PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 EFCC is Apolitical in Its Operations The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, though not disposed to joining issues with respect to its operations in the media,  is compelled to respond to the patently false claims of a former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN about a purported revocation of “his bail over attendance at a political gathering in Kebbi”. Administrative bail is a discretionary temporary reprieve that allows a suspect to be released on stated conditions pending conclusion of investigation and arraignment in court. To this effect, after his brief interrogation on November 28, 2025, Malami was offered provisional bail hinged on five requirements. He has neither met any of the requirements nor shown readiness to keep faith with them. He was due back for further interrogation on December 1, 2025 , but in a curious twist, the former Minister pleaded with his investigators through a letter written to the Commission on December 4,...

 Anambra State Internal Revenue Service Holds Maiden Tax Summit Poised to creating awareness on the new tax law passed by the National Assembly and scheduled to take effect in 2026, the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS) has held a maiden tax summit to help Ndi Anambra, and by extension Nigerians, understand the provisions of the law, how to avoid falling foul of it, and how to comply judiciously with its requirements. In his speech, the AIRS Executive Chairman, Dr. Greg Ezeilo, said the summit was aimed at demystifying the apprehension people have towards the new tax law, encouraging compliance rather than offending, noting that the provisions are punitive, even as the law takes into cognizance the concerns of Nigerians by exempting low-income earners and enabling small businesses within certain thresholds to grow without paying tax. In her lecture, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Anambra State on Internal Revenue Service (Technical), Hon. Kate Oyeka, wh...

 Oyebamiji emerges APC candidate for Osun governorship election  The Immediate Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority NIWA,  Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji has been picked as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the forthcoming 2026 Osun governorship election. Oyebamiji emerged in Osogbo after seven other aspirants unanimously agreed to step down for him. Bola Oyebamiji who was one time commissioner of finance in Osun State in his acceptance speech promised put Osun back on track of development. The Chairman of Osun APC primary Committee and Governor of Edo state, Monday Ophebolo who supervised the primary described the unity in the party in Osun as a signal for victory for the party in 2026. Governors of Ondo and Nassarawa, Deputy governor of Lagos attended the primary.

  AMCON Hands Over Moribund Star Paper Mill to Abia State Government The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) on Friday officially handed over the long-dormant Star Paper Mill Limited in Aba to the Abia State Government, marking a significant step in the state's industrial revival efforts. The handover ceremony was held at Government House, Umuahia. Speaking at the event, Abia State Governor Alex Otti described the recovery of the asset as fulfillment of his campaign promise to resuscitate moribund industries in the state, including Star Paper Mill, Aba Textile Mills, Ogwe Golden Chicken, and International Equitable Association, among others. Governor Otti pledged that his administration would revive the mill, stating that once fully operational, it would create approximately 3,000 jobs and attract substantial private sector investment. He disclosed that the mill had previously been sold under questionable circumstances, with parts of the agreement breached. Through his ...

 TOR TIV APPOINTS 19 VASSAL KINGS NATIONWIDE TO REPRESENT TIV THRONE 13th December, 2025    The Paramount Ruler of the Tiv Nation, His Royal Majesty, the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, CFR, has appointed nineteen Uter (Vassal Kings) across Nigeria to serve as official emissaries of the Tiv throne in their respective states. The investiture ceremony took place on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at the Tor Tiv Palace in Gboko. During the event, the monarch presented Certificates of Appointment and Letters of Introduction to facilitate formal recognition by government institutions, traditional councils, and security agencies nationwide. Designated as second-grade traditional rulers, the newly appointed Uter are tasked with promoting Tiv culture, strengthening unity among Tiv communities in the diaspora, and serving as credible links between the Tiv traditional institution and state authorities where they reside. The Appointed Uter The appointees are: Chief Urbanus ...

