PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Iran rejects US ceasefire offer, says conflict will continue until strategic goals are met Iran has formally rejected a U.S. ceasefire proposal, according to Iranian state media reports on Wednesday. The FARS News Agency, citing an informed source, said Washington has intensified efforts to implement a ceasefire and initiate indirect talks aimed at ending the conflict that began on February 28 following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. The source told FARS, “Iran does not accept a ceasefire,” adding that it is “not logical to enter into such a process with those who violate the agreement.” The outlet reported that Iran intends to achieve its strategic objectives in the conflict, and only after those goals are met would a resolution be possible. Earlier Wednesday, reports indicated that Iran received President Donald Trump’s 15-point peace plan, though Tehran denies that any direct negotiations with the U.S. are taking place.

Bravo renews The Real Housewives of New Jersey for season 15 with Teresa Giudice, Melissa Gorga, and Dolores Catania returning Bravo has officially renewed The Real Housewives of New Jersey for a 15th season, bringing the Garden State drama back to screens this spring. After nearly two years off the air, cameras will roll again with Teresa Giudice, Melissa Gorga, and Dolores Catania confirmed to return. The series paused following its explosive August 2024 finale, which highlighted deep divisions among the Housewives. A traditional reunion was skipped due to lingering tension between Giudice and her sister-in-law Gorga, with Catania stepping in as mediator during a sit-down at the finale’s filming location. Giudice, a central figure since the show’s 2009 debut, and Gorga, a key cast member since Season 3, were instrumental in resolving their differences ahead of BravoCon 2025, paving the way for the show’s comeback. Dolores Catania, a longtime fan favorite, is the only other cast membe...

 Meta to lay off several hundred employees amid AI refocus, company offers some new roles Meta is laying off several hundred employees across multiple divisions, including Facebook, global operations, recruiting, sales, and its virtual reality branch, Reality Labs, as the company shifts focus toward artificial intelligence. Some affected employees are being offered new roles within the company, though some positions may require relocation. The layoffs follow previous reductions in January, when more than 1,000 Reality Labs positions were cut, and several VR studios were closed, impacting about 10% of the hardware division that produces Quest headsets and Horizon Worlds. Meta continues to invest heavily in generative AI, bringing on talent and acquiring startup Dreamer, with co-founder Hugo Barra returning to lead AI efforts. In addition, the company announced a new stock option incentive program for top executives, intended to retain leadership as Meta pursues its aggressive AI str...

 Jury finds Meta and YouTube liable for harming child user, awards $3 million in landmark case    A California jury has found Meta and YouTube liable in a landmark lawsuit seeking to hold social media companies accountable for harm to children, awarding the plaintiff $3 million in damages. After more than 40 hours of deliberations over nine days, jurors determined that both companies were negligent in the design or operation of their platforms and that their actions were a substantial factor in harming the plaintiff, a 20-year-old woman who said her extensive social media use as a child led to addiction and worsened her mental health struggles. The verdict could increase significantly, as jurors also concluded the companies acted with malice, oppression, or fraud. A separate phase of the trial will now determine potential punitive damages. Both Meta and YouTube said they disagree with the ruling and plan to explore legal options, including appeals. Jurors found that the c...

Woman accused of shooting at Rihanna’s Los Angeles home pleads not guilty, denied bail reduction A 35-year-old woman accused of opening fire at Rihanna’s Los Angeles home earlier this month has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder charges. Ivanna Lisette Ortiz appeared in court on Wednesday, where a judge denied her request to lower bail, keeping it set at $1,875,000. Authorities allege Ortiz used an AR-15-style rifle during the March 8 incident. Police say multiple rounds struck the exterior of the home and a vehicle parked outside while the singer was inside at the time, though no one was injured. Prosecutors described the shooting as “extremely dangerous” and “calculated,” arguing Ortiz poses a flight risk. A motive has not been determined. The court has also barred her from working as a speech-language pathologist as the case moves forward.

 ANAMBRA POLICE COMMENCE FIRST PHASE OF EASTER SECURITY OPERATIONAL ORDER TO SUSTAIN SAFETY IN THE STATE _As operatives are charged to strictly adhere to the Police Mobile Force protocol, to move in silence, with speed, and surprise to prevent and respond to any security threats effectively._ The Anambra State Police Command has commenced the first phase of its Easter Operational Order aimed at ensuring sustained safety and security across the State during the festive period. As part of the operation, operatives have step up night patrol and take over the public spaces to deter criminal activities and guarantee a peaceful celebration for residents and visitors. In furtherance of the operational strategy, officers have been charged to strictly adhere to the Police Mobile Force protocol of the triple “S” - Silence, Speed, and Surprise - in order to effectively prevent and respond to any security threats. The Command reassures Ndi Anambra of its resolve to provide adequate security be...

