PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Disney to pay $10 million to settle alleged child privacy law violations, Justice Dept. says The Walt Disney Company has agreed to pay a $10 million civil penalty to settle allegations that it violated laws protecting children’s online privacy, the Justice Department announced Tuesday. A federal court order in the case, involving Disney Worldwide Services Inc. and Disney Entertainment Operations LLC, also prohibits Disney from operating on YouTube in ways that breach the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The order requires Disney to implement a compliance program to ensure it follows the law on YouTube going forward. COPPA requires websites, apps, and online services targeting children under 13 to notify parents about the personal information they collect and obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting that data. “The Justice Department is firmly devoted to ensuring parents have a say in how their children’s information is collected and used,” said Assista...

 Law Revision Committee Concludes Assignment, Transmits “Revised Laws of Anambra State 2025” To Legislature For Authentication The Law Revision Committee set up by Governor Chukwuma Soludo has concluded its assignment and transmitted to the legislature the “Revised Laws of Anambra State 2025” for authentication. Anambra State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Professor Sylvia Ifemeje, who chaired the committee, disclosed this in a statement available to journalists in Awka, explaining that in the course of the revision, the committee harmonized some laws with their amendments so that those laws will not be in piecemeal, adding that some laws that have become obsolete or repealed were also dropped from the revised laws. According to the Justice Commissioner, a total of 221 laws were captured in the Revised Laws of Anambra State 2025, including those the first Law Revision Committee revised and those they inadvertently omitted. Professor Ifemeje also noted that the 221 l...

  Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe dumps APGA, defects to ADC Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe representing Abia South has officially resigned from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and declared for the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Abaribe announced his defection today, ending weeks of speculation over his political future amid growing tensions within APGA. The senator said his decision was informed by what he described as irreconcilable differences with the leadership and direction of APGA. He said the ADC offered a more credible platform aligned with his political ideals and commitment to democratic accountability. Abaribe said: “After wide consultations, I have taken the decision to formally resign from APGA and align with the African Democratic Congress, which provides a clearer vision for good governance and national renewal.” Abaribe said: “After wide consultations, I have taken the decision to formally resign from APGA and align with the African Democratic Congress, which pr...

We admit fielding an unsuitable candidate in 2023, Peter Obi's Defection to ADC is a Liberation for Labour Party- Obiora Ifoh, (National Publicity Secretary, Labour Part) The Labour Party has described the defection of its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and some supporters to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a “liberation.” Party leaders noted Obi’s lacklustre speech at the event and questioned his political vision. Labour Party said it had long parted ways with Obi and his allies in the National Assembly and had even suspended lawmakers for anti-party activities.  The party blamed Obi and Abia Governor Alex Otti for earlier internal crises, noting that the Enugu event was largely boycotted by prominent political and traditional institutions. Labour Party also admitted fielding an unsuitable candidate in 2023, apologized to Nigerians, and pledged to work toward presenting a stronger prospect in future elections. 

 According to the Duchy of Cornwall's Integrated Annual Report released in 2025, Prince William received a distributable surplus of £22.9 million (approximately $30.9 million) for the 2024–2025 financial year. This is his second full year managing the historic estate, which he inherited in 2022. The amount is a slight decrease from the previous year's £23.6 million. This surplus supports the official duties, charitable work, and private expenses of Prince William, the Princess of Wales, and their children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Established in 1337, the Duchy manages over 130,000 acres of land in England and Wales, with income from properties, agriculture, and investments. Prince William pays income tax on this amount voluntarily and continues to focus on sustainable initiatives, including aiming for net-zero emissions by 2032 and supporting community projects.

 On December 31, 2025, Queen Camilla spoke publicly for the first time about an incident from her teenage years when she experienced unwanted physical contact on a train.  In a pre-recorded interview on BBC Radio 4's Today programme—guest-edited by former Prime Minister Theresa May—she shared her story while discussing efforts to address violence against women and girls. Camilla, 78, explained: "When I was a teenager, I was approached inappropriately on a train. I'd sort of forgotten about it. But I remember at the time being so angry... Somebody I didn’t know. I was reading my book, and this person approached me, and I did fight back." She shared the experience inspired by others' courage in speaking out, underscoring her ongoing support for initiatives raising awareness about gender-based violence. This aligns with her patronage of organizations focused on supporting survivors and prevention. Her openness contributes to important conversations about safety and r...

