Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has responded to allegations leveled against him by Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, urging the governor to prioritize delivering good governance instead of engaging in what he termed as futile pursuits. The dispute arises from the state government’s decision to file criminal charges against Ganduje over alleged bribery amounting to $413,000 and N1.38 billion.  Governor Yusuf, upon assuming office in 2023, accused the former governor of misappropriating public funds and allocating land to family members. The state government disclosed its readiness to present 15 witnesses against Ganduje, along…

Kwara Government says its order banning the production of charcoal in the state still stands. The State Commissioner for Environment, Malam Shehu Ndanusa made this known while briefing newsmen in Ilorin on Friday. “The law banning the production of charcoal in Kwara is still intact. Whoever is caught violating the law will be sanctioned accordingly”, he said. The commissioner warned that the illegal felling of trees for charcoal was impacting negatively on the environment, adding that the government was committed to afforestation to preserve the environment. Ndanusa said that a task force on charcoal production has been ordered to move…

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has levied a hefty fine of ₦200 million against the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company Plc (AEDC) for its failure to adhere to tariff directives.  The AEDC implemented the new power tariff of N225 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) across all customer bands within its franchise areas, contrary to the specified directive that only customers in Band A should be subjected to the revised rate. PLATFORM TIMES reports that the punitive measure stems from the violation of the commission’s Supplementary Order regarding the April 2024 Multi-Year Tariff Order.  The directive aimed to mitigate the impact of tariff…

The Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has suspended  the State’s Commissioner for Commerce, Alhaji Aminu Kanta, following allegations of funds misappropriation allocated for the Ramadan Iftar Feeding Programme in Babura local government area. The suspension, effective immediately, was communicated through a press statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Bala Ibrahim, in Dutse, the state capital, on Friday.  The government said the  suspension will remain in place pending the outcome of the investigative committee established by the governor to probe the alleged mismanagement. The statement emphasised the governor’s commitment to ensuring financial accountability and prudent management…

Eagerly anticipated by Muslims across Abeokuta, the second edition of Eid Fiesta is slated to take place on April 13th, 2024, at the prestigious MKO Abiola Stadium in Kuto.  Following the resounding success of its inaugural event in 2023, this year’s celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr vows to surpass all expectations. In an exclusive interview, Fahdlulahi Shittu, the visionary behind Eid Fiesta,  unveiled plans for an event that promises an unparalleled blend of organisation and aesthetics, ensuring attendees a premium experience.  Shittu articulated, “We’ve listened to feedback and are dedicated to making this year’s Eid Fiesta even more memorable.” This festive occasion…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday filed a six-count charge before a Federal High Court Lagos against Nigerian cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky over alleged money laundering and mutilation of the naira. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, was arrested by the anti-graft agency in connection with the offence. According to the charge, labelled FHC/l/244c/2024, the defendant was said to have committed the offence on March 24, at Circle Mall, Jakande in the Lekki area of Lagos. The agency alleged that he tampered with the cumulative sum…

President Bola Tinubu has reassured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to addressing the country’s soaring inflation rate and economic challenges.  Speaking at the APC Presidential Campaign Council’s 2024 Ramadan Iftar at the State House,Tinubu acknowledged the hardships faced by Nigerians but promised to deliver positive results despite not having a “magic wand.” Since assuming office in May 2023, Tinubu’s removal of fuel subsidy and unification of the exchange rate have led to a steady increase in Nigeria’s inflation rate.  The latest report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) recorded a rise to 31.70 percent in February 2024, up from…

The Kano State Government has taken legal action against former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, his wife, Hafsat Umar, and six others, over alleged bribery, misappropriation, and diversion of funds amounting to billions of naira.  The charges, outlined in a document dated April 3, 2024, list eight counts and include a roster of 15 prosecution witnesses. Among the accused are Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Hafsat Umar, Abubakar Bawuro, Umar Abdullahi Umar, Jibrilla Muhammad, and three companies: Lamash Properties Limited, Safari Textiles Limited, and Lasage General Enterprises Limited. One of the counts specifies an incident where Ganduje, during his tenure as governor, purportedly…

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has addressed the issue of wrongful billing in the new tariff rates, attributing it to a system glitch. The company apologized to affected customers and assured them of rectification. The Nigerian government recently approved a tariff increment of N225 ($0.15) per kilowatt-hour for Band A electricity consumers, representing those who enjoy electricity supply for 20 hours per day.  This increment was announced by the Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Musliu Oseni, during a press briefing in Abuja. However, some Band A customers experienced wrongful charges while recharging their meters under…

A Federal High Court in Lagos State has convicted and sentenced Nwakaego Okoye, a TikTok user, to three years in prison for defaming Nollywood actress Eniola Badmus.  The sentencing came after Okoye pleaded guilty to the charge brought against her, admitting her involvement in defaming the prominent actress. During the court proceedings on Wednesday, Okoye revealed that her actions were motivated by a promise of N200,000 made by her friend,  Fortune Ibe. She confessed to knowingly spreading false information about Eniola Badmus, tarnishing her reputation on social media.  However, Okoye expressed remorse for her actions, which seemed to have weighed…