 A shocking triple homicide in rural Illinois. An Indiana woman traveled to a home in rural Illinois where she took the life of her children's father as well as both his parents.  Deputies with the Will County Sheriff's Department were called to do a welfare check at a home on the 3400 block of Norway Trail in Crete Township, Illinois. Once on scene, deputies discovered 32-year-old Jacob Lambert deceased in a vehicle in the property's driveway. As deputies continued to search the area, they soon discovered Jacob's parents, 55-year-old Patrick Forde, and 54-year-old Stacy Forde, both deceased near the front door of the home. All three had passed away from gunshot wounds. It didn't take investigators long to identify their main suspect as 30-year-old Jenna Strouble. Jenna had been in an on-and-off again relationship with Jacob, and they shared two children a 3-year-old boy and a 4-year-old girl. Investigators determined that Jenna had fled the scene and traveled back ...

 APC South-East Holds Zonal Congress in Enugu, Adopts Consensus Candidates, Elects Dr Ijeoma Arodiogbu as Zonal Chairman The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-East zone on Wednesday conducted its zonal congress in Enugu, with three governors from the region in attendance. The congress, which experienced some delay before commencing, was attended by Governors Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, and Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State. Their arrival later in the day was interpreted as a sign that the party leaders had successfully reached a consensus on the outcome. The exercise produced a new zonal executive committee, with **Dr Ijeoma Arodiogbu** (also referred to as Dr Ijeomah Linus Arodiogbu) emerging as the zonal chairman under the consensus arrangement. Governor Hope Uzodimma, who chairs the South-East Governors’ Forum, set the tone for the congress by stressing the need for unity and progress within the party. “We are here for our country,” Uzodimma d...

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate **Omoyele Sowore** has rejected the Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) condemnation of his conduct at the Federal High Court in Abuja, insisting he did not stage a press conference but was merely responding to questions from journalists. The NBA, in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its President, **Afam Osigwe (SAN)**, had strongly criticised Sowore for what it described as a disruption of courtroom decorum. The association accused him of entering the courtroom with individuals carrying cameras and recording equipment, appearing to prepare for a media briefing, and then addressing national issues while seated on a table in the inner bar, even though his case was not listed for hearing that day. The NBA described the action as “unacceptable” and inconsistent with the dignity and discipline required in judicial proceedings, warning that courtrooms must not be converted into platforms for publicity or theatrics. In a swift...

 UN passes resolution naming slave trade ‘gravest crime against humanity’ A ⁠United Nations resolution, proposed by Ghana, to recognise transatlantic slavery as the “gravest crime against humanity” and calling for reparations, has been adopted despite pushback from Europe and the United States. At a UN General Assembly (UNGA) vote on Wednesday, 123 countries supported the resolution, which ⁠is not legally binding but carries political weight, while three opposed it, including the US and Israel, and 52 abstained, including the United Kingdom and European Union countries. Ghana said the resolution ⁠was needed because the consequences of slavery, which saw at least 12.5 million Africans abducted and sold between the 15th and 19th centuries, persist today, including racial disparities. Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama, a key architect of the resolution, said the resolution’s passing was “a route to healing and reparative justice”. “The adoption of this resolution serves as a safeg...

 PRESS STATEMENT  THOSE OPPOSED TO THE RESOLUTION OF OPL 245 PURSUING SELFISH AND NOT PATRIOTIC INTERESTS PRESS RELEASE BY THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL OF THE FEDERATION AND MINISTER OF JUSTICE The attention of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has been drawn to media reports attributed to the Atiku Abubakar Media Office, which contain misrepresentations concerning the recent resolution of disputes associated with the OPL 245 oil block. In that publication, the former Vice-President sought to downplay what is, by all objective standards, a landmark achievement of the current administration in brokering the settlement of a protracted dispute spanning nearly three decades. It will be recalled that the block was originally awarded to Malabu Oil & Gas Ltd (Malabu) in April 1998, revoked in July 2001, and subsequently allocated to Shell Nigeria Ultra-Deep Limited (SNUD) in May 2002. These actions gave rise to extensive litigation and public hearings before ...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE  PRESIDENT TINUBU RETURNS TO ABUJA President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday departed Lagos for Abuja after marking the Eid-el-Fitri, following his historic state visit to the United Kingdom. His plane left the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport at 6.44 pm.  President Tinubu returned to Nigeria from the United Kingdom in the early hours of Friday and participated in the Eid-el-Fitr prayers held at Dodan Barracks. As part of his Lagos schedule, President Tinubu received 23 governors, including Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji. The President also received Africa's richest man, Aliko Dangote,  an EU delegation and members of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC). Vice President Kashim Shettima also came to Lagos to brief the President on his trip to Borno State, following the recent suicide bombing.  Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun and the former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba...

