Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Otunba Segun Showunmi, a notable figure within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and former  spokesperson for the PDP Presidential Candidate, has reiterated the indelible influence of former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, in the nation’s political landscape. Emphasizing the pivotal role of Obasanjo and Senator Ibikunle Amosun in Egba land politics, Showunmi warned against the folly of disregarding the former President’s significance.  Speaking  during a meeting with Hon. Tolu Phillips, a Labour Party House of Representatives aspirant for the 2023 elections at his country home, Showunmi underscored the necessity of acknowledging Obasanjo’s legacy, particularly in Egba land. Phillips, seeking guidance…

Terrorists launched a brazen attack in the early hours of Tuesday in Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State, targeting Mansur Kaura, the manager of TAJ Bank, Gusau, at his residence. According to a source close to the manager, the terrorists stormed his residence located at Gidan Dari Bypass around 12 am on Tuesday, forcefully abducting him and spiriting him away to an undisclosed location amidst gunfire. Confirming the incident, Yazid Abubakar, the spokesperson of the Zamfara State Police Command, assured the public that a team of police tactical operatives is currently in pursuit of the kidnappers with the sole objective…

An  Ado-Ekiti magistrates court  has remanded Kayode Seun and Godwin Festus in custody following the allegation of conspiracy, fraud, cybercrime, and attempting to bribe police officers. Inspector Akinwale Oriyomi, acting as the prosecutor, presented compelling evidence before the court, warranting the remand of Seun and Festus.  Allegations include their involvement in a conspiracy to commit fraud, with authorities also uncovering a Mercedes Benz CLA car believed to be stolen in their possession. Furthermore, it was revealed that on April 22, 2024, at 11 am in Ikere-Ekiti, the defendants attempted to offer a staggering sum of N485,000 as a bribe to…

In a bid to stem the outflow of capital and bolster the local economy, the Benue State Government is set to inaugurate its indigenous brewery, targeting the staggering N850 million monthly expenditure on beer within the state. Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, Managing Director of Benue Investment and Property Company, revealed the ambitious venture during a briefing with journalists in Makurdi on Tuesday.  The brewery, along with accompanying water and bakery factories, is poised to revolutionize the region’s beverage industry. Asemakaha emphasized the pivotal role of the brewery in halting the financial drain caused by the substantial consumption of beer, which sees…

The House of Representatives has taken summoned  major cement manufacturers including Dangote Cement, BUA Cement, Lafarge Cement, Asaka Cement, and Eagle Cement to appear before its joint committee within 14 days over  the recent surge in cement prices. PLATFORM TIMES reports that the  summons came during a public hearing led by Rep. Gaza Gbefwi, Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals, as part of the ongoing investigation into the arbitrary increase in cement prices in Nigeria.  The House had previously moved a motion on March 13, 2024, to address this issue, leading to the formation of a Joint Committee…

Amid mounting speculation over the whereabouts of President Bola Tinubu, the Presidency has stepped forward to address concerns, firmly stating that Tinubu’s absence from the country is not due to medical reasons. Tinubu’s prolonged absence following his attendance at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Saudi Arabia has raised eyebrows, prompting questions about his health and whereabouts. However, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa, swiftly addressed the speculations, affirming that Tinubu’s absence is unrelated to any medical issues. In a recent appearance on Television programme,  Minister Alausa said  the government’s focus on developing a robust healthcare…

In a chilling revelation, a “repentant” Boko Haram member disclosed on Tuesday that Leah Sharibu, the forgotten schoolgirl from Yobe State, Nigeria, has been married to not one, but two Boko Haram leaders.  Among them is Ali Abdallah, now serving as the chief judge of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the Lake Chad basin. Sharibu, a Christian girl, was among the 110 female students abducted on February 19, 2018, from the Government Girls’ Science and Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State, by the Boko Haram terrorist group. According to the ex-fighter, Sharibu’s first husband, Abdulrahman, was killed in…

In a dramatic turn of events, Jacob Alone, a 58-year-old fugitive who made headlines in 2020 for the heinous crime of raping and impregnating his own daughter, has been apprehended by the Edo State Police Command after his escape from Benin prison during the #EndSARS protest. PLATFORM TIMES reports that Alone’s dark saga began in 2020 when he was initially arrested for the rape and defilement of his daughter.  Shockingly, the abuse resulted in his daughter’s pregnancy.  Despite the gravity of his crime, Alone managed to evade justice temporarily. Tragedy struck when, during the course of his trial, the victim,…

The legal fraternity in Nigeria is grappling with the harsh realities of economic hardship, as highlighted by legal luminary Aare Afe Babalola during the 13th edition of the Annual Aare Afe Babalola Public Bar Lecture.  The founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), voiced concerns over the deteriorating financial status of lawyers, once considered prosperous professionals. Babalola lamented the adverse effects of Nigeria’s battered economy, which he said has pushed lawyers below the subsistence level.  He attributed this downward spiral to a myriad of factors, including the agrarian nature of many states, inadequate infrastructure such as poor roads and lack…

Prominent Islamic scholars have  highlighted political and economic disparities, alongside corruption, as significant factors driving the rise of violent Islamic movements across Sub-Saharan Africa.  The discussion, streamed on various social media platforms, television, and online radio stations, featured distinguished scholars with expertise in Islam in Africa. Addressing the theme “Islam in Africa,” during the  Toyin Falola Interview Series, Professor Cheikh Anta Babou from the University of Pennsylvania stated  the evolving nature of Islamic radicalism in the region.  He argued that contemporary Islamic movements are more influenced by political and economic circumstances than religious doctrine, noting the disillusionment of former Marxist…