PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Russian forces to stay in Mali to fight terrorism: Kremlin The Kremlin said on Thursday that Russian forces would stay in Mali to help the country's government battle terrorists following an offensive over the weekend by Tuareg-led separatists and terrorists. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov made the statement after being asked by a reporter how Russia responded to a purported statement from the terrorists saying they wanted Russia to leave Mali. "Russia's presence there is, in fact, due to the need identified by the current government. Russia will continue, including in Mali, to combat extremism, terrorism and other harmful phenomena and will continue to provide assistance to the current government," said Peskov, AFP reported. The Russian Defence Ministry had claimed on Tuesday that units of its African Corps prevented an attempted coup on April 25, 2026 in Mali. It said in a statement that the African Corps units "inflicted irreparable losses" on superior ...

 Madagascar leader holds talks with Macron after expelling French diplomat Madagascan leader Michael Randrianirina said he spoke to French President Emmanuel Macron after the Indian Ocean island expelled a French diplomat over an alleged plot to destabilise the country. The former French colony off the southeast coast of Africa expelled a French diplomatic official this week, prompting Paris to summon the charge d'affaires of the Madagascan embassy in protest. Randrianirina had a phone call with Macron where they discussed the event "described as an isolated incident", the Madagascan president's office said, AFP reported. The president "reiterated that the decisions taken by Madagascar fall within the normal exercise of state sovereignty and are in accordance with the principles governing diplomatic relations", it said. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to ensure the episode does not derail bilateral cooperation, the office said. The expelled French n...

 Sinaloa governor, officials charged in US drug trafficking case  A U.S. federal indictment has charged the governor of Sinaloa and nine other current and former Mexican officials with drug trafficking and weapons offenses, alleging they played key roles in facilitating the flow of illegal narcotics into the United States. The charges, unsealed in New York, target a mix of political figures and law enforcement officials, including Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya, who has led the state since 2021. Prosecutors allege the defendants conspired to import drugs and possessed prohibited weapons, offenses that could carry severe penalties, including life in prison. None of those charged were in custody, and Mexican authorities said they had received multiple extradition requests but did not specify how they would proceed. Several of the accused are linked to Mexico’s ruling Morena party, creating political pressure for President Claudia Sheinbaum as she navigates tensions with the T...

 Country singer-songwriter David Allan Coe, writer of Take This Job and Shove It, dies at 86 David Allan Coe, the country singer-songwriter behind the working-class anthem “Take This Job and Shove It” and hits including “You Never Even Called Me by My Name” and “The Ride,” has died at the age of 86. His wife, Kimberly Hastings Coe, confirmed his death on Wednesday, describing him as one of the most important singers and songwriters of his era and calling him her husband, friend, and confidant. A representative said he died around 5 p.m., with no cause of death immediately disclosed. Known for his outlaw image and outsider status in Nashville, Coe built a career spanning decades as both a performer and songwriter. He wrote major hits recorded by other artists, including Johnny Paycheck’s “Take This Job and Shove It,” Tanya Tucker’s “Would You Lay With Me (In a Field of Stone),” and was the first to record “Tennessee Whiskey,” later made famous by George Jones and Chris Stapleton. Hi...

 Trump urges Israeli president to pardon Netanyahu, calls Herzog a 'national hero' if he grants clemency President Donald Trump is again pressing Israeli President Isaac Herzog to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying in an interview that Herzog could be seen as a “national hero” if he grants clemency in Netanyahu’s long-running corruption case. Trump said Netanyahu brought up his trial during a recent conversation and noted that the Israeli leader would be appearing in court again while the country is focused on the ongoing war with Iran. “In the middle of a war? Give me a break,” Trump said, arguing the proceedings distract from national security priorities. In the same interview, Trump confirmed he personally raised the idea of a pardon and shifted to a more conciliatory tone toward Herzog after months of criticism. “I like the guy, Herzog,” Trump said. “He will be a national hero if he gives Bibi a pardon. I will very much appreciate it.” Trump dismissed the corr...

 German tourist dies after snake-charming show bite in Egypt vacation incident A German tourist died in Egypt earlier this month after being bitten during a snake-charming performance at a hotel entertainment show in the Red Sea resort area of Hurghada, according to police in Germany. Authorities said the man, a 57-year-old from the Unterallgäu region of Bavaria, was visiting Egypt with family when they attended the early April performance, which was offered as part of hotel entertainment. During the show, two snakes—believed to be cobras—were used as part of the act and placed around audience members’ necks. Police said one of the snakes reportedly crawled into the man’s pants and bit him on the leg. He quickly developed severe symptoms consistent with poisoning and required resuscitation at the scene, according to investigators. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later died. The case is being investigated by a criminal police unit in Germany, and toxicology results ...