 ANAMBRA POLICE ARRESTS A SUSPECT OVER MURDER OF HIS COUSIN, EXHUMES CORPSE AFTER 8 MONTHS OF THE VICTIM’S DISAPPEARANCE IN AMICHI Operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka, have uncovered an eight-month-old Case of a reported missing person with the arrest of a 35-year-old suspect, Chukwudalu Ezeani, 'male‘, in connection with the murder of his cousin, late Chinedu Ezeani ‘m’, aged 52 years. Preliminary investigations reveal that on 1st August 2025 at about 8:00 pm, the suspect allegedly killed the deceased at his residence in Afube Village, Amichi, and buried the body in a shallow grave within his compound, concealing the crime for about eight months. The Case, which was initially reported as a missing person incident at Amichi Police Station, was later revisited by detectives following credible intelligence, leading to the arrest of the suspect. Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to  the crime and led operatives to the burial site within ...

 Commander of ADF terrorist group killed in eastern DRC A top commander of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorist group has been killed in a combat operation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the Congolese military said. Defender Kasibandi, alias Salongo, was killed during joint operations by the Congolese and Ugandan armies in North Kivu’s Lubero territory, according to a military spokesperson. “He was killed in an operation code-named Asangwa in the Bapere sector. In addition to neutralising this terrorist, the defence forces recovered several AK-47 weapons,” Lt. Marc Elongo, the spokesperson for the Sokola I operational sector in Greater North Kivu, told reporters. Security sources said Kasibandi was an influential commander of the ADF close to Seka Musa Baluku, the group's leader. Abducted civilians rescued The operation also led to the rescue of three civilians who were recently held hostage. The terrorist group, which has been active in eastern DR Congo for sever...

 South Sudan announces electricity rationing in the capital due to fuel shortage South Sudan announced on Wednesday that its capital, Juba, will face electricity rationing, while Mauritius said it would introduce energy-saving measures, as African nations grapple with fuel shortages triggered by the Iran war. Mauritius, which relies on imported fossil fuels, has seen its heavy fuel oil supply run low after a shipment expected on March 21 failed to arrive, leaving just 15-20 days of stock, Energy Minister Patrick Assirvaden said, AFP reported. A replacement cargo from Singapore is expected to arrive at the Indian Ocean island nation on April 1, he added. Restrictions announced on Wednesday include curbs on grid power for non-essential uses such as decorative lighting, swimming pool heating and fountains, the government said. South Sudan, Kenya, and South Africa also affected In South Sudan, Juba Electricity Distribution Company said it has begun rotating power rationing across the c...

 Wike Dismisses Reports of PDP Split, Insists Party Remains United Ahead of National Convention The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, **Nyesom Wike**, on Wednesday rejected claims of a division within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring that the party is intact and fully united as it prepares for its national convention scheduled for March 29 and 30, 2026. Wike made the remarks while speaking to journalists in Abuja after inspecting several ongoing and completed infrastructure projects in the capital city. Addressing widespread speculation about internal rifts, the former Rivers State governor maintained that mere disagreements among party members do not translate to factionalisation. “We have only one PDP, no faction,” he stated categorically. He further emphasised: “I don’t know which camp you are talking about. There is only one PDP. Some individuals may not be happy, yes, but there is no faction.” Wike acknowledged that certain grievances exist within the par...

 Ondo okada riders declare support for Tinubu’s re-election   ‎Over 2,000 commercial motorcycle operators across the 18 local government areas of Ondo State on Tuesday trooped out to declare their support for the reelection of President Bola Tinubu ahead 2027. The commercial motorcyclists, under the auspices of the Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria, also expressed their readiness to work for the President to have a landslide victory in the forthcoming presidential poll in the Sunshine State. Speaking at the endorsement, which took place at the office of the Asiwaju Mandate Group in Akure, the state chairman of ACOMORAN, Mr. Akinlolu Olumonrin, said the group’s decision followed a thorough assessment of the President’s performance nationwide. ‎ ‎According to him,  members of the association were convinced that Tinubu remained the best candidate to sustain ongoing developmental programmes and policies across the country. He said, ‎“W...

