PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 An Indiana high-school girls' basketball game ended in tragedy after a referee collapsed on court.  On the night of December 12th, the girls' basketball team at Monrovia High School was playing Speedway High School. With only 6 minutes left in the second quarter, an emergency halted the game, and fans were evacuated from the gymnasium.  Sadly, a long-time referee, Jeff Tamarri, had collapsed while officiating the game. A defibrillator was reportedly used within a minute of his collapse, and EMTs arrived just moments later. Sadly, despite everyone's best efforts, Jeff was pronounced deceased on scene by EMTs. Monrovia High School said they will have counselors available for students who may be affected by Tamarri's sudden passing. Our thoughts are with the family of Jeff Tamarri as well as the community as a whole.

Belarus frees Nobel laureate Bialiatski in swap for US sanctions relief  Belarus has released Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski and opposition leader Maria Kolesnikova from prison, human rights advocate Pavel Sapelka of the Viasna group confirmed. Their release coincides with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s efforts to improve ties with the United States. Earlier, Washington announced it was lifting sanctions on Belarus’s potash sector, and in return, Lukashenko pardoned 123 prisoners. Belarus, a close ally of Russia, has faced years of Western isolation and sanctions over human rights abuses and for allowing Russian military operations on its territory. Since July 2024, Minsk has released hundreds of prisoners as part of efforts to ease tensions with the West. U.S. Special Envoy for Belarus John Coale described recent talks in Minsk as “very productive” and said the countries are moving from “baby steps to more confident steps” toward normalizing relations. Opp...

Israel kills senior Hamas commander despite cease-fire The Israeli military said Saturday that it carried out a targeted strike in Gaza, killing Raed Saad, a senior commander in Hamas’s Qassam Brigades. The strike marks the most high-profile assassination of a top Hamas figure since a cease-fire took effect two months ago. Israeli authorities said Saad played a key role in planning the October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, which triggered the two-year war in Gaza. Hamas has not confirmed his death, calling the strike a “further criminal breach of the cease-fire agreement,” and often taking weeks or months to verify casualties among senior members. A veteran of Hamas, Saad had risen to become the armed wing’s second-in-command and had been operating from tunnels beneath Gaza City. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the defense minister personally ordered the strike in response to an earlier explosive device that wounded two Israeli soldiers. The attack targeted a car on...

Comedy legend Dick Van Dyke celebrates 100th birthday Comedy legend Dick Van Dyke celebrated his 100th birthday on Saturday, marking a century of life more than six decades after his iconic performances alongside Julie Andrews in Mary Poppins and his starring role in The Dick Van Dyke Show. “I want to live more, which I plan to,” Van Dyke said from his Malibu, California home, reflecting on reaching the milestone. To honor his birthday, theaters across the country are screening a new documentary, Dick Van Dyke: 100th Celebration, highlighting his life and career. Van Dyke rose to fame with The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961–1966), charmed audiences as a chimney sweep in the 1964 Disney classic Mary Poppins, and later starred as a physician-sleuth on Diagnosis: Murder. His stage work earned him a Tony Award for Bye Bye Birdie, complementing his Grammy and four Primetime Emmys, and he appeared in the 1963 film adaptation of Bye Bye Birdie. Just last year, he became the oldest recipient of a Da...

 Okpuno community is a strategic area in Awka capital city and deserves proper development- Bishop Alexander Ibezim  The Anglican Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, has called on the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to urgently pay attention to the development needs of Okpuno community in Awka South Local Government Area. Bishop Ibezim made the passionate appeal during the dedication ceremony of St. John’s Anglican Church, Okpuno today 13th Dec 2025. According to the bishop, Okpuno is a strategic community within Awka South and deserves adequate infrastructural development, particularly good road networks. He noted that the area has continued to attract visitors and investors who are purchasing land and building houses, but warned that the absence of good roads could discourage continued settlement. “Visitors are buying lands and building houses, but if there is no good road, they will soon start deserting the community,” the bishop said. He ther...

 Lack of Mentorship Threatens Growth In Southern Kaduna, Youth Leader Warns — Urges Southern Kaduna Politicians To Create Mentorship Culture A youth leader in Southern Kaduna has called on established politicians in the region to adopt a more inclusive and accessible approach to political mentorship, stressing the need for stronger support structures for emerging leaders. Comrade Ishaya Ezra, who currently serves as the Executive CMC Chairman of NANCES Kaduna State Axis and Secretary General of the NYMEF Kaduna State Chapter, expressed concern over what he described as the growing difficulty young leaders face in securing engagement with senior political figures. According to him, many upcoming leaders are making efforts to connect with experienced politicians but are often met with silence, a situation he says is slowing political growth and weakening leadership development in the region. “What makes them quality leaders is their ability to give listening ears to their constituent...

 INHERITANCE DISPUTE TURNS DEADLY IN SULEJA AS SON KILLS MOM, FACES MOB RETRIBUTION Suleja was thrown into deep shock after a tragic family dispute ended in bloodshed, with a son allegedly killing his mother over an inheritance disagreement. The woman was reportedly murdered by her own child following an argument over money, an act that stunned residents as mourners later gathered for her burial. The incident quickly ignited outrage across the community. In a grim twist, the suspect described by locals as a reckless youth, was later killed by other young men, allegedly in retaliation for the killing of his mother. Security agencies have launched an investigation into the double tragedy, as the incident raises fresh concerns about escalating family disputes, mob justice, and youth violence in the area. More photos below. 

 If not for the office of women affairs and social welfare, many women in anambra would have di€d of domestic violence- Anambra woman reveals Lady Chinwendu Ubah, a victim of domestic violence came to appreciate Governor Soludo and his wife, Mrs Nonye Soludo for saving her. She narrated her ordeal in the hands of husband who was always assaulting her physically to a point she was admitted in the hospital. She mentioned that Anambra state government, through the ministry of women affairs and social welfare, rescued her from untimely d€ath that would have occurred because of her husband’s frequent abuse She Urged men to treat their wives with dignity and respect and not like objects, recognizing their humanity.

 I am Preparing to see Nnamdi Kanu in Sokoto prison.He deserves all the support he can get now- Prophet Odumeje  The general overseer of the mountain of holy Ghost intervention deliverance ministry onitsha Anambra state, propet chukwuemeka Ohanaemere popularly known as Odumeje, has declared that plans are underway for him to visit the leader of IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi kanu, who is currently serving prison terms in sokoto.  According to odumeje, Mazi Nnamdi kanu deserves all the support he can get because he is not a criminal, but a man who is just fighting for the good of his people.

 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.