PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 NDC STATEMENT ON COURT RULING Our attention has been drawn to a ruling by the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja this morning, wherein His Lordship, Honourable Justice Isah Dashen, gave a ruling on an application filed by an unregistered association known as Peace Movement Party. The public knows that by December 2025, the Nigeria Democratic Congress  as an association complained of INEC’s refusal to register us as a political party, whereupon we proceeded to the Federal High Court. The Federal High Court upheld our constitutional right to freedom of association under the Constitution and compelled INEC to register us, which INEC did. Since then, we have started political activities, embarked on the registration of members, held congresses from ward to national levels, held conventions, and concluded primaries to all offices following INEC’s timetable. We have been fully participating in all INEC activities without let or hindrance. NDC also fielded candidates, and fully pa...

 Two Feared Dead in Drainage Channel Explosion in Owerri West An explosion inside a large drainage channel at No.1 Old Nekede Road, opposite Lakeside Hotel in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, has killed two suspected scrap metal scavengers. The victims were identified as 32-year-old Hyginus Akalonu, a native of Umulumu in Ehime Mbano LGA of Imo State, and 22-year-old Victor Egwu from Agba in Ishielu LGA of Ebonyi State. According to a statement by the Imo State Police Command spokesperson, Henry Okoye, the two men sustained severe burn injuries in the blast and were rushed to the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Owerri, where they were pronounced dead while receiving treatment. Okoye said operatives of the Command, acting on a report from residents in the area, swiftly mobilized to the scene, cordoned off the vicinity, and deployed the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit to secure the area and conduct a thorough sweep. "Preliminary investigatio...

 Venezuela earthquake death toll climbs to 589 as rescue teams search rubble of double quakes  More than 36 hours after a pair of catastrophic earthquakes devastated parts of Venezuela, the reported casualties continue to rise as specialized teams work through the wreckage. Government officials confirmed on Friday morning that the death toll has climbed to at least 589 individuals, with another 2,980 people sustaining injuries. Amid the ongoing devastation, rescue crews have successfully extracted dozens of survivors from the debris. The crisis has triggered a massive international response, drawing hundreds of specialized emergency responders from across Central and South America. These international teams joined local forces on Friday, focusing their efforts on digging through pulverized concrete and collapsed structures to locate missing residents. The destruction was caused by an unusual seismic phenomenon known as a doublet sequence, where two massive earthquakes of compa...

 Tennis legend Chris Evert reveals ovarian cancer return, will skip Wimbledon for treatment Tennis legend and Hall of Famer Chris Evert announced that her ovarian cancer has returned, forcing her to step away from her broadcasting duties at Wimbledon this summer to prioritize her health and medical care. The 71-year-old sports icon, who serves as a prominent tennis analyst for ESPN, was initially diagnosed with the disease in December 2021. She subsequently experienced a recurrence in December 2023. Through a social media update, Evert shared that she has already completed a surgical procedure and is scheduled to begin a new round of chemotherapy treatment in the coming weeks. Expressing determination and optimism, she voiced deep appreciation for her medical staff, family, and supportive fans while looking forward to a return to public life after her recovery. Evert holds an illustrious legacy at Wimbledon, securing singles titles in 1974, 1976, and 1981, alongside a 1976 doubles ...

King Charles to remain at Clarence House as Buckingham Palace opens to more public access after renovation King Charles III will not move into Buckingham Palace after its nearly decade-long, 369 million-pound ($487 million) renovation is completed, choosing instead to remain at nearby Clarence House while continuing to use the palace as the monarchy's primary working headquarters. Royal officials said Buckingham Palace will remain the ceremonial and operational center of the monarchy, with the king and Queen Camilla continuing to conduct official duties there. The decision is expected to allow greater public access to the historic landmark through expanded tours and events. The announcement came during a royal finances briefing, where Charles became the first British monarch to publicly disclose the taxes he paid while on the throne. The king paid 12.9 million pounds ($16.1 million) in income and capital gains taxes during the 2024-25 financial year, up from 11.7 million pounds the...

