Author: Platform Times Newspaper

In a swift response to credible threats, security agents successfully averted a potential attack on the palace of Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, the 15th Emir of Kano, located in Nasarawa. Early Wednesday morning, combined security forces were deployed to block access to the palace following intelligence reports of an imminent assault. The security measures were prompted by a viral video circulating on Tuesday night, which alleged plans by unidentified youths to storm the Nasarawa emir’s palace and forcibly remove Emir Aminu Ado Bayero from his residence. The video also called on supporters of the emir to gather in defense of…

A former staff member of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Ajibola Oluwafidipo, has recounted how former President Olusegun Obasanjo personally intervened to save him from being laid off during a downsizing exercise in 2011. Oluwafidipo shared his experience in a tribute, highlighting Obasanjo’s unexpected act of kindness that kept him from joining the ranks of the unemployed at the time. According to him, on May 11, 2011, the OOPL, which was still a project site at the time, faced financial constraints that necessitated reducing its workforce. “Over 200 employees were assembled at Christ the Glorious King Chapel for an…

The De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, a socio-cultural group advocating for the rights of Lagos indigenes, has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of systematically sidelining Lagos natives in political appointments and governance. In a statement released on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, titled “Exposed: Systematic Marginalization of Lagos Indigenes” with a rider “A Call for Indigenous Solidarity,” the group expressed concerns over what it described as the imposition of non-indigenes in key political positions in the state. The group particularly condemned the alleged pressure on the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, to step down…

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has taken decisive action against MultiChoice Nigeria following the company’s announcement of significant subscription rate hikes for its DStv and GOtv services. In a statement released on Tuesday, Ondaje Ijagwu, FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, revealed that MultiChoice has been summoned to provide clarity on the impending price adjustments. Effective from March 1, 2025, DStv Premium subscribers will face an increase from N37,000 to N44,500, while Compact+ subscribers will see rates rise from N25,000 to N30,000, according to an email communication reviewed by TheCable on Monday. The FCCPC invoked its authority under…

Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), the leading gas exporter in Nigeria, has been ordered by the London Court of International Arbitration to compensate global commodity giants Vitol and Glencore with a total sum of $380 million. The ruling, issued today, concludes a protracted legal battle over 19 undelivered LNG cargoes. The dispute, rooted in contractual obligations and operational disruptions at Nigeria’s Bonny Island LNG export facility, saw NLNG found in breach of contract for failing to fulfill its delivery commitments to Vitol and Glencore. These commitments were part of a supply agreement originally brokered with trading firm Taleveras, which had subcontracted…

The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN), has voiced deep dissatisfaction over what it perceives as the political marginalization of Muslims by the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, since the duo assumed office in 2023. Speaking at the Pre-Ramadan Lecture on Monday, Sheikh Abdurrasheed Hadiyyatullah, President of SCSN, criticized the Muslim-Muslim ticket’s promise to address the Muslim community’s concerns, stating that little has changed for millions of Muslims across the nation. Despite hopes that the administration would prioritize Muslim interests, Sheikh Hadiyyatullah emphasized that Muslims continue to face significant political exclusion. “We…

Attahiru Jega, former chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), issued a stark warning on Tuesday, declaring that democracy across West Africa is under threat due to pervasive governance failures and poor leadership. Speaking at the “Reflection conference on democratic elections in West Africa” organized by Yiaga Africa in Abuja, Jega highlighted how these factors are fueling a dangerous resurgence of military coups in the region. Jega pointed out that widespread dissatisfaction among citizens, exacerbated by governance failures, has led to recent coups in countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Niger. He criticized elected leaders for exploiting public…

The Sokoto state government says it has earmarked N998 million for the 2025 Ramadan feeding programme to feed 20,000 residents daily throughout Ramadan. The government said the feeding programme would take place at 155 designated centres across the state. NAN reports that Ahmad Aliyu, governor of Sokoto, said on Tuesday that about 20,000 residents would be fed daily throughout Ramadan. Aliyu spoke during the distribution of food items to feeding centre managers. He said the state government has engaged the services of 1,400 people, including 610 women as cooks for the programme. The governor urged feeding centre managers to maintain…

Daud Olatunji Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has raised concerns over the prevalence of ghost voters on the electoral register in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for urgent reforms to ensure electoral integrity. Speaking at the YIAGA Africa reflection conference on democratic elections in West Africa held in Abuja, Jonathan highlighted significant issues plaguing Nigeria’s electoral system despite technological advancements. Jonathan acknowledged the strides made in West Africa’s democratic journey but stressed persistent challenges, particularly regarding voter turnout and the credibility of electoral processes. He pointed out that despite the introduction of the bimodal voter accreditation system (BVAS) and the INEC…

Two teachers, Gbenga Ajibola (43) and Olaofe Ayodele (52),have been sentenced by the Ekiti High Court in Ado-Ekiti to a total of 44 years in prison for raping two female students, aged 15 and 17. Justice Adeniyi Familoni on Tuesday, delivered the verdict, imposing the sentence without the option of a fine. The defendants, who were arraigned on March 2, 2022, faced a three-count charge bordering on rape and abuse of office. The prosecution, led by Kunle-Shina Adeyemi, revealed that the crimes were committed in November 2019 in Ado Ekiti. The victims, whose identities were withheld, were students at a…