi Local Government Area, and used the gun-like object to threaten and rob the victim of the recovered items. He thereafter dressed in the NYSC uniform to disguise himself and evade security checks along the road but was intercepted and arrest...

 Sidawa Man Kills Wife and Her Sister Before Turning Gun on Himself A tragic incident has shocked the community of Bochabelo, Ward 4, after a man identified as Pitsi Malepe allegedly killed his wife and her sister before turning the gun on himself. According to reports, Malepe went live on Facebook shortly after killing the two, where he insulted police officers and expressed anger over his failed marriage. It is alleged that he had recently separated from his wife and was struggling to accept the breakup. Community members say the situation was further complicated as Malepe was reportedly involved with another woman who is currently pregnant. The deceased wife had returned to her parental home in Bochabelo following the separation. Malepe allegedly went to the Masete family home, where he opened fire, killing his wife and her sister. The mother and brother of the wife reportedly managed to escape the attack unharmed. Police investigations into the incident are ongoing. The communi...

 DRC Army Withdraws Heavy Weapons from Uvira Amid Rising Rebel Threat The Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) armed forces have begun withdrawing heavy weapons from Uvira as fears grow that the strategic eastern city could soon fall to AFC/M23 rebels if ongoing peace talks collapse. According to reports, Congolese troops and their allies are transporting military equipment to Burundi’s Mudubugu Military Camp through the Kavimvira-Gatumba border crossing. The relocation follows the government’s devastating loss of Goma in late January, where rebels seized a significant cache of military assets including drones, tanks, mortars, and even a fighter jet. A defense attaché based in Burundi, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the operation as a “strategic withdrawal” aimed at safeguarding critical assets. However, he warned that the move could effectively hand Uvira to the rebels, granting them control of all three major eastern DRC cities: Goma, Bukavu, and Uvira. Despite hav...

 Police Officer Testifies About Attempts to Influence Investigators Through Lavish Parties Mkhwanazi recently told the Ad Hoc Committee that a police officer was invited to a party where he was promised a “soft life” if he agreed to work with certain individuals. According to Mkhwanazi, the officer was shocked to find senior police officials and some individuals who are currently under investigation at the event. At the Madlanga Commission, a witness identified as Witness A, an investigating officer, gave a similar account. He testified that he was invited to a party at 12 on Hillel Villa & Spa by a man named Ndlala, through a colleague. When he arrived, he was surprised to find Major-General Shibiri among the guests. Witness A said another party was later organised, which he did not attend, but his colleague did. The colleague later informed him that Major-General Shibiri, Gauteng Provincial Commissioner General Mthombeni, and Brigadier Nkwashu were also present. According to ...

 PRESS RELEASE NIGERIA POLICE RECOVERS TWO VEHICLES STOLEN FROM THE NETHERLANDS The Nigeria Police Force has achieved a major breakthrough in the fight against transnational organized crime with the recovery of two high-end vehicles stolen from the Netherlands and illegally shipped into Nigeria. Operatives of the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja, in a coordinated operation with INTERPOL NCB The Hague, traced and recovered the vehicles, a Toyota C-HR (2020 model) and a Toyota RAV4 (2019 model), from separate locations in Lagos and Akwa Ibom States. Investigations revealed that the vehicles were stolen from Amsterdam and Midden-Nederland and subsequently shipped to Nigeria through the Port of Antwerp, Belgium, arriving Apapa, Lagos, in late 2023. Following the recovery, the Nigeria Police Force, through INTERPOL NCB Abuja, instituted civil forfeiture proceedings at the Federal High Court, Abuja. Upon the conclusion of due legal processes, the Court granted a final forfei...

 Madagascar coup leader names businessman as new prime minister Madagascar's coup leader Colonel Michael Randrianirina, who seized power this month, named businessman and consultant Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo as the island nation's new prime minister on Monday, Reuters reported. Randrianirina was sworn in as president on Friday, days after taking control in the wake of youth-led protests that forced out his predecessor. Explaining his choice of Rajaonarivelo as prime minister, the president cited his experience and "connections with the international organizations that work with us". Ex-leader Andry Rajoelina, whom lawmakers impeached after he fled abroad last weekend, has condemned the army takeover and refused to step down while in exile, despite defections in the security forces and the High Constitutional Court ratifying the takeover within hours of it happening.

