PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE   ENGINEERS FAROUK AHMED, GBENGA KOMOLAFE RESIGN, PRESIDENT TINUBU NOMINATES SUCCESSORS TO THE SENATE FOR APPROVAL President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked the Senate to approve the nominations of two new chief executives for the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).   The requests followed the resignation of Engineer Farouk Ahmed of the NMDPRA and Gbenga Komolafe of the NUPRC. Both officials were appointed in 2021 by former President Buhari to lead the two regulatory agencies created by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).   To fill these positions, President Tinubu has written to the Senate, requesting expedited confirmation of Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan as CEO of NUPRC and Engineer Saidu Aliyu Mohammed as CEO of NMDPRA.   The two nominees are seasoned professionals in the oil and gas industry.   Eyesan, a graduate of Economics f...

  CAN says Ini Edo’s ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’ movie title offensive to Christians The Christian Association of Nigeria has criticised the title of a newly released Nollywood film, A Very Dirty Christmas, describing it as offensive to the Christian faith and calling for a review by relevant regulatory authorities. In a statement issued on Tuesday, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said Christmas is a sacred period commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ and should not be portrayed in a manner that undermines its spiritual meaning. According to him, the use of the word “dirty” in reference to Christmas diminishes the essence of the celebration, which symbolises purity, peace, love and redemption. The statement partly read, “The Christian Association of Nigeria is deeply troubled by the title of the movie: ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’, which it considers offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith. “Christmas is a sacred season that marks the birth of Jesus Christ and represen...

 Senator Izunaso laments a growing presence of untrained leaders in politics Today, at the official launch of Leadership 365: Daily Reflection for Effective Leadership, a book authored by Dr Linus Okorie, President of the GOTNI Leadership Centre, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Capital Markets, and representative of Imo West Senatorial District, raised a concern on what he described as the growing presence of untrained and ill-prepared individuals occupying political offices across the country, warning that leadership is being mistaken for mere occupancy of power. Speaking at the event, the lawmaker stressed that leadership goes beyond holding political office, noting that many Nigerians wrongly equate authority with leadership. Izunaso also decried the absence of deliberate leadership training in the country, arguing that political actors are often allowed to assume leadership roles without the discipline, conduct and values expected of leaders. "In this country, we do not tr...

 The representative of the Okigwe South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Chike Okafor, has urged caution following calls for the disbandment of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Imo State Police Command, commonly known as Tiger Base. Okafor also expressed his disapproval of the numerous attacks on the social and traditional media aimed at pressuring authorities to dissolve the unit, and accused the opposition of orchestrating the sustained media trial of the outfit. He argued that dissolving the Tiger Base would be akin to discarding the entire structure due to the actions of a few. He also expressed disapproval of the attempts to implicate the state Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for the alleged misconduct of the unit. He said; 'The governor demonstrated leadership by mobilising the federal and state security apparatuses to ensure that non-state actors did not dominate the state. "Those who are praying for the political down fall of the governor with this...

 Anambra Assembly Passes Bill to Regulate Real Estate Agents, Developers The Anambra State House of Assembly has passed a bill seeking to establish the Anambra State Real Estate Agents and Developers Regulatory Agency. The bill, sponsored by the member representing Nnewi South One Constituency, Honourable Nonso Atuchukwu, scaled through legislative scrutiny before its passage. Atuchukwu said the proposed law is designed to create and empower a regulatory agency to coordinate and oversee the activities of real estate agents and developers, with the aim of ensuring sanity, fairness, credibility, and healthy land and property transactions across the state. Contributing to the debate, the member representing Onitsha North Constituency Two, Barrister Patrick Okafor, noted that the bill would help sanitise the housing sector by tackling challenges such as abandoned properties, multiple sales and resales of land, and the activities of fake estate agents. In his remarks, the Speaker of the...

