Author: Platform Times Newspaper

An Enugu State North Magistrate Court on Thursday ordered the remand of five community leaders from Igga community in Uzo-Uwani Council Area into prison custody.  Among those remanded are the traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Herbert Ukuta, and a former Councilor, Festus Okonkwo. They face allegations of murder and membership in the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The leaders had been detained by police for over a month without trial.  The detention came under scrutiny after SaharaReporters highlighted that the State Criminal Investigation Department demanded a refund of N1.5 million purportedly spent on feeding the monarch while in custody.…

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) disclosed this in a circular dated June 6, issued by Dr. Aliyu Tanko, NAHCON’s Coordinator in Makkah. According to the circular, the detained pilgrims were found outside their hotels without the mandated identification. The NUSUK card, introduced by Saudi authorities, is critical for verifying authorized participants in the Hajj pilgrimage.  This identification measure, as reported by the Daily Trust, was implemented to prevent issues experienced in previous years.  Notably, last year, the lack of proper identification led to illegal pilgrims overcrowding Mina camps, resulting in some Nigerian pilgrims being deprived of the services…

The legal team representing Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has presented a comprehensive list of judgements to the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi. The submission, made at the Federal Ministry of Justice in Abuja, is aimed at securing Kanu’s release. Barrister Nnaemeka Ejiofor, leading the legal team, addressed journalists on Thursday, emphasizing that the judgements come from both domestic and international courts, all mandating the release of the IPOB leader.  Ejiofor stated that their decision to forward these legal pronouncements followed a remark by the AGF, suggesting he was unaware…

The Presidency has labeled as ‘unofficial’ the circulating documents suggesting plans to suspend import duties on food and drugs, asserting that these documents are mere proposals and not official government policy. In response to widespread discussions stemming from two fiscal policy documents, the Presidency clarified that neither document had been officially endorsed.  These documents, purported to outline significant economic measures, included provisions for a N5.4 trillion petrol subsidy for 2024 and a six-month suspension of import duties on essential items like food and drugs.  These measures were purportedly aimed at alleviating economic hardships for the Nigerian populace. However, in a…

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has expressed concerns over the significant impact that the ban on the sale of carbonated drinks is having on its revenue generation.  This was disclosed by the Comptroller-General of NCS, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, during a revenue monitoring exercise held by the House of Representatives Committee on Finance with various Federal Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) on Thursday. Mr. Adeniyi emphasised that the primary mandate of the NCS is to collect revenue, which is statutorily paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federal Government.  He highlighted that the agency’s revenue generation capacity is subject…

Daud Olatunji  The purported dismissal of five Igbein chiefs by three other chiefs has been denounced as a joke, laughable, primitive, ridiculous, and lacking due process by the Lukosi of Igbeinland, Chief Dada Jesiliu.  In a press release issued in Abeokuta, Chief Jesiliu criticised the actions of the trio, accusing them of overstepping their authority and violating established protocols. Chief Jesiliu expressed his disbelief at the audacity of the chiefs, identified as Aro, Jaguna, and Lukotun, who he claims bypassed all existing rules and protocols by publicly announcing the dismissal of the five chiefs.  “It is very laughable and ridiculous…

Daud Olatunji  The Peace Initiative Network (PIN), headed by Dr. Michael Femi Sodipo, held a two-day peace summit from June 4th to 5th, 2024, at the Akarigbo Palace Hall.  Themed “Partnering for Safer and Resilient Communities in Ogun State, Nigeria,” the summit aimed to address security challenges and foster community resilience in Remoland and across Ogun State. In a significant move to empower the youth, 32 participants received equipment in various trades, including sewing, welding, carpentry, and hairdressing.  Dr. Sodipo emphasized the economic upliftment these tools are expected to provide, pledging to monitor the progress of beneficiaries over the next…

 Daud Olatunji Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on state governors to place greater emphasis on food security as a critical component of their governance agenda.  Obasanjo made this appeal on Wednesday in Sokoto during the unveiling of 136 housing units, purchased at the cost of N1.8 billion by the Sokoto State Government, intended for allocation to low-income earners. Obasanjo’s visit to Sokoto, which spanned two days, was marked by the inauguration of various projects executed by Governor Ahmed Aliyu, celebrating his administration’s one-year anniversary.  During his speech, the former president underscored the importance of food security, personal health, and…

 In a heart-wrenching account, Elizabeth Abdul, the widow of a Nigerian police inspector, has voiced her distress over the lack of financial support and benefits since her husband’s tragic death in 2007.  On the night of May 30, 2007, armed robbers stormed into Elizabeth’s home in Tasha Gwa-Gwa, within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Abuja, resulting in a night of terror and loss. “The robbers came into our compound and started shooting,” Elizabeth recounted.  “My husband, a police officer, was shot. Before they could rush him to the hospital, he died.” The assailants not only killed her husband but…

 Nigerian preacher, Gideon Odoma has brought to light the financial hardships faced by the majority of pastors in the country.  According to Odoma, at least 70% of Nigerian pastors live in poverty, with thousands earning monthly salaries of less than N60,000 ($130 USD). Odoma shared his observations on his official X page, challenging the widespread belief that pastoring is a lucrative profession in Nigeria.  He highlighted the disparity between the public perception, shaped by the visibility of prominent Pentecostal pastors, and the stark reality for many clergy members across various denominations. “At least, 70% of pastors in Nigeria are poor.…