PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 FG SETS UP COMMITTEE TO RESOLVE BOTTLENECKS IN IMPLEMENTATION OF ELECTRICITY ACT 2023 The Federal Government has Set up nine-Member inter-agency Committee to address issues around decentralisation of electricity Market. Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe is to chair the committee. The objective is to  drive sustained engagement, resolve emerging implementation issues, and support the seamless operationalization of the Electricity Act 2023. The committee has four-weeks and will work with other stakeholders and share a resolution within the time frame.

Olympic canoeist David Hearn pleads not guilty in Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool damage case U.S. Olympic canoeist David “Davey” Hearn pleaded not guilty Thursday to a felony charge related to alleged damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Hearn appeared in D.C. Superior Court after a grand jury indicted him on one count of destruction of property, accusing him of causing more than $1,000 in damage to the historic pool. Judge Carmen McLean released Hearn on his own recognizance, with his next court hearing scheduled for August 5. The courtroom was filled to capacity before the hearing, with additional attendees directed to overflow areas. Hearn remained composed as the charges were read and later spoke quietly with his attorneys about scheduling his next appearance. Supporters gathered outside the courthouse ahead of the hearing to show their support for the former Olympian. Hearn is one of several people accused of tampering with the Reflecting Pool, which has been undergoi...

 Pope Leo jabs Trump in 250th birthday message to Americans During America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, Pope Leo XIV used the occasion to remind President Donald Trump of the nation’s immigrant roots. In a letter released Friday, the first American-born pope praised the founding ideals of liberty and democracy but stressed that defending human life also means welcoming and protecting migrants.  He emphasized that newcomers seeking freedom and opportunity have always shaped the country’s character, making compassion toward them both a moral duty and a recognition of human dignity. The pope’s remarks come as Trump continues to prioritize immigration crackdowns in his second term, highlighting a growing divide between the Vatican and the White House.  Leo criticized policies that expel migrants without addressing the violence and conflict that force them to flee, arguing that simply “washing our hands of the problem” is not a Christian response.  His stance has dra...

 Ford recalls over 741,000 vehicles over transmission defect that could cause vehicles to roll while in park Ford is recalling more than 741,000 vehicles in the United States due to a transmission defect that could damage the park system and increase the risk of unintended vehicle movement, potentially leading to crashes or injuries. The recall includes certain 2018–2021 model year Ford F-150, Explorer, Expedition, and Lincoln Aviator and Navigator vehicles, according to safety regulators. The issue involves a condition in which the transmission’s parking pawl may temporarily engage while the vehicle is still in motion during specific shifting events. Over time, this can damage components of the parking system. If the system is damaged, the vehicle may not remain securely in “park” when the parking brake is not applied, creating a risk that the vehicle could roll or move unexpectedly. Regulators said Ford is aware of 24 reports of property damage and nine reports of injuries linked...

 Prince George, 12, is almost as tall as Kate Middleton as he goes on a rare royal outing with his mom Kate Middleton and her son Prince George marked Armed Forces Day with a rare joint appearance at RAF Coningsby. In a video shared on the Prince and Princess of Wales’ Instagram, the pair reflected on their visit to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, where they explored historic aircraft and met with pilots and engineers.  George, now 12, looked noticeably grown up beside his mother, nearly matching her height as they toured the base. The royal family’s post highlighted the courage and dedication of those who serve, past and present, while showing George’s enthusiasm for learning about aviation history.  The outing comes as George prepares to begin studies at Eton College in the fall, following in the footsteps of his father, Prince William, who graduated from the prestigious school in 2000. Royal biographers note that Eton will provide George with the rigorous educat...

 GOV. OTTI CONDOLES WITH EKUBO FAMILY AS LATE NOLLYWOOD ACTOR IS LAID TO REST The Abia Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has condoled the family of Ekubo over the death of their son and renowned Abia born Nollywood actor, Dr Alex Ikenna Ekubo Okwaraeke whose body has been laid to rest. Speaking during a funeral service conducted by the Streams of Joy International, at the Mary Slessor Technical College Ground, in Arochukwu LGA, Governor Otti described the death of Dr Ekubo, as a profound loss to the state, nation,  entertainment industry and millions of admirers across the world.  The Governor represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, said that the late actor was not only a celebrated entertainer but also a cultural ambassador, whose talent projected the image of Abia state and nation on the global stage and noted that the deceased life exemplified resilience, creativity and excellence. The State Chief Executive also applauded the deceased for always carrying his root...

 History Maker: Kylian Mbappe Breaks France Goalscoring Record in World Cup Win Over Senegal Kylian Mbappe cemented his legacy as a French footballing icon, shattering the national goalscoring record during France's hard-fought 3-1 victory against Senegal in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener. The 27-year-old Real Madrid superstar was the difference-maker in New Jersey, netting a spectacular brace to propel Didier Deschamps' side to the top of Group I. With his two goals, Mbappe reached an incredible 58 international goals, officially eclipsing former teammate Olivier Giroud (57) to become France's outright all-time top scorer. A Frustrating First Half and the Historic Breakthrough Senegal proved to be a formidable opponent early on, deploying a resilient defensive shape that frustrated the 2022 World Cup runners-up. Despite France's dominance in possession, clear-cut chances were hard to come by in a tense first half. However, the deadlock was finally broken after the in...