 Gazetted Tax Law Differs From Version Passed by National Assembly- Rep Abdussamad Dasuki Raise Alarm A member of the House of Representatives, Abdussamad Dasuki, has raised alarm over alleged alterations to the tax bills passed by both chambers of the National Assembly, warning that the version currently gazetted and in circulation differs from what lawmakers approved. Speaking during plenary on Tuesday, December 17, Dasuki said some clauses contained in the gazetted copy of the new tax laws are inconsistent with the harmonised version passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives. Raising the matter as a question of privilege, Dasuki said: “I’m here today because my privilege has been breached as a member of this all-important House. Mr Speaker, Honourable colleagues, we passed the tax laws on this floor. I took my time in the last three days to look at the gazetted copy. “I also examined the votes and proceedings of the House of Representatives and went an extra mile to ...

 Governor Otti’s CPS Sues Chinonye Mba for ₦500m Over Alleged Defamatory Facebook Post The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Abia State, Mr. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, has filed a ₦500 million defamation suit against Mr. Chinonye Mba at the Abia State High Court, Ohafia Judicial Division, sitting in Abiriba. The suit, marked HOH/90/2025, is before Justice K.C.J. Okereke and stems from a Facebook publication allegedly made by the defendant on October 26, 2025, titled “How Governor Alex Otti’s CPS Plotted to Have Me Incarcerated.” According to the claimant, the publication was posted on Mr. Mba’s Facebook page and circulated to his friends, followers, and the general public. Mr. Njoku contends that the content of the post is false, malicious, and defamatory, and capable of injuring his character, reputation, and public standing. He is therefore asking the court to grant an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendant from further publishing or circulating the alleged defama...

 Angela Okorie says she turns down events despite the money because “not all invites are safe” Nollywood actress Angela Okorie has shared a stern message on social media, cautioning people to be careful about the events and spaces they accept invitations to. According to the actress, not every invite comes from a good place, as some are allegedly set up to harm, destroy, or spiritually attack unsuspecting guests. She stressed the importance of prayer and discernment, saying only God can reveal people’s true intentions. Angela explained that her absence from certain events is deliberate, noting that some people may not genuinely like her but still want her presence because she “brings life to the party.” She added that no amount of appearance fee can convince her to attend places her spirit warns her against. She also hinted at past experiences where she believes serious harm was intended, saying only her strength and faith kept her safe. Referencing recent controversial cases in th...

16 states file lawsuit against Trump administration over billions in blocked electric vehicle charging funds  Sixteen states and the District of Columbia have filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging the unlawful withholding of more than $2 billion in funding for electric vehicle (EV) charging programs. The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in Seattle, challenges the administration’s decision to block money allocated under the bipartisan infrastructure law, which was intended to expand EV charging infrastructure nationwide. Officials from the Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration are accused of “impounding” funds that Congress had earmarked to support cleaner transportation. California Attorney General Rob Bonta, one of the lead plaintiffs, said the administration’s actions threaten efforts to combat air pollution, address climate change, and promote green jobs and innovation. The lawsuit targets funds for two programs: $1.8 billion for the ...

 Woman charged after Mississippi Walmart employees report finding razor blades in bread loaves Camille Benson, 33, of Texas, was arrested Tuesday after allegedly inserting razor blades into loaves of bread at two Walmart stores in Biloxi, Mississippi. She faces a charge of attempted mayhem, and her bond is set at $100,000. The incidents came to light after customers discovered razor blades in bread purchased from a Walmart Supercenter on Dec. 5 and a Walmart Neighborhood Market on Dec. 8. Following another complaint on Sunday, employees at the Supercenter found several additional loaves had been tampered with. Police were notified on Monday and are investigating the incidents. Authorities urged anyone who purchased bread from the affected stores to inspect their loaves and report any findings. Walmart stated that all potentially affected products have been removed and inspected, emphasizing that customer safety is a top priority. The company encouraged anyone with tampered products...

