Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Tunji Bosun Protesters in Kano, Nigeria, were seen waving Russian flags and calling for the intervention of Russian President Vladimir Putin.  This demonstration is part of the ongoing nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest, which seeks to address the escalating economic hardship in the country. The protest, characterized by the slogan ‘10 Days of Rage,’ has been marred by violence, looting, and the destruction of public and private properties, especially in the northern regions.  The protesters in Kano, primarily underaged youths, defied a 24-hour curfew imposed by the state government and took to the streets, marching along Bayero University Road near the Emir’s…

 Daud Olatunji  In the first quarter of 2024, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has  facilitated the release of $689.88 million (N903.95 billion at the official exchange rate of N1,309/$ as of March 31, 2024) for food imports. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported a 16.37% increase in food imports within the first six months of 2024.  The monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) data indicated that the average price index for imported food surged to 806.0 points in June 2024, up from 692.6 points in January 2024.  This month-on-month inflation rate for imported food jumped to 36.38% in…

Daud Olatunji   Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Senator Ibikunle Amosun have praised the two-year reign of the Olowu of Owu-Abeokuta kingdom, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, highlighting his significant contributions to the community’s socio-economic transformation.  Both leaders pledged to intensify their support to further enhance the progress initiated in education, health, and empowerment under the monarch’s leadership. The commendations were made during the grand finale of Oba Matemilola’s second anniversary coronation, held at Oba Odeleye Park Ori-Omi in Abeokuta.  The event witnessed a gathering of prominent Owu sons and daughters, reinforcing the call for unity and collective efforts towards the…

The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed  that nine of its officers sustained injuries, with one initially reported dead but later miraculously surviving during  the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests.  This revelation came as the police disputed claims by Amnesty International that 13 civilians had been killed in the protests. The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, issued a statement on Saturday addressing the allegations.  Amnesty International had reported that security personnel were using lethal tactics against protesters, resulting in the deaths of 13 civilians over the ten-day period since the protests began on August 1, 2024.  According to the human rights…

The Sultan of Sokoto and President of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’adu Abubakar III, alongside the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, have made a fervent appeal to the #EndBadGovernance protesters to cease their demonstrations and engage in dialogue. The protests, which have seen thousands of angry youths occupying major cities such as Lagos and Abuja, began as a response to the government’s economic policies.  The nationwide movement, now in its second day, has unfortunately turned violent in several states, resulting in the loss of lives and the destruction…

Hamza Waziri, CEO of the Initiative for Liberalisation of Physically Challenged People in Nigeria, has allegedly that he was assaulted by police officers during a peaceful protest in Bauchi on Thursday.  Waziri said he was exercising his constitutional right to protest, recounted the harrowing experience and called for accountability. Waziri described the incident as a blatant violation of his rights, saying, “Imagine a world where exercising your constitutional right to peaceful protest is met with violence and brutality. “ This is the unfortunate reality that I personally faced today in broad daylight when I staged a peaceful protest in front…

The Nigerian Army has  denied that soldiers looted Barakat Stores during the recent #EndbadGovernance protest in Kano.  Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, while responding  to allegations circulating on social media clarified the situation, stating that soldiers intervened to recover items stolen by hoodlums exploiting the chaos. Contrary to the misleading video, Major General Nwachukwu  stated  that soldiers from the 3 Brigade of the Nigerian Army acted upon a distress call reporting an attack on Barakat Stores.  Their timely arrival thwarted the looters’ plans, preventing extensive theft.  “The soldiers intercepted some of the hoodlums and recovered…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced its intention to prosecute senior lawyers representing the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, over their failure to produce him in court.  EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the agency’s stance, stating, “The matter is in court and there are various orders of the court. Senior lawyers who failed to bring him (Bello) to court are already slated for discipline.” Yahaya Bello remains at large 107 days after being declared wanted by the EFCC.  On April 18, 2024, the EFCC declared Bello wanted in connection with an alleged money laundering…

A 40-year-old unemployed man, Cletus Gandu, has stirred emotions and highlighted the depth of Nigeria’s economic crisis by his testimony in court.  Gandu, charged with criminal trespass and theft by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), admitted to stealing two tubers of yam due to hunger. “Hunger pushed me to steal yam on two occasions. I beg for leniency,” Gandu pleaded at the Magistrate’s Court in Kafanchan.  Magistrate Michael Bawa, after Gandu’s guilty plea, deferred sentencing to August 6 and ordered his remand in custody. The NSCDC Prosecutor, Marcus Audu, relayed to the court that Alice Daniel, the…

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has warned that the military would step in to assist the police and other security agencies if the violent protests in some parts of the country goes out of control. Musa gave the warning while briefing newsmen on the activities of the protesters reporting to Valence in some parts of the country on day one of the protests. He said that the military had been on standby providing support to the police and other security agencies since the beginning of the protest, adding that they would not stand by and watch…