Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has facilitated the release of 110 inmates from the Kaduna Correctional Centre to  mark  June 12 Democracy Day. PLATFORM TIMES reports that the  move aims to decongest the prisons and offer a second chance to deserving inmates. Governor Sani, accompanied by renowned human rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, emphasized that the release of inmates is part of broader efforts to address prison overcrowding. He stated that of the 110 released inmates, 22 were pardoned under the prerogative of mercy powers granted by Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution of the…

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has addressed and refuted allegations made by a whistleblowing group regarding the detention of a high-ranking Army general, emphasizing the legality of his incarceration. The controversy stems from claims by the George Uboh Whistleblowers Network, a civil society organisation, which wrote to the Controller-General of the NCoS, Haliru Nababa, on June 10, 2024.  The group demanded the release of Maj. Gen. Umaru Mohammed, a former Group Managing Director and Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Army Properties Limited, from Kuje Prison, alleging that he was detained without a valid warrant. In response, the NCoS clarified…

In a landmark move to safeguard citizens’ data, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has imposed fines totaling N400 million on four major banks and three other institutions for data breach violations.  The announcement was made by the National Commissioner of the NDPC, Vincent Olatunji, during an interactive session with journalists to commemorate the first anniversary of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission Act’s signing by President Bola Tinubu in Abuja. The Act, signed on June 12, 2023, was introduced to advance privacy rights and other fundamental freedoms in both cyberspace and analogue transactions.  It grants Nigerians the right to seek…

The Department of State Services (DSS), has issued a stern warning to citizens regarding planned protests set to take place on Wednesday, (today)  coinciding with Democracy Day celebrations.  This caution comes amidst growing tensions and widespread dissatisfaction with the current state of the nation’s economy and governance. The government had previously declared June 12 as a public holiday to mark Democracy Day, a significant occasion commemorating the return to civilian rule in Nigeria.  However, this year’s celebrations are overshadowed by the planned protests, which the DSS claims are designed with “sinister objectives.” In a press statement issued by Peter Afunanya,…

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged President Bola Tinubu to foster a democracy where all citizens can freely express themselves without facing friction.  Jonathan’s appeal came during a one-day symposium commemorating twenty-five years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria.  The event, held at the Banquet Hall of the State House in Abuja, gathered prominent political figures and dignitaries. In his address, Jonathan emphasised the importance of building an inclusive democracy that transcends regional and religious politics.  “Together, let us build a Nigeria where every citizen has a voice, where opportunities abound, where the promise of a better tomorrow is not just…

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of betraying the democratic principles and legacy of the late Chief MKO Abiola, subjecting Nigerians to a life of uncertainty and poverty.  This critique comes ahead of this year’s Democracy Day, observed on June 12th, which commemorates the struggle for democracy in Nigeria. In a statement released on Tuesday, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, urged Nigerians to use the occasion to speak out against the harsh policies and anti-democratic tendencies of the APC government.  Ologunagba’s statement lamented the current state of the nation under…

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has officially notified the Head of Service of the Federation, Folasade Yemi-Esan, about persistent allegations of sexual harassment against the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Ibrahim Lamuwa. In a letter dated May 27, 2024, Tuggar highlighted the serious nature of the accusations and underscored the urgency of addressing the matter thoroughly.  The allegations were brought to his attention by a married female employee of the ministry, Simisola Fajemirokun Ajayi. Ajayi, through her lawyer, Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), detailed instances of alleged sexual advances made by Lamuwa. The letter from…

An alarming outbreak of cholera has claimed five lives and resulted in the hospitalization of 60 people across several local government areas in Lagos State, including Eti Osa, Lagos Island, Ikorodu, and Kosofe.  The outbreak, characterized by severe gastroenteritis, has prompted urgent public health measures and heightened surveillance by state authorities. The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, announced these developments in response to the latest surveillance reports.  He emphasized the need for increased vigilance and the adoption of precautionary measures to curb the potential spread of cholera. Professor Abayomi lamented the deaths, which he attributed primarily to…

Daud Olatunji The Ogun State Government says it  is taking significant steps to harmonize taxes and levies, aiming to mitigate the issue of double taxation that can burden businesses and affect their revenue base.  This initiative was announced by Mr. Adebola Sofela, the Commissioner for Industry, Trade, and Investment, during a strategic visit to the Head Office of Nestle Nigeria in Lagos. He said the visit was part of efforts to strengthen Ogun State’s relationship with its stakeholders and to foster collaboration on mutual interests. Mr. Sofela emphasized that the administration, led by Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, is dedicated to…

Daud Olatunji The media office of  former governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has responded to allegations from Kayode Akinmade, the  special adviser to the Governor of Ogun State on Media, in what it  describe as a “campaign of calumny” against Amosun and his administration.  This response comes amid ongoing controversy regarding the severance payments owed to former political appointees. In a strongly worded statement, Lanre Akinwale, representing Amosun’s media office, expressed disbelief that the current administration, led by Governor Dapo Abiodun, would still evade its statutory responsibilities over five years into its term.  Akinwale criticised the present government for not fulfilling…