 Iran's supreme leader vows to protect nuclear and missile programs, threatens US presence in Persian Gulf, and control of Strait of Hormuz   Iran’s supreme leader issued a defiant warning Thursday, pledging to defend the country’s nuclear and missile programs amid ongoing U.S. pressure and military actions aimed at limiting Tehran’s capabilities. In a statement delivered on state television, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said Americans have no place in the Persian Gulf and warned that “a new chapter” is unfolding in the region. He has not appeared publicly since assuming leadership following the killing of his father during the opening phase of the war. The remarks come as Iran faces severe economic strain, with its oil sector squeezed by a U.S. naval blockade targeting tanker movements. At the same time, Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz—through which roughly one-fifth of global crude oil flows—continues to unsettle energy markets. Brent crude briefly surged to as h...

"I’m a street girl" -Actress Bimbo Ademoye challenges thugs who stormed her movie set to demand for ‘’settlement’’ A video showing Nollywood actress Bimbo Ademoye confronting a group of area boys who stormed her outdoor movie set to demand for ‘’settlement’’ has made the rounds on social media. The video shared by user one Usmanashafe on Thursday, showed Bimbo standing her ground as she challenged the men who were demanding she gives them money for coming to shoot her movie in their neighborhood. Settlement is a common extortion tactic used against movie crews shooting in public or community spaces across Lagos. Speaking to the thugs, a visibly angry Bimbo said she had no problem giving them money but will not tolerate a situation where they act as tho they were demanding for the money. Watch video below. 

 How Telecom Mast Collapse Injured Several At Kaduna Police Station Several people were reportedly injured following the collapse of a telecommunications mast within the premises of the Sabo Divisional Police Station in Kaduna. The incident occurred on Saturday, April 25, when the mast reportedly gave way unexpectedly, triggering panic in the area as debris spread across nearby surroundings. Eyewitnesses said residents and passersby quickly rushed to assist those affected, helping to rescue individuals trapped or injured. Emergency responders and security personnel arrived at the scene shortly after the collapse, evacuating the injured to nearby medical facilities for treatment.  The collapse has heightened concerns among residents regarding the safety and maintenance of telecommunications infrastructure, particularly in densely populated areas.  More photos below. 

 It’s Time For Nigeria To Have An Igbo President – Bashir El-Rufai Bashir El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, has stated that Nigeria should now produce a “pure blood Igbo President.” According to him, unresolved historical tensions in the country may continue unless an Igbo leader emerges as president.  He shared this view in a post on X, emphasizing that addressing past grievances requires inclusive leadership. In the 2019 presidential election, former Anambra State governor Peter Obi served as the running mate to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Atiku Abubakar. However, ahead of the 2023 elections, Obi left the PDP due to internal disputes and joined the Labour Party, where he contested for president but finished third behind Atiku and eventual winner Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Before the 2023 election, there were strong calls from the South-East region for Nigeria to support the emergence of an Igbo president, refl...

 Gunmen Reportedly Abduct ECWA Pastor, Family Members In Kaduna Community Gunmen have reportedly abducted an ECWA pastor, Reverend Andrew Duniya, along with his wife, two of his children, and two other individuals in Ali community, Ikulu Chiefdom, in Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Sunday at about 2:00 a.m., when the attackers invaded the community. Reverend Duniya is reportedly a serving pastor under the Zonkwa District Church Council (DCC) of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA). Sources within the community also claim that the kidnappers are reportedly demanding a ransom of ₦270 million for the release of the victims. Residents have expressed concern over the situation and are calling on government authorities and security agencies to take urgent action to ensure the safe return of those abducted.

 D4vd Sent Text Messages to Celeste Rivas Hernandez After He Killed Her to 'Cover Up' Crime - Report Authorities have outlined new allegations in the case involving singer D4vd, claiming he attempted to cover up the killing of teenager Celeste Rivas Hernandez through a series of messages and phone calls after her death. In a preliminary hearing brief dated April 29, prosecutors allege the 21-year-old is responsible for a violent attack on April 23, 2025, and later tried to create a false timeline by contacting her phone after the incident had already occurred. He is charged with murder, continuous sexual abuse of a minor, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. According to the filing, tensions between Burke and the victim escalated days earlier following a dispute about his relationships with other women. Prosecutors also say Rivas had threatened to expose personal information about their relationship. The document states that Burke arranged for an Uber to pick up the 14-yea...

