PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 ANAMBRA POLICE ACTION ON THE CULT CLASH THAT RESULTED IN THE FATAL INJURY OF FOUR PERSONS AT AFOR NAWFIA MARKET The Anambra State Police Command wishes to provide a comprehensive update on the cult-related attack that occurred on the evening of 7th December 2025 at Afor Nawfia Market, along the Onitsha–Awka Old Road. It will be recalled that operatives of the Command attached to the Special Anti-Cult Squad, Enugwu-Ukwu, had, four days earlier, acting on credible intelligence about a planned rival cult confrontation, arrested two dangerous suspects and recovered a firearm from them. The arrested suspects have been assisting the Police with valuable information aimed at preventing further cult-related violence within Awka and its environs. Despite these proactive efforts by the Command operatives, some members of the same gang, on the evening of 7th December 2025, operating in a black Lexus Jeep with registration number yet unknown, stormed Afor Nawfia Market and opened fire indiscr...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE President Tinubu commends Nigeria's Armed Forces for protecting democracy in Benin Republic President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the gallantry of Nigeria's military on Sunday for responding swiftly to the request by the Government of Benin Republic to save its 35-year-old democracy from coup plotters who struck at dawn today. Acting on two separate requests from the Government of Benin, President Tinubu first ordered Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to enter the country and take over the airspace to help dislodge the coup plotters from the National TV and a military camp where they had regrouped.   The Republic of Benin, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a Note Verbal, requested immediate Nigerian air support "in view of the urgency and seriousness of the situation and to safeguard the constitutional order, protect national institutions and ensure the security of the population." In the second request, the authorities in Benin r...

  Chikun/Kajuru Rep, Hon. Fidelix Bagudu, Announces New Appointments To Strengthen Inclusive Governance The Honourable Member representing the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, Hon. Fidelix Joseph Bagudu, has announced a wide-ranging list of new appointments aimed at deepening inclusive governance and enhancing representation across the constituency. The appointments, which take immediate effect, were unveiled in alignment with Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani’s commitment to participatory governance. According to the lawmaker’s office, the list reflects deliberate efforts to ensure fair representation of all wards, communities, and interest groups across Chikun and Kajuru Local Government Areas (LGAs). A statement issued by the Media and Publicity Directorate noted that the move also fulfills the Honourable Member’s campaign pledge to integrate every segment of the constituency into the decision-making and governance structure. The appointments cover several categories, in...

 Benin arrests 14 people over coup attempt Fourteen people have been arrested in connection with the failed coup attempt in Benin on Sunday, the West African nation's government spokesperson told Reuters. AFP news agency had earlier reported that those arrested are military officers. The reported arrests followed dramatic events that began early on Sunday, when a group of soldiers announced on state television that they had overthrown President Patrice Talon, suspended the constitution, and dissolved legislative bodies. The soldiers said they were particularly concerned over the security situation in northern Benin, and also expressed grievances over their welfare. AU, ECOWAS condemn Benin coup attempt However, the government, through a larger section of the army, managed to foil the coup attempt, which drew condemnation from the African Union (AU) and the West African regional bloc ECOWAS. The government further allayed fears of President Talon's safety, saying the situation h...

 Anambra Business man, Chief Godwin Ubaka Okeke(GUO Motors) commends Igbo youths’ restraint over Kanu sentence and promise to support any legitimate efforts towards the release of Nnamdi Kanu   Chairman of GUO Group of Companies Limited, Chief Godwin Ubaka Okeke, has commended Igbo youths for their restraint following the life imprisonment sentence handed down to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu. Speaking to journalists at his GRA residence in Onitsha at the weekend, Okeke praised the calm maintained since the November judgment of Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, but warned that such patience should not be mistaken for weakness. He called on relevant authorities to urgently pursue a political solution to Kanu’s situation, urging Southeast governors, the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and other prominent stakeholders to lobby for a presidential pardon. “I salute Igbo youths for their patience. While they remain calm, ...

