PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 U.S believes Russia providing Iran intelligence on locations of US troops, sources say U.S. officials believe Russia has been sharing intelligence with Iran that includes the locations of American troops, aircraft, and naval vessels operating in the region, according to two people familiar with the intelligence assessments. An intelligence official also confirmed that the United States has concluded Russia is providing such information to Tehran. The alleged intelligence support has raised alarm among U.S. officials because it could allow Iranian forces to more accurately target American positions using ballistic missiles or drones. If the information proves accurate and actionable, it could significantly increase the risk faced by U.S. service members stationed across the Middle East during the ongoing conflict. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt did not dispute the reports when asked about them Friday. Instead, she said the intelligence sharing had not changed the outc...

 When an 8-year-old special needs child desperately sought help while choking during school lunch, the aide failed to understand and simply sent him to the bathroom, where he collapsed. The boy passed away 5 days later.  On February 25th, 2025, Cruzito Ruiz was eating his lunch at Bass Elementry School in Las Vegas, Nevada, when he began to choke on a  chunk of pineapple.  Cruzito approached Teresa Holve (a special education aide) and desperately signaled that he was choking. He pointed at his mouth and chest with his hands. He desperately patted his own back. He made constant attempts to signal he was choking. One of Cruzito's friends even tried to tell Teresa Holve that something was very wrong with Cruzito.  However rather than recognize the danger the child was in, a seemingly distracted Holve sent Cruzito to the restroom, where he collapsed, alone.  Cruzito laid in the bathroom for 5 minutes before students discovered him (he was blue) and alerted staf...

AIYEDATIWA SWEARS IN NEW PERMANENT SECRETARIES, CHARGES THEM ON EFFICIENT SERVICE DELIVERY. Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has sworn in newly appointed Permanent Secretaries in the Ondo State Civil Service, urging them to uphold excellence and strengthen service delivery across Ministries, Departments and Agencies. The swearing-in ceremony took place on Friday at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome) in Akure. Speaking at the event, the governor described the appointments as part of ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning the state bureaucracy for improved efficiency and performance. He noted that the public service remains the institutional backbone for the implementation of government policies and programmes, stressing that while governments change, the civil service provides continuity. Governor Aiyedatiwa commended the newly appointed officials for their dedication, noting that several of them had previously served in acting capacities without commensurate r...

 Abia PDP Congratulates Ikpeazu on His Appointment as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain The Abia State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) warmly congratulates the leader of our party in the state and former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, on his appointment as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We commend President Tinubu for recognizing Dr. Ikpeazu’s wealth of experience, leadership acumen, and unwavering dedication to public service, deeming him worthy to represent Nigeria on the global stage. This appointment underscores Dr. Ikpeazu’s exemplary statesmanship and his enduring commitment to the progress and development of our nation. During his tenure as Governor, Dr. Ikpeazu demonstrated visionary leadership, championed infrastructural development, and implemented policies that positively impacted the lives of Abians. We are confident that he will bring the same diligence, integrity, and excellence to his diplomatic ro...

 Paul Okoye denies reports claiming lady who accused him of rape and abusing minors has been sentenced to six years imprisonment Paul Okoye aka Rudeboy has denied media reports claiming the young lady who in September 2025 took to her X handle to accuse him of being a rapist and abuser of a minor,has been sentenced to six years imprisonment. On Thursday, March 5, social media was awash with reports that the young lady with the handle @chubbiediva has been sentenced after she was arraigned for falsely accusing the singer of rape. In a post shared on his Instastories, Paul described the report as ‘’fake news’’ Recall that the trouble started on September 23 when the accused left a comment under a post celebrating Paul’s wife’ Ifeoma, as she turned a year older. An X-user then left a comment under the post, stating that Paul cheated on his former wife, Anita, with their maid. Reacting to the said comment, @chubbiediva alleged that Paul r@ped/coerced the maid. She further alleged that ...