 Anambra State Government Demotes two(2) Principals for collecting amounts ranging from N10k-N40k from newly admitted students, contrary to the free education policy of the Soludo administration  Determined to enforce to the letter the free education policy of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, the Chairman, Post Primary Schools Service Commission (PPSSC), Professor Nkechi Ikediugwu, has directed the principals of Community Secondary School, Awkuzu, Mrs Cecilia Okeke, and Community Secondary School, Igbakwu, Mrs Patricia Ezeabiakwa, to step aside from their positions. She gave the directive during unannounced visits to the schools, where she discovered that the principal of Community Secondary School, Awkuzu, alongside some teachers, was collecting amounts ranging from ten thousand naira to forty thousand naira from newly admitted students, contrary to the free education policy of the Soludo administration, while similar infractions were also recorded at Community Secondary School, Igb...

Ewhrudjakpo Was A Friend, Not My Subordinate, Says Gov Diri Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has described his late deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, as a friend with whom he had an outstanding relationship and was never seen or treated as a subordinate. A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, quoted Senator Diri as stating this on Friday night when he led a delegation comprising state legislators and top government officials on a visit to Mrs. Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo and his late deputy’s family at the official residence in Government House, Yenagoa. The Bayelsa governor expressed shock at the sudden passing of his deputy on December 11, saying he had a long and cordial working relationship with him while they served in the immediate past administration in the state. According to him, "we came a long way from the leadership of the government of my predecessor, Senator Seriake Dickson. We worked together for eight years and now in our own governme...

 AFROBEATS IS NOW “RHYTHM, REVENUE, BLUEPRINT FOR AFRICA’S FUTURE” - COMMISSIONER  … As Harvard University Unveils 2025 Afrobeats Inaugural Policy Report Lagos State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka has described Afrobeats as a “youth-powered economic engine” and “one of Africa’s greatest exports to the world”  She made this declaration during the global launch of the 2025 Afrobeats Inaugural Policy Report hosted by Harvard University’s Centre for African Societies and Economies (CSASE) in collaboration with Rise Interactive Studios at Delborog Hotel,  Victoria Island, on Friday.  Speaking to an audience of scholars, policymakers, and creative industry leaders, Benson-Awoyinka emphasised that Afrobeats is no longer merely a cultural phenomenon but a major driver of economic growth, job creation and global influence. “Culture is not just entertainment; culture is infrastructure, technology, economic policy and identity,” she s...

 NIGERIA SEEKS FINANCING SUPPORT FROM EU INVESTMENT BANK FOR ENERGY SOLUTIONS Nigeria is engaging the European Union Investment Bank and other donor agencies to mobilise funding that will accelerate investment in energy solutions for improved electricity supply in the Country  Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria ECN, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi leads the engagement on behalf of Nigeria with representatives of the European Union, European Investment Bank, GIZ, the International Energy Agency and Sustainable Energy for all, SEforALL on the sideline of African Energy Efficiency Conference in Ethiopia  The engagement explores areas of partnerships, financing models and policy frameworks with far reaching commitment by partners to expand investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency in Nigeria. During the Conference, DG of Energy Commission of Nigeria highlights Federal Government commitment to catalyse investment in energy so as to stimulate economic growth...

 Troops of OPHK Repel ISWAP Attack, Neutralize Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device and Recover Logistics Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have successfully repelled a coordinated attack by ISWAP terrorists on troops conducting stabilisation operations in Mairari, delivering a decisive blow to the group’s offensive capability in the area in the late hours of 12 December 2025 uptill this morning. During the failed attack, terrorists attempted to breach the base using 2 Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs). Both VBIEDs were promptly detected and neutralised by the dogged troops, preventing any penetration of the base. Observations from CCTV footage confirmed that several terrorists were killed and others sustained serious injuries, with surviving elements seen evacuating their dead and wounded from the scene. Following the failed assault, troops of Sector 3 OPHK/MNJTF, supported by the Theatre Command Quick Reaction Group, Nigeria Police Crack Team, and Civili...