 Peter Obi Pledges to Cover N4,741,400 for 148 Prisoners to Write NECO Exams ‎Social media users have flocked to X (formerly Twitter) to share their reactions after news broke that Peter Obi, former Anambra State governor and prominent figure in the Labour Party, has pledged to cover the examination fees of several inmates preparing to take the NECO exams. ‎ ‎Obi revealed this gesture in a post shared on his official X account on Saturday, December 6, 2025. In his statement, he explained that he was contacted by a group of representatives acting on behalf of the inmates, who appealed for financial assistance to enable them register for the upcoming examinations. ‎ ‎He disclosed that the registration fee amounts to ₦30,050 per candidate, and he has committed a total of ₦4,741,400, which will fully sponsor 148 inmates. According to Obi, this support is part of his ongoing commitment to promoting education, which he described as a vital pillar for individual growth and societal develo...

 LAGOS HAG/CJ CHAMPIONS MEDIATION AS A PATH TO PEACEFUL COMMUNITIES ‎The Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), has described mediation as a vital tool for building peaceful communities. He urged its wider adoption as an effective method for resolving disputes. ‎ ‎Speaking recently at the Ikeja Division of the IBILE Stakeholders’ Meeting organised by the Citizens' Mediation Bureau, Mr. Lawal Pedro noted that with over 20 million residents in Lagos State, conflict is inevitable and mediation is the proper way to go. ‎ ‎Tracing the root of mediation back to traditional African society, the Attorney-General explained that our forefathers often settled disputes under trees or in family compounds. When siblings had disagreements, the father would bring them together to find a resolution, ensuring that both parties were left satisfied, thereby promoting peace and safety within communities. ‎ ‎Reinforcing the AG’s call, Permanent Secretary of the...

 PDP Faction Loyal to Wike Gives Reasons Governors Makinde, Bala Mohammed, Others Were Expelled The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has defended the expulsion of several high-profile members, describing the sanctions as necessary to protect the party’s unity and integrity. Speaking at a Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting in Abuja on Sunday, BoT Chairman Senator Mao Ohuabunwa said the disciplinary actions were taken strictly in line with the party’s constitution and previously adopted resolutions. “Individuals whose conduct has threatened the unity, stability, and credibility of our party have been sanctioned in line with established resolutions,” Ohuabunwa stated. “These measures were not taken lightly. They became necessary to protect the institution and restore confidence among our members nationwide.” The faction, currently led by acting National Chairman Mohammed Abdulrahman, had earlier announced the expulsion ...

 Atiku Meets Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Saturday paid a visit to former President Goodluck Jonathan at his residence in Abuja. The encounter is their first since Jonathan returned from an election observation mission in Guinea-Bissau. Sharing pictures of the meeting on his verified social media platforms on Sunday, Atiku wrote, “It was a pleasure catching up with former President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday evening, following his recent return from Guinea-Bissau.” Jonathan, who served as President from 2010 to 2015, lost his re-election bid in 2015 to Muhammadu Buhari. The visit comes days after Atiku’s official defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), having resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party over claims that the party had strayed from the principles of its founding fathers. There are indications that Atiku may emerge as the ADC’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election. One more photo below. 

 I Won’t Condemn Chief Dan Ulasi Because He Was in a Struggle Against the Marginalization of Igbo People- Victor Umeh According to a report by SYMFONI on December 7, 2025, Senator Victor Umeh, former National Chairman of APGA, offered an emotionally charged defense of Chief Dan Ulasi, declaring, “I will never condemn him, because he was in a struggle against the marginalization of Igbo people.” The senator made this striking remark while celebrating Ulasi’s 80th birthday.  Chief Ulasi is a venerated elder statesman and former PDP State Chairman in Anambra. Umeh's words underscored a complex political landscape where fighting for ethnic rights, regardless of the outcome, earns enduring loyalty from peers. Speaking on the national stage, Umeh acknowledged that Chief Dan Ulasi had faced severe setbacks, leading some within the Igbo nation to condemn him or lose faith. However, Umeh insisted that Ulasi’s actions were driven by a higher purpose, a necessary resistance against the p...

