Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Daud Olatunji In a scathing critique, former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has taken aim at the current Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, asserting that he is unfit for the prestigious office he holds.  Ezekwesili’s criticism, expressed on Wednesday via a tweet, contends that Akpabio’s occupancy of the Senate President position is a stain on Nigeria’s democracy, attributing it to the compromised state of the country’s judiciary. The former minister alleges that the Court of Appeal, entrusted with upholding justice, has forsaken prudence and allowed itself to be swayed by corrupt and decadent politicians.  Ezekwesili pulls no punches in her assessment,…

Daud Olatunji The American Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Legal Attache in Nigeria, Mr. Jack Smith, praised the appointment of Mr. Ola Olukoyede as the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).  During a visit to the EFCC’s headquarters on Wednesday, Smith commended Olukoyede’s impressive credentials and expressed delight in the Commission’s reform agenda. Smith, in his statement, acknowledged conducting personal research on Olukoyede’s background and qualifications, affirming that the appointment was well-founded.  “I came to congratulate you on your appointment. I did my homework and research, and I discovered that your appointment is right,” he stated.…

Daud Olatunji In a chaotic eruption of violence, Akute Bus Stop and Alagboole in the Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State became a battleground on Wednesday as commercial motorcyclists clashed with transport union tax collectors, popularly known as ‘Agbero,’ in protest against a steep hike in ticket prices. Eyewitnesses at the scene reported the shuttering of shops and the destruction of properties, forcing residents and traders to hastily seek refuge amidst the turmoil. Garba, a stranded commuter who supported the motorcyclists, asserting that the abrupt increase in ticket prices from N700 to N1400 was unjustifiable, especially in light of…

Daud Olatunji  The Vice-Chancellor of Tai Solarin University of Education,Ijagun, Ogun State, Prof. Oluwole Banjo has announced that 18 students have distinguished themselves by attaining first-class honours out of  5,153 graduating students at the combined convocation of the 13th, 14th, and 15th ceremonies.  The VC also said that  159 students will be awarded master’s degrees, 60 with Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE), and 30 with Postgraduate Diplomas (PGD).  The Vice-Chancellor  disclosed this on Wednesday at a press conference held in preparation for the combined convocation.  Prof. Banjo hinted  that the  highlight of this year’s convocation is the conferment of an…

Daud Olatunji  The Ogun 1 Area  Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has announced that it has  not only generated an unprecedented N30,408,276.00 in revenue but also exhibited a 400% increase compared to the same period in 2022. The Acting Customs Area Controller of Ogun 1 Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu stated this on Wednesday, at a press briefing held  at Idiroko, unveiling remarkable achievements for the month of October 2023. Shuaibu  attributed the  extraordinary surge to the Command’s steadfast commitment to trade facilitation and robust engagement with stakeholders.  He disclosed that the  Duty Paid Value (DPV) of…

Daud Olatunji In a bid to combat the adverse effects of climate change in Nigeria, the Nigeria Institute of Landscape Horticulture (NILH) has urged the National Assembly to pass a law mandating homeowners to plant at least one tree within their premises. The institute, recognizing the crucial role of trees in mitigating climate change and safeguarding the environment, emphasizes the need for a greenery environment as a strategy to control environmental pollution. At the 16th National Conference and Annual General Meeting held at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), with the theme “Urban Greenery And Beautification As a Strategy…

 Daud Olatunji In an ongoing legal saga, the trial of Ogun State House of Assembly Speaker, Olakunle Oluomo, and three others, accused of diverting approximately N2.5 billion, encountered a fresh hurdle on Tuesday,the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) case, initially scheduled for proceedings, was once again adjourned. The case was  adjourned until January 21 and 22, 2024, due to the absence of Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, the presiding judge at the Federal High Court in Abeokuta, who is reportedly on leave. This marks the fourth instance of adjournment for the case, with prior delays attributed to pre-election matters, the judge’s…

Daud Olatunji In a decisive move to curb the rising menace of illegal legal activities, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan branch, orchestrated a targeted raid on Tuesday.  The Anti-Touting and Ethics Committee, led by the formidable trio of NBA Ibadan Chairman, Mrs. Folasade Aladeniyi; Secretary, Mr. Olakunle Akintola; and Anti-Touting Committee Chairman, Mr. Segun Popoola, spearheaded the operation. The crackdown focused on individuals engaged in the unauthorized practice of law, touting, and the illicit preparation of legal documents within the court premises across the Ibadan metropolis.  Court premises at Iyaganku, Mapo, Gate, and Iwo Road Courts witnessed the meticulous…

Daud Olatunji  Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has revealed  a troubling revelation about Boko Haram’s activities within prisons across the country. General Musa  said this during a sectoral debate organized by the House of Representatives in Abuja. He explained that Boko Haram members held in these prisons continue to orchestrate criminal operations, including planning attacks and transferring funds to the field.  This alarming information was shared on Tuesday,during the plenary session, where service chiefs, including the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, and the Inspector General of Police, discussed the challenges faced…

Daud Olatunji In a pivotal address during a sectoral debate organized by the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, underscored the critical role of good governance in addressing the prevailing issue of insecurity in the nation. General Musa highlighted, “We have realized that the magic wand to address insecurity is good governance. Anywhere you have good governance, insecurity goes down.”  He emphasized that while the security forces play a crucial role, accounting for only 30 percent of the solution, the broader issue requires a comprehensive approach. “The security forces can only produce 30 per…