Author: Platform Times Newspaper

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Convener of The Alternative, Otunba Segun Showunmi, has praised the pace of work on the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway after joining the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, on an inspection of ongoing construction across Akwa Ibom and Cross River States. Showunmi, who issued a detailed statement on the visit, said the delegation—which included senators, members of the House of Representatives, presidential aides and political leaders—witnessed “unprecedented activity” on the project, describing the site as “a synchronised environment where men and machines worked with purpose.” One of the most dramatic moments of…

Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, has dismissed reports linking him to terrorism financing, describing the allegation as “entirely fabricated” and aimed at destroying his reputation. Emefiele, in a strongly worded statement on Sunday, said the claim was a deliberate act of mischief orchestrated by unnamed individuals bent on misleading the public. He said, “Categorically and unequivocally, I say that this claim is entirely fabricated, baseless, and a deliberate attempt to malign my name, mislead the public, and sow confusion for motives best known only to the publishers and their sponsors.” According to him,…

Nigerian gospel singer, Shola Allyson, has revealed that she is married but no longer lives with her husband, describing her marital journey as far from the “happily ever after” many people expect. Allyson, 54, spoke during an interview on Oyinmomo TV, where she reflected on her love life and the realities behind her long-held image as a singer whose hit album Eji Owuro celebrated love and companionship. In the candid interview, the singer disclosed that she and her husband now live separately after years of trying to sustain the union. “I’m married, but I’m not in my husband’s house. We…

Former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kola Ologbondiyan, has resigned from the opposition party, ending decades of political engagement with the PDP. Ologbondiyan announced his exit in a statement posted on on Saturday, attaching a letter dated December 5, 2025, which he addressed to the Chairman of Okekoko Ward 09, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State. In the letter titled “Notification of Membership Withdrawal,” the former PDP image-maker said his decision followed a personal review of his role and participation in the party. “It is now imperative to bring your attention to the fact that…

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya (retd.), has dismissed as false, malicious and “entirely concocted” an allegation linking him to suspected terrorism financiers, vowing to take legal action against those behind the claim. The allegation, credited to retired Maj.-Gen. Danjuma Ali-Keffi and published by Sahara Reporters, alleged that the former army chief had associations with individuals involved in terror funding. But Yahaya, in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday by retired Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, said the publication was not only reckless but driven by vendetta. He said: “At no point in his career — before, during or…

Concerned Nigerians in the Diaspora (UK) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately order a probe into the academic credentials of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, warning that failure to act could trigger far-reaching international consequences for Nigeria. In a statement issued and signed by its coordinator, Abanikanda Olumoro, the group said the controversy surrounding the minister’s academic claims had intensified following confirmation by London Metropolitan University that it received a Freedom of Information (FOI) petition seeking verification of Tunji-Ojo’s educational history. According to the petition—filed on November 17, 2025, by Valen Legal Practitioners on behalf of Prince…

Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Olukayode Oladapo Afeni, on Thursday officially took over as Acting Customs Area Controller of the Ogun I Area Command, pledging to strengthen border security and promote legitimate trade across the nation’s busiest land frontier. The handover ceremony, held at the Command Headquarters in Idiroko, followed his appointment by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. Addressing senior officers, stakeholders and community representatives, Afeni said he was fully aware of the strategic importance of the Ogun 1 Command—an area notorious for its expansive borderlines and intense smuggling activities. “It is a great honour to assume the…

No fewer than 10,326 cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) were recorded across Nigeria between January and September 2025, the Federal Government has revealed. Of this number, 2,444 survivors received care in recovery centres, while 511 benefitted from livelihoods and empowerment support. The disclosure was made at the National Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TF-GBV) held in Abuja on Friday. The event, organised by ActionAid Nigeria and other development partners, formed part of the activities marking the 2025 16 Days of Activism, themed: “UNiTE! End All Forms of Digital Violence against Women and Girls.” The Minister of Women Affairs and…

In a bold move to tackle insecurity, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has employed 1,050 hunters, established a Forward Operation Base, and absorbed vigilante operatives into the state civil service. The governor announced the initiative on Thursday during a three-day training programme on development and infrastructure growth, aligned with Kogi’s 32-Year Development Plan, in Lokoja. He was represented by the Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Mukadam Asiru Asiwaju. Governor Ododo highlighted other achievements in the first two years of his administration, including the revival of the Confluence Rice Mill, which has supported over 7,000 farmers and…

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has revealed that his administration spent about N100 billion on security interventions across the state in 2025, stressing that safety remains central to development. The governor made the disclosure during a visit to His Highness the Emir of Uba, Alhaji Ali Ibn Mamza, where he condoled with the monarch over recent attacks in the area that claimed several lives. He also commended security agencies and local communities for the successful rescue of 12 abducted female farmers. Zulum said the visit aimed to assess the security situation in the Askira/Uba communities and explore strategies to…