 Lions CB Terrion Arnold arrested on kidnapping, armed robbery charges over alleged retaliatory attack     Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold is in custody in Florida awaiting a court hearing after authorities accused him of orchestrating a retaliatory kidnapping and robbery tied to a dispute over stolen property. Police say Arnold believed individuals had taken more than $250,000 worth of items from him and others during a February theft at an Airbnb in Largo, Florida. Three days later, investigators say three men in their late teens were lured to a Tampa apartment, where they were held at gunpoint, beaten, pistol-whipped, and robbed. Authorities allege Arnold acted as the “primary conspirator” in the attack, directing others through a group chat and later arriving at the scene. Police said the victims were not involved in the original theft and were mistakenly targeted. Arnold surrendered to authorities on Wednesday and is scheduled to appear in Hillsborough C...

 Ukraine launches massive drone assault on Russia, targeting multiple regions and Crimea, Moscow says Russia said it intercepted 660 Ukrainian drones during a large-scale overnight assault that targeted multiple regions, Russian-occupied Crimea, and surrounding waters in what appeared to be one of Kyiv’s biggest drone operations of the war. According to Russia’s Defense Ministry, Ukraine carried out coordinated strikes across roughly a dozen regions, including attempts to reach areas near Moscow, where officials said dozens of drones were shot down. The total number of intercepted drones marked a higher figure than a previous major attack in May, when 556 drones were reported downed. Ukraine has increasingly relied on long-range drones to strike deep inside Russian territory, focusing on oil refineries, energy infrastructure, and military logistics hubs. Western officials and analysts say the campaign has strained Russia’s fuel supplies and military transport networks while increas...

 Danny Masterson asks appeals court to overturn rape conviction, arguing trial errors and witness credibility issues    Actor Danny Masterson is asking a California appeals court to overturn his 2023 conviction for rape, arguing that legal errors and disputed witness testimony undermined the verdict that sent him to prison for 30 years to life. Masterson, best known for his role on “That ’70s Show,” was convicted by a jury of raping two women in 2001 and 2002 by force or fear, including allegations that he drugged the victims. The jury in his second trial found him guilty on two counts involving two women identified in court as J.B. and N.T., while deadlocking on a third allegation involving a separate accuser. A previous trial had ended in a mistrial on all counts. Following the conviction, Masterson was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison. In court filings, Masterson maintains the encounters were consensual and argues that key testimony from the accusers changed sig...

SANWO-OLU ORDERS DEMOLITION OF DISTRESSED HOUSES AROUND ALAKIJA COLLAPSED BUILDING Owner to face trial The Lagos State Government will demolish all buildings marked as distressed around the collapsed 3-storey building at Alakija, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said yesterday. Speaking during an inspection tour of the site on Friday, Commissioner for Information and Strategy Mr Gbenga Omotoso, who represented Governor Sanwo-Olu, sympathised with the families of the victims and praised emergency responders for their swift intervention. According to the Commissioner, 27 people were rescued alive from the rubble. Nine died.  The search and rescue operation lasted all night. Still at the site are Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA),the Police, Command and Control Centre, Neighborhood Watch and other agencies.  “Governor Sanwo-Olu is saddened by this incident. He sends his condolences,” Omot...

Alleged $4.5bn Fraud:   Court Reserves Ruling on Admissibility of Emefiele's Statements till July 9 Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Friday, June 26, 2026, adjourned proceedings in the alleged $4.5 billion fraud trial involving a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele, and his co-defendant, Henry Omoile, till July 9, 2026, for a ruling on the admissibility of extra-judicial statements allegedly made by Emefiele. Emefiele is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a 19-count charge bordering on receiving gratification and making corrupt demands while serving as Governor of the CBN. His co-defendant, Omoile, is facing a three-count charge bordering on the unlawful acceptance of gifts by an agent. Both defendants have pleaded “not guilty” to the charges. At the resumed hearing on Friday, counsel to the first defendant, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, objected to the admissibility of...

