Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Scores of passengers traveling from Abuja to Lagos on Friday were left stranded at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport following repeated delays and a lack of communication from Air Peace, one of Nigeria’s leading domestic airlines. The flight, initially scheduled to depart Abuja at 7:30pm, was first rescheduled to 8:10pm and subsequently to 9:30pm. However, after the second rescheduling, passengers said the airline went silent, with no staff on ground to provide updates or explanations. By 12:23 am on Saturday, frustration had peaked as angry passengers staged a protest at the terminal, demanding answers and accountability from the airline. One…

The Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party has declared it will not participate in any political coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting it will instead focus on internal party reforms and membership mobilisation. This decision was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Friday at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja. The communiqué was jointly signed by National Chairman, Julius Abure, and the National Secretary, Umar Farouk Ibrahim. “NEC declared that the party is not and will not be part of any coalition towards the 2027 general…

A Lagos High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square has sentenced a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver, Andrew Ominikoron, to death by hanging for the brutal murder of 22-year-old Oluwabamise Ayanwola, a fashion designer who boarded his bus in February 2022. Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Sherifat Sonaike found Ominikoron guilty of the murder of Ayanwola, as well as rape and sexual assault involving two other victims—Nneka Udezulu and Dr. Victoria Anosike. The judge held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, describing Ominikoron as a “serial predator” who took advantage of his position as a commercial bus…

Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has thrown its weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid to complete a constitutionally allowed second term in office, urging detractors to steer clear of tribal rhetoric. In a statement issued on Friday by its National Organising Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu, the influential Yoruba group described the portrayal of the current administration as a “Yoruba government” as a dangerous and divisive tactic designed to delegitimise Tinubu’s leadership. “Let it be said plainly and without ambiguity, that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government is not a Yoruba government. It is a Nigerian government,” the group stated. Omololu emphasised…

President Bola Tinubu on Friday gave a fiery charge to Nigerian soldiers battling insurgents and bandits, urging them to “reclaim every inch” of Nigerian territory from the grip of terrorists and criminal gangs. Addressing frontline troops during a morale-boosting visit to a military base in Katsina, the Commander-in-Chief hailed the soldiers as gallant defenders of the nation’s sovereignty and freedom, pledging robust support to fortify their operations. “I stand before you not just as your President, but as a fellow patriot, humbled by your bravery and unwavering commitment,” Tinubu said. “Every terrorist you neutralise, every village you secure, every inch…

Former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has called on President Bola Tinubu to implement the 2014 National Conference report as a lasting tribute to late elder statesmen, Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Edwin Clark. Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Friday, George described the two nationalist leaders — who passed away within days of each other in February — as pillars of constitutional reform who dedicated their twilight years to advocating for a more just, equitable and restructured Nigeria. “This is a moral obligation, not a political favour,” George declared.…

President Bola Tinubu has called on state governors to shun distractions from “armchair critics” and focus on delivering measurable development that improves the lives of Nigerians. Tinubu made the remark on Friday during the commencement of a two-day working visit to Katsina State, where he commissioned key infrastructure and agricultural projects executed by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda. “Let the people be at the heart of your programmes,” Tinubu told the gathering. “Your hard work and concrete achievements will answer any criticism. Ignore distractions — your results will speak for you.” The president commissioned the 24-kilometre Eastern Bypass Road, linking Dutsin-Ma…

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated WEMA Bank on its 80th anniversary, commending the institution for its resilience, innovation, and contributions to Nigeria’s economic development. In a statement issued on Thursday, the President described WEMA Bank as Nigeria’s oldest surviving indigenous bank and lauded its transformation from a regional lender to a key player in the national banking sector. “Over the last eight decades, the bank has focused on the vision of its founding fathers to support Nigerian businesses across all the key economic sectors with strategic business advisory and financial support, which are vital for sustainable growth,” Tinubu said. Founded…

Gunmen on Wednesday night invaded Ilara, a town in the Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State, killing two people and abducting a popular businessman identified as Ade Bendel. The incident, which occurred around 11pm, threw the quiet border community into panic as the assailants reportedly shot sporadically during the attack. Confirming the incident on Thursday, the traditional ruler of the town, Oba Mutiu Adedimeji, said the kidnappers fled through a bush path into the Republic of Benin, abandoning the victim’s vehicle at Sabe, a neighbouring town across the border. “Yes, the incident happened. They abducted Ade Bendel yesterday (Wednesday)…

Not less than 18 cows have died after reportedly grazing on a fumigated farmland in Vwei community, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State. The incident occurred around noon on Wednesday, when the cattle, belonging to a herder identified as Dan’azumi Haruna, strayed onto the treated farmland, sources said.. According to a security analyst, Zagazola Makama, seven of the cows were later slaughtered due to contamination from chemicals used on the farmland, while 11 died instantly at the scene. Fifteen other cattle affected by the chemical exposure are said to be receiving veterinary care. At the time of filing this…