Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Hon. Dare Alebiosu, has dismissed reports circulating on social media suggesting that all markets in the council area have been ordered to shut down for 75 days following the death of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona. Alebiosu, in a personally signed statement issued on Thursday, described the claim as “false and baseless,” urging traders, market leaders, and the general public to disregard the rumour. He stated that no such directive emanated from his office or any competent authority, stressing that economic activities across the local government remain unhindered. “The attention of…

Former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mrs. Farida Waziri, has paid tribute to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, saying she will never forget the positive impact he had on her life. In a condolence message on Wednesday, Waziri described Buhari’s death as a national loss and a personal moment of reflection. She said the former president would be remembered for his discipline, honesty, and lifelong commitment to fighting corruption. “From his military days to his democratic rule, President Buhari stayed true to his anti-corruption stance,” she said. Waziri praised Buhari’s personal integrity, saying he lived…

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s recent resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has continued to generate reactions from political stakeholders, with some downplaying the impact of his exit on the opposition party. Atiku, in a letter dated July 14, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the PDP Jada 1 Ward in Adamawa State, cited irreconcilable differences and the party’s deviation from its founding principles as the reason for his departure. The former vice president, who served from 1999 to 2007 and contested the presidency under the PDP in 2019 and 2023, said he made the decision “with a heavy…

A socio-political movement, The Alternative, has intensified its grassroots campaign against voter apathy, vote buying, and political disillusionment, urging Nigerians to take charge of the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking on Wednesday during an empowerment programme for Agbe Gbe’lu Agro Network Limited, Ogun West chapter—a farmers’ cooperative in Ogun State—the Convener of The Alternative, Segun Showunmi, said the movement is focused on reawakening political consciousness among rural dwellers. Represented by a national member of the movement, Mr. Adai Edwin, Showunmi declared that Nigeria must move past the era of vote trading, empty campaign promises, and voter…

A statewide strike declared by organised labour has crippled government operations in Ogun State, as major public offices, schools, and courts were shut on Wednesday in compliance with the indefinite industrial action. The strike, led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), entered its second day with near-total compliance observed across the state capital, Abeokuta. PLATFORM TIMES which monitored the situation observed  that several government facilities, including ministries, courts, and schools, had their gates under lock and key, with workers nowhere in sight. The labour unions had on Monday directed all…

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has come under heavy criticism for using Nigeria’s official Coat of Arms in his resignation letter from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), 18 years after leaving public office. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who led the backlash, described the move as both “morally wrong” and “legally offensive,” citing the Flag and Coat of Arms Act. Abubakar’s resignation letter, dated July 14, 2025, and addressed to the PDP chairman of Jada 1 Ward in Adamawa State, was posted online by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, on Wednesday. The development coincided with the…

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said that Nigeria’s major challenge lies not in having a perfect constitution but in the failure of those charged with implementing it. Obasanjo made this assertion on Wednesday in Abuja at the opening of a three-day National Summit on the Future of Nigeria’s Constitutional Democracy, organised by The Patriots in collaboration with the Nigeria Political Summit Group. Represented by the Secretary-General of Eminent Patriots, Mr. Olawale Okunniyi, Obasanjo stressed that no constitution is flawless, but that good leadership and responsible governance are critical to a nation’s success. “No constitution is perfect,” he declared. “From my…

The Federal Government has issued a flood alert in 38 locations across 11 states, warning residents to brace for heavy rainfall expected between Wednesday, July 16, and Sunday, July 20, 2025. The warning, issued through the National Flood Early Warning Centre under the Federal Ministry of Environment, forecasts intense downpours that could lead to flooding in vulnerable communities across northern and southern regions. According to the official alert signed by the Director of Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, Usman Bokani, the affected states include Adamawa (Mubi), Akwa Ibom (Edor, Upenekang, Oron, Eket), Borno (Ngala, Maiduguri), Bauchi (Azare, Itas,…

The Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye, has lauded the First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, describing her as a beacon of selfless service and a passionate advocate for women empowerment and child protection. Adeleye gave the commendation during a special event held at the Juvenile Correctional Centre, Asero, to celebrate Mrs. Abiodun’s birthday. She said the First Lady’s choice to mark her birthday with children in the correctional centre demonstrated her deep concern for the most vulnerable members of society. “Your Excellency, your life transcends ceremonial titles. Through the Ajose…

Former Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have resumed talks aimed at reaching an out-of-court settlement in the N5.2 billion fraud case instituted against him. At the resumed hearing on Tuesday before Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Ojerinde’s lawyer, Eteya Ogana, disclosed that both parties were considering an administrative resolution of the case. “There is a development — an intervention — which parties are exploring to see if the matter can be administratively settled,” Ogana told the court.…