PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 I wanted rehearsal, not the ER - Ashley Park reflects on cancer diagnosis at 15 Long before the spotlight and red carpets, Ashley Park was just a teenager trying to make it to rehearsal, even as her body was quietly giving her warning signs. At 15, she was dealing with constant fatigue, unexplained bruises, and moments that did not quite make sense at the time, including passing out during a dance class and struggling to keep up with her school routine.  Still, her focus stayed on performing. So when doctors told her she needed to go straight to the emergency room, her first instinct was simple.  “I need to go to rehearsal first,” she recalled in a conversation with USA TODAY at the South by Southwest on March 14. That moment marked the beginning of a life-altering chapter.  Park was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, a serious condition that begins in the bone marrow and can quickly move into the bloodstream.  What seemed like mild, flu-like symptoms had b...

 Jane Fonda takes a nasty swipe at Barbra Streisand over her Robert Redford tribute as new Hollywood feud is born Jane Fonda didn’t hold back at Sunday’s Oscars when the tribute to Robert Redford came up. The 88-year-old actress expressed frustration that Barbra Streisand, 83, presented the in memoriam segment honoring Redford, who passed away last September at 89. Fonda, who shared the screen with Redford in four films, Tall Story, The Chase, Barefoot In The Park, and The Electric Horseman, told Entertainment Tonight she felt her connection with the late actor was stronger than Streisand’s, who co-starred with him only in The Way We Were in 1973. “I want to know how come Streisand was up there doing that for Redford. She only made one movie with him, I made four!” Fonda said. She added that she still has plenty to share about Redford, recalling, “I was always in love with him.  He was the most gorgeous human being and had such great values. He did a lot for movies, he lifted ...

 Jeff Bezos Ex-Wife MacKenzie Scott Continues Unprecedented Giving with $42 Million Donation to HBCU MacKenzie Scott has once again made a headline-grabbing gift to a historically Black college and university.  Elizabeth City State University in North Carolina, a small public HBCU, received $42 million from the philanthropist, marking a record-breaking donation for the institution. Chancellor S. Keith Hargrove, Sr. spoke at the school’s 135th anniversary Founders Day Convocation, praising Scott’s generosity and highlighting the impact her support will have on the university’s future.  “I want to express our deepest gratitude to MacKenzie Scott for this remarkable act of generosity and for her recognition of the critical role that HBCUs play in expanding opportunity and strengthening communities,” Hargrove said.  He added that the gift will play a key role in ECSU’s five-year strategic plan, ASCEND 2030. The $42 million donation nearly triples the amount ECSU received...

 Kiki Shepard, former 'Showtime at the Apollo' co-host, dies at 74 Kiki Shepard, best known as the longtime co-host of Showtime at the Apollo, passed away on March 16 at the age of 74. Her representative confirmed the news to outlets including TMZ and Variety.  Shepard was a central figure on the iconic Harlem variety show from 1987 to 2002, earning the nickname “Apollo Queen of Fashion” for her vibrant stage presence and style.  Alongside hosts like Steve Harvey and Sinbad, she became a beloved fixture of the program while also pursuing work as an actress and dancer. Raised in Tyler, Texas, Shepard grew up in a family deeply connected to dance, with her parents having been competitive dancers before becoming teachers. She and her sisters were majorettes and baton twirlers, which set the stage for her artistic career.  After graduating from Howard University with a degree in business administration, she joined the D.C. Repertory Dance Company and became a member of D...

 Is it time to axe the Oscars? Calls grow to scrap the ceremony as it battles ageism and sexism claims, viewing figures dwindle and stars don't even bother showing up Sunday night’s Oscars left many viewers scrolling their phones in frustration, calling the ceremony dull and predictable.  While stars like Jessie Buckley, Amy Madigan, and Sean Penn took home trophies, some winners, including Penn, weren’t even in attendance.  Social media lit up with complaints: “Just cancel the Oscars at this point. Who cares,” “This show is so boring,” and “Very! The jokes are forced, dry, and fall flat,” summed up the general mood. The broadcast, now struggling to draw viewers, has seen audiences drop below 20 million since 2020, a sharp decline from decades when reaching that milestone was almost guaranteed.  In response, the Academy announced that the Oscars will move to YouTube in 2029, ending ABC’s 50-year run as broadcaster. Officials said the move “will allow us to expand acc...