 I Would Never Insult My Friends - Selena Gomez Clears Up Taylor Swift Comment Controversy,  Selena Gomez has responded after some social media users claimed she was taking a swipe at her close friend Taylor Swift. The singer and actress found herself at the center of online chatter after commenting "lol" under an Instagram post shared by MTV.  The post featured photos of Swift celebrating alongside actress Mariska Hargitay after the New York Knicks edged out the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden. One image showed Swift wrapping an arm around Hargitay while surrounded by fellow Knicks supporters. Another captured the pair cheering during the dramatic game. After receiving numerous messages about the comment, Gomez took to Instagram Stories to explain what she meant. “I woke up to so many texts,” she wrote. “I would never insult my friends, nor was it meant as an insult.” According to Gomez, her reaction was aimed at the first photo in ...

 Marc Anthony's 'difficult' relationship with his kids with Jennifer Lopez comes to light amid their graduation Marc Anthony’s relationship with the twins he shares with Jennifer Lopez appears to have grown distant, according to insiders. The 18-year-olds recently celebrated their graduations, but Anthony was absent from both ceremonies, leaving Lopez to mark the milestones with her family and close circle.  Photos showed Lopez emotional as she supported her children, while Anthony’s absence fueled speculation about his involvement in their lives. Reports suggest Lopez has long been the primary parent, with Anthony deferring to her on most decisions.  When the twins were younger, he often arranged private jets to spend time with them, but over the years his visits became less frequent.  Anthony, who has eight children with four different women, is currently expecting another child with his wife, Nadia Ferreira, further highlighting the complexity of his family commit...

 Top Gun: Maverick Actor James Handy Dead After Stabbing Incident, Girlfriend’s Son Charged Veteran actor James Handy has dead following a stabbing incident at his home in Tarzana, California, authorities have confirmed. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, officers were called to the property on June 3 after a 911 report described an unspecified emergency. When police arrived, they found the 81-year-old actor unconscious in the front yard with a stab wound to his chest. Emergency responders transported Handy to a nearby hospital, but he was later pronounced @d. Investigators identified 44-year-old Michael Gledhill, the son of Handy’s girlfriend, as the suspect in the case. Details from dispatch audio obtained by media outlets revealed that the person who contacted emergency services allegedly made a startling statement during the call. The caller reportedly said, “I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin.” Following the report, police secured the neighborhood a...

 Governor Makinde and his 2027 gamble By Tunde Rahman The race to the presidency in 2027 is getting more exciting. Last Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the ancient Mapo Hall in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Governor Seyi Makinde formally threw his hat into the ring and organised a spectacle that could only have been funded by Oyo State taxpayers' money.  His declaration to contest for the topmost office in the forthcoming general election, however, is anything but surprising. Some political watchers had long sensed where he might be headed, given the somewhat convoluted politics that have seen him taking several seemingly contradictory and illegal steps. What was unknown and unclear was which platform the "outgoing landlord of Agodi Government House" would contest on. His Peoples Democratic Party is, after all, still enmeshed in crisis, wherein his camp holds a short end of the political stick.  But let me state clearly from the outset that I disagree with renowned activist a...

 SPEAKER ABBAS AFFIRMED AS APC CANDIDATE FOR THE ZARIA CONSTITUENCY Speaker of the house of representatives Tajudeen Abbas says, the people of Zaria federal constituency should expect more dividends of democracy if elected in the 2027 general elections. Haruna Mohammed reports that speaker Abbas stated this after his affirmation as the house of representatives candidate for the aAl Progressives Congress in Zaria constituency.

 Behind the promise of “online jobs” was a suspected human trafficking network operating in Nasarawa State.  NAPTIP rescued 15 persons, including foreign nationals, during a joint operation targeting fraudulent online marketing activities linked to exploitation and organized crime.  NAPTIP UNGOVERS SUSPECTED HUMAN TRAFFICKING NETWORK DISGUISED AS ONLINE MARKETING COMPANY IN NASARAWA  The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has uncovered a suspected human trafficking syndicate involving foreign nationals operating within Keffi and Karu Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State. The discovery followed a joint operation carried out by officers of the Investigation Department and the Intelligence and International Cooperation Unit (IlCU) on 7th May, 2026 between 1645hrs and 1800hrs, based on credible intelligence regarding suspicious activities linked to fraudulent online marketing operations. Preliminary investigation revealed that fift...

