Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has called for urgent reforms within the Nigerian judiciary, addressing a strongly worded letter to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.  The group has voiced serious concerns over the ongoing judicial processes under his leadership, specifically highlighting the contentious prosecution of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu. In a statement released on Tuesday by IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, the organization described the current state of the Nigerian judicial system as dire, necessitating the declaration of a state of emergency.  IPOB claims that the prosecution of Nnamdi Kanu has revealed significant flaws and biases…

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled a major cocaine trafficking syndicate led by a Nigerian couple.  Bolanle  Dauda and his wife, Olayinka  Dauda, were apprehended while attempting to cross the border into Ghana.  The operation, which spanned Lagos and Ogun states, resulted in the recovery of multi-billion-naira worth of cocaine and other illicit substances The couple was arrested on Saturday, May 25, 2024, by NDLEA operatives from a special operation unit, with support from the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).  They were caught at Ibiye, along the Lagos-Badagry expressway, as they attempted to deliver a large…

Katsina State Government has  declared that it will not negotiate with terrorists, labeling such efforts as perilous and counterproductive.  Dr. Nasiru Danmusa, the State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, made this announcement on Monday. He emphasised the urgent need for the Nigerian federal government, led by President Bola Tinubu, to bolster local security forces with advanced weaponry to combat the escalating threat posed by bandits and other criminal entities in the state. In a candid disclosure following an emergency security meeting chaired by Governor Malam Dikko Radda, Dr. Danmusa revealed that the state government has resolved to maintain…

The organised labour, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), on Tuesday rejected the Federal Government’s latest offer of a ₦60,000 minimum wage for Nigerian workers.  This marks the fourth proposal from the government in approximately two weeks since negotiation talks resumed. The negotiations, involving the Tripartite Committee for the negotiation of a new minimum wage, saw the Federal Government and the Organised Private Sector (OPS) side propose a ₦60,000 monthly minimum wage on Tuesday, a slight increase from the ₦57,000 suggested last week.  This is in contrast to the ₦48,000 and ₦54,000 proposed earlier…

Sodiq Mojibola In its concerted efforts to forestall the excesses of drug trafficking in Nigeria, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have made significant arrests, including a 48-year-old Paris-bound businessman, Emmanuel Okechuku Orjinze, who ingested 111 wraps of cocaine. According to a statement by Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy for the NDLEA, Orjinze excreted the cocaine after days of observation in the agency’s custody following his arrest at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja. Orjinze, who claims to be a professional footballer in Europe, was detained on May 21 during the outward clearance of…

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in the Calabar Zone has strongly criticized the Federal Government’s newly introduced student loan scheme, labeling it as a calculated attempt to enslave Nigerian students by indebting them perpetually. Last Friday marked the official launch of the Federal Government’s student loan program, with the application portal opening to an overwhelming response—3,764 students from 126 institutions submitted applications on the first day alone.  The government asserts that the initiative aims to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent any Nigerian youth from pursuing higher education. However, during a press conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom…

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has called for the abolition of state independent electoral commissions (SIECs).  Fagbemi’s proposal was made during a one-day discourse held on Monday, which was organized by the House of Representatives under the theme “Nigeria’s Security Challenges and Good Governance at the Local Government Levels.” In his address, Fagbemi argued that the powers and responsibilities of SIECs should be transferred to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).  He highlighted that the existing structure of SIECs, as defined by the 1999 Constitution, has been manipulated by state governors to undermine the…

Ten major financial institutions in Nigeria  have amassed approximately N438 billion from digital transactions in 2023, marking a substantial 37.54% increase from N318.64 billion in 2022.  This surge shows  the growing adoption and reliance on digital banking channels among Nigerians. The significant rise in electronic business income can be attributed to the increasing popularity of mobile and online banking.  These platforms include a range of digital channels such as mobile applications, USSD channels, automated teller machines (ATMs), agency banking, internet banking, point-of-sale (PoS) payments, and credit and debit card transactions. Among the leading banks, United Bank for Africa (UBA) stood…

 By Jelili Gbadamosi A Non Governmental Organisation,  the Jofunmi Loving Heart Foundation  has raised alarm over the high rate of Out-Of-School children in Nigeria. The NGO urged the State government to punish  parents whose children roam the streets during school hours. The NGO’s convener represented by the Project Supervisor, Mrs. Ojo Olushola said while speaking during th bcelebration of Children’s Day organised for the children of Oladotun Community in Adehun, Abeokuta, Ogun State. She  expressed concern over the high number of out-of-school children in the country.  Olushola  canvassed enactment and enforcement of laws that protect children and hold parents accountable…

The University of Ibadan (UI) has issued formal queries to four student activists, threatening them with expulsion for participating in a peaceful protest against a significant fee hike.  The protest, which took place on May 15, 2024, was in response to the university’s decision to increase fees from N20,000 to N400,000. The four students targeted for potential disciplinary action are Aduwo Ayedele, a 200-level student from the Department of History, Faculty of Arts, and Olamide Ghadegesin Iyanuoluwa, a 700-level student from the Institute of African Studies.  The other two are Nice Linus and Adeyeye Oluwafemi, the latter whom the university…