PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Tunisia summons EU ambassador over 'diplomatic breach' Tunisian President Kais Saied summoned the EU ambassador to protest what he called a diplomatic breach after the EU official met the head of a powerful union this week, amid rising tensions with the country’s largest civil-society group. EU ambassador Giuseppe Perrone met Monday with UGTT leader Noureddine Taboubi, praising the union’s Nobel Peace Prize–winning role in 2015 and stressing continued cooperation with Tunisia’s civil society. "Saied conveyed a strongly worded protest over the failure to adhere to diplomatic protocols and acting outside the official channels," the presidency said in a statement on Wednesday, Reuters reported. Tunisia’s government has faced criticism for targeting civil society groups, leading to the suspension of many groups including Democratic Women, Nawaat Journalists, and the Economic and Social Forum. Restrictions on rights groups Rights groups have said the crackdown on rights g...

 Army officers say they have seized power in Guinea-Bissau A group of army officers said they had seized power in coup-prone Guinea-Bissau on Wednesday, a day before the planned announcement of results from a hotly contested presidential election. In a statement read on state television by spokesperson Diniz N'Tchama, the army officers said they had deposed President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, suspended the electoral process, shut borders and would enforce a curfew. Shortly after, Embalo told France 24 TV: "I have been deposed." The army officers said in their statement that they had formed "The High Military Command for the Restoration of Order" and would be in charge of the West African nation until further notice, Reuters reported. The officers did not specify if they had taken Embalo into custody, and his whereabouts was unknown. It was the latest outbreak of unrest in Guinea-Bissau, a small coastal nation situated between Senegal and Guinea that is a notorious h...

 President Tinubu has nominated non-career ambassadors for three countries: the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. The postings will be finalised following Senate screening. The three nominees are Ambassador Ayodele Oke, Retired Colonel Lateef Kayode Are, and Ambassador Amin Mohammed Dalhatu. Ambassador Amin Mohammed Dalhatu previously served as Nigeria’s ambassador to South Korea during President Buhari’s administration, having been first appointed in 2016. Ambassador Ayodele Oke, an alumnus of Emory University in Atlanta, is a former Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and previously served as Nigeria’s ambassador to the Secretariat of the Commonwealth of Nations in London. Retired Colonel Lateef Kayode Are was Director General of the State Security Service (SSS) from 1999 to 2007, served as National Security Adviser in 2010, and was an officer in the Directorate of Military Intelligence. He graduated with First Class Honours in Psychology from ...

 Chairman NiDCOM Dabiri-Erewa Congratulates Gozy Ijogun As Task Systems Ltd Wins Microsoft 2025 Partner Of The Year Award In USA The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,  Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has congratulated Mrs. Gozy Ijogun, Founder/CEO of Task Systems Ltd, on the outstanding global recognition of her Nigerian-founded technology company as a 2025 Microsoft Partner of the Year Award winner in the United States of America. In a congratulatory message, Dabiri-Erewa commended Mrs Gozy Ijogun and Task Systems  that they had made Nigeria proud once again. "Winning a Microsoft Partner of the Year Award on American soil is a powerful testament to Nigerian brilliance, entrepreneurial spirit, and global competitiveness. This is a huge victory for our nation and an inspiration to millions of young Nigerians in the tech space." A statement by Mr Abdur-Rahman Balogun Director of Media, Public Relations & Protocols, NIDCOM, notes that s...

 SENATE SEEKS DEATH PENALTY FOR KIDNAPPING Senate is proposing  death penalty for offences bordering on kidnappings and other terrorism  related crimes, with no option of fine. It therefore resolved that the terrorism act be amended immediately. Senate has also asked  President Bola Tinubu to rejig Nigerias security  architecture for optimal results as it resolves to stand with him in the fight against insecurity. Senate also dissolved the standing committee on National Security and Intelligence as well as Senate Committee on Airforce, and resolves to reconstitute them within one week. The committees on Defence, Army, Navy, Interior have also been directed to brief the senate at closed session within one week and submit reports of their reports to plenary in two weeks time. These formed part of resolutions adopted as Senate debates  the  recent spike of attacks on soft targets in parts of Nigeria. Senate is suggesting the deployment of technology, stif...