 The Nigeria Football Federation has begun the process of appealing a decision by FIFA Disciplinary Committee after its petition against the Democratic Republic of Congo was rejected. The dispute relates to a 2026 FIFA World Cup play-off match played in Rabat last November, where Nigeria lost 4–3 on penalties. The NFF had challenged the eligibility of some players in the DR Congo squad, alleging irregularities in passport issuance that allowed certain players to qualify for the match. After months of review, FIFA dismissed the petition, a decision the Nigerian football body says it is not satisfied with. The NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, confirmed the development in a statement. He said: “We have received the decision of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee on our petition, but we are not satisfied with the decision, which rejected our petition. I want to assure Nigerians that the NFF has immediately commenced the process of appealing the decision.” Meanwhile, DR Congo have pr...

 NO MOCK, NO SS3 PROMOTION—BEQAEB ISSUES FRESH DIRECTIVE ON 2026 SSCE The Benue State Quality Assurance and Examinations Board (BEQAEB) has announced that registration for the 2026 Mock Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) is ongoing, with a firm deadline set for March 31, 2026. In a public notice issued by the board, stakeholders including school principals, parents, guardians, and students were urged to take the registration process seriously, stressing that the mock examination is a critical requirement in the academic calendar. According to the board, registration is strictly online and must be completed through its official portal. The Mock SSCE has been designated as a mandatory qualifying examination for all prospective SS3 students. BEQAEB further stated that only candidates who successfully register and participate in the mock examination will be accredited to sit for external examinations in the following year. The board also warned that any student who fails t...

 BENIN TRADITIONAL COUNCIL CONDEMNS PELLER OVER 'DISRESPECTFUL CONDUCT' AS STAFF, QUEEN REPORTEDLY AFFECTED  17th March, 2026    |   5:40 PM The Benin Traditional Council has issued a strong condemnation of an individual identified as Peller over what it described as “blatant disrespect” on palace grounds, an incident that has reportedly led to the dismissal of several palace staff, including one of the Queens. In a statement released by the Council, the revered institution expressed deep concern over actions considered inappropriate and offensive within the sacred environment of the Benin Palace. ACCORDING TO ANOTHER SOURCE: The Benin Traditional Council has warned that a queen in the palace of the Oba of Benin Palace may face removal over an incident involving social media influencer Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, popularly known as Peller. In a statement signed by its Secretary, Frank Irabor, the council described the incident as a “serious breach of protocol an...

 BENUE RECORDS 383 SUSPECTED LASSA FEVER CASES, 47 CONFIRMED - COMMISSIONER  The Benue State Government has confirmed 383 suspected cases of Lassa fever, with 47 testing positive and 14 deaths recorded since the outbreak began, even as authorities report no fatalities in the past 11 days. The State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, disclosed this on Tuesday, providing an update on the outbreak. Earlier in February, the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Msuega Asema, reported 251 suspected cases, 45 confirmed infections, and 10 deaths. According to Ogwuche, only six new positive cases were confirmed from laboratory tests conducted over the last 11 days, indicating a decline in infection rates. He said 20 patients are currently receiving care in isolation centres 14 at Benue State University Teaching Hospital and six at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi. The commissioner attributed the reduced mortality and infection rate to intensified surveillance, public...

 Court Jails Three for Fraud in Kaduna Justice A. Isiaka of the Kaduna State High Court, sitting in Kaduna has convicted and jailed the trio of Aliyu Hassan, Samuel Olamide and Solomon Joseph Christian for fraud.  They were prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on separate one-count charge, bordering on criminal impersonation and obtaining by false pretence.  The charge against Hassan reads: "That you, Aliyu Hassan (a.k.a Ottaviani Loverules Giovanni) on or about the 9th of February, 2026 in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of the Honourable Court, impersonated one Ottaviani Loverules Giovanni (a citizen of Brazil) via Facebook platform and in such assumed character, you defrauded one Kerry the sum of N90,000.00 (Ninety Thousand Naira, only) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 142(1) of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017 and punishable under the same law.” Olamide’s charge reads: "That you, S...