Sri Lanka seizes Iranian ship near coast following US sinking of Iranian warship      Sri Lanka began moving more than 200 sailors from an Iranian vessel to shore Friday after the ship requested assistance while anchored near the country’s waters, following the sinking of an Iranian warship by a U.S. submarine in the Indian Ocean. Sri Lankan Navy spokesperson Cmdr. Buddhika Sampath said 204 crew members of the IRIS Bushehr were brought to the Welisara Naval Base near Colombo, where they underwent border control checks and medical screenings with no health issues reported. About 15 personnel remained aboard the vessel alongside Sri Lankan naval staff to address a mechanical fault. The Iranian crew is assisting with operational manuals, logs, and ship procedures as the Bushehr remains under Sri Lankan custody, before being moved to the eastern port of Trincomalee. The vessel had been part of regional naval exercises and came under Sri Lankan control after one of its engines...

 Trump hints US may target Cuba after Iran: ‘Just a question of time’ President Donald Trump on Thursday hinted that the United States could turn its focus to Cuba once military operations in Iran conclude. Speaking at the White House during a visit with Inter Miami CF, the 2025 Major League Soccer champions, Trump framed the move as a matter of timing. “What’s happening with Cuba is amazing,” he said. “We want to finish this one first [Iran], but it will be just a question of time before you and a lot of incredible people are going back to Cuba, hopefully not to stay.” Speaking to a largely Cuban-American audience, Trump emphasized that the goal is to bring people back without making the country so appealing that they remain there. He praised Secretary of State Marco Rubio for his work on both Iran and Cuba and claimed previous U.S. measures, including cutting off oil from Venezuela, have pressured Cuba toward negotiations. The remarks follow earlier comments from Trump and allies...

 Holly Madison doesn’t want to introduce her 2 kids to her next partner until she’s engaged Holly Madison is taking a cautious approach to her personal life, especially when it comes to her children.  In a recent interview  about her involvement in Seeking’s Breakup Campaign, the former Playboy model explained that she avoids introducing her kids to new partners unless the relationship is serious.  Madison, who shares daughter Rainbow, 13, and son Forest, 9, with ex-husband Pasquale Rotella, said she wouldn’t consider making that introduction until she was engaged.  Even during her six-year relationship with Zak Bagans, she kept her children separate, later revealing that the two split in 2025 amid allegations of cheating. Despite the challenges of balancing work and family, Madison expressed gratitude for her strong co-parenting relationship with Rotella.  She praised him as an “amazing dad” and emphasized that she doesn’t view herself as a single parent b...

 Kevin Federline Faces $12K Lawsuit Weeks Before Britney Spears’ DUI Arrest A legal dispute involving Kevin Federline has surfaced just weeks before the recent DUI arrest of his former wife, Britney Spears, drawing attention to separate challenges facing the former couple. Court records reviewed by Us Weekly indicate that Federline, 47, has been sued by Bank of America over an alleged unpaid credit card balance exceeding $12,000.  The lawsuit was reportedly filed on February 19 in Hawaii, claiming he failed to settle the outstanding debt. TMZ first reported the development on March 6. Documents referenced in the report state that the credit account was opened in December 2024.  That timeline places the account’s start roughly one month after Spears stopped paying the $20,000 monthly child support previously awarded to Federline for their two sons. Federline and Spears were married from 2004 to 2007. They share two children, Sean Preston, 20, and Jayden James, 19. In his O...

 FG Orders Closure Of ARAP Company,  Ogun State The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has ordered the immediate closure of African Refractory and Allied Products Company in Ogun State after issuing a Prohibition Notice.  A statement by the Minister of state for labour and employment Nkeiruka Onyejeocha stated that the decision followed an inspection which revealed hazardous working conditions, particularly workers’ exposure to silica dust that poses serious health risks. The Ministry also identified regulatory concerns including licence renewal issues and discrepancies in the company’s operations, contrary to provisions of the Factories Act. The facility will remain shut while a joint team investigates compliance with occupational safety standards.