 Katsina gov signs N898bn 2026 budget Governor Dikko Radda on Wednesday signed the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, approving a N897.87 billion budget, with 18.7% for recurrent and 81.3% for capital expenditure.  He described it as “the people’s budget,” based on input from all 361 wards. The State House of Assembly passed the bill in just 21 days.

 Rivers Governor approves upgrade of NYSC orientation camp Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has approved renovations and facility upgrades at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Nonwa-Gbam, Tai LGA, following a visit by NYSC DG Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu.  The governor directed an assessment of required works and promised support for the state’s NYSC regional office and potential State Secretariat improvements. Nafiu noted that 2,586 corps members are serving in Rivers, making it the fourth most preferred state for deployment.

 INEC: 2.4 Million Nigerians Complete Voter Registration The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced that 2,449,475 Nigerians have completed voter registration, with 1,425,898 online and 1,023,577 through physical capture. Osun led with 193,026 registrations, followed by Imo (144,209) and Kano (142,433). Anambra remains at zero due to the recently concluded governorship election. The Continuous Voter Registration exercise will run until August 2026.

 SANWO-OLU ARRIVES IPERU, OGUN STATE FOR SOUTHERN GOVERNORS FORUM MEETING The Governor of Lagos State and Chairman of the South-West Governors Forum, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has arrived in Iperu, Ogun State for the Southern Governors Forum meeting hosted by its Chairman and the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.   Governor Sanwo-Olu is among the 13 governors who have arrived for the Southern Governors’ Forum meeting holding at the private residence of Governor Abiodun in Iperu.   Other Governors who have arrived for the meeting are Vice Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Anambra, Chukwuma Soludo, Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Alex Otti (Abia), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), and Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers).   Governors Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Ademola Adeleke (Osun) were represented by their deputies.   Governors from all 17 Southern States are expe...

 Rush Hour 4 revived after Trump reportedly pushed Paramount and Skydance to bring back franchise President Donald Trump played a key role in reviving Paramount Skydance’s “Rush Hour” franchise, two decades after the last film, multiple reports indicate. Paramount has secured financing for “Rush Hour 4” and reached a distribution agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery, which previously owned the franchise under its New Line banner. The project had been stalled for years as studios were reluctant to work with director Brett Ratner following sexual misconduct allegations in 2017, which he has denied and was never charged with. According to reports, Paramount’s decision to move forward came after Trump reportedly advocated on Ratner’s behalf. Ratner, who will direct the new film, was also tapped in late 2024 to direct a documentary about first lady Melania Trump for Amazon Prime, reportedly in a $40 million deal. Under the “Rush Hour 4” arrangement, Paramount will collect a flat distri...

 Poland unable to overturn same-sex marriage Two same-sex spouses — one holding Polish citizenship and the other with dual Polish-German nationality — scored a significant legal victory for LGBTQ+ couples in Europe on Tuesday, as the European Union’s top court ruled that Poland must recognize marriages legally performed elsewhere in the bloc. The Court of Justice of the European Union determined that Poland’s refusal to transcribe foreign same-sex marriages into its civil registry discriminates against couples and violates EU free-movement laws. The judges emphasized that requiring couples to choose between returning to Poland and maintaining their marital status abroad amounts to unequal treatment. The ruling clarified that acknowledging a marriage conducted in another EU country does not alter Poland’s domestic definition of marriage but ensures equal rights for citizens moving across borders. The case involved JC-T, a dual Polish-German citizen, and MT, a Polish national, who ma...

Kim Kardashian-led All’s Fair renewed for season 2 at Hulu  Kim Kardashian-fronted legal drama All’s Fair has been renewed for a second season on Hulu, ahead of its first season finale. The series, created by Ryan Murphy, has faced harsh critical reviews, holding just a 3% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, yet it became the biggest Hulu Original scripted premiere in three years, drawing 3.2 million global views in its first three days. Kardashian has embraced the criticism, joking on Instagram about the show’s acclaim, with co-star Glenn Close joining in on the humor with a playful reference to her Fatal Attraction fame. The nine-episode first season performed strongly with audiences, making Luminate’s Top 15 TV shows during its debut week with 2.61 million hours viewed in the U.S. By the week of November 7-13, after the fourth episode aired, the series rose to 13th place with 3.85 million hours viewed and 1.33 million views, ranking fourth for the week behind Peacock’s All Her Fault, Net...