 Tatiana Schlossberg Has Passed Away at 35 Tatiana Schlossberg, an accomplished environmental journalist, author, and granddaughter of President John F. Kennedy, passed away on December 30, 2025.She was the daughter of Caroline Kennedy and Edwin Schlossberg. In a statement shared by the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation, her family said: "Our beautiful Tatiana passed away this morning. She will always be in our hearts." Tatiana had shared her journey with acute myeloid leukemia in a moving essay for The New Yorker last month, reflecting on her life, family, and work.She leaves behind her husband, George Moran (a physician), their young son and daughter, parents, sister Rose, and brother Jack Schlossberg.Her writing focused on climate and the environment, inspiring many. Rest in peace, Tatiana. 🕊️

 Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet Plan to Ring in the New Year Together  According to an exclusive report from PEOPLE, Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet are set to celebrate New Year's Eve together, making the most of quality time after a busy year spent apart due to their work commitments. A source shared that it's been special having more moments together this December in Los Angeles, including around the holidays. The couple, who have been dating since spring 2023, appear to be enjoying a strong start to 2026. Wishing everyone a happy and safe New Year! 🎉

 On December 31, 2025, David Beckham posted a heartfelt Instagram carousel looking back on his eventful year, including his 50th birthday, knighthood, and Inter Miami's success.  The photos featured his wife Victoria, younger children Romeo, Cruz, and Harper, as well as professional highlights. Eldest son Brooklyn Peltz Beckham, 26, did not appear in any of the images. David's caption expressed gratitude: "I feel very lucky to have had the year I've had in 2025 full of moments that I will never forget... I'm so grateful to my incredible wife, my amazing children..." Reports throughout 2025 have noted Brooklyn and wife Nicola Peltz Beckham spending time apart from the rest of the family, including missing several gatherings. Brooklyn and Nicola celebrated the holidays with her family in the US.This comes amid ongoing speculation about family dynamics, which began gaining attention after their 2022 wedding.

 New Castle County Police in Delaware are investigating the death of 64-year-old Linda Stevenson, wife of Bill Stevenson (former husband of Jill Biden from 1970 to 1975). Officers responded to a residence in the Oak Hill community on the evening of December 28, 2025, where they found her unresponsive. Life-saving measures were attempted, but she was pronounced deceased at the scene. The incident is under active investigation by the Criminal Investigations Unit, and an autopsy is pending to determine the cause and manner of death. No charges have been filed at this time.This has been reported by outlets including People, TMZ, Newsweek, and The Independent.

 Reports indicate that Teyana Taylor and Aaron Pierre have ended their relationship after dating for less than a year.  Sources close to the pair shared that they have quietly parted ways, with no public details provided about the reason. The two had been linked since early 2025, making joint appearances and sharing moments on social media before going their separate ways. Both continue to focus on their respective careers and projects.

 Tyla’s new single “Chanel” debuts at #94 on this week’s Billboard Hot 100, earning the highest entry by a female artist amid strong holiday season competition. This marks her third solo appearance on the chart, following the global success of “Water” (which reached #7) and “Push 2 Start.” The track’s strong performance is driven by impressive streaming numbers, digital sales, and a popular dance challenge across social platforms. With this entry, Tyla now holds the record for the most solo Hot 100 appearances by an African female artist. “Chanel” also reached #1 on both the U.S. and U.K. Afrobeats charts and continues to gain momentum worldwide, including a strong showing on the Billboard Global 200. Congratulations to Tyla on another milestone! 🎉

 Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom, who amicably shifted to co-parenting earlier this year after nearly a decade together, came together for a joyful holiday activity in London. On December 30, the former couple attended a performance of Paddington: The Musical in the West End with their 5-year-old daughter, Daisy Dove, and Orlando's 14-year-old son, Flynn. Photos from the show's official account captured the blended family smiling and posing with the cast and Paddington Bear, showing a positive and united focus on the children.They also enjoyed time at Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland, creating happy memories during the festive season. This outing highlights their commitment to providing love and stability for Daisy, as shared in their earlier statement emphasizing family as the top priority. A beautiful example of friendly co-parenting! ❤️

 Mel Gibson and Rosalind Ross have ended their relationship after nine years together.  The couple, who share an 8-year-old son named Lars Gerard, shared a joint statement saying they are saddened to close this chapter but remain committed to co-parenting and being the best parents possible for their child. The former partners met in 2014 and maintained a private relationship. They were never married. The separation happened quietly about a year ago, and both continue to focus on family.