 EFCC PRESS RELEASE EFCC Arrests Three Suspected Illegal Gold Miners in  Maiduguri Operatives of the Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested three suspected illegal gold miners in Borno State. They were arrested in Mallam Jakwa Town, Hawul Local Government Area of Borno State, following actionable intelligence on their illegal activities. The suspects are: Umar Muhammad, Modu Bamai Umar and Sani Samaila. Their suspected illegal mining  activities are worsening  insecurity and environmental degradation in the state. Items found in their possession upon their arrest include a small gold measuring machine and mined gold. They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. More photos below. 

 El-Rufai Accuses ICPC Of Pressuring Him To Quit Politics Before Release Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has alleged that officials of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) attempted to force him to abandon political ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections as a condition for his release from detention. The claim is detailed in a 30-page criminal complaint filed in court, where El-Rufai accused ICPC Chairman, Musa Adamu Aliyu, along with four other officials. According to the court filing, El-Rufai stated that while in detention, ICPC operatives allegedly acting on instructions from senior leadership told him his freedom depended on withdrawing from political activities.  In Paragraph 12 of the document, he claimed officers made it clear that disengaging from politics was the price for his release. Further details in the supporting affidavit (Paragraphs 22–24) allege that he was repeatedly warned he would remain detained if h...

 Sultan Urges Muslims To Look For Shawwal Crescent On Wednesday  ‎ The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar-III  has called on Muslims across Nigeria to commence the search for the crescent moon that will mark the end of Ramadan 1447AH and the beginning of Shawwal. ‎ ‎This is contained in a statement signed by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sambo Wali Junaidu, of the Sultanate Council Sokoto. ‎The statement says, Wednesday 18th March, 2026, which corresponds to the 29th Day of Ramadan 1447AH, has been designated for the search for the new Moon of Shawwal. ‎ ‎It urges Muslims to report any confirmed sighting of the Crescent to the nearest District or Village Head, who will then communicate the information to the Sultan for official verification. ‎ ‎The statement also provides telephone numbers through which credible Moon sightings can be r...

 FG DECLARES THURSDAY 19th, FRIDAY 20th PUBLIC HOLIDAYS FOR EID-UL-FITR The Federal Government has declared Thursday, March 19th, and Friday, March 20th, 2026, as public holidays to mark Eid-ul-Fitr. In a statement, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani, says the declaration was made on behalf of the Federal Government by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. The Minister congratulates Muslims on the successful completion of Ramadan and urged them to sustain the virtues of love, generousity, peace, tolerance, and sacrifice. He also called on Nigerians to use the festive period to pray for peace, unity, and continued progress in the country. Tunji-Ojo encouraged citizens to celebrate responsibly and extend kindness to the less privileged during the festivities.

 Iran war affects supply of critical medicine to Sudan Medical supplies to clinics dealing with the humanitarian crisis in Sudan could run out within two weeks unless shipments are rapidly rerouted after disruptions due to the conflict in the Middle East, the charity Save the Children said. The expanding US-Israeli war on Iran has shaken global supply chains, with airspace closures and the halt of shipping ​through the Strait of Hormuz, Reuters reported. Some $600,000 worth of essential medicines are stuck in ports in Dubai, the charity said. About 90 Sudanese government-run clinics serving roughly 400,000 patients rely on the charity's supply of medicines, vaccines and nutritional treatment, with no in-country alternative, Save the Children's global director of supply chain safety, Willem Zuidema, told Reuters. 'Clock is ticking' Sudan's three-year conflict has displaced millions of people and triggered one of the world's largest humanitarian crises. "We h...

 Belgian diplomat ordered to stand trial over 1961 murder of DRC's Lumumba A Brussels court on Tuesday ordered a 93-year-old former Belgian diplomat to stand trial over the 1961 killing of Congolese independence icon Patrice Lumumba. Etienne Davignon, the only person still alive among 10 Belgians accused by the Congolese leader's family of complicity in the murder, stands accused of "participation in war crimes." "We are all relieved," the leader's grandson, Mehdi Lumumba, told AFP. He welcomed as "historic" the decision announced by Belgian prosecutors – which remains subject to appeal. First Belgian official to face justice over Lumumba's killing "Belgium is finally confronting its history," he said. If the trial goes ahead, Davignon would be the first Belgian official to face justice in the 65 years since Lumumba was executed and his body dissolved in acid. Lawyers for the one-time European commissioner, who denies all charges,...