 Pope Leo XIV to visit Turkey and Lebanon on first foreign trip under global media spotlight VATICAN CITY - Pope Leo XIV is preparing to embark on his first international journey, a highly symbolic and sensitive pilgrimage to Turkey and Lebanon that comes amid deep regional instability and extraordinary global attention. The trip, originally envisioned by his predecessor, will take place under intense diplomatic scrutiny as conflicts continue to unfold across the Middle East. In Turkey, the pope will commemorate a landmark anniversary in Christian history tied to the early foundations of the faith and relations between Eastern and Western churches. In Lebanon, he aims to offer moral support to a Christian community that has endured years of political turmoil, economic collapse, and the lingering trauma of the devastating 2020 Beirut port explosion. Known for his missionary background and years of leadership within his religious order, Leo has already demonstrated a steady diplomati...

 Bangkok court issues arrest warrant for Thai Miss Universe co-owner  A Thai court announced Wednesday that it has issued an arrest warrant for Jakkaphong “Anne” Jakrajutatip, co-owner of the Miss Universe Organization, in connection with a fraud case. Jakkaphong, who was charged with fraud and released on bail in 2023, failed to appear at a Bangkok court hearing on Tuesday. Because she did not inform the court of her absence, officials deemed her a flight risk. The hearing has been rescheduled for December 26. The case involves Jakkaphong and her company, JKN Global Group Public Co. Ltd., which was sued for allegedly defrauding investor Raweewat Maschamadol in 2023 over the sale of corporate bonds. Raweewat claims the investment led to losses of 30 million baht (approximately $930,000). JKN has faced financial difficulties since 2023, defaulting on payments to investors and entering debt rehabilitation proceedings in 2024, citing debts totaling around 3 billion baht ($93 mill...

 New Zealand woman sentenced to at least 17 years for murdering her two children  A New Zealand woman convicted of murdering her two children and storing their bodies in suitcases for years was sentenced Wednesday to a minimum of 17 years in prison. Justice Geoffrey Venning told Hakyung Lee at Auckland’s High Court that she would begin her sentence as a patient in a locked psychiatric facility under New Zealand’s compulsory mental health treatment law and must return to prison once deemed well enough. Lee, who was found guilty by a jury in September of killing 6-year-old Minu Jo and 8-year-old Yuna Jo in 2018, had her defense of insanity rejected. Her lawyers argued for a reduced sentence due to her mental illness, claiming she felt shame for her actions and faced threats and isolation in jail. Justice Venning said that while Lee was suffering from severe depression at the time, the murders were deliberate and calculated. In New Zealand, an insanity defense requires proving th...

 Israel hands over 15 additional Palestinian bodies, Gaza hospital officials report Israeli authorities have returned 15 more Palestinian bodies to Gaza, hospital officials said Wednesday, marking the latest exchange under the ongoing ceasefire agreement as talks move toward a second phase. The handover comes a day after Palestinian militants returned the remains of Israeli hostage Dror Or, who was killed during the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack in southern Israel. Under the terms of the agreement, Israel returns 15 Palestinian bodies for each hostage released. Since the exchanges began last month, Israel has handed over 345 Palestinian bodies, with only 99 identified so far, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Two hostages—a Thai national and one Israeli—remain in Gaza. Hamas has pledged to return both as part of the agreement. Meanwhile, Turkish, Qatari, and Egyptian officials met in Cairo on Wednesday to discuss the next steps of the ceasefire, including deploying an international...

 ICE arrests woman linked to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt’s family U.S. immigration authorities have detained Bruna Caroline Ferreira, the mother of White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt's nephew, according to sources familiar with the arrest. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security identified Ferreira as a Brazilian national and said she is currently in removal proceedings at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center. The spokesperson described her as having overstayed a B2 tourist visa that expired in 1999 and having a prior arrest for battery. “Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, all individuals unlawfully present in the United States are subject to deportation,” the statement said. Ferreira’s attorney, Todd Pomerleau, disputed the claims of a criminal record and said she entered the U.S. lawfully as a child, previously held DACA status, and is in the process of obtaining a green card. Pomerleau said Ferreira was arrested in her car in...

