Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery, recognized as the world’s largest single-train refinery, has officially initiated the production of diesel and aviation fuel. Commencing operations in the early hours of Friday, the milestone follows the reception of its sixth one million barrels of crude cargo, crucial for kickstarting production. A statement confirming the commencement was issued by Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, expressing gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and Nigerians for their unwavering support. Dangote assured that the…

Former Military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, has  disclosed a controversial attempt to forge a friendship with the late civil rights lawyer and activist, Gani Fawehinmi.  Despite employing all possible means during his tenure, Babangida acknowledged that his efforts were in vain, as revealed in a Channels Television interview yesterday. Fawehinmi, recognized as a legal luminary and a revered Nigerian social activist, became one of the most vocal critics of Babangida’s government, leading to his detention 17 times by the administration that lasted until 1993. Babangida, reflecting on his attempts, expressed regret at the unsuccessful pursuit of friendship.  He…

Daud Olatunji In a groundbreaking series of judgments, the Supreme Court criticized the Court of Appeal for its allegedly flawed decisions in governorship election petitions across eight states. Specifically, the apex court overturned the nullification of elections in Kano, Plateau, and Zamfara, branding the lower court’s rulings as “perverse.” Kano: Abba Yusuf’s Victory Restored The Supreme Court, led by Justice John Okoro, rebuked the Court of Appeal’s judgment in the Kano State governorship election. The apex court argued that the appellate court erred in deducting votes from Yusuf based on unsigned and unstamped ballot papers, emphasizing that the Electoral Act…

President Bola Tinubu has called on All Progressives Congress (APC) governors to formulate and execute policies that prioritize the well-being of all Nigerians, emphasizing the importance of considering national interests over political affiliations. Addressing members of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) during a meeting at the State House in Abuja on Friday, Tinubu stressed that development policies must focus on inclusivity, ownership, and sustainability to have a meaningful impact on people’s lives. The president urged governors to work towards healing and unifying the country, emphasizing the need for a collective national vision.  Tinubu dismissed the notion of Nigeria being cursed…

In a meeting with members of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) at the State House in Abuja on Friday, President Bola Tinubu expressed deep concern over the prevailing insecurity in the country.  He announced the government’s contemplation of deploying forest guards equipped with advanced training, modern technological gadgets, and weapons to bolster national security. President Tinubu highlighted divisiveness as a significant challenge facing the nation and urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to work towards healing and unifying the country.  Emphasising the importance of a collective national vision, he called on the governing party to channel energy and resources into…

Former Nigerian footballer Obafemi Martins has realized his ambition of owning a nightclub with the grand opening of his multi-million Naira Italian night club, “Cosa Nostra Patron.”  Five years after revealing his plans to friends and associates, Martins celebrated the launch of the upscale establishment located on 143, Olabode George Street, Victoria Island. Cosa Nostra Patron promises a premium nightlife experience, and entry is strictly by reservation, positioning itself to compete with renowned Lagos clubs like Quilox and DNA.  The nightclub, coupled with a hotel, officially welcomed the public on December 31, marking the start of a new entertainment era.…

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has revealed its decision to gradually discontinue Higher National Diploma (HND) Computer Science programs in public Polytechnics and monotechnics across Nigeria.  In an official statement released on Monday, the Board outlined that, starting from the 2024/25 academic session, no new admissions would be accepted for the HND Computer Science Programme. To facilitate a smooth transition, the NBTE has granted a grace period to institutions offering the programme, allowing them to graduate students who were admitted under the old curricula. The Executive Secretary of the Board, Idris Bugaje, conveyed this decision through a letter…

In a decisive ruling, the Supreme Court has upheld the election of Abba Yusuf as the governor of Kano State. The five-member panel unanimously declared that both the tribunal and the court of appeal were in error when they nullified Yusuf’s victory. The controversy surrounding Yusuf’s election unfolded after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared him the winner in March 2023, securing 1,019,602 votes against Yusuf Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who polled 890,705 votes. However, the Kano governorship election petition tribunal overturned Yusuf’s victory in September, deducting 165,663 votes due to unstamped, unsigned, and undated ballot…

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has affirmed Bala Mohammed’s election as the Governor of Bauchi State.  The apex court dismissed the appeal filed by Sadique Abubakar, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, upholding the findings of the Court of Appeal. Mohammed, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), secured victory in the March 2023 election with 525,280 votes against Abubakar’s 432,272 votes.  Despite Abubakar’s legal challenges, both the tribunal and the court of appeal had earlier validated Mohammed’s win. Justice Ibrahim Saulawa, reading the lead judgment, declared the appeal “devoid of merit,” resolving all six issues against the…

Daud Olatunji In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has solidified Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s position as the duly elected governor of Lagos State.  The decision came as an eight-member panel at the apex court dismissed the appeal brought forth by Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election. Rhodes-Vivour’s primary contention centered around the eligibility of Kadri Hamzat, the deputy governor of Lagos, who was sponsored by the All Progressives Congress (APC).  The LP candidate argued that Hamzat, by allegedly renouncing his Nigerian citizenship in favor of the United States, was not qualified for the…