Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Daud Olatunji In a momentous gathering at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, distinguished sons and daughters of Egbaland came together to honour the immediate past Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Isola. Amidst the accolades and celebration, Isola seized the opportunity to address the pressing issue of the 12-year succession crisis plaguing Ogun State. Isola, a native of the Egba division of Ogun State, highlighted the detrimental impact of hostile succession in the state’s political landscape.  He emphasized the need for political leaders and traditional rulers to unite in putting an end to the ongoing hostility…

The Nigeria Police Force has reiterated that Nigerians are within their rights to video and photograph police officers on duty, responding to recent claims of extortion during a stop-and-search operation. The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, emphasized that recording law enforcement activities is not an offence. The statement comes in the wake of an incident shared by an X user, @Boy_Cyril, who alleged that he was forced to pay N10,000 to retrieve his phone after filming police officers during a stop-and-search operation. In response, Adejobi addressed the issue via his X handle on Thursday, asserting that it is not…

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) says no ransom was paid to secure the release of some of the Sokoto-bound Prospective Corps Members (PCM) kidnapped in Zamfara who regained freedom recently. The Director, Press and Public Relations at the NYSC, Mr Eddy Megwa, said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that eight PCMs and a bus driver were abducted in August in Zamfara by gunmen on their way from Uyo, Akwa Ibom, to Sokoto. They were going for the commencement of the one-year national service orientation course. Megwa stated that the…

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has stepped forward to address the growing issue of cash scarcity in major cities across the country, attributing the problem to the hoarding of banknotes by unidentified individuals.  Despite concerns, the apex bank is actively working to resolve the situation and assures the public of an ample cash supply. Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali, the Acting Director in charge of Corporate Communications at the CBN, spoke with newsmen in Abuja yesterday, providing insights into the reported cases of cash scarcity.  She revealed that the CBN is closely monitoring the situation and has released a significant…

In the aftermath of the accidental bombing in Tundun Biri, Kaduna State, Islamic Clerics hailing from the Northern region, united under the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria, engaged in a closed-door meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa. The tragic incident, which claimed over 100 innocent lives and left dozens injured, prompted a crucial dialogue between religious leaders and the military. PLATFORM TIMES had reported the devastating accidental airstrikes carried out by the Nigerian Army, intensifying concerns about civilian casualties in conflict zones.  In response to these concerns, the Northern clerics, led by Dr Bashir Aliyu…

In a bid to address Nigeria’s escalating debt burden, the Tax Justice and Governance Platforms (TJ&GP) has urged the Federal Government to engage citizens in the oversight of tax waivers granted to multinational corporations and organizations. This plea was made during the Stakeholders Validation Session of a research report titled ‘Tax Expenditures and Its Implications on Debt Management and Sustainability in Nigeria,’ organized by CISLAC and Christian Aid in Abuja. The coalition, consisting of prominent organizations such as ActionAid Nigeria, Christian Aid, CDD, IBP, CISLAC, NLC, and Oxfam, emphasized the need for reducing reliance on international loans and strictly adhering…

In a relentless effort to maintain law and order, the Joint Task Force operating under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) crushed 639 commercial motorcycles on Thursday for operating illegally in the capital city.  This recent action brings the total number of impounded and crushed motorcycles between August and December to a significant 1,509. The impounded motorcycles, strategically captured at various spots in the city center including Airport road, Gudu, Lokogoma, and Games Village, were subjected to the crushing process as part of the ongoing commitment to eliminating illegal commercial motorcycle operations within the FCT. Mr. Abdulateef Bello, the Director…

The Federal Government has vehemently dismissed the World Bank’s assertion that Nigeria is still paying subsidies on petrol, declaring that the era of petrol subsidies is “gone for good.” Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said this, saying that President Bola Tinubu has been steadfast in his commitment to ending subsidy payments since his first day in office. In an exclusive interview on Channels TV, Minister Idris asserted that the removal of the subsidy has led to a substantial increase in revenue flowing into the federation account. Contrary to the World Bank’s suggestion, he declared, “Subsidy is gone,…

The Yobe State Independent Electoral Commission (YIEC) has officially proposed a budget of N500 million for the forthcoming local government council election.  The election, initially slated for November 25, has been rescheduled to take place on May 25, 2024, according to the announcement made by Dr Mamman Muhammad, the executive chairman of the commission. Dr Mamman Muhammad disclosed this information during a stakeholders meeting held in Damaturu, the state capital.  He emphasized that the commission is dedicated to ensuring a credible, free, fair, and peaceful election process at the grassroots level.  To facilitate this, political parties will be issued election…

In an escalating political crisis, Rivers State is witnessing a wave of resignations within Governor Sim Fubara’s cabinet, adding further instability to the already tumultuous landscape.  The latest casualties are the Commissioner for Works, George-Kelly Alabo, and the Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Inime Aguma, who both submitted their resignations on Thursday. Alabo, in a letter addressed to Governor Fubara, cited his decision as being anchored in his conscience, personal philosophy, and professional ethics.  “I appreciate Your Excellency for the opportunity to serve my beloved Rivers State as Commissioner for Works,” he expressed. Similarly, Aguma attributed her resignation to…