 Former British PM David Cameron receives treatment for prostate cancer Former British Prime Minister David Cameron has revealed he was diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer and is urging more men in the U.K. to undergo screening. Cameron, 59, underwent a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, which detects proteins associated with prostate cancer. After his PSA levels were found to be high, a biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. He was treated with focal therapy, a procedure that uses ultrasound waves to target and destroy cancer cells. The U.K. does not have a routine prostate cancer screening program due to concerns over the PSA test’s accuracy, though men over 50 can request the test. Cameron said he and his wife were inspired to get him tested after hearing entrepreneur Nick Jones discuss his own diagnosis on BBC radio. “I don’t particularly like discussing my personal, intimate health issues, but I feel I ought to,” Cameron said. “Men are not very good at talking about t...

 Red fox rescued after being trapped by pipe around its neck in Pennsylvania   A red fox spotted wandering with a plastic drainage pipe around its neck in Pennsylvania has been safely rescued and released back into the wild. The fox, seen in October in Broomall, Delaware County, had eluded rescuers for weeks. Animal rescue group Good Boy Dog Recovery finally captured the fox Saturday evening. Initially nicknamed Sly, the fox was discovered to be female and renamed Lady Sly. She was taken to the Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center, where staff successfully removed the pipe without sedation, describing her as a “very cooperative patient.” Lady Sly was vaccinated for rabies and distemper before being released back into her natural habitat later that same day.

 Lakers’ Deandre Ayton out with knee injury, team confident in backups Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton left Sunday’s game against the Utah Jazz with a right knee contusion and did not return in the second half of the 108-106 win in Salt Lake City. Ayton, who recorded two points and three rebounds, was injured in the first quarter and exited midway through the second. “He got hit on his leg in the first half and was limping through it,” Lakers coach J.J. Redick said. “Then he couldn’t go in the second half.” Redick did not comment on the severity of the injury but expressed confidence in the team’s depth. Backup center Jaxson Hayes started the second half, contributing five points and four rebounds in 18 minutes. Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 33 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists, while Austin Reaves added 22 points and 10 rebounds. LeBron James recorded 17 points, eight assists, and six rebounds, and Maxi Kleber chipped in two points and three rebounds off the bench. ...

 The ongoing PDP crisis at the national level are also taking a toll at the state levels as a fraction Imo State, believed to be loyal to one of the factions has extended support to the faction led by Wike. Recall that turmoil had already engulfed the PDP with a faction under Minister of FCT Nyesom Wike, led by two state governors; Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohamed of Oyo and Bauchi states respectively. Suspected to be allies of the warring factions, the party told newsmen in Owerri of its position which lends support to the Wike group which also has Senator Samuel Anyanwu, also from Imo State. The atmosphere within the party took another dramatic stage as the Imo State chapter openly under Hon Austin Nwachukwu dismissed the recent convention held in Ibadan, describing it as nothing more than a political jamboree staged by a “lawless committee of friends.” This came after a well-attended Stakeholders’ Meeting in Owerri on Saturday, November 22, 2025, where prominent leaders and members...

 Nigerian Broadcaster Rufai Oseni Tackles Government Over Alleged Negotiation With Bandits Nigerian TV broadcaster Rufai Oseni has gone viral after delivering a fiery on-air critique of the federal government’s handling of the recent release of kidnapped victims. Describing the situation as “confusing” and “unsettling,” Oseni questioned why the authorities appear to be engaging in covert negotiations with bandits instead of arresting and prosecuting them. He expressed outrage over reports that the armed group responsible for abducting several people in Kebbi State walked away freely after releasing 24 victims. According to Oseni, the circumstances surrounding the release raise serious concerns about justice, accountability, and the overall safety of Nigerians. Oseni asked why no arrests were made, why there was no confrontation with the criminals, and why the government has offered no clear explanation regarding the incident. He further questioned whether ransom was paid—an issue o...

