Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Smugud Olatunji In a bold shift to evade the relentless enforcement efforts of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) along the nation’s borders, smugglers have increasingly turned to the waterways for their illicit activities.  This development comes as the NCS reveals that approximately 90 percent of illicit drugs entering Nigeria from the West African sub-region now flow through the country’s water routes. Investigations into this burgeoning trend have unveiled a complex network wherein contraband goods destined for Nigeria are initially shipped to neighboring countries within the sub-region. From there, smaller boats are employed to transport these illegal shipments discreetly into the…

Daud Olatunj In a dramatic turn of events in Owerri, the capital of Imo state, the police command clarified that they did not arrest Joe Ajaero, the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).  The situation unfolded on Wednesday when Ajaero was reported to have been taken into custody by heavily armed police officers at the Imo council secretariat of the NLC.  The headline of a “president’s arrest” quickly grabbed attention, but the reality was different. Benson Upah, the media head of the NLC, had initially reported the arrest, stating, “President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero, was…

Daud Olatunji In the midst of the escalating political crisis in Rivers State, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has taken a firm stand on the importance of maintaining his political base for relevance.  With ongoing discussions about the potential impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the oil-rich state is embroiled in turmoil, and Wike, a former Rivers State Governor, has emphasized the significance of retaining his political stronghold. Addressing a gathering of South-South leaders at his office on Tuesday, Wike staunchly defended his position, asserting that losing his political base would render him politically irrelevant.  He made…

In a stark revelation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has bemoaned the persistent lack of access to electricity in Nigeria, despite the privatization of the power sector a decade ago.  Speaking at the 10th-year anniversary of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) Market Participants and Stakeholders Roundtable held in Abuja, President Tinubu highlighted the troubling reality that more than 90 million Nigerians still do not have reliable access to electricity. The President’s concerns were echoed by his Special Adviser on Power Infrastructure, Sadiq Wanka, who represented him at the event. Wanka emphasized that the national grid serves only approximately 15 percent…

Daud Olatunji Details of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ambitious N2.17 trillion supplementary budget proposal sent to the National Assembly have emerged, shedding light on exorbitant spending plans for the State House, Air Fleet, SUVs, and even the unconstitutionally recognized Office of the First Lady. The title of the 2023 Supplementary budget Bill is “A Bill for an Act to authorize the issuance of N2,176,791,286,033 from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation. In a jaw-dropping revelation, the Federal Government intends to allocate a whopping N28 billion for the State House, with a significant portion earmarked for a N4 billion renovation…

Daud Olatunji In a resounding affirmation of his commitment to the progress and prosperity of Ogun West Senatorial District, the state Governor, Dapo Abiodun reiterated that the region will remain a central focus of his administration’s socio-economic priorities. Speaking at the Yewa Division Town Hall meeting held in Ilaro, the capital of the senatorial district, Governor Abiodun, represented by his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, emphasized that Ogun West holds a pivotal place in his government’s developmental agenda. The governor highlighted the district’s significance as the industrial capital of Nigeria, boasting the highest concentration of factories and industrial hubs in the…

In a spine-chilling revelation, a 14-year-old Junior Secondary School 2 student, Joy Afekafe, has unveiled the horrifying details of how she and two of her classmates orchestrated the murder of Dr. Funmilola Adefolalu, a respected lecturer in the Department of Biochemistry at the School of Life Sciences, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State.  The shocking incident transpired on October 28, 2023, and has sent shockwaves throughout the community. Joy Afekafe made her chilling confession during an interview with reporters at the Bosso Police Station under the Niger State Police Command in Minna on Tuesday. Afekafe, a student at Day…

Aminat Gusanu The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has launched a crackdown on tax evaders, sealing 34 companies and 23 hotels across the city for their failure to remit Personal Income Taxes (PIT) and Consumption Taxes.  The tax liabilities for these businesses amount to an astonishing ₦356.12 million, leading to severe repercussions for those found guilty of dodging their financial obligations. In a stern move aimed at restoring fiscal responsibility and securing revenue for government projects, the LIRS has taken swift action against defaulters. Monsurat Amasa-Oyelude, Head of Corporate Communications at LIRS, disclosed that some prominent companies were among…

Daud Olatunji President Bola Tinubu  has expressed his concern about the unauthorized access granted to individuals during Federal Executive Meetings held at Aso Rock, emphasizing the need for transparency and strict adherence to protocol in government affairs.  In a recent address, the President stated that such practices are “not acceptable” and unveiled the limited list of individuals permitted to attend these crucial meetings. Speaking,President Tinubu revealed his dismay at the unchecked entry of unauthorized persons into the Federal Executive Meetings.  He pointed out that during a recent session, he even saw a photograph showing his son among the attendees,…

Daud Olatunji In a scathing open letter addressed to the Inspector General of Police and the Director General of the Department of State Service (DSS), a timely and urgent call has been made to monitor the activities of NLC President, Com Joe Ajaero, and former governor Mr. Peter Obi.  The letter accuses them of orchestrating plans to incite violent collective action against the Nigerian state through an upcoming proposed general strike action. The letter, penned by the Labour Party, brings to light the alleged activities of Mr. Joe Ajaero, who is accused of working under the guise of championing workers’…