Author: Platform Times Newspaper

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Jami’u Abiola as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Linguistics and Foreign Matters. The appointment, which takes effect from November 14, 2024, was announced in a statement issued by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations, on behalf of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. The statement noted that the appointment aligns with the provisions of the Certain Political and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc) Act 2008, as amended. Until his new role, Abiola served as Special Assistant to the President on Special Duties…

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has alleged that the commissioning of the Stella Obasanjo Hospital in Benin City by his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, was fraudulent, describing the facility as incomplete and riddled with structural defects. Governor Okpebholo, who inspected the hospital on Tuesday evening alongside his deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, and the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, stated that the Obaseki-led administration had deceived Edo residents by presenting an unfinished building as a completed project. Speaking during the visit, Okpebholo expressed disappointment at the state of the hospital, claiming that only superficial work, such as painting and…

A bill seeking the creation of Ijebu State from Ogun State has passed its first reading in the Senate, setting the stage for further legislative deliberations. The bill, titled the “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2024 (Creation of Ijebu State),” was sponsored by Senator Gbenga Daniel, representing Ogun East Senatorial District. During Tuesday’s plenary session, Senate Majority Leader, Michael Bamidele of the All Progressives Congress (APC), formally introduced the proposal. Senate President Godswill Akpabio facilitated the process, advancing the bill to its first reading, a significant procedural step in the legislative process. The proposal will…

Former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, has called on politicians in Ogun State to prioritize unity and eschew divisive politics, warning that a hostile political atmosphere hinders meaningful development. Isola made the remarks on Wednesday during a gathering hosted by Ogun Women-in-Politics to mark his 64th birthday. The event, held at the Ibara GRA residence of former Ogun State Governor and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Segun Osoba, was attended by political stakeholders and grassroots leaders. The former Minister of Mines and Steel Development emphasized the need for Ogun politicians…

Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, on Wednesday, pleaded not guilty to a 16-count charge of alleged fraud amounting to N110.4 billion leveled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Bello was arraigned before Justice Maryann Anenih of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Maitama, alongside two co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu. The trio faced charges of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property. The former governor, whose whereabouts had remained unknown for weeks, surrendered himself to the EFCC on Tuesday after eluding the agency in a protracted chase.…

The Collegiate Council of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State has strongly condemned the detention of Mr. Gafar Asaolu, the Personal Assistant to the PDP governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections, Hon. Dr. Oladipupo Olatunde Adebutu. PLATFORM TIMES reports that the  Council has called on the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mustapha Abiodun Alamutu, to facilitate Asaolu’s immediate release. In a statement e-signed by the Chairman of the Collegiate Council, Prince Lekan Tejuoso, and the Secretary, Hon. Chief Orisatolu Kilani, the  detention of Asaolu was described as both “unprofessional and unwarranted.” “It’s a known fact that Mr.…

The Special Adviser and General Manager of the Ogun State Public Works Agency (OGPWA), Engr. Babatunde Adesina, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to constructing two roads in each of the 20 Local Government Areas in Ogun State. A statement released by the press officer, Oluwaeeun Craig stated that Adesina said this during a media chat in Abeokuta, emphasizing that the initiative is a priority aimed at ensuring equitable road infrastructure development across the state. He highlighted that the plan would focus on rapid development, particularly in rural areas, to foster accessibility and uniformity in road infrastructure. He disclosed that…

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has struck out a suit filed by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, seeking to restrain the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from arresting or prosecuting him after the conclusion of his tenure. The case was dismissed by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik following a motion for discontinuance moved by the governor’s counsel, Gbenga Femi Akande. The judge had earlier scheduled the matter for further mention on November 26, but the case was not listed on the court’s cause list for the day, as it had been struck out earlier on October 31. Sanwo-Olu, through…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, on Tuesday, revealed it arrested the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, over an alleged multi-billion-naira fraud. The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, disclosed that Bello was apprehended at 12:54 p.m. in Abuja and subsequently detained at the commission’s headquarters. Speaking on the circumstances of the arrest, Oyewale clarified that the former governor, who had been declared wanted by the commission, did not voluntarily surrender but was instead apprehended by operatives. “We arrested him (Yahaya Bello) at 12:54 p.m.; he did not surrender himself to the commission. Three of his lawyers are here with…

Ibrahim Olalekan In a stride towards strengthening grassroots governance, the Abeokuta South Local Government in Ogun State has inaugurated its newly elected Legislative Council, signaling a fresh chapter for the area. The inauguration, held at the Abeokuta South Local Government Secretariat in Ake, witnessed the election of principal officers and the nomination of other key officials. Hon. Jamiu Ogundairo emerged as the Speaker, while Hon. Azeez Sanusi was elected as Deputy Speaker. Hon. Sodiya Oluwaseyi and Hon. Gafar Olasupo were appointed Majority Leader and Chief Whip, respectively, through unanimous nominations. During the ceremony, the Executive Chairman of the council, Hon.…