 We’re still going ahead - Says Meghan’s event organiser amid $500,000 agency collapse PR troubles hit Aussie retreat organiser ahead of Meghan Markle appearance Gemma O’Neill faces financial storm as Duchess of Sussex’s Sydney VIP event approaches “All of my dealings with Meghan’s team have been so lovely,” says O’Neill amid liquidation woes Meghan to headline Sydney girls’ weekend, PR agency in voluntary liquidation The woman behind Meghan Markle’s upcoming Australian retreat is navigating a major financial setback. Gemma O’Neill, 38, has been promoting a luxury “ultimate girls’ weekend” in Sydney, where VIP guests will pay £1,705 each for a three-day experience including a dinner and photo opportunity with the Duchess of Sussex. The event, organised by Besties Australia Pty Ltd, the company O’Neill runs with radio host Jackie “O” Henderson, is set for April 17 to 19 and will coincide with Meghan and Prince Harry’s trip Down Under. However, O’Neill’s talent agency, Gemmie Agency,...

 TROOPS OF OPERATION HADIN KAI  FOIL COORDINATED TERRORIST ATTACKS AT NJIMTILO, BAGA, BURATAI , DAMBOA, INFLICT HEAVY LOSSES ON ISWAP FIGHTERS Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have once again demonstrated superior combat readiness and tactical dominance by successfully thwarted terrorist attacks launched by ISWAP fighters on multiple troops  locations at Njimtilo, Baga, Buratai and Damboa. The attacks, which occurred in the early hours of 16 March 2026, were mounted from several directions in a desperate attempt by the terrorists to gain propaganda advantage and overrun military positions. At Ajiri Cross, ahead of Njimtilo, terrorists attempted to infiltrate positions mounted by troops of Sector 1 but were swiftly detected and decisively engaged by the vigilant troops who had anticipated the move and prepared a deliberate offensive-defensive posture to defeat the assault. Through coordinated firepower and tactical manoeuvre designed...

 Contractor Bags Two Years Imprisonment for Forgery Justice F. A. Olubanjo of the Federal High Court sitting in Asaba, Delta State has convicted and sentenced Julius Ejiogu, a contractor to two years imprisonment for forgery. The convict was arraigned on a three -count charge of conspiracy, forgery and uttering of false document on March 23, 2021 by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Upon arraignment,   he pleaded not guilty to the charge setting the stage for trial. The charge reads: “That you Julius Eljiogu and one Engr. E. Expert (at large) on or about the 2nd of August 2013, at Delta State within the jurisdiction of this honourable did conspires amongst yourselves to committed felony to wit: make a document titled Award of Contract for the Construction of Obudu-operation Road in Udu L.G.A. Delta State dated 2nd August 2013 on a letterhead paper on the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, purported to have been issue...

 Choose Digital Skills over Fraud- Olukoyede Charges Students in Enugu The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  Mr. Ola Olukoyede has urged students in Enugu State to shun internet fraud, focus on their studies and acquire digital skills that will secure their future. He gave this charge recently at the Institute of Management and Technology, IMT and New Heaven Community Secondary School in Enugu State during an engagement with the students as part of the Commission’s prevention mandate. Speaking at the IMT Enugu, the Executive Chairman, who was represented by Superintendent of the EFCC, SE Paul Ikpor, Head, Public Affairs Department, Enugu Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, warned the students that involvement in internet fraud and other cyber-related fraud may appear attractive in the short term but ultimately leads to destruction of careers, reputations and personal freedom. “Cybercrime is a criminal offence that attracts severe legal conse...