 League of Anambra Professionals( LAP) gifts 36 Anambra students full scholarship worth N1m yearly The League of Anambra Professionals, LAP, has unveiled an educational programme tagged ‘Future Forward Scholarship Initiative’ in Awka, during which the group empowered thirty-six indigenous students from the three senatorial zones of the state who recently gained university admission, and expressed intent to expand the number of beneficiaries. Speaking at the event, the President of LAP, Sir Nnamdi Obi, represented by his Deputy and Chairman of Education Committee of LAP, Dr. Ifeyinwa Jibunoh, explained that the scholarship will cover full tuition, accommodation and monthly support stipend, all amounting to one million naira per student per year, adding that Anambra has always been known for its academic excellence, and that LAP is committed to restoring and strengthening the legacy. Others who spoke at the event, including a guest from Maryland, USA, Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Achike, and a mem...

 RIVERS STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE: Police Nab Three Car Theft Suspects, Recover Stolen Vehicle Rivers State Police Command in a significant breakthrough in its sustained efforts to combat car theft and other organized crimes in the state has arrested three suspects in connection with a stolen car. On November 7, 2025, at about 0800hrs, a joint team of Operatives from Electronic Central Motor Registry (ECMR) and Special Operations and Intelligence Team (SOIT), successfully recovered a stolen Toyota Corolla with Reg. No. PHC 626 TX, Engine No. IZZ997375, Chassis No. 2T1BR32E44C280137) and arrested three suspects involved in the sale of the car in a suspicious manner. The operation followed a formal complaint lodged by an Officer attached to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Rivers State Sector Command, Port-Harcourt who presented the car particulars including a sales agreement and proof of ownership. Verification by Prof. Karibo Bagshaw, the rightful owner of the vehicle,...

 Security guard arrested in connection with murder of retired female judgein Delta Operatives of homicide section of State CID, Delta State Police command have arrested one Godwin Mngumi, 25, the security guard who allegedly murdered Justice Ifeoma Okogwu (Rtd)  in Anambra State. Confirming this development to newsmen, the spokesperson of the command, SP Edafe Bright, said the phone of the late RTD justice has also been recovered from the security guard. “He confessed that he invited his friend one Nnaji Obalum and one other suspect at large  over to the house where they carried out the dastardly act together. Nnaji Obalum has also been arrested while the manhunt for the third suspect is ongoing.”Edafe said Justice Okogwu, an Asaba-born former judicial officer, was found d3ad late Sunday night, November 23, 2025 at her home in Asaba. Her k!llers bound her legs, hands, and ransacked the entire house during the horrific incident.

VP Shettima Departs Abuja For Abidjan Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration of Alassane Ouattara for a fourth term in office as President of that country. In a Statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha said Shettima is expected to join other leaders across Africa and beyond to witness activities lined up for the swearing-in ceremony scheduled to hold on Monday, December 8, 2025, at the Presidential Palace in Abidjan. Quatara was re-elected for a fourth term in office on October 25, 2025 as President of Côte d'Ivoire, a West African country that shares cordial diplomatic ties with Nigeria. Both nations collaborate significantly within ECOWAS and the African Union on security, trade, and development, formalised by a Bi-National Commission and numerous agreements covering areas like anti-tra...