 Nollywood Actor Joseph Momodu Joins U.S. Army in Touch Tribute to Late Father A New Chapter: From Nollywood to the United States Army In an unexpected and deeply moving career transition, popular Nollywood actor Joseph Momodu has officially traded the movie sets for military fatigues. The talented screen star recently celebrated a major milestone, graduating from the United States Army's Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. Honoring a Father's Legacy of Service For Momodu, enlisting in the military was far more than a career pivot it was a deeply personal mission to honor his family's legacy of service. Taking to social media to share his achievement, the actor revealed that this path allows him to carry on the legacy of his late father, who served in the Nigerian Police Force before his passing twenty years ago. Reflecting on his journey, Momodu shared how meaningful it was to pick up the baton of public service where his father left off. He is now offi...

 Mo Bimpe Shuts Down Rumors of N400k Aso Ebi for Her Triplets' Grand Thanksgiving Party Nollywood actress Mo Bimpe has officially broken her silence following viral rumors that she and her husband, Lateef Adedimeji, are charging a whopping N400,000 for the Aso Ebi at their triplets' upcoming grand thanksgiving ceremony. The N400k Aso Ebi Controversy The controversy began when popular Instagram gossip blog Cutie_Juls shared a post claiming that the celebrity couple was planning a massive celebration for their newborn triplets. According to the blogger, guests wishing to attend the event in the traditional uniform (Aso Ebi) would have to part with N400,000. This claim quickly ignited a heated debate online, with many fans voicing their shock at the premium price tag. Mo Bimpe Delivers a 'Savage' Response Not one to let false narratives slide, Mo Bimpe caught wind of the viral report and delivered what netizens have described as a "savage" response. While setting...

 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, today assented to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026. The new Act, which repeals and replaces the NIMC Act of 2007, is a landmark piece of legislation, signifying a transformative milestone in Nigeria's journey towards a secure, inclusive and digitally empowered nation. WHAT IS NEW? 1. It provides robust data protection and privacy by introducing stronger safeguards for personal data in alignment with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) and international best practices, ensuring that Nigerians' personal information is processed, stored and protected in accordance with globally accepted privacy standards. 2. The new law designates NIMC as the root certification authority for Nigeria's National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), establishing the Commission as the nation's trusted authority responsible for secure digital identity, authentication and electronic trust servic...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU APPROVES NATIONAL HEALTH TECHNOLOGY AND DATA ANALYTICS OFFICE, APPOINTS OBI ADIGWE NATIONAL COORDINATOR   President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office (NHTDAO) and appointed Dr Obi Adigwe as the pioneer National Coordinator.   The agency will be domiciled in the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.   The NHTDAO will serve as a meta-level national platform for coordinating the country's digital-health agenda.   It will reinforce, not replace, the existing statutory functions of relevant departments and agencies.   It will also harmonise and empower the public and private institutions across the health system, set the standards that connect them, and operationalise the National Digital Health Architecture, approved by the National Council on Health in November 2025.   The National Coordinator, Dr Adigwe, as Director ...

 Congo files ICJ case against Rwanda over role in conflict The Democratic Republic of Congo has filed a case against Rwanda at the International Court of Justice over its role in the long-running conflict in the east, the government said on Friday. In ‌a statement, Congo accused Rwanda of breaching international conventions, including those on genocide, racial discrimination and torture, Reuters reported. Congo said the alleged crimes committed against civilians included massacres, extrajudicial killings, torture, sexual violence, forced displacement and discrimination spanned over three decades. Congo said Rwanda had dispatched forces and backed or directed armed ⁠groups to carry out unlawful military operations on its territory following the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Congo is calling for the ICJ to order Rwanda to cease the alleged violations and award reparations to Congo and its victims. U.N. experts and Western governments have sided with Congo in finding Rwanda responsible for p...

Canada makes history as first World Cup host forced to play knockout match outside its borders The Canadian men's national soccer team has secured its first-ever berth in the World Cup knockout stage, but the achievement comes alongside a unique historical distinction: Canada has become the first tournament host forced to play an elimination match outside its national borders. A 2-1 defeat against Switzerland solidified the team's path forward, sending the roster south to Los Angeles for a Round of 32 matchup against South Africa. Canada could have remained in Vancouver for the knockout rounds by securing a win or a draw in their final group stage match. Team members acknowledged that while they preferred to remain on home soil, they must now adapt to the travel requirements. The structural arrangement sets Canada apart from its fellow 2026 co-hosts, the United States and Mexico, both of whom clinched their respective groups to guarantee home-field advantage for the upcoming ro...