 NO JUDGE HAS THE POWER TO ORDER A LAWYER TO KNEEL IN COURT The Nigerian Bar Association is concerned about reports of an incident that occurred on Monday, 16 March 2026, at the Federal High Court, Abuja, involving Honourable Justice Mohammed Umar and a legal practitioner, Mr. Marshal Abubakar, who appeared as lead defence counsel to Mr. Omoyele Sowore. According to reports, the learned trial judge, in response to counsel raising his voice while addressing the court on the suitability of a hearing date, directed the lawyer to step out of the Bar and kneel down, alongside issuing threats of committal for contempt. The NBA views this development with utmost seriousness, given its implications for the dignity of the legal profession and the sanctity of the courtroom. The courtroom is a temple of justice, governed by law, procedure, and decorum. While judges are vested with the authority to maintain order and discipline in their courts, such authority must be exercised strictly within ...

 GOVERNOR DOES NOT SLEEP'— BENUE CP APPLAUDS GOV. ALIA'S SECURITY EFFORTS  The Benue State Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi, has commended Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia for what he described as the governor’s strong commitment to tackling insecurity and supporting security operations across the state. Speaking while providing security updates to journalists in Makurdi, the police chief said security agencies were working closely to secure rural communities against attacks by armed herders and bandits. Benue State has faced recurring security challenges linked to armed herders and banditry in several rural communities, prompting increased collaboration among security agencies. CP Ifeanyi said the police were operating in synergy with the military, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Benue State Civil Protection Guard to strengthen security across affected areas. He noted that joint patrols were ongoing in many communities, while the Nigeria Po...

 Abia State Assures Residents of No Lassa Fever Cases, Intensifies Border Surveillance The Abia State Government has reassured residents that no cases of Lassa Fever have been recorded in the state, despite confirmed outbreaks in some other parts of the federation. The assurance was given by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, during a press briefing at Government House, Umuahia, on Monday, following the weekly Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti. Kanu stated that the Ministry of Health and relevant agencies have intensified surveillance efforts, particularly at all border towns connecting Abia to neighboring states, to prevent any potential spread of the disease. “In the state, Lassa Fever which has broken out in some parts of the federation has not been noticed here,” he said. “The Ministry of Health staff and other relevant agencies are working assiduously to make sure that all border towns leading into the state are kept under surveillance.” ...

 APGA EXPRESSES SUPPORT FOR THE SENATE STANCE ON ABARIBE'S DEFECTION, GOES INTO STRATEGIC ALLIANCE WITH ANOTHER POLITICAL PARTY Members of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA state executive committee on Monday paid a visit to a former Lawmaker, Honourable Obinna Ichita over what they called Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe’s disregard for the party and his twisting of what led to his current travails at the Senate. Led by the state chairman of the party, Ambassador Sunday Onukwubiri, the APGA SEC lamented that despite Senator Abaribe getting the party’s 2023 senatorial ticket on a platter for free, he never contributed towards the advancement of the party which led to his suspension. Onukwubiri said the party stands with the Senate for the constitution to be obeyed to be obeyed to the later. Hon. Ichita after the meeting disclosed that the party in Abia State was working towards forming a strategic alliance with another political party in the state ahead of the forthcoming elections...

 Billy Crystal and Barbra Streisand lead an emotional and expanded Oscars in memoriam Billy Crystal delivered a heartfelt tribute to his longtime friend Rob Reiner during the Oscars’ extended in memoriam segment, which honored numerous Hollywood icons lost over the past year.  Crystal recalled first meeting Reiner in 1975 on All in the Family and spoke of his evolution from comic actor to acclaimed filmmaker. He highlighted Reiner’s classics including The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, A Few Good Men, Say Anything, and This Is Spinal Tap.  The segment concluded with stars from those films among them Meg Ryan, Kiefer Sutherland, Demi Moore, and John Cusack  gathering on stage. Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner were tragically killed in December, with their son Nick charged in connection with their deaths. Barbra Streisand followed with a moving remembrance of Robert Redford, her co-star in The Way We Were.  At 83, Streisand rarely performs live due...