 Former WWE star Sir Mo dies at 58 Former WWE tag team champion Sir Mo, whose real name was Bobby Horne, has passed away at the age of 58. Horne’s brother, Gerald Horne, confirmed that he died Sunday night at a hospital in Texas. Horne had been struggling with long-term kidney issues, which led to a hospital stay lasting several months. His condition worsened after he was diagnosed with pneumonia and a blood infection while receiving care. Sir Mo began his professional wrestling career in 1991 and joined WWE in 1993 with his tag team partner Nelson Frazier. The pair, known as Men on a Mission, captured a WWE tag team championship in 1994.

 Ultraconservative Sanae Takaichi poised to become Japan’s first female prime minister Japan is on the verge of making history as Sanae Takaichi, leader of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, moves closer to becoming the country’s first female prime minister. The 64-year-old politician has secured a replacement for the coalition partner that left the party following her election as LDP president, positioning her to replace Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in a parliamentary vote scheduled for Tuesday. If successful, Takaichi would end a three-month political deadlock triggered by the coalition’s defeat in July’s parliamentary election. Takaichi’s path has been complicated by the moderate Komeito party’s departure from the long-standing coalition, citing concerns over her ultraconservative policies and the LDP’s handling of campaign finance scandals. To maintain a governing majority, she forged a new alliance with the Osaka-based Japan Innovation Party, a conservative force, though...

 X to introduce marketplace for purchasing inactive handles X is introducing a marketplace for inactive handles, giving Premium subscribers the ability to request and acquire usernames. The platform will offer both free and paid options, with rare handles potentially priced from $2,500 to more than seven figures. Handles labeled as “Priority”—including full names, multi-word phrases, or alphanumeric combinations—can be requested for free by Premium+ and Premium Business subscribers. If approved, X transfers the handle at no cost, though users who cancel or downgrade their subscription will have their old handle returned after a 30-day grace period. Examples of Priority handles include @GabrielJones, @PizzaEater, and @ParadoxAI. Requests are typically reviewed within three business days, and once approved, the old handle is reserved and unavailable to others. “Rare” handles—short, generic, or culturally significant names—are not available through standard requests. They are offered ...

 Iran's Khamenei rejects Trump’s offer of talks, denies US destroyed nuclear capabilities Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Monday rejected an offer from U.S. President Donald Trump for renewed talks and dismissed claims that the United States destroyed Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Khamenei criticized the notion of negotiating under pressure, saying, “Trump says he is a dealmaker, but if a deal is accompanied by coercion and its outcome is predetermined, it is not a deal but rather an imposition and bullying.” He also dismissed Trump’s recent remarks about U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, adding, “The U.S. president proudly says they bombed and destroyed Iran's nuclear industry. Very well, keep dreaming!” Khamenei said that foreign interference in Iran’s nuclear program is “inappropriate, wrong and coercive.” The comments follow previous indirect nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington, which were disrupted by a 12-day air campaign in June in whi...

 Mexican cartel boss 'El Gato' faces new charge, possible death penalty in 2013 Texas murder Jose Rodolfo Villareal-Hernandez, known as “El Gato” and formerly one of the FBI’s 10 most wanted fugitives, is facing a new federal charge in connection with a 2013 Texas murder. Federal prosecutors have filed a fifth superseding indictment against the Mexican cartel leader, adding a murder-for-hire charge that carries a potential death penalty if he is convicted. Authorities say Villareal-Hernandez, linked to the Beltran Leyva Organization cartel, orchestrated the killing of Juan Jesus Guerrero Chapa at a Southlake shopping center in May 2013. Guerrero Chapa, allegedly a lawyer for a rival cartel, was shot while sitting in his vehicle during a shopping trip with his wife. Former U.S. attorney Paul Coggins explained the killing was part of a “plot of revenge” connected to Guerrero Chapa’s cartel ties and the death of Villareal-Hernandez’s father. After years on the run, Villareal-Herna...

 Governor Otti Delivers 5MVA Transformer to ABSU After Years of Blackout Governor Alex Otti has fulfilled his promise to restore power at Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu, with the delivery of a 5MVA power transformer.  The move, under the Abia Power Restoration Project Phase 2, marks a major breakthrough after years of darkness on campus. According to the Abia State Ministry of Power, installation will commence soon to reconnect the institution to the national grid. For years, students and staff have depended on generators for academic and administrative activities.  This new development is set to improve learning conditions, enhance security, and create a better environment for education at ABSU.

