Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, has affirmed the commission’s readiness and competence to oversee local government (LG) elections across Nigeria.  This announcement follows the recent Supreme Court ruling granting financial autonomy to local governments, marking a potential shift in the electoral landscape. Yakubu made these remarks during a presentation to a Joint National Assembly Committee on Electoral Matters, where he outlined the budget for the upcoming off-cycle elections in Ondo and Edo States.  He stated that INEC, which currently conducts elections in the 62 wards of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), is fully…

President Bola Tinubu has convened a high-level closed-door meeting with key stakeholders on Thursday in a bid to address the growing concerns over the scheduled #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest on August 1.  The meeting, held at the State House in Abuja, brought together top traditional rulers, security officials, and governors from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).  Leading the meeting was Hope Uzodinma, Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, who was accompanied by several APC governors.  Their presence highlighted the party’s collective interest in ensuring stability and addressing the concerns raised by citizens. Among the prominent traditional…

The Defence Headquarters has issued a stern warning to those planning to mobilise for the #EndBadGovernance protest scheduled from August 1 to 10, 2024.  While affirming the right of citizens to protest, the military emphasised that it would not tolerate any form of violence or anarchy. Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, made this statement during a press conference in Abuja.  He highlighted concerns over potential plans by some groups to exploit the protests for destructive purposes, targeting innocent Nigerians and their businesses. “While citizens have the right to peaceful protest, they do not have the right…

By: Quadri Yahya Samuel Gabriel’s plight as a deprived resident of Gbokoto-Isale, in the Yewa-North local government area of Ogun State, made him reflect on God’s intention to have made him and thousands of residents settle in the community. He concluded that God’s plan is innocuous, but the government’s failure to provide basic amenities has adversely affected residents of the communities. “The residents in the area are going through untold hardships, but they have no choice”, Mr. Gabriel said. “They face health challenges as the lack of a hospital is the most challenging problem confronting the residents of over 40…

Daud Olatunji Kaduna Central Senator, Lawal Adamu Usman, has strongly criticized the Kaduna Peace and Tranquility Forum (KPTF) over their recent recall threat, branding their 14-day ultimatum as laughable and a desperate attempt by “meddlesome interlopers.” In a statement released on Wednesday through his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Segun Olatunji, Senator Usman, popularly known as Senator LA, dismissed the KPTF’s demands as baseless and a ploy for political gain by its sponsors.  He urged his constituents and the public to ignore the group’s accusations and remain confident in his performance. Senator Usman, who chairs the Senate Committee on Education…

PR Primus Limited, a leading public relations firm, has lauded the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) for its notable achievements under the leadership of Dr. Ike Neliaku.  The commendation comes as NIPR celebrates 60  years of public relations practice in Nigeria, a milestone that has seen the institute make significant strides in the field. In a statement released by the Managing Director of PR Primus, Mr. Akin Okudero, the firm praised NIPR for its transformative efforts, including unprecedented membership growth and the successful hosting of the inaugural Public Relations Week in Ogun State.  He added that the  institute has…

The Federal High Court in Kano, has ordered the immediate removal of Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), following charges of alleged fraud. Justice. Simon Amobeda’s judgement not only calls for Rimingado’s dismissal but also mandates the Nigerian Police to withdraw all personnel assigned to him. The ruling further recommends that the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee investigate multiple allegations of Rimingado’s disregard for court orders, which could lead to additional legal consequences for the embattled anti-graft boss. The court’s decision is rooted in two separate fundamental rights enforcement cases (FHC/KN/CS/308/2024…

A Kebbi High Court 7, sitting in Birnin Kebbi, presided by Justice Shamsudeen Jafar, has sentenced three people to life imprisonment for raping an 18-year-old married woman (deaf). The convicts are; Amiru Sani, Aliyu Umar and Bashar Dan-Inno of Wararin Zaromawa village. The Prosecution Counsel, Faridah Muhammad, in her submission, said the convicts, who were facing two count charges of criminal conspiracy and rape, perpetrated the act at Wararin Zaromawa village in Gwandu Local Government Area of the state. “The defendants had broken into the victim’s house, while she was asleep and forcefully had carnal knowledge of her. “They had…

  The Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA), a prominent human rights and anti-corruption organization, has expressed grave concerns over a recent Executive Order on land in Ogun State. HURMA wrote an open letter dated July 23,2024, signed by Executive Director,Comrade Buna Olaitan Isiak and addressed to  the Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly   HURMA in the letter, a copy obtained by PLATFORM TIMES urged the withdrawal of the controversial order, describing it as an overreach of executive powers. Abiodun had few weeks ago, issued three executive orders, with one of them banning traditional rulers from entering into any form…

The Lagos State Government, has declared support for nationwide protests coming up in August, saying such demonstrations are within the rights of citizens.  This was disclosed by Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the Secretary to the state government on Tuesday while meeting with the Secretaries to the Local Governments, SLGs. She, however, cautioned the intending protesters to be wary that the protest does not turn violent and destructive. “It is a legitimate right for citizens to protest, as there is nothing wrong in it, but people should be wary that it does not turn violent and destructive. “Lagos State has…