 ECOWAS STATEMENT ON THE REPUBLIC OF BENIN ECOWAS  Commission has received with consternation reports of an attempted military take-over in the Republic of Benin. ECOWAS strongly condemns this unconstitutional move that represents a subversion of the will of the people of Benin. ECOWAS calls for the full respect of the Constitution of Benin and salutes the efforts of the Government and the Republican Army in bringing the situation under control. ECOWAS holds the leaders of the plot both individually and collectively responsable for any loss to life and property occasioned by their action. ECOWAS will support the Government and the people in all forms necessary, including the deployment of the regional standby force, to defend the Constitution and the territorial integrity of Benin. Abuja, 07th December, 2025.  ECOWAS Commission

 Akwa Ibom Governor Gifts Land, House, Studio, and Lifetime Monthly Stipend to Visually Impaired Gospel Singer, Chris Vic In a heartfelt post on his verified social media accounts, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State on Sunday announced an extraordinary package of support for visually impaired gospel musician, Chris Vic, in appreciation of his faith, talent, and perseverance. The Governor wrote: “I have directed the Commissioner for Lands to allocate a plot of land in Uyo to Chris Vic, and I will sign the Certificate of Occupancy next week. We will also build him a four-bedroom flat and commit ₦100 million to set up his music studio. This is separate from the cost of the land and the house. In addition, as long as I remain Governor, he will receive a monthly allowance of ₦1 million. Let this remind us that even in difficult moments, God is still good. Chris Vic shows us that praise is possible in every situation. I also want him, and all persons with disabilities, to know that this...

 Nigeria seeks French help to combat insecurity, Macron says Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has sought more help from France to fight widespread violence in the north of the country, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday, weeks after the United States threatened to intervene to protect Nigeria's Christians. Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, has witnessed an upsurge in attacks in volatile northern areas in the past month, including mass kidnappings from schools and a church. U.S. President Donald Trump has raised the prospect of possible military action in Nigeria, accusing it of mistreating Christians. The government says the allegations misrepresent a complex security situation in which armed groups target both faith groups. Macron said he had a phone call with Tinubu on Sunday, where he conveyed France's support to Nigeria as it grapples with several security challenges, "particularly the terrorist threat in the North." "At his request, we ...

 Christmas events return to Bethlehem after two years of Gaza war  Families filled John Juka’s long-quiet restaurant on Saturday evening, marking a dramatic shift from the past two years when Bethlehem’s streets sat dark, shuttered, and silent. Strings of red lights now glow across the city, reflecting a slow but meaningful return of Christmas traditions to the historic birthplace of Jesus in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. After years of upheaval following the Gaza war, residents say the renewed festivities offer a fragile but welcome sign of relief and resilience. Juka, who watched his family’s restaurant sit empty through two holiday seasons, described the moment simply: “It’s not like it was before the war, but it feels like life is coming back again.” Bethlehem’s identity and livelihood are deeply tied to tourism, with the majority of its residents depending on pilgrims and visitors to keep the local economy moving. When the war erupted after the Hamas-led attack on Israe...

 Tom Hicks, Texas businessman and former owner of Stars, Rangers, and Liverpool, dies at 79  Tom Hicks, the Texas businessman and philanthropist known for owning major sports franchises in Dallas and an English Premier League soccer team, passed away Saturday at the age of 79. Hicks died peacefully in Dallas, surrounded by his family, a spokesperson confirmed. Hicks’s sports legacy included ownership of the NHL’s Dallas Stars from 1995 to 2011, highlighted by a Stanley Cup victory in 1999, and the Texas Rangers baseball team from 1998 to 2010, leading them to three American League West Division titles and a World Series appearance. In 2007, he expanded his portfolio internationally by acquiring a 50% stake in Liverpool FC. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones remembered Hicks as more than a fellow team owner, emphasizing their shared respect, trust, and friendship over the years. Beyond sports, Hicks was a trailblazer in private equity, co-founding Hicks & Haas in 1984 and Hic...

 Man arrested following pepper spray incident in Heathrow Airport parking garage Police in London arrested a man on Sunday following a pepper spray attack in a Heathrow Airport parking garage. Several people were assaulted in the Terminal 3 garage and were taken to the hospital by ambulance; authorities said their injuries are not considered serious. The confrontation reportedly began as an argument between two groups who were familiar with each other. Officials confirmed the incident is not being treated as a terrorism-related case. One man has been taken into custody on suspicion of assault, while police continue to search for additional suspects who fled the scene.