 The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nana Nandap has appointed Comptroller Tony Akuneme, as the new Commandant of the Immigration Training School in Kano. According to the Spokesman of the NIS, Akin Akinlabi, the deployment aligns with the avowed vision of the CGIS, to reposition NIS Training institutions across the country, to match with other elite sister security agencies in line with her ongoing efforts in capacity building and staff welfare. “The Service anticipates that the new Commandant will bring to bear his modest experiences and exposures in effective communication, public relations and border management, all of which will help to strengthen the improved training modules and promote service delivery in line with the NIS statutory mandate”, Akinlabi said. Prior to his appointment, Akuneme was the Comptroller in charge of Illela Border Command, Sokoto and had been Comptroller in the Federal Capital Territory, as well as the Service Spokesman....

 What God Told Me About The Governor Of Abia State, Alex Otti — Primate Ayodele Reveals In a recent video released on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, Primate Elijah Ayodele shared a new prophecy regarding Dr. Alex Otti, the Governor of Abia State. The cleric indicated that the governor is poised to enter a crucial political period that will shape his future and influence his upcoming major decisions ahead of the next elections. Ayodele clearly stated that Alex Otti will not run for office under the Labour Party in the upcoming election cycle. He noted that changes within the Labour Party will make it difficult for Otti to continue with the party's platform. The cleric mentioned that various internal issues will surface, prompting Otti to explore different political options. He emphasized that the governor's political trajectory will no longer mesh with the party's internal dynamics. Additionally, Ayodele pointed out that the Labour Party will encounter multiple crises that coul...

 Property destroyed as fire guts Nnewi factory Property worth millions were on Wednesday morning gutted by fire in a factory in Nnewichi, Nnewi North local government area of Anambra state. The inferno said to have destroyed mostly tissue papers and baby clothings, including diapers (pampers) started around 5.30am. A resident of the area Obinna Okoye said the fire took them by surprise as they were still fast asleep when the incident occured. He however said fire fighters were on ground to battle the fire. “The fire service men are still trying to quench the fire. You know how inflammable pampers and tissue papers can be,” he added. Confirming the incident, Commander of Fire Service in charge of Nnewi zone, F Jerry said the fire had been brought under control. He however said no casualties were recorded, while the cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained.

 ‎Anambra enforces environmental laws, offenders to face hefty penalties, including fines or three months imprisonment , sealing of properties, as well as suspension of business permits ‎ ‎ ‎Fear is spreading across Anambra as the state government has commenced a crackdown on environmental infractions. ‎ ‎These include a zero-tolerance policy on illegal dumping, a ban on single-use plastics, and an order to shut down car wash operators without a proper drainage system. ‎ ‎The fear stems from stated hefty penalties, including fines or three months imprisonment for offenders, sealing of properties, as well as suspension of business permits, using the Anambra State Environmental Management Protection and Administration Law 2024. ‎ ‎The Commissioner for Environment, Felix Odimegwu, said on Monday that the enforcement follows a year-long sensitisation campaign, public education drive and extensive stakeholder engagement across the state. ‎ ‎Odimegwu described the law as a decisive respo...

  A California man took the life of his estranged wife and buried her in a remote area to dig her up the next morning.  The reason why will make you sick.  This harrowing tale took place on November 10th of 2022, when 28-year-old Zarab Ali took the life of Rachel Castillo. Rachel was Ali's estranged wife and mother to his two children. The chilling details of his crime and his unspeakable actions following are truly the stuff of nightmares. According to Zarab Ali's own confession, he had laid in wait outside of Rachel's apartment, waiting for a chance to sneak inside. Ali continued to lurk outside of the home until he found a chance to slip into the home unnoticed.  After gaining entry into the home, Ali hid and waited for his chance to ambush his unsuspecting victim. As Rachel Castillo was exiting her bathroom, Ali sprung his lethal trap.  Ali  burst from his hiding spot armed with a knife. He then carried out a brutal attack on Rachel, puncturing her mult...

 Four Rhode Island teens have been charged after a disturbing video showing them assaulting a special needs student is uncovered.  The shocking video capturing this unbelievable act of cruelty was recorded in the locker room of Rogers High School in New Port on Friday, November 21st, before a football game. The fallout from the video has led to the arrests of four teens involved and the cancelation of the remainder of the school's football season.  In the video, you see a teenage boy on his knees, holding his hands in prayer to beg for the teen assaulter to stop. You see another teen towering over him and repeatedly striking him with an orange strap while demanding an apology. Another student can also be seen striking the teen with a belt. The victim can be heard pleading and begging for the assault to stop.  The other teens in the locker room can all be heard laughing with no one attempting to intervene, but rather choosing to film the awful incident. Shame on all o...