 The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, over his conduct at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, describing it as a clear disruption of courtroom decorum and an affront to the dignity of the judiciary. In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, the NBA said Sowore entered the courtroom accompanied by individuals carrying camera phones and recording equipment, and proceeded to set up what appeared to be preparations for a press conference inside the court premises. The association noted that Sowore’s team attended to him “in a manner akin to a broadcast setting,” after which he moved into the inner bar, sat on a table and began addressing a range of national issues, even though his case was not listed for hearing and he was not accompanied by any legal practitioner. The incident reportedly led to tension in the courtroom and a confrontation with a...

 Court nullifies CBN’s sack of Union Bank’s board, restores core shareholders In a landmark judgment, a federal high court sitting in Lagos has ruled that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) acted beyond its powers when it sacked the board and management of Union Bank of Nigeria in January 2024. Delivering the judgment on Wednesday morning, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke quashed all the decisions and steps taken by the CBN-appointed board and ordered that the former board and management be restored. The court also prohibited the CBN and its appointed board and their agents from taking any step or continuing any steps towards recapitalisation or any other related act. In January 2024, the CBN announced the dissolution of the board and management of the Union Bank, appointing Yetunde Oni as the managing director/chief executive officer and Mannir Ubali Ringim as the executive director. The core shareholders, Titan Trust, Luxis International and Magna International,  launched the litiga...

 The Niger State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a 38-year-old electrician, Hamisu Abdullahi, for allegedly shouting “no water, no light” during Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s visit to the Emir of Suleja shortly after Eid-el-Fitr prayers on Friday. According to police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun, the suspect was detained on March 20, 2026, for suspected thuggery and attempting to disrupt government activities at the emir’s palace in Suleja. He was subsequently transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Minna. Abiodun told journalists that Abdullahi was later granted bail while investigations continue. The suspect’s brother, Haruna Abdullahi, confirmed that Hamisu — a father of four residing in Unguwan Bayi, Suleja — was released on bail on Tuesday evening after spending five days in detention. Eyewitness accounts indicated that Abdullahi shouted the phrase expressing frustration over the lack of basic amenities while the governor was at the pa...

 Tinubu has performed well, deserves second term – Soludo’s daughter Adaora Soludo, daughter of Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo and Woman Leader of the City Boys Movement in the state, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has performed well and should be re-elected for a second term. “We have an agenda and we need results. We are all progressives working together to ensure that the President returns for a second term. “He has done well and needs to continue, and we want to ensure that Anambra State is not left behind,” she said.

 Kate Middleton and Prince William Attend Historic Archbishop Service Prince William and Princess Kate attended a historic church service on Wednesday, March 25, marking the enthronement of Dame Sarah Mullally as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury.  This ceremony represents the first time a woman has held the position, and William attended on behalf of his father, King Charles. The royal couple was welcomed outside Canterbury Cathedral by the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Lady Colgrain.  She offered a curtsy and shook hands with both William and Kate, as shown on the live stream of the event.  Kate, seated on the side of the car closer to the church entrance, was the first to greet Lady Colgrain, while William made his way around the back of the vehicle. While William is heir to the throne, he often supports Kate at events where she represents causes or organizations important to her.  Author Sarah Gristwood previously described their marriage as both modern and trad...

 Lagos State Hosts Reception in Honour of Student-Athletes’ Historic Feat at World School Games and African Youth Games Lagos State Government today hosted a special reception at the Lagos State House, Marina in honour of its outstanding student-athletes who recorded remarkable achievements at the World School Games and African Youth Games, bringing pride and global recognition to the state and Nigeria at large. In his opening remarks, the Director General,  Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr  Lekan Fatodu, commended the athletes for their resilience, discipline, and dedication. He noted that their achievements reflect the success of ongoing efforts to develop grassroots sports and position Lagos as a hub for sporting excellence. Speaking at the event, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu praised the athletes for their outstanding performance, describing their success as a proud moment for Lagos State. He emphasized that their historic feat is a testament to hard work, determinatio...

 "Calvin Bassey has withdrawn from the Nigeria national football team squad for the upcoming friendlies against Iran and Jordan due to a back injury.   Wishing you a speedy recovery, CB 💚."

 SUPER EAGLES KICK OFF CAMP IN ANTALYA, TURKEY AHEAD OF FRIENDLIES Nigeria’s Super Eagles have officially begun preparations in Antalya, Turkey, gearing up for two international friendlies against Iran and Jordan later this month.  The squad took to the training pitch under the blazing Turkish sun on Wednesday, with conditions described as hot and scorching as head coach Éric Chelle gets his side ready.  A total of 22 players are in the squad at camp. However, there’s a late blow for Nigeria, Fulham defender Calvin Bassey has been forced to withdraw from the squad due to a back injury, ruling him out.  The Super Eagles now turn their focus to training as they look to fine‑tune their tactics ahead of Friday’s clash with Iran and next Tuesday’s meeting with Jordan. More photos below. 