 Alana ‘Honey Boo Boo’ Thompson set for college graduation as Mama June shares proud update Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson is moving closer to a major life milestone, with college graduation on the horizon next year as she builds a future in healthcare. Her mother, Mama June Shannon, shared the update during a chat with PEOPLE at the AMC Global Media 2026 Upfront event on April 29, noting that her 20-year-old daughter is currently based in Denver. According to her, Alana has been balancing studies and work while pursuing her goal of becoming a pediatric intensive care unit nurse.  She explained that her daughter is gaining hands-on experience in a hospital setting while preparing to complete her studies next year. “She is following her dreams of being a PICU nurse,” Mama June said, adding that graduation is expected in the coming year. While no formal graduation plans have been finalized, the family is already looking ahead to another major celebration. Alana turns 21 in Augus...

 Caroline Kennedy steps out in rare appearance at King Charles and Queen Camilla event in New York Caroline Kennedy made a rare public appearance this week, showing support for King Charles and Queen Camilla at a cultural reception in New York City. The former U.S. ambassador attended a gathering hosted at Christie’s on April 29, where guests highlighted the work of The King’s Trust partnership with Greater Together.  The event focused on the United Kingdom’s cultural influence in New York, with emphasis on arts, sports, and youth development programmes supported by King’s Trust America. Sources present at the event noted that Kennedy kept a quiet presence throughout the evening and did not take part in any photo opportunities.  Her attendance was later confirmed through guest listings reported by Town & Country. The appearance comes during a deeply private period for Kennedy, who has largely stepped back from public life in recent months following the passing of her ...

 I was terrified - Naomi Watts on playing Jackie Kennedy and that unexpected call Naomi Watts almost turned down one of her most talked-about roles, until a call changed everything. Speaking at an FYC panel on April 29, the actress opened up about stepping into the role of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in FX’s Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette.  According to Watts, the opportunity came directly from longtime collaborator Ryan Murphy, and her first reaction was uncertainty. She admitted the casting did not feel obvious to her. From her perspective, she did not physically resemble the former First Lady and also felt out of place taking on such a distinctly American figure. “I was confused at first,” she shared, questioning why she had been approached for the role at all. Beyond her doubts, timing also stood in the way. Watts explained that she had been working non-stop and had already planned a long-delayed honeymoon with her husband, Billy Crudup, after their 20...

 Charlize Theron, 50, says she doesn't see herself living with a partner again Charlize Theron recently opened up about her perspective on relationships during an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show.  The 50-year-old actor explained that while her children enjoy seeing her date and even encourage her to go out, she’s not sure she would ever want to share a home with a partner again.  Theron, who adopted her two daughters in 2012 and 2015, said she often discusses her dating life with them, but her priority remains firmly on her family. She admitted that the idea of cohabiting doesn’t appeal to her anymore, joking that she’d prefer a partner to live nearby rather than under the same roof.  Theron suggested this might change once her daughters are grown, but for now, she values her independence and the stability of her household.  Her comments highlight how her choices are shaped by her role as a mother and her desire to maintain a specific balance in her person...

 A miracle pup survived two days buried in rubble following an EF-4 tornado. A dog named "Pup" has a dramatic survivor story that has left one Oklahoma family extremely grateful.  Pup (a 13-year-old Rottweiler mix) was spending a typical Thursday afternoon with his human, Kay Dragoun, when an EF-4  tornado came rolling into the neighborhood. Kay quickly made sure both she and Pup were in safe places with Pup seeking refuge in the home's mud room while Kay hudled down in a closet. The tornado rolled through, and sadly, destroyed Kay's home along with dozens of other homes in the neighborhood.  Once the dust had settled, thankfully, Kay made it through the ordeal unharmed. However, she was heartbroken when Pup was nowhere to be found. When Pup's collar was found amidst the rubble, Kay feared the worst.  Kay's fears would be happily unfounded when 44 hours after the disaster... Pup was found alive within the rubble of the home's mud room.  Kay is extremely gr...

 A 33-year-old man has lost his life in a targeted hit and run attack in South St. Louis. According to authorities, Steven Nodiff was riding his bicycle down an alley in the Dutchtown neighborhood in South St. Louis on the evening of Thursday, April 23rd. As Steven peddled along, 50-year-old Edward Duncan entered the alley with ill intent.  According to official reports, Edward Duncan ran Steven down and purposely hit him with his vehicle. The impact slammed Steven into a garage and left him fatally injured on the ground.  This tragic passing was the result of an argument between the two men. Authorities have not released the details of that verbal argument at this point. Steven's family says the two men were not friends but did know each other. Edward Duncan fled the scene on foot. Police tracked down Edward at a nearby home where he was discovered hiding under a bed.  After being taken into custody, Edward admitted to fatally hitting Steven with his vehicle. Edward...