 NPF, JAMB BUST SOPHISTICATED UTME EXAMINATION MALPRACTICE SYNDICATE IN DELTA The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has uncovered and disrupted a sophisticated examination malpractice syndicate during the conduct of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) at the College of Education, Warri, Delta State. The operation followed intelligence-led investigations into attempts by criminal elements to compromise the integrity of the examination through technology-assisted fraud and unauthorized remote access to examination systems. Preliminary investigations revealed that during the examination, unauthorized remote access was illegally gained into candidates’ computer systems while the exercise was ongoing. Acting on credible intelligence and digital forensic leads, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force carried out coordinated operations which led to the arrest of three suspects directly linked to the crimi...

 GOVERNOR SANWO-OLU REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HOUSING FINANCE … Commends LBIC’s Resilience, Growth at 21st AGM The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reaffirmed the State Government's commitment to expanding access to affordable housing finance, describing housing as a critical economic driver for the state’s growth and stability. This was the principal message in a keynote address delivered during the 21st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Lagos Building Investment Company (LBIC) Plc, held on May 5, 2026, at Ikeja, in Lagos.  The Governor, who was represented by Hon. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, the Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, lauded the Board, Management, and Shareholders for their stewardship and continued dedication to the Lagos Building Investment Corporation's founding purpose. The Governor stated that “despite a challenging economic climate marked by shifting market realities, LBIC has shown resilience in its role in fostering an inclusive and irrepr...

 Uzodimma unveils Tinubu’s digital platform to counter misinformation, track gains  The Director-General of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, on Sunday in Abuja, unveiled a dedicated digital platform for the pro-Tinubu civic organisation. Uzodimma promised that the website would serve as a verified information hub to deepen public understanding of the administration’s reform programme and actively counter the spread of misinformation. He made the pledge when he formally launched the RHA’s website and an integrated suite of digital assets at the organisation’s headquarters in Abuja. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Special Duties, Tunde Rahman, who also doubles as the RHA’s Director of Media and Publicity,  revealed this in a statement he signed on Sunday titled ‘Renewed Hope Digital Platform ‘ll enrich communication of governance strides, says Gov. Uzodinma’. At the launch, Uzodinma said the RHA’s centrepiece is the ...

 Skydiver crashes into Virginia Tech scoreboard, delaying spring football game  A skydiver crashed into the scoreboard at Lane Stadium just before Virginia Tech’s spring football game on Saturday, causing a delay as emergency crews responded to the scene. Officials said the parachuter became stuck on the structure during the descent, prompting a coordinated rescue effort before the game could begin. The individual was safely secured and reported to be in stable condition following the incident. University officials emphasized that the skydiver’s well-being was the top priority and praised first responders, event staff, and medical teams for their quick and professional actions. The parachuter was ultimately brought down without injury, thanks to the swift response. Video from the scene showed the parachute caught near the lettering atop the scoreboard before crews intervened. The identity of the skydiver has not been released, and additional details about the incident have not...

  See You at the March - Sharon Osbourne Signals Support for Planned Rally Sharon Osbourne has indicated that she will be part of an anti-immigration march being organised by commentator Tommy Robinson next month. The television personality drew attention online after responding to a social media post promoting the May 16 “Unite The Kingdom” march. Under the post, Osbourne simply wrote: “See you at the march.” The planned event is being billed as a follow-up to a similar demonstration held in September at Trafalgar Square, which reportedly drew more than 100,000 people. In recent posts, Robinson has been actively rallying support for the march, urging followers to mark the date as the day “Britain rises and reunites.” In one video shared earlier this week on the Gauci Reports account, he said the protest would be a response to migration, mass immigration and what he described as government oppression. He also stated that he wanted to bring London to a standstill, adding that suppor...

 North Korean leader Kim rides tank with daughter during military training  North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his teenage daughter rode a tank together during army exercises, state media reported Friday, marking their latest joint public appearance following rocket launches and pistol firing. According to the Korean Central News Agency, Kim oversaw firing drills and other exercises with tank units and infantry troops on Thursday, urging the completion of war preparations. Photos showed Kim and his daughter, both in black leather jackets, on an olive-green tank alongside other soldiers. The girl, reportedly 13-year-old Kim Ju Ae, was seen peeking out of the tank’s hatch while Kim sat atop the vehicle, smiling. Kim Ju Ae has appeared at high-profile military and state events since late 2022, fueling speculation that she may be groomed as her father’s successor. State media has described her as Kim’s “most beloved” child, publishing images highlighting their close relationship....

 New US trade deal with Indonesia ensures fossil fuel supplies and critical mineral access   A new trade agreement between the United States and Indonesia is reshaping the two countries’ economic relationship, tying Jakarta’s vast natural resources and energy sector more closely to U.S. strategic interests. Under the deal, Indonesia will expand access for American investors in its critical minerals sector, increase purchases of U.S. crude and liquefied petroleum gas, support development of an American coal export corridor, and collaborate on small modular nuclear reactors. In return, the United States reduced a proposed 32% tariff on Indonesian goods to 19% and granted broader market access, including zero-tariff entry for key exports such as palm oil, coffee, cocoa, spices, and rubber. The pact is part of Washington’s broader effort to secure critical mineral supply chains, strengthen energy exports, and reduce reliance on China. Neighboring countries negotiating with the U.S...