 Kwara Court Remands Three Indian Nationals, One Nigerian over Criminal Breach of Trust Justice Sulaiman Akanbi of the Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin has remanded three Indian nationals—Lalit Sarwat, Ravi Raghavendra and Gagan Sarswat—alongside an Ilorin-based dispatch manager, Oniyide Samuel, in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) over alleged criminal breach of trust. The defendants were arraigned on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, by the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and criminal breach of trust, contrary to and punishable under Sections 97 and 314 of the Penal Code.

 EFCC Arrests Herbalists with $3.4million, €280, 000 Counterfeit Notes in Osun,  Lagos Operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have uncovered huge counterfeit foreign notes to the tune of $3, 430, 000 (Three Million, Four Hundred and Thirty Thousand United States Dollars) and €280, 000 (Two Hundred and Eighty Thousand Euros) in possession of a five-member syndicate arrested for allegedly swindling one Halima Sanni the sum of  N26, 550, 000 (Twenty-Six Million, Five Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira). The herbalists: Akingbola Omotayo, Adeola Funsho Ogunrinde, Yahaya Amodu, Kubratu Babalola Olaitan (female) and Familola Sunday Olaitan.  were arrested on December 7 and 8, 2025 at their shrines in Osun and Lagos States respectively, following a thorough surveillance and intelligence on their fraudulent activities Investigation revealed that the suspects were allegedly defrauding unsuspecting individuals of their l...

 Türkiye, Somalia to cooperate in fisheries sector Türkiye’s industrial group OYAK and Somalia’s Fisheries and Blue Economy Ministry on Wednesday signed a strategic cooperation and services agreement to cooperate in the fisheries sector. The signing ceremony, held at OYAK headquarters in the capital Ankara, was attended by Turkish National Defense Minister Yasar Guler, Somali Ports and Marine Transport Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, Somali Fisheries and Blue Economy Minister Ahmed Hassan Aden, Turkish Chief of General Staff Gen. Selcuk Bayraktaroglu, OYAK Chair Zekai Aksakalli, and Murat Yalcintas, the CEO of OYAK. The agreement aims to ensure that fisheries activities in Somalia are carried out under a centralized, sustainable, and fully registered framework, Anadolu Agency reported. As part of the agreement, SOMTURK, a company established within this framework, will be responsible for managing all licensing processes related to fisheries activities in Somalia’s exclusive econom...

 Anambra to go after houses without proper drainage in order to combat Erosion  Worried by the rising menace of gully erosion, the Anambra State Government has threatened to enforce regulations requiring residents to provide proper drainage for storm water from their homes. The State Executive Council (ANSEC), which announced the proposed enforcement, lamented that erosion remains an existential challenge in Anambra, blaming the situation on careless actions by some communities and lapses by regulatory bodies in enforcing environmental laws. Briefing journalists after the weekly executive council meeting, the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, said it had been observed that some residents channel storm water from their homes directly onto roads, where it accumulates and worsens the erosion crisis across the state. “ANSEC has resolved to step up enforcement to compel residents to properly channel and manage storm water from their houses. Communities are also expected ...

 Anambra monarch links Nawfia killings to non-appeasement of the departed soul of the former traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Francis Nwankwo (Osuofia I).   A traditional ruler, Igwe Nwankwo Osuofia II, has linked the killing of 20 individuals in Nawfia community in Njikoka Local Council of Anambra State to the non-appeasement of the departed soul of the former traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Francis Nwankwo (Osuofia I). Popularly called FFBC Nwankwo and Africa’s Tallest Man, the late Igwe Nwankwo was a prominent figure in the Peoples Club of Nigeria, an exclusive socio-business class of the bourgeois in Igboland. He was assassinated on February 15, 2000 and succeeded by his son, Chijioke Nwankwo, 25 years ago. In the last two years, about 20 Indigenes had been  brutally murdered, including various incidents, such as the killing of five indigenes on October 8, 2024, the plucking of eyes of two indigenes whose bodies were dumped in the community, the ...