 U.S to host DRC, Rwanda officials for talks on stalled peace efforts, sources tell Reuters The United States has called senior officials from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda to Washington this week for talks on the stalled peace process in eastern DR Congo, two diplomatic sources said. Bilateral meetings between the US and each side are scheduled for March 17, with a trilateral meeting on March 18 if progress is made, the sources said. It would mark the first encounter between the parties since the US Treasury sanctioned the Rwanda Defence Force and four senior officers on March 2. Washington has publicly alleged that Rwanda supports the M23 rebel group and, therefore, complicates the conflict in eastern DR Congo. Rwanda denies backing M23. Lightning offensive The meetings take place as dozens of African government officials gather in Washington for the Powering Africa Summit, including several energy ministers from across the continent. M23 staged a lightning advance ...

 DSS ARRESTS NOTORIOUS SUSPECTED GUNRUNNER                                 ....              .........  Operatives of the Department of State Services have arrested a suspected gunrunner, Kelvin Ebikeniye Dugo, in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State. A statement by the DSS says the arrest follows credible intelligence on his plan to procure 832 rounds of live ammunition from a supplier in Benue State. He was intercepted moments after receiving the consignment, which was cleverly concealed in food items. Items recovered include 832 rounds of ammunition and two empty AK-47 magazines. The DSS says the operation underscores its intensified nationwide crackdown on gunrunning and illegal arms proliferation.

 MAIDUGURI BOMB BLAST: POLICE CONFIRM, 23 KILLED, 108 INJURED  The Borno State Police Command has confirmed that twenty-three people were killed and one hundred and eight others injured following multiple suspected suicide bomb attacks in Maiduguri. The incidents occurred at Monday Market, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital gate, and the Post Office Flyover. In a statement, Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, said security operatives, including police tactical units, the military and other joint teams, were quickly deployed to the affected areas, where the scenes were secured and swept by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit to rule out further threats. The Commissioner of Police, Naziru Abdulmajid, who visited the locations, commiserated with victims and their families, assuring residents of the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property. Emergency responders, including NEMA and SEMA, evacuated victims to hospitals where they are rec...

 ‎MULTIPLE SUICIDE BOMB EXPLOSIONS IN MAIDUGURI METROPOLIS, SECURITY URGES PUBLIC TO STAY ALERT ‎ ‎The Headquarters  Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK)  in conjunction with the Nigeria Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team and other sister security agencies, responded swiftly to the   suicide bomb explosions , in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council  and immediately secured and cordoned off the affected locations to prevent further harm.  ‎ ‎A statement by the Media Information Officer Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI Lieutenant Colonel  Sani Uba indicates that the explosions were carried out by suspected Boko Haram terrorist suicide bombers who detonated improvised explosive devices at three different locations within the city, namely the Post Office area, Monday Market axis and the entrance to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital during the period of Iftar. ‎ ‎Emergency response teams, including personnel fro...

 STATEHOUSE STATEMENT President Tinubu commiserates with the Borno people over recent terror strikes  The recent news from Maiduguri, Borno State, is profoundly upsetting. I mourn those who lost their lives, sympathise with the injured and stand in solidarity with the people of Borno during this challenging time. I want to make it categorically clear that these acts of terror are the final desperate and frantic attempts by criminals and terrorist elements trying to instil and spread fear, as they are under constant pressure from our brave armed forces and security agencies operating in various theatres.  We will continue to intensify our efforts against all criminal elements, wherever they may be. I must commend the courage and fighting spirit of our patriotic troops who successfully repelled the coordinated attacks by these terrorists on military positions in the state.  The Monday attacks were desperate acts of the evil-minded terrorist groups. Our gallant military...

 Jerry O'Connell says wife Rebecca Romijn, daughters 'became physical' with him after he criticized Kamala Harris' loss Jerry O’Connell revealed that a political comment he made during the 2024 presidential election sparked tension at home with his wife Rebecca Romijn and their twin daughters.  Speaking on Bill Maher’s Club Random podcast, the Stand by Me actor admitted he worried about sharing the story publicly, joking, “If I say this, will I stay married?”  He recalled watching the election returns late at night and expressing frustration over Kamala Harris’ late entry into the race after Joe Biden dropped out.  His offhand remark about poor planning was misinterpreted by his family, who reacted physically out of anger. O’Connell explained that living in California with three politically passionate family members means even lighthearted jokes can trigger strong reactions.  Maher responded by saying he always voices his true opinions, even if they upset others...