 I watched as Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate, formally joined the ADC after abandoning the party he had used to pursue his ill-fated presidential ambition. About three years after the 2023 election, Obi, the wandering politician — who moved from APGA to PDP to Labour and now ADC — still sounded bitter about coming third. He continues to claim he was robbed of victory, even though empirical analyses of the poll showed he could not have won and was fortunate to even emerge third because of the anomalous polling figures recorded for him in his South East region. At his event, Obi’s bitterness was evident. What concerned me most were his references to books, professors, and other nations to buttress his belief that he has learnt from the masters and that Nigeria should be entrusted to him because he claims to know the secrets of national development. This posturing should be taken with a pinch of salt, coming from a politician who was an abysmal failure in a ...

 BAUCHI STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE CP Omolori Bids Farewell to the Retiring AIG Zone 12 The Editors, The Bauchi State Police Command received AIG Zone 12, AIG Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, psc on a farewell tour to the Command. The Assistant Inspector General of Police was welcomed by the Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, psc(+), mni, and his management team to the Bauchi Command. The CP delivered a welcome address. In his remarks, he noted that:  “Your tenure as the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 12 has been a beacon of hope and excellence. Your guidance, mentorship, and humility have inspired us all. You have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the Nigeria Police Force’s core values, and your dedication to duty is a shining example for us to emulate.  “As you retire on January 1st, 2026, we will greatly miss your leadership, expertise, and counsel. However, we take solace in knowing that your wealth of experience will continue ...

LASG CANCELS GREATER LAGOS FIESTA 2025       The Lagos State Government has announced the cancellation of the year 2025 Greater Lagos Fiesta, scheduled to be held on December 31, 2025.   In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, on Tuesday, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, while approving the cancellation, directed that in place of the Greater Lagos Fiesta (Countdown 2026), Lagosians should spend quality time in personal prayers for the nation, the State and the people of Lagos.   He also urged people to pray for "our continued prosperity, leadership, peace, productivity and our continued general wellbeing."   The Governor wished all Lagosians a happy and prosperous year 2026, saying that the coming year shows great promise for the State and Nigeria. He, therefore, enjoined residents to continue to live in peace and harmony.   “On behalf of my family, I wish every resident of our dear State a happy and prosper...

 LAGOS RECORDS 11,127 EMERGENCY INCIDENTS, 15M CALLS  IN 11 MONTHS The Lagos State Command and Control Centre (LSCCC) has recorded a total of 11,127 emergency incidents between January and November, while receiving over 15 million calls through its emergency toll-free line. The General Manager of the LSCCC,  Mr. Femi Giwa, disclosed this during a press briefing on the activities of the centre in the outgoing year, at his Ikeja office. Giwa described LSCCC as the agency mandated to coordinate emergency and disaster response across the state, ensuring the efficient deployment, tracking and demobilisation of resources for effective incident management. He said the Centre serves as the hub for real-time monitoring, communication and dispatch of emergency services across the state. According to him, a total of 11,127 incidents were recorded across Lagos State, with medical incidents making up the majority of these incidents, and the Centre recorded 2,192 of such incidents with...

 “I was paid N100,000 to bomb worshippers- Maiduguri suicide bomber confesses A suspected Boko Haram su!cide bomber, Ibrahim Mohammed, captured by troops of Operation HADIM KAI in collaboration with hunters in Yobe state has confessed to being paid N100, 000 to carry out suicide bombings on worshippers in Maiduguri, the state capital. Security expert, Zagazola, reports that Ibrahim confessed to involvement in the Dec. 24 su!cide bombing at the Gamboru Market Mosque, Maiduguri. He said the operation was planned and executed under the directive of Boko Haram commanders operating between Adamawa State and the Mandara Mountains. “My name is Ibrahim from Michika in Adamawa. We came to Maiduguri to plant bombs in Izala Mosque. We were sent by our leaders, Adamu and Abubakar, who gave us two IEDs to plant in the mosque,” he said during interrogation The Gamboru Market Mosque attack claimed five lives and left 32 worshippers injured, plunging  Maiduguri town into confusion during the ...