 "Any agreement or policy initiative that lacks transparency, public confidence, and clearly defined, measurable benefits risks further eroding trust in government."- Peter Obi  Former presidential candidate of the labour party, Peter Obi has urged the Federal Government to ensure transparency and public accountability in reforming Nigeria’s tax system, following reports of a tax cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nigeria and France. Obi expressed concern that the agreement was reportedly concluded without making its full terms public or clearly explaining its objectives, scope, and benefits to Nigerians. He stressed that tax-related agreements require openness because they directly affect public revenue and trust in government. While not opposed to foreign collaboration, Obi said such partnerships must be clearly justified, especially given Nigeria’s strong pool of local tax experts and advisory firms capable of supporting reforms. He questioned why extern...

 I am proud to be part of Soludo's administration. His administration will transform Anambra state into a world mega city"- Dr Onyeka Ibezim (Anambra Deputy Governor)   Deputy governor of Anambra state, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, who spoke to newsmen yesterday in his new office at the new state Government House christened "Light House, Awka" has hailed Governor Chukwuma Soludo over his vision. He said that he went to inspect the ongoing reconstruction of the old Government House Awka, designated to serve as the headquarters of the state's "Solution Innovation District (SID)", and, discovered to his shock when he got to the building housing his former office that only two blocks were what the "roofing sheets" of that his old office rested on throughout the more the over three years he stayed in the building as deputy governor. He praised the God for protecting him throughout the years he occupied the building without it collapsing on him and also ...

 PRESS BRIEFING BY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, ANAMBRA STATE COMMAND CP IKIOYE ORUTUGU, fwc MNIPS PhD AT THE ANAMBRA STATE POLICE COMMAND HEADQUARTERS, AWKA ON 17TH DECEMBER, 2025 On behalf of the Officers and Men of the Anambra State Police Command, I warmly welcome you to this media briefing today, 17th December 2025, as the year draws to an end. As the lead agency in internal security, the Nigeria Police Force recognizes that the ultimate assessment of our performance rests with the good people of Anambra State. While we acknowledge that we are not yet where we aspire to be in achieving total security, it is important to emphasize that the cooperation, trust, and timely support we received from residents significantly contributed to the successes recorded during the year under review. Throughout the year, the Command observed fluctuations in crime patterns, largely influenced by socio-economic realities and evolving security dynamics across the country. Nevertheless, through pro...

 2027: BENUE GOVT TELLS APPOINTEES, DECLARE NOW OR STEP ASIDE 17th December, 2025   The Benue State Government has directed all political appointees seeking to contest elective offices to formally declare their intentions and tender their resignation letters. In a statement issued from the Office of the Deputy Governor, the directive follows the surge in political activities and growing expressions of interest in elective positions across the state. According to the notice, affected appointees are required to submit written expressions of interest for their preferred offices, alongside formal resignation letters, to the Office of the Deputy Governor on or before Thursday, December 18, 2025. The submissions will be transmitted to Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormen Alia for further consideration and necessary action. The government said the move is aimed at ensuring order, transparency, and focus within the administration as it continues to advance its governance agenda....

 STRANDED MENTALLY ILL WOMAN GIVES BIRTH AT AGASHA HEALTH CENTRE, FAMILY SEARCH BEGINS 17th December, 2025     A mentally ill woman has given birth to a baby boy after being found stranded in active labour on the streets of Agasha, Benue State. The incident occurred at about 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, when concerned individuals intervened and rushed the woman to the Primary Health Care Centre (PHCC), Agasha, where she was safely delivered of the child. Medical officials at the facility confirmed that laboratory tests were conducted on the woman, but noted that both mother and baby now require proper care and support from family members or responsible guardians. Preliminary information suggests the woman hails from Mbakor, Tarkaa Local Government Area, with Wannune identified as her origin. Members of the public who may have useful information or know the woman’s family are urged to come forward and assist. Anyone with relevant details should contact 081...