 NAF ADVANCES AIRFIELD SAFETY CAPABILITY WITH GRADUATION OF SPECIALIST RUNWAY MANAGERS The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its commitment to aviation safety and operational excellence with the graduation of a new cadre of airfield management specialists at the Air Traffic Services Training Centre (ATSTC). The milestone event, held on Friday 24 April 2026, saw 10 participants complete Airfield Management Course 3/2026, reinforcing ongoing efforts to align NAF airside operations with global best practices, including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Global Reporting Format. This progress is in line with the command philosophy of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, which prioritizes operational safety, professionalism, and mission-oriented capacity development as critical enablers of national security. The four-week intensive programme equipped participants from the Air Traffic Services and Works specialties with advanced comp...

 Oba of Lagos Lends Support to EFCC in Fight against Corruption The Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu I, has assured the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, of the full support and commitment of the state’s traditional institution in the fight against corruption and other economic and financial crimes. He gave the assurance on Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Lagos while receiving the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC , Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, ACE1 Bawa Usman Kaltungo, who led a delegation of top officers of the Commission on a courtesy visit to his palace.  Oba Akiolu described the visit as a mark of respect not only to the traditional institution of Lagos, but also to the enduring values of integrity, justice, and collaboration.  “The Palace of Lagos regards the mission of the EFCC not merely as an administrative responsibility, but as a moral crusade.  In a global economic hub such as Lagos, the integrity of the...

 LSSTF Donates 80 Anti-Riot Kits, Helmets to RRS The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) has donated 80 anti-riot kits and 80 anti-riot helmets to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) as part of efforts to strengthen security operations in Lagos State. The items were formally presented on behalf of the Fund by its Director of Administration, Mr Adegbola Lewis. Receiving the equipment, the Commander of the RRS, CSP Shola Jejeloye, who was represented by the squad’s Second-in-Command, SP Ayodele Oyebade, expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government, the LSSTF, and supporting donors for their continued commitment to security. Oyebade assured that the kits would be effectively deployed to enhance the squad’s operational capacity, particularly in maintaining public order and safeguarding lives and property across the state. More photos below. 

 PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2027 General Elections: APC Zones Governorship To Abia Central Senatorial District  This is to notify our esteemed members and the general public in Abia State that the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State has zoned its governorship ticket for the forthcoming election to Abia Central Senatorial District. This notice serves to guide our members and intending aspirants in the purchase of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms. This decision is taken in the interest of equity, justice, and fair play, and in line with the party’s commitment to balanced representation across the three senatorial zones.  Since the return of democracy in 1999, Abia State has operated on an understanding of power rotation among the three zones to foster unity and inclusiveness. The decision is further premised on the fact that the State Chairman of the Party hails from Abia North Senatorial District, while Abia South produced the immediate past...

 Supreme Court Lifts Freeze on ADC Leadership: David Mark's Team Can Now Operate Again Nigeria's Supreme Court has lifted an earlier order that was freezing activities in the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The order, known as "status quo ante bellum," had told everyone to keep things as they were before the leadership fight started. Because of that order, the electoral body INEC removed recognition from the leaders of the party. This new decision by the Supreme Court removes the restriction. It means the party can now move forward more freely while the main case continues. The full fight over who should lead the ADC has been sent back to the Federal High Court for proper hearing. The ruling is seen as a good step for the group led by former Senate President David Mark.

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU NOMINATES JOSEPH OLASUNKANMI TEGBE AS MINISTER OF POWER President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Mr Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as Minister of Power, subject to confirmation by the Senate. The nomination has been transmitted to the Senate for screening and confirmation in accordance with the Constitution. The nomination follows the resignation of the former Minister, Adebayo Adelabu, who stepped down from office to pursue elective office. Mr Tegbe, from Oyo State,  is a fiscal and economic reform expert with over 35 years of experience spanning the public and private sectors.  He is a former Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services at KPMG Africa, where he led wide-ranging initiatives in fiscal policy reform, institutional transformation, and governance. He has also advised key government institutions and private sector organisations on strategic reforms, regulatory frameworks, and investment structuring. He is at present the D...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS LANRE BABALOLA AS SPECIAL ADVISER ON POWER, CHAIRS PRESIDENTIAL TASKFORCE ON POWER SECTOR RESET President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has appointed Mr Rilwan Lanre Babalola as Special Adviser to the President on Power and as Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Power Sector Reset and Restoration. The President has also redesignated the Office of the Special Adviser (Energy) as the Special Adviser (Oil & Gas) to clarify roles and avoid duplication of functions within the energy governance framework. Mr Babalola, a former Minister for Power, brings deep sectoral expertise and a proven understanding of the structural and operational challenges within the electricity value chain. His appointment underscores the President’s determination to undertake a decisive and results-driven reset of Nigeria’s power sector.  The Presidential Taskforce, which he heads, will operate under a direct presidential mandate as a high-level, de...