 Judge Warns Defence  Counsel,   Threatens Bail Revocation over Witness Interference   Justice F. O. Giwa-Ogunbanjo of the Federal High Court sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu State has issued strong warning to a defence counsel,  Barrister Benjamin Chukwuemeka Nwobodo, for constantly interfering with the prosecution witnesses by harassing and intimidating them within and outside the court premises.   Nwobodo is being prosecuted by the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on a five-count charge bordering on forgery and obtaining by false pretence to the tune of N12,000,000.00 (Twelve million Naira).  The defendant, who announced legal representation for himself upon arraignment, pleaded not guilty, thereby setting the stage for his trial.   He was granted bail based on self-recognizance. When the matter came up on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, counsel to the EFCC, Chief Superintendent of the EFCC,...

 EFCC Hands Over Recovered N279Million To Wole Soyinka Centre in Lagos The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has handed over the sum of N279 million (Two Hundred and Seventy-nine Million ) to the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, formerly known as the National Theatre, Lagos, as part of its ongoing efforts to combat corruption and recover misappropriated public funds. The handover ceremony took place on Friday, March 6, 2026, at the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Ikoyi. The Commission had, in 2009, received a petition from Kabir Yusuf, former General Manager/CEO of the National Theatre, against Prince Benjamin Apugo and others, alleging that a contract worth N299,707,828.00 was awarded through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation to Techno Exportstroy Nig. Limited for the construction of five gates, sand filling, and reclamation works at the National Theatre. Investigations revealed that the suspect, Yusuf Ahmed Atai, in hi...

It is with a heavy heart that I have learned of yet another horrific attack yesterday by terrorists on the community of Ngoshe in Borno State, which targeted not only a military base but also an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp, and sadly claimed the lives of innocent civilians and soldiers,  many of whom are still missing. I watched several videos of this tragedy with deep horror. Once again we are confronted with the painful reality of the daily suffering that far too many Nigerians are forced to endure. This is unacceptable. How long will Nigerians continue to bear the consequences of poor leadership and mismanagement? How many more lives must be lost before decisive action is taken to secure our communities, protect the vulnerable, and dismantle the structures of these insurgents? While Nigerians are slaughtered daily by terrorists, what is more troubling is that amid these daily killings, our political leaders are preoccupied with selfish schemings on how to steal, grab...

 TOWARDS OPTIMISING THE POWER SECTOR, PRESIDENT TINUBU INAUGURATES COMMITTEE ON GRID ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY(GAMCO).   President Bola Tinubu on Friday constituted an 11-member committee to ensure the smooth sailing incorporation of the Grid Asset Management Company Limited (GAMCO). The committee's constitution followed the Federal Executive Council's approval of the company's establishment at its Wednesday meeting. In proposing GAMCO, President Tinubu hopes to fast-track a quick-fix solution to the endemic problems of stranded power, grid management and transmission in the country's electricity sector.  The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, who performed the inauguration on behalf of the President, said the committee was critical to the realisation of President Tinubu’s aspirations in Nigeria’s power sector. “The proposed establishment of GAMCO is one of the revolutionary steps taken by Mr President and this administration in the all-important powe...

 Gunmen attempt to stop Amaechi from entering his community Armed thugs on Friday attempted to prevent former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, from entering his hometown, Ubima, in Ikwerre Local Government Area, Rivers State. Security personnel attached to Amaechi’s convoy reportedly thwarted the attack, despite sporadic gunfire. The incident occurred just hours after the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Secretariat in Ubima was destroyed and set on fire by armed men. Videos circulating on social media showed gunmen blocking a major road in the community and firing sporadically. Amaechi is scheduled to visit his hometown today to officially register with the ADC. This is the second reported attack on ADC members in the state in recent months. In February, 2026, party members were allegedly attacked in Igwuruta Community in the same local government during a sensitization programme. The Rivers State Police Command is yet to issue an official statement on the inc...