 Iran threatens to block Strait of Hormuz safe passage without direct coordination with Tehran   Tehran issued a stark warning stating that it will no longer guarantee safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz unless commercial ships directly coordinate their transits with Iranian authorities. The announcement has injected fresh instability into one of the world's most critical maritime trade arteries, coming immediately after a drone strike targeted a large commercial cargo vessel in the waterway. President Donald Trump condemned the drone strike on social media, identifying it as a blatant violation of the newly established ceasefire agreement between Washington and Tehran. While President Trump detailed that American forces successfully intercepted three out of four attack drones launched at transiting vessels, he did not specify whether the United States plans to initiate a military response to the breach. The escalating maritime dispute centers on newly proposed ship...

 Anambra Begins Reconstruction of Onitsha Main Market, Targets Completion Before 2026 Carnival ‎ ‎By Ekweaga Uzoma ‎ ‎ ‎The Anambra State Government has commenced the reconstruction and modernization of the Onitsha Main Market as part of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo's vision to transform the facility into a world-class international commercial hub. ‎ ‎The project gained momentum on June 24 when the Commissioner for Housing, Arc. Henry Arize, formally handed over the project site to ten contractors selected to execute various components of the redevelopment.  ‎ ‎Speaking during the ceremony at the Main Market Hall in Onitsha North Local Government Area, he urged contractors and market stakeholders to ensure the successful and timely delivery of the project. ‎ ‎Arc. Arize disclosed that the state government intends to substantially complete the project before the 2026 Onitsha Carnival scheduled for December. He assured the contractors of adequate security, electricity supply, and other ...

 Experts Warn Nigerians Against Buying Food Sold Near Refuse Dumps By Rita Okonkwo Health authorities have warned Nigerians against buying food displayed near refuse dumps, stressing that such practices expose consumers to dangerous bacteria, heavy metals, harmful chemicals, and serious health risks. Market inspections across Awka, Onitsha, Port Harcourt, and Lagos revealed vegetables, fruits, tomatoes, and open grains displayed close to decomposing waste, attracting flies freely contaminating exposed foodstuffs daily. Awka-based public health expert, Pharmacist Celestine Nnamdi Ikoah, explained that refuse dumps attract disease-carrying vectors capable of contaminating food instantly, exposing consumers to preventable and life-threatening infections nationwide. According to Ikoah, contaminated food may transmit diarrhea, cholera, typhoid fever, vomiting, and other illnesses, especially among children under five, pregnant women, elderly adults, and immunocompromised persons across ...

  Several Injured as Suspected Bandits Ambush Sunday Igboho’s Security Team in Oyo Forest Several operatives of a private security network linked to Yoruba Nation campaigner Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, were injured after suspected cross-border bandits ambushed them during an anti-crime operation in the Old Oyo National Park. The incident occurred while members of the Iru Ekun security outfit — associated with Igboho — were conducting a mission to track and dislodge suspected kidnappers and other armed criminal elements operating within the expansive forest reserve. According to sources familiar with the operation, the team had deployed surveillance drones to identify criminal hideouts and monitor the movement of armed groups before advancing into the area. The mission, however, turned violent when the operatives came under heavy gunfire from suspected bandits believed to be part of cross-border criminal networks. A fierce gun battle ensued inside the forest, l...

 Defending President Federation Cup champions Kwara United are yet to receive the N50 million prize money promised for their 2025 victory, even as the finalists for the 2026 edition have been determined. The Harmony Boys defeated Abakaliki FC 4-3 on penalties in Lagos last year to lift Nigeria’s oldest football trophy. However, one year after their triumph, the Ilorin-based club is still waiting for the financial reward attached to the success. Sources close to the club told newsmen that there has been no communication from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) regarding the outstanding payment. “It has not been paid, and there has been silence since we won. There has been nothing to say, this is what we are getting. Even the players had to move on and focus on football eventually,” a club source said on condition of anonymity. Efforts to obtain comments from NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, and Director of Competitions Ruth David were unsuccessful, a...