 SUPREME COURT DIMISES PDP's APPEAL CHALLENGING MERIT OF THE VERDICT  The Supreme Court has dismissed the appeal of the Peoples Democratic Party Challenging the  decisions of the trial and intermediate courts for lacking  merit. In a split verdict of  3 to 2, the apex court in its  lead judgment read by Justice John Ada held that the disobedience of the Federal High Court order that restrained the party from conducting the Ibadan convention in November, 2025 was fatal to the appeal. The Supreme court held that the appeal was held, was an abuse of court processes. In the light of this, the apex court dismissed the PDP appeal. In the minority verdict, Justice Simon Tsammani upheld the appeal of the PDP. The split verdict was on the matter filed by the former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido before the federal high court, Abuja. The trial court ordered the PDP to pause its convention, Sell chairmanship form to Sule Lamido and thereafter conduct its conven...

 Joan Collins: Rosé season has arrived… I never wait for permission to pour A touch of pink, a hint of glamour, and unmistakable presence, Joan Collins turned heads as she stepped out for a rosé launch event, joined by her husband Percy Gibson. The veteran actress, now in her 90s, looked effortlessly elegant in a coordinated pale pink outfit that mirrored the theme of the occasion. Standing beside a towering rosé display, she embraced the moment with her usual charm, declaring that the season for the popular wine had officially begun. “Rosé season has arrived,” she said with a smile, adding that she has never needed a reason to enjoy a glass. In her words, good taste matters more than location, noting that one doesn’t need a South of France backdrop to enjoy quality wine. Her appearance carried more than just style. It also reflected her long-standing approach to beauty and wellness. Speaking recently, Collins made it clear she has no interest in weight-loss injections or cosmetic ...

 NATIONAL WOMEN'S EMPLOYMENT MEGA RALLY SOON IN ABUJA From every single electoral ward in Nigeria,  women will be converging on Abuja for a mega empowerment  rally aimed at changing thier livelihoods for a positive drive towards economic growth and prosperity.   Ministry of women affairs in collaboration with the office of Nigeria's first lady will be championing the initiative . Momso Damien Dati reports that chairman/ CEO Nigerians in diaspora commission Abike Dabiri Erewa alongside heads of other agencies  are part of the planing

 1.2 BILLION NAIRA AND FOOD ITEMS TO BE DISTRIBUTED TO VULNERABLE HOUSEHOLDS BY WIFE OF THE PRESIDENT OLUREMI TINUBU  The first lady of the Federal republic of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu has arrived at the government house banquet hall for the distribution of hundred trucks of rice and 1.2  billion naira cash palliative to support vulnerable households across the nineteen northern states. The initiative was organized by the first lady in collaboration with the office of the special adviser on political matters to the president, Ibrahim Kabir Masari. In attendance are the deputy senate president, Barau Jibrin; the governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani; the governor of Jigawa State; and the wives of the governors of Kaduna and Jigawa states, hafsat uba sani and her counterpart.

 PRESS RELEASE NNPC Limited Records Major Breakthrough with Successful River Niger Crossing on OB3 Gas Pipeline The NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC), a wholly owned subsidiary of NNPC Limited, has successfully completed the River Niger Crossing of the 130-kilometre Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) Gas Pipeline, marking a major milestone in the expansion of Nigeria’s national gas transmission network. The successful crossing unlocks the full potential of the OB3 Pipeline, a strategic infrastructure designed to transport up to 2 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day, significantly strengthening energy availability, enhancing supply reliability, and accelerating national economic development. Executed approximately two kilometres beneath the River Niger riverbed, the technically complex crossing was delivered by the NNPC project team working with PCE Nig. Limited, using advanced horizontal directional drilling (HDD) technology. Commending the achievement, the Group Chief Executive...