 INEC Announces Dates for PVC Collection and Mock Accreditation in Anambra State The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection for voters who participated in the recent Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in Anambra State will take place from Wednesday, 22nd to Sunday, 26th October 2025. According to the Commission, registered voters are to visit their respective Registration Areas where they completed their registration to collect their PVCs. INEC emphasized that PVC collection will be done strictly in person, with no proxy collection allowed under any circumstances. INEC urged all eligible voters to take advantage of this period to collect their PVCs, stressing that possession of the card is a prerequisite for voting in the forthcoming Anambra Governorship Election. Additionally, the Commission disclosed that a Mock Accreditation Exercise will be held on Saturday, 25th October 2025, in selected polling units across t...

 I Want My People From Southeast To Go Home First And Do Burial For Hundreds Of People K!lled by Nnamdi Kanu- Joe Igbokwe A Controversial and prominent social media voice, Joe Igbokwe has issued an emotional appeal to members of the Igbo community in Nigeria's Southeast region, urging them to prioritize proper burial ceremonies for victims of alleged violence in the area. In a Facebook post that has garnered significant attention, Igbokwe called on Southeast residents to return home to honor hundreds of people he claims were killed over the past decade.  The post specifically referenced several groups including IPOB (Indigenous People of Biafra), ESN (Eastern Security Network), UGM, and BDF, linking them to Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of IPOB. "I want all my people from SE to go home first to do proper burial ceremonies for hundreds of our people killed by Nnamdi Kanu and his men and women in IPOB, ESN, UGM, BDF in 10 years. Let us stop dancing on their graves. It is pure...

 GOVERNOR SOLUDO CELEBRATES ARCHBISHOP VALERIAN MADUKA OKEKE ON HIS BIRTHDAY The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has conveyed his earnest felicitations to His Grace, the Most Rev. Dr. Valerian Maduka Okeke, the Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Onitsha, on the occasion of his birthday today, October 20th. Governor Soludo, in his goodwill message, described Archbishop Okeke as a towering pillar of faith, a bastion of hope, and a quintessential embodiment of the spirit of excellence, integrity, and service to God and mankind. The Governor eulogised the Archbishop for his over two decades of dynamic leadership at the helm of the Onitsha Archdiocese. He noted that under Archbishop Okeke’s spiritual guidance, the Church has witnessed remarkable growth, not only in faith but also in its commitment to education, healthcare, and humanitarian services, which have profoundly impacted the lives of countless citizens. Governor Soludo further highlighted t...

 CHINESE GOVT. COMMENDS NIGERIA FOR RESCUE OF FOUR KIDNAP CITIZENS  The People’s Republic of China has commended the Nigerian government for the successful rescue of four of its citizens kidnapped in Kwara State. The rescue operation, jointly carried out by the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army, and the Police, led to the safe recovery of the Chinese nationals  At the formal handover of the victims in Abuja, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, represented by the Consul, Wang Jun, lauded the Nigerian security agencies, particularly the DSS, for their swift, intelligence-led response. He also commended the Service for providing first-rate medical attention to the rescued individuals at its medical facility in Abuja. The kidnapped miners were reportedly ambushed by a gang of armed bandits on their way to a mining site in Saminaka village, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State. Meanwhile, the DSS co...

 PRESS RELEASE 20th October, 2025 Fidelix Joseph Bagudu (MHR), Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, Announces Additional Political Aides We return all glory to God Almighty for His Sufficiency in guiding us thus far on the journey of "Fixing It Together." Our deepest gratitude goes to our Father, Boss, and Leader, His Excellency Governor Uba Sani. Your blessings, mentorship, guidance, and leadership have been instrumental in our progress. Thank you, Sir, for demonstrating genuine love and commitment to the growth of our Constituency and dear State. We also extend our sincere appreciation to our revered Religious and Traditional Leaders, Esteemed Stakeholders, and Decision Makers of our dear State. Your support means a lot to us. To the leadership of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), from the State, Local Governments, and Wards, we express our heartfelt gratitude. Your unwavering dedication and loyalty to the party have been pivotal to our success.  In a bol...

 Senator Danjuma Laah Pays Condolence Visit To Zonkwa Police Division Over Attack Over the weekend, precisely on Friday, October 18, 2025, former Senator of Kaduna South Senatorial District, Danjuma Tella Laah (Shettiman Kagoro), paid a condolence visit to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and his team at the Zonkwa Division of the Nigerian Police Force following an attack by suspected bandits that claimed the lives of two officers. During the visit, Senator Laah commiserated with the DPO and the families of the deceased officers over the tragic incident. He expressed his heartfelt sympathy and urged the officers to remain vigilant to prevent future occurrences of such attacks. “May the souls of the fallen officers who died in the course of maintaining law and order rest in perfect peace,” Senator Laah said. More photos below.