 TRAGEDY STRIKES ON IKOGEN-ADIKPO ROAD AS ACCIDENT CLAIMS ONE LIFE  A fatal road accident has claimed the life of a young man along the Koti Apra axis in Benue State. Eyewitnesses said the accident occurred while the victims were returning from Ikogen Market to Adikpo. One of the occupants reportedly died on the spot, while others sustained varying degrees of injuries. Residents who witnessed the incident described it as sudden and devastating, drawing sympathies from passersby and the local community. The police have taken custody of the deceased and urged members of the public who may recognise him or have information about his identity to report at the Adikpo Police Station for necessary identification and documentation. Authorities also appealed to road users to exercise caution, especially along busy market routes.

 BENUE WOMAN, DOOSE MAKES HISTORY IN CAGE FIGHTING  31st December, 2025    Terlumun Doose Gertrude, a professional cage fighter from Konshisha Local Government Area of Benue State, is redefining strength and resilience with an impressive record of 37 professional victories. Popularly described by admirers as the “Woman King,” Gertrude has carved a formidable name for herself in the demanding world of cage fighting, where discipline, endurance and courage define success. Observers say each bout reflects not just athletic skill, but the grit and determination often associated with Benue women. Her journey into the cage, marked by sweat and sacrifice, has inspired many young women across the state and beyond. Gertrude’s growing profile continues to draw attention to the untapped potential of Nigerian female athletes on the global stage, underscoring the power of perseverance and belief in one’s craft.

 Gunmen Kill Brother Of Kaduna Governor’s Aide In Southern Kaduna  Gunmen have killed Kefas Habila Averik, the brother of Rachel Averik, Special Assistant on Political Affairs to the Governor of Kaduna State, during a late-night attack in Hayin Gada, Arak 1, Sanga Local Government Area of the state. The incident occurred around midnight on December 31, 2025, when armed assailants reportedly stormed the residence and began firing sporadically while calling on the victim to open the door. Kefas Averik, 33, was inside the room with his wife, Joy, and their child at the time of the attack. According to residents, he refused to open the door, prompting the gunmen to break a window, force their way into the room, and shoot him in the head before fleeing the scene. A local resident said the attackers struck while people were asleep. “Unknown gunmen entered the house and went straight to Kefas Habila Averik’s residence. He was inside the room with his wife and child. When he refused t...

 YULETIDE SECURITY IN ANAMBRA: CP ORUTUGU REITERATES BAN ON BURNING OF TYRES AND USE OF ANY FORM OF SOCIAL EXPLOSIVES DURING CROSSOVER NIGHT CELEBRATIONS AND BEYOND  The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc mnips PhD, has reiterated the Command’s ban on the burning of tyres and use of any form of social explosives across the State during the Yuletide season, especially during the crossover night celebrations and beyond. The CP stated that the ban is aimed at ensuring the safety of lives and property, maintaining public order, preventing damage and defacing government roads, environmental pollution/hazards, and security breaches that may arise from such activities. He warned that the burning of tyres, fireworks, knockouts, firecrackers, or any other explosive devices poses serious risks to public safety and will not be tolerated under any guise. Parents and guardians are advised to caution their wards against engaging in such acts, as offenders w...

 U.S judge blocks Trump's plan to deport South Sudanese migrants Hundreds of people from South Sudan may be able to live and work in the United States legally, while a federal judge on Tuesday weighs whether President Donald Trump's move to revoke temporary protected status for immigrants from the East African country was illegal. The termination was set to take effect on January 6, 2026, at which point the roughly 300 South Sudanese nationals living and working in the US under the program — or who otherwise have pending applications — would be eligible for deportation. Civil rights groups sued the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in late December, writing in a complaint that the change violated administrative procedure and was unconstitutional because it aimed to “significantly reduce the number of non-white and non-European immigrants in the United States” on the basis of race. The court order written by US District Judge Angel Kelley in Massachusetts temporarily bars th...

 Burkina Faso, Mali impose visa bans on US citizens in retaliation Burkina Faso has retaliated following its inclusion in the US total travel ban list by the Trump administration. Burkina Faso decided to "apply equivalent visa measures to nationals of the United States of America" in accordance with the "principle of reciprocity," a statement by Burkina Faso's foreign ministry said, TRT Afrika reported. "The Government of Burkina Faso remains committed to mutual respect, the sovereign equality of States and the principle of reciprocity in its international relations," the statement stressed, adding that the West African country "remains open to cooperation based on respect for mutual interests with all of its partners.’’ Bans take effect Mali and Niger have also retaliated against the US travel ban. "In accordance with the principle of reciprocity, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation informs the national and internat...