 TRAGEDY IN YENAGOA AS FAMILY CAR CRASHES INTO ABANDONED CEMENT TRUCK 17th December, 2025   A serious road accident shook Yenagoa in the early hours of Wednesday after a vehicle carrying a pastor, his wife, and their children rammed into a broken-down Dangote cement truck at the Club Bara area of Bayelsa State. The truck, heavily loaded with cement, was reportedly left stranded almost at the centre of the road for more than four days, allegedly without reflective signs, warning triangles, or other safety indicators to alert oncoming motorists. The family’s vehicle crashed into the stationary truck along the busy Club Bara stretch, triggering panic and drawing the attention of nearby residents. The injured occupants were immediately rushed to a hospital for urgent medical care. As at the time of filing this report, authorities have not confirmed any fatalities. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident are ongoing. More photos below. 

 PEDRO INAUGURATES 114 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCAL PERSONS, LNSC DESK OFFICERS AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, has inaugurated 114 Local Government Focal Persons and Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) Anti-Human Trafficking Desk Officers for the Lagos State Task Force Against Human Trafficking, underscoring the State’s commitment to combating human trafficking at the grassroots level. The inauguration, held on Monday at the DMO Office, Alausa, Ikeja, is part of the strategic efforts of the Lagos State Government under the leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu to strengthen prevention, early detection, and response mechanisms at the Local Government level. Mr. Pedro explained that Heads of Legal Units in all the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas have been designated as Local Government Focal Persons for the Task Force, while Anti-Human Trafficking Officers of t...

 Bangladesh National Citizen Party Leader Hasnat Abdullah has triggered a diplomatic and security controversy after making a provocative statement suggesting that anti India forces could be sheltered to isolate India’s Northeast.  The remark was made during a public event in Dhaka and reportedly received applause from sections of the audience, raising serious concerns across the region. The statement has revived fears related to cross border security and stability in Northeast India, an area that has historically faced challenges linked to insurgency and external interference. Observers have described the comment as highly sensitive, especially at a time when regional cooperation and trust are crucial for peace and development. Reacting strongly, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma condemned the remarks, calling them irresponsible and dangerous. He warned that such statements threaten regional harmony and undermine efforts made over the years to stabilise the Northeast an...

 Kaduna Councillors Back Gov. Uba Sani’s Vision, Commend Mamman Lagos On Local Government Reforms Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani (CON), has received a significant political endorsement as councillors from the state’s 23 local government areas declared their total support for his grassroots-driven development agenda. The endorsement was made on Tuesday during a solidarity visit by the Forum of Kaduna State Councillors to the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Hon. Sadiq Mamman Lagos.  The councillors expressed confidence in Governor Uba Sani’s leadership approach and reaffirmed their belief in his commitment to inclusive governance. Representing all 255 wards across the state, the councillors pledged to align with the Senator Uba Sani Support Group (SUSSG), noting that the governor’s people-centred policies and reforms at the local government level deserve broad-based support. Speaking on behalf of the forum, Hon. Waziri Umar of Tudun Nupawa Ward 9 in Kaduna So...

 MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, BALARABE ABBAS LAWAL, RECEIVES KOGO FOREST RESERVE AS NIGERIA'S NEWEST NATIONAL PARK Kogo Forest Reserve has officially become Nigeria's newest national park, marking a significant milestone in the country's commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, received the reserve from Katsina State Governor, Dr. Dikko Umaru Radda, with the National Park Service providing necessary resources, including vehicles, equipment, and advanced technologies, to ensure its long-term protection. This move is expected to boost conservation efforts and promote sustainable development in the region, preserving Nigeria's natural heritage and contributing to global conservation efforts. The Kogo Forest Reserve is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including birds, amphibians, and mammals, making it a vital ecosystem...