 Fire at popular Goa nightclub in India kills at least 25, officials report NEW DELHI, INDIA - At least 25 people, including tourists, were killed early Sunday in a fire at a popular nightclub in Goa, India, authorities confirmed. The blaze broke out just after midnight at a club in Arpora, a bustling party area in North Goa. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said most of the victims were kitchen staff, along with three to four tourists. Six others were injured and are reported to be in stable condition. Officials said the fire was triggered by a gas cylinder explosion and has since been extinguished, with all bodies recovered. Approximately 100 people were on the dance floor when the fire began, and many ran to the kitchen below, where staff and some guests became trapped. The nightclub, situated along the Arpora river backwaters, had a narrow entry and exit, forcing firefighters to position their tankers about 400 meters away, which delayed their response. A local council official...

 2 killed in Russian overnight strike on Ukrainian infrastructure, officials report Russian forces launched an overnight assault across Ukraine, striking energy infrastructure with 241 drones and five missiles and killing two civilians, Ukrainian officials reported. The Ukrainian air force said roughly 175 drones and four missiles were intercepted, destroyed, or jammed, while 65 drones managed to hit targets in 14 locations. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the attacks as targeting “peaceful Ukrainian cities and communities,” noting that such strikes occur “almost every day and every night.” He said the primary aim of the assaults is to target infrastructure that supports daily life. The two civilian deaths were reported in Donetsk and Novhorod-Siverskyi in the Chernihiv region, while the industrial city of Kremenchuk sustained damage to some energy facilities. Volodymyr Kohut, acting governor of the Poltava region, said repair work began immediately and continues, though el...

Trump administration changes national parks’ free-entry schedule, removing MLK Day and Juneteenth  The Trump administration has revised the schedule for free-entry days at U.S. national parks in 2026, removing Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth while adding President Donald Trump’s birthday, which coincides with Flag Day. The Department of the Interior, led by Secretary Doug Burgum, announced last month that these 2026 dates will be “resident-only patriotic fee-free days.” Other changes include adding the Fourth of July weekend and President Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday, while removing the Great American Outdoors Act anniversary in August and National Public Lands Day in September. The full list of 2026 fee-free days includes President’s Day in February, Memorial Day in May, Flag Day/Trump’s birthday in June, Independence Day weekend in July, the 110th birthday of the National Park Service in August, Constitution Day in September, Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday in October, a...

 ICE arrests nearly 75,000 people with no criminal history, data reveals Newly released data shows that more than a third of the roughly 220,000 people arrested by ICE during the first nine months of the Trump administration had no criminal histories. Between January 20 and October 15, nearly 75,000 individuals without criminal records were detained in immigration operations that officials had said would focus on murderers, rapists, and gang members. Ariel Ruiz Soto, senior policy analyst at the Migration Policy Institute, said the figures contradict the administration’s claims that it was targeting only the “worst of the worst.” The data, obtained by the University of California, Berkeley’s Deportation Data Project through a lawsuit against ICE, comes from an internal office that tracks arrests, detentions, and deportations. It does not include arrests by Border Patrol, which has been carrying out aggressive interior enforcement in cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles, Charlotte, a...

Netanyahu says Israel and Hamas set to enter second phase of ceasefire soon  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that Israel and Hamas are expected to move “very shortly” into the second phase of the ceasefire, following the return of the last hostage remains from Gaza. Speaking alongside visiting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Netanyahu said the next stage, which includes disarming Hamas and demilitarizing Gaza, could begin by the end of the month. The final remains of 24-year-old police officer Ran Gvili, killed in the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, attack, have yet to be returned. The second phase of the U.S.-crafted ceasefire plan also calls for an international force to secure Gaza and the establishment of a temporary Palestinian government to manage daily affairs under an internationally supervised board led by U.S. President Donald Trump. Netanyahu acknowledged the challenges ahead, saying that while the first phase seemed impossible to many, the second stage—a...

