Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The immediate past governor of Benue, Samuel Ortom, says he lost his 2023 senatorial bid because he failed to consult God, who has told him not to contest any election in 2027. Mr Ortom disclosed on Tuesday in Makurdi when the Peoples Democracy Party (PDP) G-14 members paid him a courtesy visit. G-14 members are elders of the PDP in the 14 Tiv-speaking local government areas in Benue. The former governor said he had no option but to respect God’s wish and admitted that he failed to consult God before joining the 2023 election, hence his defeat. “I’m not contesting…

Experts at the Peace and Social Advancement Centre (PESAC) colloquium have called for urgent constitutional reforms and a shift in leadership attitudes to address Nigeria’s democratic and federalism challenges. The event, which took place in Abeokuta, brought together stakeholders to analyze the nation’s governance system and proffer solutions for its advancement. Themed around Nigeria’s democratic structure and federalism, the colloquium urged a revisitation of the 1999 Constitution, with a particular focus on addressing the enduring tension between federal and unitary elements within the nation’s governance framework. Speaking through his Senior Legislative Aide, Adeola Sanni, the Federal House of Representatives member,…

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has vehemently denied allegations of financial misappropriation during his tenure, declaring his readiness to swear on the Quran to prove his innocence. Speaking during a Hausa programme on Freedom Radio in Kaduna, El-Rufai asserted that his entry into politics was driven by a sincere commitment to public service rather than personal gain. “I did not join politics to steal money or enrich myself. I was satisfied with what I had before becoming governor,” El-Rufai stated emphatically, addressing accusations of embezzling public funds. “I have always prayed for guidance in all I do, and I…

Emmanuel Oludare The Rotary Club of Port Harcourt ECO has pledged to collaborate with the Rivers State Government to address the recurring issue of flooding in the state. The newly installed President, Rtn Dr. Bieye Renner Briggs, made this commitment during his installation ceremony as the club’s 4th president in Port Harcourt. Speaking at the event, Dr. Briggs, a public health physician and environmental advocate, stressed the importance of proactive measures to combat the devastating effects of flooding, particularly in Rivers State and the wider Niger Delta region. He outlined the club’s primary focus for the 2024/2025 Rotary year, which…

Tensions escalated in Abuja today as Nigerian police officers deployed teargas to disperse demonstrators gathered at Utako, Abuja’s Federal Capital Territory. The protesters, assembled under the banner of the “Fearless In October” movement, were advocating against perceived governance failures and recent economic policies. The “Fearless In October” protest, organized via social media channels, echoed previous demonstrations, including the August #EndBadGovernance protests. Protesters expressed grievances over policies implemented under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, particularly the removal of petrol subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange rates. These measures, critics argue, have contributed to significant inflation and increased energy costs across Nigeria.…

President Bola Tinubu has declared that his administration has successfully eliminated over 300 Boko Haram and bandit commanders within his first year in office. This milestone, he stated, highlights the progress being made in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism in Nigeria. During his 64th Independence Day speech delivered on Tuesday, the president emphasized the government’s commitment to restoring security and peace across troubled regions of the country. “On the security front, I am happy to announce to you, my compatriots, that our administration is winning the war on terror and banditry,” Tinubu stated. He further outlined that the…

President Bola Tinubu has announced the convening of a 30-day national youth conference in a bold move aimed at addressing the challenges facing Nigeria’s youth . PLATFORM TIMES reports that the event will serve as a platform for the country’s young population to engage in meaningful dialogue and contribute to nation-building. This was disclosed during Tinubu’s 64th Independence Day Anniversary broadcast on Tuesday. The President emphasized that the confab would focus on galvanizing the creative energy of the youth, who make up more than 60 percent of the Nigerian population, to tackle the various challenges they face in education, employment,…

TEXT OF NATIONAL BROADCAST BY PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU ON THE 64TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA OCTOBER 1, 2024 Fellow Nigerians, as I address you today, I am deeply aware of the struggles many of you face in these challenging times. Our administration knows that many of you struggle with rising living costs and the search for meaningful employment. I want to assure you that your voices are heard. As your President, I assure you that we are committed to finding sustainable solutions to alleviate the suffering of our citizens. Once again, I plead for your…

Nigeria, a country located in western part of Africa, was invaded by the British in 1861 with Lagos declared as the Slave Trade Center, through the British Parliament. Sequel to the above the country was subjected into a long trends of colonialism for almost a century (1861-1960). The invasion of Africa, including Nigeria by the whites has been criticized by scholars and some of the classical nationalists as a set back for the continent. Former Ghanian president and one of the classical African nationalists, Kwame Nkrumah, once affirmed the organized structure of the African Political System, which according to him…

By Adedoyin Oguntade On September 17, a ghastly accident claimed eighteen lives in a road accident along the Ogbere axis of the Benin-Sagamu expressway. The Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) spokesperson, Babatunde Akinbiyi, confirmed that the bad road caused the accident which involved a Toyota Hiace vehicle. It was reported that eyewitnesses and the driver, who was the sole survivor of the accident, confirmed that “a jerry can filled with PMS fell over when the bus hit a bad section of the road.”. Similar accidents had occurred in the past. The Benin-Shagamu expressway is in poor condition despite receiving…