Author: Platform Times Newspaper

By Maryam Ogunremi  For days I have been thinking about CAF’s Appeal Board’s decision to strip Senegal of its championship at the AFCON 2025, which was held in Morocco. I know this is coming days after, but I just can’t get over it. A lot has been said by experts and those of us who are just lovers of the round leather game. While some are in support of it, some are neutral and others have lambasted the ruling by the board which is said to be headed by a Nigerian. I don’t blame her for the Board’s ruling like…

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu of steering Nigeria toward authoritarianism, alleging that the federal government is increasingly weaponising state institutions to intimidate political opponents and suppress dissent. Atiku, who is also a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the allegation on Monday while reacting to what he described as a “state-sponsored siege” on the properties of former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS). The former vice president claimed that the DSS sealed Malami’s residences and business premises shortly after he was visited by…

The Federal Government has charged the newly inaugurated Governing Board of the National Pension Commission (PenCom) with the responsibility of safeguarding over N28 trillion pension assets under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), urging strict adherence to corporate governance principles and regulatory frameworks. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, gave the charge on Monday in Abuja during the inauguration of the board, describing PenCom as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s financial system, entrusted with managing the retirement savings of millions of workers across the country. Akume said the board carries a “nationally significant mandate” that requires…

The Federal Government has commenced the rollout of a new long-acting HIV prevention injection, Lenacapavir, in a major step to curb new infections, but has restricted its use among pregnant women over safety concerns. The Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Dr Temitope Ilori, disclosed this on Monday during a media briefing organised by the National HIV, Viral Hepatitis and STDs Control Programme under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in Abuja. Ilori said although global trials have shown the drug to be largely safe, there is insufficient evidence to support its use during…

Former Senator, Iyabo Olusola Obasanjo, has dismissed criticisms of her appearance, insisting that competence and capacity—not aesthetics—should define her governorship ambition ahead of the 2027 elections in Ogun Stat. Obasanjo, who spoke during a radio interview on Paramount 94.5 FM in Abeokuta, said comments about her fashion choices were misplaced and irrelevant to governance. “I am not contesting a beauty pageant. My fashion sense will not guarantee good governance, but my skills, experience and competence will,” she said. The former lawmaker stressed that her aspiration to lead the state was driven by a desire to deliver purposeful leadership and institutional…

No fewer than 5,000 women in Ogun State have declared support for the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu, citing what they described as women-friendly policies and inclusive governance under his administration. The women also unanimously backed the senatorial ambition of Governor Dapo Abiodun, expressing confidence in his capacity to attract more developmental projects to Ogun East Senatorial District. The endorsement was announced during the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration held at the Royal Pavilion, Ijebu-Ode, and organised by the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development. The event drew female political office holders and stakeholders from the 20…

The police on Monday arrested Tajudeen Baruwa hours after he led members of his faction to take over the national secretariat of the National Union of Road Transport Workers in Abuja. Baruwa was reportedly apprehended shortly after he and his supporters stormed the union’s headquarters in the early hours of the day, dislodging a rival faction loyal to Ayinde Akinsanya. Sources said the operation, which led to the forceful takeover of the secretariat, heightened tensions within the union, already embroiled in a protracted leadership crisis. The NURTW has been sharply divided since 2024, following a fierce power struggle between Baruwa…

There was tension in parts of Katsina State after officials of the state Hisbah Commission reportedly shaved the hair of several young men during a recent enforcement exercise. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the incident occurred in Sabuwa Local Government Area, where operatives of the Islamic police carried out the action as part of activities marking the just-concluded Sallah celebrations. In a statement issued on Saturday, the Hisbah Commission said the operation, codenamed “Operation Happy Sallah,” was conducted across various parts of the town to ensure orderliness during the festivities. The exercise was led by the Sabuwa Divisional Commander, Malam Idris…

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Monday sentenced former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Anamekwe Nwabuoku, to a cumulative 72 years’ imprisonment for laundering N868.4 million. Trial judge, James Omotosho, in his judgment, held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had successfully proved the charges against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt. Nwabuoku was prosecuted on a nine-count amended charge bordering on money laundering and fraud involving N868.4 million. The anti-graft agency told the court that the former top government official conspired with several firms, including Temeeo Synergy Concept Limited, Turge Global Investment Limited, Laptev Bridge Limited, and…

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Monday raided properties linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, taking over his residences and offices in an operation his camp has described as unlawful and politically motivated. The development reportedly occurred shortly after a visit by former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, to Malami’s residence, although there was no official confirmation linking both events. In a statement issued by Malami’s Special Assistant on Media, Mohammed Bello Doka, the former AGF’s office accused the anti-graft agency of acting without legal backing and in disregard of an ongoing court process. The statement…