Author: Platform Times Newspaper

In anticipation of the upcoming gubernatorial election in Bayelsa State, key political contenders have come together to sign a peace accord, promising to ensure a peaceful and violence-free election.  The event, held at the Lady Diama Memorial Event Centre in Yenagoa, the state capital, was facilitated by the National Peace Committee in collaboration with the Kukah Centre. Notable figures in attendance included Bayelsa State Governor and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party candidate, as well as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, along with 14 other candidates.  The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Kukah, presided over the peace…

Daud Olatunji Eighteen  political parties participating in the forthcoming Kogi governorship election, scheduled for November 11, have joined hands on Wednesday to sign a peace accord.  This pivotal event brought together key players in Nigerian politics, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the Labour Party, and the Action Alliance. The signing of the peace accord took place in Kogi State and was presided over by the Chairman of the National Peace Committee, Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar (rtd), who emphasized the importance of adhering to the agreement for a harmonious electoral process.…

In a dramatic turn of events, the Nigerian Senate has summoned the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, and the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), Prof. Charles Igwe, to answer for alleged admissions racketeering.  The summoning comes after allegations of undisclosed admissions and unwholesome practices within JAMB, UNN, and other universities have surfaced. This significant development was the result of a motion presented by Deputy Whip, Senator Peter Nwebonyi (APC, Ebonyi North), during a recent plenary session.  Senator Nwebonyi leveled accusations against certain JAMB…

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has reiterated Nigeria’s unequivocal ownership of Tongeji Island, putting to rest any lingering doubts about its sovereignty.   Abiodun made this assertion during a courtesy visit from Rear Admiral Mustapha Bala Hassan, the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy, at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. The Governor stated that Tongeji Island and its residents are an integral part of Ogun State and have no affiliation with any other country.  He revealed that the President of Benin Republic has also acknowledged the island’s status as Nigerian territory, emphasizing that there is no contestation…

Daud Olatunji Former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, is rallying support for the PDP candidates in the upcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states, scheduled for Saturday, November 11.  In a heartfelt appeal shared through a three-minute video, Abubakar emphasized the importance of not giving up on democracy despite past disappointments. Abubakar acknowledged concerns about the transparency of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the previous general elections but stressed that these off-cycle elections provide a fresh opportunity to engage in the democratic process.  Quoting former US President James Monroe, he…

In a decisive and unprecedented move, aviation unions across Nigeria have ordered the suspension of all flights to Owerri, Imo State, with immediate effect.  This decision, which has sent shockwaves through the aviation industry, comes as a response to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) directive regarding the alleged brutalization of NLC President Joe Ajaero in Owerri. The aviation unions involved in this bold stance include the National Union Of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots…

 In a bid to address growing concerns about the legal status of both old and new naira banknotes, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reaffirmed their acceptance as legal tender across the country.  This reassurance came in an official statement released on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, signed by Dr. Isa AbdulMumin, Director of Corporate Communications at the CBN. The apex bank emphasized that it maintains an ample supply of currency notes to ensure the smooth functioning of economic activities within the nation. Dr. AbdulMumin stated, “We wish to restate that all denominations of banknotes issued by the Central Bank…

Daud Olatunji  In a proactive move to ensure a peaceful and secure electoral process during the upcoming gubernatorial elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi States, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun  has convened a significant meeting with key stakeholders in Kogi State. The Force Public Relations Officer,ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi in a statement issued on Wednesday, said the  gathering, held in the state capital, Lokoja, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including political leaders, representatives of political parties, civil society organizations, electoral officials, traditional and religious leaders, youth leaders, and security agencies.  Adejobi said the  central aim of this…

Daud Olatunji A 43-year-old Nigerian villager, Muhammadu Ali, lost his life in Bauchi State while undergoing a test of a traditional “gun medicine” or bullet-proof charm.  The tragic incident has once again highlighted the dangers associated with such beliefs and practices in Nigeria, where charms with supposed magical properties are commonly used. The unfortunate incident took place in Nigeria’s north-eastern Bauchi State, as Ali was being subjected to a test of the “gun medicine” by a traditional healer. The healer, who used a locally made gun for the test, has since been apprehended by the authorities.  Two other suspects have…

Daud Olatunji The city of Abeokuta and its surrounding communities are set to bid a final farewell to Chief (Mrs) Taiwo Durojaiye, affectionately known as Iya Londo, a prominent political grassroot mobilizer and leader of various women organizations.  The beloved matriarch’s burial ceremonies are scheduled to take place on Thursday, November 9th, 2023, and Friday, November 10th, 2023. Chief (Mrs) Taiwo Durojaiye’s son, Olamiji Durojaiye, issued a release detailing the arrangements for the ceremonies.  He said that the  series of events to honour her memory will begin with a Christian wake-keeping service at Nawir U Deen Grammar School in Obantoko…