 Obi Urges Tinubu to Delay State Police Implementation Until After 2027 Elections Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on President Bola Tinubu to postpone the rollout of state police until after the 2027 general elections, citing risks of political manipulation and abuse. Obi made the appeal on Friday, just days after the National Assembly passed a Constitution Alteration Bill to establish state police commands across the country. The proposed reform, which seeks to decentralise Nigeria’s policing system amid rising insecurity, now requires approval by at least 24 state Houses of Assembly before it can receive presidential assent. In a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle titled “State Police: Commendable Step, but Disorderly Legislation Raises Concerns of Political Misuse,” Obi acknowledged the long-standing need for decentralised policing while expressing strong reservations about the current process. “The recent p...

 The Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja has set aside its earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) as a political party. Delivering the ruling, Justice Isah Dashen held that the previous judgment was constitutionally defective because it was delivered without hearing from all parties with an interest in the matter. The decision followed an application filed by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which argued that the NDC's registration was based on a logo the PMP had earlier submitted to INEC before the commencement of the suit. Justice Dashen ruled that all relevant parties must be given the opportunity to present their cases before any substantive decision could be reached. The court consequently ordered that the substantive suit begin afresh, with INEC, the Peace Movement Party, and the NDC joined as parties in the case.  The judge also directed that the status quo be restored to what i...

  Obasanjo, Kwankwaso hold 'constructive discussions' in Kano Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), held what was described as “constructive discussions” in Kano on Thursday. Saifullahi Hassan, Kwankwaso’s media aide, shared this in a post on Friday, saying the meeting took place during Obasanjo’s official visit to the state One more photo below. 

 Convener of ‘presidential promotion council’ rejects Gbaja’s disclaimer, seeks Tinubu’s probe Adeniyi Adeyemi, convener of the disputed Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), has challenged the presidency’s disclaimer distancing itself from the body, while calling on President Bola Tinubu to establish an independent panel to investigate the controversy. Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Adeyemi questioned the June 11 statement by Femi Gbajabiamila, chief of staff to the president, which said the PFIPC does not exist under the Tinubu administration. “It has come to the notice of the Federal Government of Nigeria and specifically the Office of the Chief of Staff to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR that a certain Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, under the auspices of an alleged organisation styled as the ‘Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council’ is portraying himself to the general public as having been appointed by my offic...

 ANAMBRA COMMISSIONER CONDEMNS CHILD ABUSE IN ONITSHA, CALLS FOR GREATER PUBLIC VIGILANCE AND PROTECTION OF CHILDREN The Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Chinyere Esther Onyekesi (Adaejiejemba), has strongly condemned a disturbing case of child abuse involving a young girl in Onitsha, describing the incident as cruel, inhumane, unacceptable, and a gross violation of the rights and dignity of a child. According to reports, the incident involved one Aniagu Precious, an indigene of Enugu State residing in Onitsha, who allegedly subjected a young girl under her care to severe physical abuse, neglect, and starvation. The victim reportedly lost a tooth as a result of the assault and later collapsed while in school due to injuries sustained from the abuse, compounded by prolonged deprivation of adequate food and care. Reacting to the development, Mrs. Onyekesi expressed profound shock and concern over the incident, noting that such acts undermine t...

Mother of Four  Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Attempted Murder of 12-Year-Old Girl in Akwa Ibom The Akwa Ibom State High Court, sitting in Essien Udim Local Government Area, has sentenced a 36-year-old hairdresser and mother of four, Uwakmfon Isaac Jonah, to life imprisonment for the attempted murder of a 12-year-old girl. Justice Winifred Effiong delivered the judgment on Thursday, convicting Jonah on a one-count charge of attempted murder contrary to Section 276 of the Criminal Code, Cap 38 Vol. 2, Laws of Akwa Ibom State, 2022. The court heard that the victim, a young pepper hawker, was lured from Urua Akpan market by Jonah under the false pretext that an elderly customer wanted to buy her pepper but could not walk to the market. The convict, a divorcee from Ikot Obong in Afaha Clan, Essien Udim, allegedly led the child into a nearby bush. In her testimony, the girl recounted the terrifying ordeal: “I followed the lady because she put on a nice dress. Reaching the road to t...