RoboCop statue finally unveiled in Detroit after nearly 15 years A 11-foot-tall bronze statue of the iconic science fiction hero RoboCop has finally been installed in Detroit, nearly 15 years after the idea first emerged. The 2.5-ton sculpture, depicting RoboCop as played by Peter Weller in the 1987 film, now stands outside the Free Age Production Studio in Detroit’s Eastern Market. Jim Toscano, the studio’s owner, expressed excitement over the installation, calling it “super impressive” and noting that it has already drawn visitors to the area. The project began in 2011 after a public exchange with then-Mayor Dave Bing sparked a fan-led campaign to bring the statue to life. Community arts advocate Brandon Walley and entrepreneur Jerry Paffendorf launched a Kickstarter that raised over $67,000 to fund the effort. Detroit sculptor Giorgio Gikas completed the statue in 2017, but legal hurdles, including obtaining rights from MGM, delayed its placement. With the statue now in place, organ...

 Teenager Fatally Stabbed by Another Teen in Malamulele  Saselamani police, in Vhembe District are investigating a murder case.   A 16-year-old boy died after being brought to Malamulele Hospital on Thursday, 04 December 2025. He was admitted with a stab wound to the chest and was declared dead on arrival. Preliminary reports suggest he was allegedly stabbed by a 17-year-old suspect. The suspect has been arrested. He is expected to appear before the Saselamani Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 08 December 2025.

 Gov. Uba Sani Urges Security Agencies To Avoid Excessive Force, Uphold Human Dignity Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has called on security and law enforcement agencies across Nigeria to adopt non-violent approaches in their operations, stressing that the use of force must be strictly necessary and proportionate. The governor, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, delivered the message in Kaduna at an event marking the 2025 International Human Rights Day, organised by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). The dialogue centred on the theme: “Proportional Force and Respect for Human Dignity – A Dialogue in Governance.” Governor Sani cautioned that force should never be used as punishment or applied in a discriminatory manner, especially against individuals who pose no resistance. Even when force becomes unavoidable, he said, it must be reasonable and based on the circumstances at hand. “Violent or potentially violent suspects should be arrested or killed only i...

 Southern Kaduna Group Declares Support For Senator Katung, Condemns “Divisive Rhetoric” A media coalition under the banner of SMK Media has issued a strong statement condemning what it describes as attempts by certain individuals to “masquerade as group representatives” in order to criticize Senator Katung. In the statement made available to KADUNA POLITICAL AFFAIRS on Sunday, the group said residents of Southern Kaduna are “no longer willing to tolerate attacks designed to undermine their elected representatives,” adding that Senator Katung has been working “tirelessly” to advance the development of the region. According to SMK Media, recent commentaries targeting the senator were aimed at distorting the public narrative and creating unnecessary division.  The group urged youth organizations and community leaders to instead prioritize “constructive engagement, meaningful dialogue, and collective progress.” “Southern Kaduna deserves better. We stand in solidarity with Senator...

 GRASSROOTS SPORTS DEVELOPMENT: LAGOS VETERAN SWIMMERS HAIL DG OF LSSC The Lagos State Old Swimmers Association (LOSA) recently recognised the Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, with an award for his contribution and support towards sports development and the noble profession in the state. The award was presented to him for the sterling performances of the young swimmers after clinching 19 gold medals at the 9th edition of the National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State. For the first time in the history of the U-15 developmental multi-sport event, Team Lagos emerged as the overall champions, defeating the perennial winners, Delta State. Swimming contributed significantly to the state medal haul. With the success recorded at the national developmental Games, Lagos cemented its name as the most vibrant state in terms of talent identification and development, providing an enabling environment as well as encouraging the technical personnel to excel in their ...