 "Nobody told me that Amaechi Muonagor was not fit to fly before I started seeking donations for him, so Emeka Rollas coming out to criticize me in that condescending manner was unnecessary and a surprise to me.." ~Kingsley Orji (Egbeigwe) Veteran actor, musician and music producer, Kingsley Orji, popularly known as Egbeigwe, has finally spoken up the past criticism by his counterpart and AGN then-president, Emeka Rollas on posting late Amaechi Muonagor's bed-ridden state on social media. According to Egbeigwe, he visited Amaechi Muonagor in the hospital and was heartbroken by the state in which he found him. While they spoke, Amaechi asked him to do whatever he can to help him out of that situation, a statement which Egbeigwe said, shattered his heart into pieces, and he vowed to do so. He then went ahead to make the video of him and Amaechi soliciting for help from well-meaning Nigerians home and abroad--A video that unexpectedly went very viral, drawing the attention o...

 Imo State Government Demolishes Hotel, Mortuary, and Residential Properties Linked to Suspected Organ Harvesting In a decisive crackdown on alleged criminal activities, the Imo State Government, in collaboration with the State Police Command, has demolished several properties in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area, including Jessy Best Hotel and the mortuary services of Ugwudi Cottage Hospital, both located along the Owerri-Aba Road. The demolition exercise also targeted two luxury residential buildings—a bungalow and a duplex with large compounds—as well as a smaller apartment in the Ngor community, which authorities described as a shrine where fetish items were discovered and destroyed by enforcement teams. Prior to the demolition, unclaimed corpses from the mortuary were evacuated and transferred to another preservation facility. Speaking at the site before the operation commenced, Imo State Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma confirmed that the demolitions were carried out on t...

 Abia State Honours Late Boxing Legend Obisia Nwankpa with Medal for School Games Champions The Abia State Government has immortalized late Nigerian boxing icon Obisia "Golden Gloves" Nwankpa by naming a prestigious medal after him, to be awarded to champions of the Abia State Secondary School Unity Games. The announcement was made on Friday by the state's Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Nwaobilor Ananaba, during a state-organized burial ceremony for the Olympian at the Umuahia Township Stadium. Represented by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, Mr. Raymond Ukwa, Commissioner Ananaba described the honour as a fitting tribute to Nwankpa's lifelong commitment to sports and service to his homeland. "Through this initiative, his name will live on in Abia schools, the sports development system, and in the dreams of young Abians who aspire to excellence," the commissioner stated. He extended condolences to the Nwankpa family on behalf o...

 CLARIFICATION ON ALLEGED CASE OF MISSING NDA CADET: CADET STEPHEN KUBAMA GANI The attention of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has been drawn to reports circulating across various online media platforms as regards the missing of Cadet Stephen Kubama Gani. The report alleged that the Cadet mysteriously went missing from the Academy without appropriate actions taken by NDA to ascertain his whereabouts.  To set the record straight in the interest of accuracy and transparency, Cadet SK Gani was admitted into the Academy as a member of 76 Regular Course and reported for training on 26 August 2024. His training progressed without any hitch, but he was observed to have absented himself from the Academy with effect from 28 April 2025 without official permission. In accordance with established procedures and extant regulations guiding cadets administration in NDA, his parents were formally notified 3 days after his absence. Seven days after the occurrence, he was struck off strengt...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU CELEBRATES NYESOM WIKE ON HIS BIRTHDAY President Bola Tinubu congratulates Chief Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on his birthday, December 13.   President Tinubu celebrates with the Minister and former governor of Rivers State, giving thanks to God Almighty for enriching him with a life defined by purpose, service, and courage.   The President describes Chief Wike as an audacious top performer who defies obstacles and delivers results.   President Tinubu acknowledges the ongoing transformation of the Federal Capital Territory through infrastructure expansion, highlighting the Minister's recent intervention that broke the 14-year logjam in the construction of the Apo-Karshi road.   The President commends Chief Wike for his resilience, can-do attitude, and commitment to excellence in all assignments.   President Tinubu thanks the Minister for his consistent efforts in delivering results ...

 Actor Peter Greene, best known for his roles in “The Mask” and “Pulp Fiction,” was found dead inside his Lower East Side apartment Friday afternoon, his longtime manager confirmed to The Post. Greene, who established himself as an onscreen villain during the 1990s, was 60 years old. He was found unresponsive inside his Clinton Street apartment around 3:25 p.m., and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police and Gregg Edwards, his manager of more than 10 years.

