Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Feyisayo Ogunbiyi No fewer than 16 local government areas in Ekiti State shared a total of N13.6 billion as federal allocation between January and February 2025, findings by PLATFORM TIMES have revealed. The data, which was sourced from BudgIT and analysed by PLATFORM TIMES, showed that Ado Local Government received the lion’s share, raking in N1.11 billion over the two months—N503.9 million in January and N614.9 million in February. Following Ado were Ijero and Ekiti West LGAs, which received N974.4 million and N900.4 million respectively. Ijero, located near the North Central boundary, got N438 million in January and N536.4 million…

Balqees Adeniji No fewer than 18 Local Government Chairmen in Ondo State collectively received over N16.3 billion in federal allocations within just two months—January and February 2025—PLATFORM TIMES investigation has revealed. According to the official breakdown of the disbursements, the sum of N16,340,531,757.75 was shared among the chairmen, with Akure South leading the chart after receiving a total of N1,173,032,113.60 during the two-month period. The investigation, however, noted a missing data entry for Ose Local Government for February. Only its January allocation was publicly available, which stood at N162,886,273.95. Following Akure South, Ilaje and Ondo West local governments ranked second…

Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), has criticised the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) over its stance on the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers state. Speaking during a media chat in Abuja on Friday, Wike alleged that NBA’s criticism of the emergency rule in Rivers was influenced by a N300 million ‘illegal gift” by the state government. The FCT minister alleged that legal association received the gift from the Rivers government even though it was aware it was not budgeted for. Wike explained that during his time as governor, he included provisions for donations in the appropriation…

Three operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have sustained gunshot injuries following a violent ambush by yet-to-be-identified gunmen during an anti-narcotics operation in the Jahi area of Abuja. The operatives were said to have come under fire late Thursday night while exiting an uncompleted building that had been raided based on intelligence reports indicating it was being used to store illicit drugs. A statement issued on Friday by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said the attack occurred shortly after NDLEA personnel concluded the operation and were departing the premises. “Three of the NDLEA personnel…

The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has declared that his support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid is not a betrayal of the Peoples Democratic Party, but a deliberate choice rooted in sincerity. Eno, who made the statement during a rally in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area on Thursday, stressed that he remains a loyal member of the PDP despite backing a candidate from the All Progressives Congress. “Me, I don’t know how to speak from two sides of the mouth,” he said. “I’m supporting Baba Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term. When the time comes, I will…

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, says he wanted Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State removed from office, but praised President Bola Tinubu for opting to declare a state of emergency instead. Wike spoke during a media chat in Abuja on Friday, where he said Nigerians should be thankful to Tinubu for saving Rivers from deeper political crisis. “As a politician, I am not happy about the state of emergency in Rivers State. I wanted the outright removal of Governor Fubara. The president, by declaring a state of emergency, saved Fubara,” Wike said. He added, “Every morning,…

The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in-charge of Zone 2 Command, Adegoke Fayoade, has assured residents of Lagos and Ogun States of adequate security during Easter celebrations. Fayoade gave the assurance in a statement signed by the zonal public relations officer, CSP Umma Ayuba, on Friday in Lagos. The AIG charged the commissioners of police in-charge of the states to beef up security in their states. “Ensure watertight security and deployment of Tactical Units around Shagamu Interchange, OPIC Long-Bridge, Badagry Expressway, worship centers, shopping malls, tourist centers, market places, commercial centers, social gatherings, residential areas, highways, motor parks and…

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has described efforts by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to form a coalition against President Bola Tinubu as selfish. Wike stated this during a media chat on Friday, accusing the duo and others championing the coalition of pursuing personal ambitions rather than national interest. “Those who are looking for a coalition are doing so for selfish interests — the likes of Atiku and other people. Which coalition, and with whom?” he queried. The former Rivers State governor questioned why Atiku was focused on forming a…

President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to remain hopeful and united despite the country’s current challenges, reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace, security, and economic stability across the nation. In his Easter message to Christians in Nigeria and across the world, the President extended warm greetings as the faithful commemorate the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ—a period he described as one that embodies “sacrifice, redemption, love, and hope.” “As President of our blessed nation, I draw inspiration from this timeless message of hope and renewal,” Tinubu stated, adding that his pledge to deliver a “Renewed Hope”…

The Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government area of Ogun State, Hon. Olanrewaju Oyegbola-Sodipo, has commenced the construction of a 300-unit housing project in Obasa, Sabo area of the council in a bold move toward affordable housing delivery. PLATFORM TIMES reports that the initiative, part of the Abeokuta New Town Development Project, is aimed at bridging the housing deficit and providing decent accommodation for low- and middle-income earners. At the groundbreaking ceremony, Oyegbola-Sodipo said the project would open up the city center for infrastructure expansion and new investments. He added that the estate, which will feature one, two, and three-bedroom…