Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Ahead of the 2027 elections, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, alongside key opposition figures including Kayode Fayemi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Nasir El-Rufai, on Thursday, announced the formation of a coalition set to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The announcement came during a press conference convened at the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Centre, Abuja, where concerns were raised over President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State. Atiku Abubakar, speaking on behalf of the coalition, asserted that the move was a necessary step towards safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic principles. “We are here to affirm our commitment…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested the Accountant-General of Bauchi State, Sirajo Jaja, over an alleged N70 billion fraud linked to money laundering and diversion of public funds. EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the development in a statement on Wednesday, revealing that Jaja was apprehended in Abuja alongside two other suspects—Aliyu Abubakar, an alleged unlicensed bureau de change operator from Jasfad Resources Enterprise, and Sunusi Ibrahim Sambo, a Point of Sale (PoS) operator. According to Oyewale, the arrests were made as part of an ongoing probe into the misappropriation of Bauchi State funds. The investigation has reportedly…

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have issued a stern warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, criticizing what they describe as an assault on democracy following the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. In a joint statement signed by NLC National President Joe Ajaero and TUC President Festus Osifo on Wednesday, the organized unions vehemently condemned Tinubu’s actions, labeling them unconstitutional and undemocratic. The declaration of a state of emergency on Tuesday by Tinubu, along with the suspension of all democratically elected authorities in Rivers State, sparked outrage among the labour unions.…

The newly sworn-in sole administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ibas, has pledged to collaborate with stakeholders to restore peace and stability to the crisis-ridden state. Ibas, a retired vice admiral and former Chief of Naval Staff, was sworn in by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday following the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers. The move also saw the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the state’s legislature. The political turmoil in Rivers has been fueled by a prolonged power struggle between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister…

The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has declared that there is no vacancy in Aso Rock ahead of the 2027 presidential election, insisting that newly formed political parties cannot govern Nigeria. Okpebholo made this assertion on Wednesday in Benin City while addressing chairmen of the 17 local government councils who had defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). According to him, the campaign for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election has already commenced in Edo State, and his administration is fully committed to ensuring Tinubu’s continued leadership beyond 2027. “There is no vacancy in 2027…

Despite the temporary halt in naira transactions, the refinery assured that it remains committed to serving the Nigerian market and would resume sales in the local currency once it receives crude oil from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited in naira. “As soon as we receive an allocation of naira-denominated crude cargoes from NNPC, we will promptly resume petroleum product sales in naira,” the company affirmed. The suspension of sales in naira comes against the backdrop of complications in the naira-for-crude arrangement. The NNPC had previously halted the deal until 2030, stating that it had already forward-sold all its…

Former governor of Rivers State and ex-Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Rotimi Amaechi, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu for declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara along with members of the state assembly for six months. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Amaechi condemned what he termed as a “brazen and unilaterally reckless” action by President Tinubu, asserting that it constitutes a flagrant violation of Nigeria’s Constitution. He emphasized that the Constitution does not grant the President the authority to unilaterally remove a democratically elected governor, citing Section 188 as the legal…

In a devastating incident early Wednesday morning, a fierce fire engulfed the Kwalema Small Scale Rubber Recycling Industries at Dakata, Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State, reducing over 200 factories to ashes. PLATFORM TIMES reports that the extensive damage and financial losses estimated to be in the millions of naira. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported. Chairman of the industries, Alhaji Aminu Abubakar, confirmed the tragic destruction of all factories in Sections B and C of the market. “Everything is destroyed; only wreckage remains,” he lamented. Abubakar speculated that an electrical fault or spark may have triggered the blaze,…

By Dr Abayomi Arabambi( MNCPP) Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, widely known as Yayi, has carved a unique path in Ogun State’s political landscape by fostering unity and compassion across religious lines. Despite being a Christian himself, Senator Yayi has endeared himself to both Muslim and Christian communities through his inclusive initiatives during significant religious periods like Ramadan and Lent. Ramadan Outreach During the holy month of Ramadan, Senator Yayi exemplified generosity and solidarity with the Muslim faithful across Ogun West. His initiative included distributing 20,000 bags of rice, provisions, and cash grants to support Muslims in observing their fast with…

Daud Olatunji Operatives of the Benue State Police Command’s Operation Zenda Joint Taskforce have neutralized seven armed bandits during a fierce gun battle in Buruku Local Government Area of the state . However, the operation came at a cost, as a police inspector, Terfa Anyiatse, was killed in the exchange. A statement by the Force Public Relations, ACP, Muyiwa Adejobi said the encounter occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, March 19, 2025, when the task force was en route to a criminal hideout in Agwabi, Tombo Ward. He explains that the operatives walked into an ambush set by the…