 TRANSFORMER EXPLOSION BURNS 3 SHOPS AT ALIADE MAIN MARKET  A transformer explosion at the entrance of Aliade Main Market in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State has destroyed three shops, causing panic among traders and residents in the area. The incident occurred on Friday morning when the electricity transformer suddenly blew up, triggering a fire outbreak that quickly spread to nearby shops within the busy market vicinity. Eyewitnesses said the explosion was followed by thick smoke and flames, forcing traders and passersby to flee for safety as the fire intensified. Efforts were reportedly made by residents and shop owners to contain the blaze and stop it from spreading to other businesses around the market. Three shops were affected in the incident, including two provision stores and a phone charging unit. The charging unit shop, owned by Mr. Nicodemus Anula, was completely burnt in the fire, alongside goods and equipment inside the affected shops. Although the ...

 Witness Narrates How Millions Flowed from Individuals, Firms to Service Loan Linked to Malami’s Son The trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, alongside his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe and his Son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami continued on Friday, March 6, 2026, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, with a prosecution witness narrating how millions of naira flowed from various individuals and companies to service a loan secured by Rayhaan Hotels Limited; a hotel that allegedly belongs to Abubakar Malami.  The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is prosecuting the defendants on an amended 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, procuring, disguising, concealing and laundering proceeds of unlawful activities to the tune of N8,713,923,759.49 (Eight Billion, Seven Hundred and Thirteen Million, Nine Hundred and Twenty-Three Thousand, Seven Hundred and Fifty-Nine Naira, Forty...

 It should have never happened - Friend recalls moments before Todd Meadows went overboard and died Todd Meadows’ tragic accident on the Aleutian Lady has been revisited by his friend and bunkmate, Trey John Green III, who shared new details about the harrowing events leading to the Deadliest Catch star’s death. Green described the day as “just a normal day,” with the crew hauling and stacking massive crab pots. Each pot, weighing up to 900 pounds with bait, is carefully moved from the launcher to the deck. That’s when the accident occurred. “Todd was inside the pot, he wasn’t doing anything wrong,” Green explained to Us Weekly. “One of the pots started moving in a way it wasn’t supposed to. It was a freak accident and should have never happened.” He recalled that the pot’s door was still open and it wasn’t ready to be moved. “It went over the rail with Todd inside. He fell into the water, and the initial shock was, like, ‘Holy s**t. How are we going to get this pot back up?’” Gree...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU APPROVES THE POSTINGS OF AMBASSADORS President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the postings of 31 career and 34 non-career ambassadors to various countries and the United Nations. The Senate confirmed the ambassadors-designate last December.   POSTINGS OF NON-CAREER AMBASSADORS / HIGH COMMISSIONERS      S/N NAME                        MISSION APPROVED 1.   SENATOR GRACE BENT: LOME-TOGO 2.   SEN. ITA ENANG: SOUTH AFRICA  3.   IKPEAZU VICTOR: SPAIN  4.   NKECHI LINDA UFOCHUKWU: TEL-AVIV, ISRAEL 5.   MAHMUD YAKUBU: QATAR 6.   PAUL OGA ADIKWU: THE VATICAN CITY HOLY SEE 7.   VICE ADMIRAL IBOK-ETE EKWE IBAS: THE PHILIPPINES 8.   MR. RENO OMOKRI: MEXICO CITY, MEXICO  9.   HON. (ENGR.) ABASI BRAIMAH (FMHR): BUDAPEST, HUNGARY  10.   MRS. ERELU ANGE...

 Senegal cuts government agencies to save cash amid debt woes Senegal has announced a plan to close 19 government agencies which account for around 1,000 ​jobs, with officials in the debt-burdened country expecting ‌the move to save at least 55 billion CFA francs ($97.95 million) over the next three years, a statement said, Reuters reported. The ​West African country is grappling with debts that ​reached 132% of gross domestic product at the ⁠end of 2024, according to the International Monetary ​Fund, which froze its lending programme after the discovery ​of misreported debt. The statement released after the weekly Council of Ministers meeting on March 4 said the government would also focus ​on strengthening controls and evaluations, harmonising pay scales ​and ensuring optimal use of budgetary funds. The 19 entities employed 982 ‌people ⁠and had a combined budget allocation of 28.051 billion CFA francs ($49.96 million) in 2025, according to the statement, which did not identify th...