 NIS warns of temporary passport service downtime during system upgrade The Nigeria Immigration Service has announced a scheduled maintenance shutdown of its Passport Digital Platform from 12:00 a.m. December 12 to 6:00 a.m. December 14, warning applicants to expect service disruptions. NIS says the upgrade will improve system performance and user experience, noting that users may face slow responses or limited access during the period. The agency appealed for patience and advised those needing assistance to contact its support channels.

 Bayelsa declares three days of mourning for late Deputy Governor Bayelsa State will observe three days of mourning after Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, 60, collapsed and died in his office on Thursday. Flags will fly at half-mast. Ewhrudjakpo served as Commissioner for Works, Senator, and Deputy Governor since 2020. Governor Douye Diri called his death a “great loss” to the state and extended condolences to his family.

 2027: No automatic ticket for Peter obi – Labour Party The Labour Party has stated that no aspirant, including Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate, will be granted an automatic ticket for the 2027 general elections. The party emphasised that all positions, from the presidency to governorship and other elective offices, will be filled through duly conducted primaries. Labour Party National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, noted that the party remains committed to strictly adhering to its internal democratic processes. He also added that the Labour Party remains open to reconciling with Obi and other dissatisfied stakeholders, despite the ongoing dispute between the former Anambra governor and the Julius Abure-led leadership. “We have answered this question several times. The Labour Party has constantly said that the issue of tickets will be determined at the party’s convention. “The NEC has spoken concerning our presidential candidacy. Every candidate must emerge through a ...

 Zamfara: Matawalle formally receives Kaura Namoda PDP chairman into APC The state Minister for Defence, Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has formally received Sadiq Abubakar Ciroma, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, into the All Progressives Congress, APC. The state APC chairman, Tukur Danfulani, presented Ciroma to Matawalle on Friday, welcoming him and his supporters into the party. Speaking at the event, Matawalle described Ciroma as a politician with vision and sound judgment, saying his move to the APC would benefit the people of Zamfara. He assured Ciroma and his supporters of equal opportunities within the party. Ciroma explained that his resignation from the PDP was due to what he perceived as the APC’s more inclusive leadership and performance in the state. He accused the PDP-led government under Governor Dauda Lawal of neglecting local communities and focusing primarily on revenue collection.^ Reacting to the defection, the ch...

 CBN gives PoS terminal providers one month to connect system to NIBSS, UPSL The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed all acquirers, processors, and payment terminal service providers (PTSPs) to implement mandatory dual connectivity with the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) and Unified Payment Services Limited (UPSL) for point of sale (PoS) transactions within one month. The apex bank announced the directive in a circular dated December 11, 2025, signed by Rakiya Yusuf, CBN’s director of the payments system supervision department, and released on Friday. “Mandatory Dual Connectivity –All Acquirers, Processors, and Payment Terminal Service Providers (PTSPs) shall establish and maintain active connectivity with both licensed Payments Terminal Service Aggregators (PTSAs), namely the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) and Unified Payment Services Limited (UPSL),” the circular reads. CBN also mandated that all transaction routing systems be integrated with th...

 ADC: We’re concerned Obi, Atiku not working together ahead of 2027 The African Democratic Congress (ADC) says it is concerned that former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in 2023, are not working together for the 2027 elections. Speaking on Friday on Morning Show, a programme on Arise Television, Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC spokesperson, acknowledged the party’s concerns when asked about the lack of collaboration between Obi and Abubakar ahead of 2027. “I may not describe the situation in such superlative terms to say that it’s the greatest threat to democracy at the moment. But is it a conundrum? Yes. Is it a challenge? Yes. Is it something we are concerned about? Yes,” Abdullahi said. The ADC spokesperson also noted that the party is not discussing the presidential ticket now but is focused on strengthening its nationwide structures. “Nobody in the ADC at this time is having conversations about who the presidential candidates...

