Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Former Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, has dismissed the chances of a coalition led by opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, to defeat President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections. Shekarau argued that the emerging alliance is merely a gathering of individuals with political ambitions rather than a structured political movement capable of challenging the APC’s dominance. His statement comes two days after Atiku, El-Rufai, and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, announced the formation of a Coalition of Opposition Political Parties to unseat…

Balkis Adeniji The Awori Welfare Association of Nigeria (AWAN) has declared its intention to pursue the merger of Awori communities in Lagos and Ogun states, with the long-term goal of creating a new state. This was disclosed in a statement by AWAN’s Director of Publicity and Communications, Prince Niyi Jafojo, who emphasized that this initiative is not the first attempt at unifying the Aworis in both states. Jafojo clarified that despite speculations, there is no division among the Awori people regarding the push for a merger, stressing that the movement remains united in its pursuit. “This proactive action even preceded…

If lie means falsehood, it is a regular verb. Therefore, its past tense and past participle should be lied. But if lie is talking about being or staying at rest in a horizontal position as in lying down, its past tense is lay while its past participle is lain. And if lay means to spread or produce eggs, its past tense and past participle is laid. Read the following examples for better understanding. Jobi lied when he said he liked her. (falsehood) She lay on the bed before sleeping off. (lying down)Ada laid the mat on the floor. (spread)My hen…

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has denied allegations that senators received a $15,000 bribe to support the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, dismissing the claims as part of a malicious campaign against him. The allegations, which have gained traction on social media, suggested that Akpabio distributed dollars to lawmakers at his Maitama residence during a breaking-of-fast event. The reports claimed that each senator first received $5,000 on Tuesday and an additional $10,000 on Wednesday, ahead of the critical vote. Breaking his silence on the matter, Akpabio, through his Special Adviser on Media, Eseme Eyiboh, described the accusations…

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has accused the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, of plotting his downfall after he (Oluwo) helped him (Ooni) to mount the throne. In a video seen by Saturday PUNCH, Oluwo said he influenced Oba Ogunwusi’s emergence as the Ooni when he was contesting the stool in 2015. However, Oba Akanbi said the Ooni had been orchestrating his removal, alleging that Oba Adeyeye was behind his suspension from the Osun State Council of Obas a few years back. But Ooni dismissed Oluwo’s allegation, even as he said he would not react to it…

Loyalists of the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have begun lobbying the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as part of a broader move to position him for the party’s 2027 presidential ticket, the SDP’s National Secretary, Olu Agunloye, has revealed. Speaking on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, a socio-political programme aired on Channels Television, Agunloye disclosed that Obi’s associates had approached the party to inquire about the possibility of his defection, though the former Anambra State governor has not officially declared his intention. “Obi’s people came to us to say if Obi comes, would you take him? Of…

The Federal Government has announced the arrest of 327 individuals involved in illegal mining across the country, with 143 already prosecuted, as part of intensified efforts to sanitise the solid minerals sector. The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, disclosed this on Friday at a news conference marking the first anniversary of the Mining Marshals (MM), a security outfit established to combat illegal mining activities. According to Alake, over 3,000 illegal gold miners have been flushed out since the marshals began operations in March 2024. The initiative, he noted, has significantly disrupted illegal mining networks that have long…

The Imo State Police Command, Owerri, has arrested a lawyer, Donald Mbamah, 64, for allegedly shooting to death a 16- year old student of the Urban Secondary School, Owerri on March 17 Confirming the incident in a statement released to newsmen, the state Police Spokesperson, Henry Okoye said the lawyer allegedly shot the teenager in the buttocks. He explained that the incident, which occurred at the lawyer’s residence at Area N New Owerri, is still under investigation. Giving details on how he was arrested, Okoye said: “Police operatives from the New Owerri Division, led by the DPO, swiftly responded to…

Two individuals, identified as Uthman and Ibrahim, have embraced Islam in the Amolaso area of Abeokuta, Ogun State, marking a historic moment for the Muslim community in the area. The conversion, which took place at the Amolaso Muslim Care Centre Mosque, occurred as both men publicly bore witness to the oneness of Allah by reciting the Shahada (Islamic declaration of faith). The event was attended by members of the mosque, religious leaders, and prominent personalities. In his welcome address, the Chief Imam of Amolaso, Arc. Tajudeen Ademoye, described the conversions as a significant milestone, noting that this was the first…

The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal has reserved judgment in an appeal filed by Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited (CCNL) against the N186 million penalty imposed by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) over alleged misleading trade descriptions and unfair marketing practices. The tribunal’s three-member panel, led by Justice Thomas Okosu, deferred its ruling on the matter on March 18, 2025, after hearing arguments from both parties. The appeal by CCNL’s sister company, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (NBC), was also reserved for judgment. The FCCPC had accused Coca-Cola Nigeria Ltd and NBC of violating Section 116(3) of the Federal Competition…