 Today, the court grants Malami, his wife, and son N200m bail each in a money laundering case. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami, his son Abdulaziz Malami, and his wife Asabe Bashir. Each defendant has been admitted to bail in the sum of N200 million, with stringent conditions attached to ensure compliance. The ruling came on March 6, 2026, following a bail application filed by the former AGF after their re-arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The defendants face a 16-count charge related to alleged money laundering activities. All three pleaded not guilty during their court appearance on February 27, 2026. As part of the bail terms, each defendant must provide two sureties in the like sum of N200 million. Notably, one of the sureties for each is required to deposit title deeds of properties located in the upscale areas of Maitama or Asokoro i...

 President Tinubu Responsible For Kaduna’s Achievements – Gov Uba Sani Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has said that many of the achievements recorded by his administration would not have been possible without the support of President Bola Tinubu. Sani made this remark on Thursday in Kaduna while hosting social media influencers for an Iftar, the meal used to break the Ramadan fast. According to the governor, Kaduna State will be the first subnational government to benefit from the $200 million Nigeria–China Poultry Project. “By the grace of God, within the next two months we will begin the groundbreaking for the construction of the largest poultry project in Sub-Saharan Africa,” he said. He explained that the project is expected to create about 350 direct jobs and more than 150,000 indirect jobs, while also supporting roughly 10,000 small businesses across the state. Sani also revealed that Kaduna, alongside Lagos State, will be among the first states in Nigeria to have a light ...

 EFCC Arraigns Chinese for Cheating The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC Abuja Zonal Directorate has arraigned a Chinese,  Zhang Wen Hao, before Justice Ibrahim Shekarau of the  Nasarawa High Court  sitting in  Mararaba   He was arraigned on a one count charge bordering on cheating.   The count reads “That you, Zhang Wen Hao sometime in March 2023 at Suleja within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court did intentionally induce Paul Yichol with One Thousand Naira only to open account number 1715754475 in his name with Access Bank PLC for the purpose of using same for unlawful activity and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 320 of the Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria and punishable under Section 322 of the same Law.”   He pleaded not guilty, prompting the prosecution counsel Taiwo Aromolaran to ask the judge for a date to commence trial.   Meanwhile, counsel to the defendant Michael Ukatu made an oral applica...

 LASODA, NIGERBELL CELEBRATE WORLD HEARING DAY 2026 WITH FREE HEARING TESTS FOR CHILDREN   The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), in collaboration with Nigerbell Hearing Centres Ltd, marked the 2026 World Hearing Day with a free hearing screening exercise for selected school children with disabilities. The event, held on March 3, 2026, at Nigerbell Hearing Centres in Ikeja, aligned with this year’s theme: “From Communities to Classrooms: Hearing Care for All Children.” The initiative underscored the importance of early detection and intervention in addressing hearing challenges among children. Welcoming guests and participants, the Audiologist, Dr. Barnabas Bem Vangerwua, emphasised that hearing care for all children is critical, particularly from an early age. He noted that undetected hearing loss can significantly affect a child’s speech, learning ability, and overall development. Dr. Vangerwua urged parents to ensure that newborn babies undergo hearing scre...

 ‘This ain’t healthy’: La Toya Jackson's fans beg her to ‘please eat’ as star flaunts thin figure in new photos La Toya Jackson’s latest Instagram post has sparked both admiration and concern among fans. On March 4, the 69-year-old shared a series of stylish photos set to Madonna’s Vogue, posing in Chanel with thigh-high boots, a mini dress, and a statement belt accentuating her slim figure.  While many praised her beauty and iconic fashion sense, others expressed worry about her noticeably thin appearance, urging her to take care of her health.  Comments ranged from supportive messages calling her “an icon” to concerned pleas like “La Toya, please eat. You’re not looking good at all.” This isn’t the first time Jackson’s health has drawn attention. Back in November 2025, she posted videos from her doctor’s office, telling fans she was undergoing frequent checkups and hoping for good results.  Despite the speculation, she has continued to project positivity, often sen...