 Pasuma @58: Diffusernigeria hosts Fuji icon in Lagos Award-winning entrepreneur and the Chief Executive Officer of Diffusernigeria, Honourable Bunmi Obakoya, popularly known as ‘Mama Paso’, recently hosted Nigerian Fuji icon, Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Odetola, well known as ‘Pasuma’, at Tipsy Club and Restaurant in Lagos, and it was a night to remember! Pasuma, the 58-year-old music legend, thrilled attendees with an electrifying performance that lasted for hours. The event, which was part of Pasuma’s 58th birthday celebration, drew a crowd of fans, friends, and colleagues who came to honour the Fuji maestro.  Club Tipsy, known for hosting high-profile celebrities and artists, provided the perfect setting for the soirée. Pasuma delivered an unforgettable performance, expressing gratitude to Allah for his blessings and emphasising the importance of prayer in his life. Pasuma commended Obakoya’s ongoing support for his brand and described hosting his birthday party annually as a gener...

 Turkey ‘Men of Year 2025’: Osimhen  pledges more Gala goals after scooping award Super Eagles and Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen has been named Athlete of the Year in Turkey by GQ Türkiye. Osimhen received the Best Athlete of the Year Award in recognition of his dominant performances since arriving in the Turkish Super Lig. The Nigerian striker has quickly become a standout figure, delivering influential displays that have earned him admiration across the country. “Thank you to GQ. Of course, I can’t forget my family, Galatasaray,” he said. “ This means a great deal to me. I will do my best for my family, for Galatasaray, and for the fans.  “Thank you for this award, I am grateful.” Last season, Osimhen was the top scorer of the Turkish Super Lig as Galatasaray won a record-extending 25th  championship as well as Turkish Cup. His latest honour adds to a growing list of accolades and further cements his status as one of Africa’s most prolific forwards. Osimhen’s ...

 APC INAUGURATES COMMITTEE ON OSUN GOVERNORSHIP PRIMARY The Governing All Progressives Congress APC has inaugurated a six member committee to conduct a governorship primary for nine aspirants and produce a standard bearer ahead of 2026 off-cycle Governorship Election in Osun State  Political Correspondent Abubakar Akwanga reports that, the committee is led by the Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, Governors of Nasarawa, Lagos, Ondo, former Governor of Kogi State Yahaya are to serve as members while former FCT minister Ramatu Aliyu is the chief scribe of the Committee  The Party assured of a thorough Job in its bid to reclaim back the party and provide good governance and dividends of democracy to the people of Osun State

Alleged  $1m Theft: Ex-P-Square Manager,  Jude Okoye’s Wife Owns 800,000 Shares in Company-Witness The first prosecution witness (PW1), Peter Obumuneme Okoye, in the ongoing trial of Jude Chigozie Okoye, an elder brother and former manager of Paul and Peter Okoye, has told Justice Rahman Oshodi of the  Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, that the defendant’s wife owns 800,000 shares in  Northside Music Limited.   Okoye, alongside his company, Northside Music Limited, is being prosecuted by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a four-count charge bordering on theft to the tune of over $1m.  He pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to him.    At the resumed trial of the matter  on Friday, December 12, 2025,  defence counsel, Clement Onwuenwunor (SAN) confronted the witness with the statements of account belonging to Northside Music Limited, detailing some transactions over a per...

 YULETIDE SEASON SECURITY: ANAMBRA CP SEEKS THE COOPERATION OF NDI ANAMBRA TO NOTIFY THE POLICE AND OTHER SECURITY AGENCIES OF ALL SOCIAL AND PUBLIC GATHERINGS FOR NECESSARY SECURITY COVERAGE Publishes Phone Numbers of Strategic Officers to Improve Real-Time Communication and Ensure Swift Response to Distress Calls During the Festive Season As the Yuletide season draws near, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc mnips PhD, has called on residents of Anambra State to cooperate fully with the Police and other security agencies by promptly notifying the Police of any planned social, cultural, religious, or public gathering requiring security attention. The CP made this appeal following the Command’s ongoing review of security strategies for the festive period. He emphasized that early notification enables the Police and other security agencies to plan ahead towards strengthening surveillance, crowd management and safety, prevent crime and ensure pea...