 EME, LASG LAUNCH CAMPAIGN AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE A symbolic walk to enhance awareness and enlighten members of the public to end violence against Women and Girls has been held in the Alausa axis of Ikeja by the EME foundation in collaboration with the Lagos State Government as part of its '16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based violence'.  Executive Director of the foundation, Mrs Eniola Edun-Ogundana commended the various efforts by the Babajide Sanwo-Olu Administration to safeguard the rights of Women and Girls. It is noteworthy that the Lagos State Government created the Domestic and Sexual Violence Law and the Agency (DSVA) with a mandate to protect survivors, create an offenders register to hold perpetrators accountable and prevent future violence through a coordinated and multifaceted approach. Hence, the purpose is to continue to strengthen partnerships with relevant organisations to protect Women and Girls in the digital age. The advocacy walk, which had memb...

 ‎Anambra first lady urges collective action against gender-based violence ‎ ‎The wife of Anambra State governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, has urged collective action, sustained campaigns, and effective measures to end gender-based violence in Nigeria. ‎ Dr Nonye ‎Soludo, founder of Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, emphasised that the campaign must go beyond words and hashtags, calling for practical solutions and lasting narrative change. ‎ ‎The Anambra First Lady expressed these views in a statement issued on Wednesday to mark the 2025 International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. ‎ ‎She noted that the day also signals the start of the 16-day Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which concludes on 10 December—Human Rights Day. ‎ ‎Nonye Soludo highlighted that empowering women and girls through education, accessible quality healthcare, job opportunities, and strengthening social institutions are vital steps to tackling gender-based violence. She further gave ...

  The Vatican has issued a strong warning against the rising acceptance of polyamory, firmly reiterating the Catholic Church’s teaching that marriage is defined as a stable, lifelong, and exclusive partnership between a man and a woman. This new doctrinal document, titled “One Flesh – In Praise of Monogamy” and signed off by Pope Leo XIV, was written in response to the growing trend of “various public forms of non-monogamous unions, sometimes called ‘polyamory’ –... growing in the West.” The 40-page document addresses both polyamory, which involves multiple consensual romantic relationships at once, and polygamy (one man with multiple wives), which has been a “pastoral challenge” discussed by Roman Catholic bishops in Africa. The note states clearly that non-exclusive relationships are based on a fallacy:“Polygamy, adultery, or polyamory are based on the illusion that the intensity of the relationship can be found in a succession of faces,” the note declares. “Our age, in fact, is ...

 Former Minister of Digital Economy Isa Pantami reacts to allegation of killing a student at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi A heated confrontation unfolded on X after a user accused former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, of having a role in the 2004 k!lling of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University student, Sunday Achi. Pantami forcefully rejected the accusation and repeatedly challenged the accuser to reveal his identity and meet him in court. Responding to the user “Sodiq (ex-muslim),” Pantami wrote: “No need of the shift. Lets meet in court, please. Let your identify be known. You can support the family so that we can meet in the court, including your grok and AI generated evidences.” When another user shared a Punch article alleging that Pantami was the Chief Imam of the ATBU mosque when a fatwa led to the student’s death, Pantami insisted the allegations were fabricated. He posted: “Grok gets input from the available information o...

 TOWN PLANNERS IN LAGOS STATE EMPLOYMENT RESOLVE TO REDUCE BUILDING APPROVAL DEFICIT Town Planners in the employment of the Lagos State Government, under the auspices of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, have reaffirmed their determination to drastically reduce the persistent building approval deficit across the State through improved coordination, strengthened enforcement, enhanced staffing, and a fully digital, technology-driven planning framework. This resolution was reached at the Lagos State Physical Planning Post-Summit/Management Retreat, held recently at Jubilee Chalets, Epe, where officials from relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), professionals and stakeholders met to evaluate progress made since the 2024 Lagos Physical Planning Summit and agree on sustainable planning strategies for Africa’s largest megacity. In his address to participants, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Kadri Obafemi  Hamzat, underscored the central r...