  UPDATED: Edo Court Jails Man for $19,400 Bitcoin Fraud The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has secured the conviction  and sentence of Osamudiamen Philip Ikilo for fraud. The convict was arraigned on one -count charge of stealing  before Justice W.I. Aziegbemhin of the Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City. Upon arraignment the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge,  setting the stage for trial. The charge reads: That you Osamudiamen Philip Ikilo (m) sometime in March 2024 within the  jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did steal Bitcoin worth the sum of $19,400 (Nineteen thousand, four Hundred United States Dollars) belonging to one Cynthia Imade Alile by fraudulently converting the said sum to your own use, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 287 of the  Criminal Law of Edo State Law 2022 and punishable under Section 294 of the same Law. In the course of the trial,  prosecution co...

 ANAMBRA POLICE ARRAIGNS TWO SUSPECTS OVER THE MURDER OF THEIR EMPLOYER IN ONITSHA: RECOVERS STOLEN FUNDS WHILE SUSPECTS WERE REMANDED IN A CORRECTIONAL FACILITY Operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) of the Anambra State Police Command, on 18th March 2026, successfully arraigned two suspects in connection with the murder of one Ikechukwu Simon Nwite and the subsequent theft of his funds. The prime suspect, Chiemerie Anieke ‘M’, aged 21, allegedly used a pestle to strike his employer, Mr. Ikechukwu Nwite, on the head, resulting in his death. The suspect was also linked to an attack on one Ogechukwu Nwite at Fegge, Onitsha. He was arraigned before the High Court, Onitsha, alongside one Godwin Nnabuike Nwokporo ‘M’, aged 21 years, who allegedly aided the commission of the crime by providing a bank account through which over Eight Million Naira (#8,000,000) belonging to the deceased was fraudulently transferred. The Operatives of the Command recovered the sum...

 I Will Not Hide My Face - Savannah Guthrie Breaks Down in Emotional First Interview Since Her Mother's Disappearance Savannah Guthrie has shared her first interview since her mother, Nancy Guthrie, went missing. On Wednesday, March 25, Hoda Kotb told viewers on Today that she sat down with Guthrie for a long, emotional conversation. The full interview is scheduled to air on Thursday, March 26, and Friday, March 27. Before showing a clip from the conversation, Kotb said, “Craig, Al, and Carson, it was a really emotional conversation. We want to share one moment where Savannah speaks directly to anyone who might have information about Nancy.” In the clip, Guthrie, visibly holding back tears, said, “Someone needs to do the right thing. We are in agony. We are in agony. It is unbearable.”  She went on, “And to think of what she went through. I wake up every night, in the middle of the night, every night, and in the darkness, I imagine her terror. And it is unthinkable, but those ...

 Kenya says it has finalised trade deal negotiations with China Kenya has finalised negotiations ​over a trade deal with China, two months after ‌announcing a preliminary agreement that would grant the East African country duty-free access to the Chinese market, President William Ruto said on Wednesday, Reuters reported. In ​January Kenya said the preliminary deal would give 98% of its exports ​duty-free access to the large Chinese market. "We ​have this week finalised negotiations with the Government of ​the People's Republic of China on a bilateral trade agreement," Ruto told ‌a ⁠conference aimed at attracting international investment. Kenya is also a close ally of Washington and is negotiating a separate bilateral trade accord with the Trump administration. Ruto has defended his administration's courting ​of China against ​criticism from ⁠some U.S. officials, saying Kenya has to export more goods to the huge Asian economy ​to close the trade gap. Ruto said on ​Wedn...

 A 911 dispatcher in Kentucky who helped his trooper friend initiate a traffic stop that led to a 10-year-old boy's death, has been dismissed from the wrongful death lawsuit. 10-year-old Jake Luxemburger lost his life in September 2023 because a Kentucky State Trooper admitted he didn't want to be late for his friend's wedding. The trooper was fired from the Kentucky State Police in 2024 for his misconduct and illegal actions on that day.  The entire series of events that led to Jake's passing are as senseless as they are infuriating, that includes everyone involved.  Now, a judges recent ruling has excused one of the participants in the reckless and unprofessional behavior that led to his death. This has left Jake's family wondering if they will ever see justice as they file an appeal on that ruling. This heartbreaking saga began when Kentucky State Trooper, Zachary Napier, learned he was to be called to assist in a missing child investigation. Napier wanted to avo...