 Uganda detains prominent rights campaigner and government critic ahead of polls Police in Uganda said they have detained a prominent human rights activist as long-serving President Yoweri Museveni's government widens its crackdown on dissent and political opposition ahead of the January 15 general election. The detention of Sarah Bireete, head of a rights organisation and a frequent anti-government commentator on local TV and radio, was confirmed by police in a post on social media platform X. "She is in police custody. She will be arraigned before court in due course," the post said, without specifying when she would appear in court or what charges she faces. Bireete, a lawyer and executive director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance (CCG), has been critical of a range of government actions including what the opposition says are illegal detentions and torture of its supporters. The January election pits incumbent Museveni, 81, who has been in power since 1986, ...

 Guinea's Doumbouya wins presidential election Guinea military leader Mamadi Doumbouya has been elected president, according to provisional results announced on Tuesday, completing the return to civilian rule in the West African country. The former special forces commander, thought to be in his early 40s, seized power in 2021, toppling then-President Alpha Conde, who had been in office since 2010. It was one in a series of nine coups that have reshaped politics in West and Central Africa since 2020. The provisional results announced on Tuesday showed Doumbouya winning 86.72% of the December 28 vote, an absolute majority that allows him to avoid a runoff, Reuters reports. The Supreme Court has eight days to validate the results in the event of any challenge.

 AFCON 2025: Tanzania reach the knockout stages for the first time Tanzania have qualified for the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since their first participation 45 years ago. Tanzania finished third in Group B behind Nigeria and Tunisia. They lost their opening game to Nigeria but drew with Uganda and Tunisia. Despite failing to win a game and only earning two points, they will face the host nation Morocco in the round of 16 after qualifying as one of the four best third-placed sides.

 Alleged Terrorism Financing:   EFCC Arraigns Bauchi Commissioner, Three  Others  for $9.7m   The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, arraigned Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, Balarabe Abdullahi Ilelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose and Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja. They were arraigned on a ten-count charge bordering on conspiracy, conversion of public funds and alleged terrorism financing contrary to Section 2(1) and Section 19(1) (d) and punishable under Section 19(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”   Prosecution Counsel, Samuel Chime informed the court that the matter was for arraignment, praying that the charge be read to the defendants. “We have a ten-count charge dated 30 December, 2025 and filed on the same day.”    One of the counts reads; “That you Yakubu Adamu (being Commissioner for Finan...

Peter Obi defects from LP to ADC The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has officially declared for the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Obi along with other political leaders from the South-East geopolitical zone, declared for the ADC today December 31 in Enugu, the capital of Enugu State. Obi and the South East leaders stated that after months of consultations, they had decided to join the ADC and collaborate with other opposition leaders from across the country to “rescue Nigeria from the poor governance of the All Progressives Congress (APC)”. One more photo below. 

 Rivers Lawmakers Reject Governor Fubara’s ‘N100,000 Christmas Bonus’ Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have rejected the N100,000 Christmas Bonus credited to their personal bank accounts, allegedly approved by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, describing the payment as unsolicited and unapproved. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the chairman, House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Enemi George, said the lawmakers had commenced steps to return the funds, insisting that all public expenditure must follow due process, including legislative approval. The statement, titled ‘Return of Unsolicited and Unapproved One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100,000) Transferred to the Personal Accounts of Honourable Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly by the Executive Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara’, noted that the transfers were made without the consent of the legislature. “Today, the 30th day of December 2025, honourable members of th...

 NANS declares January 14 nationwide protest against new tax laws The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced plans to stage a nationwide protest on January 14, 2026, over the implementation of newly introduced tax laws, warning that the reforms could worsen economic hardship for students and millions of Nigerians. In a statement issued on Wednesday, NANS President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, expressed dissatisfaction with the Federal Government’s handling of the tax reform laws. He accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s advisers of giving what he described as misguided advice capable of creating unnecessary national tension. Oladoja also faulted the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, alleging a failure to effectively manage stakeholder engagement and consultations prior to the rollout of the policy. He warned that inadequate consultation and a poorly executed implementation strategy could undermine gains recorded in other...