Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Daud Olatunji In a bid to address the recent uproar and speculations surrounding the Kano Governorship Election dispute, the Chief Registrar of the Court of Appeal, Umar Bangari, stepped forward on Tuesday to provide clarity on the situation. Contrary to widespread interpretations, Bangari emphasized that a typographical error within the judgment did not compromise the integrity or alter the findings of the court. The controversy erupted following the appellate court’s decision to uphold the Kano State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal’s ruling, which nullified the victory of Kabir Yusuf from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the March 18 Governorship…

The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, announced during a courtesy visit to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and 14 other influential Senators that Nigeria is poised to emerge as a net exporter of petroleum products in 2024. Kyari expressed confidence in a robust supply plan for petroleum products, assuring the nation of a seamless fuel supply until the following year. Highlighting the NNPCL’s substantial presence, occupying over 30% of the downstream business, he dismissed concerns of fuel shortages, attributing any queues at NNPC fuel stations to the lowered cost of their fuel. However,…

Daud Olatunji Suspected political thugs stormed the premises of the Ondo State Oil Development Area Development Commission (OSOPADEC) on Wednesday,allegedly  instigated  chaos and brutally assaulting Commissioner Kehinde Akinrotoye, widely known as ‘Bonsue Aketi.’  The targeted attack disrupted the scheduled bursary and scholarship award ceremony organized by the interventionist agency. Pandemonium erupted in the vicinity as the hoodlums, arriving in hired vehicles, unleashed a barrage of gunfire, compelling both staff and students attending the award ceremony to flee in fear for their safety.  The indiscriminate shooting not only marred the event but also raised serious concerns about the security protocols in…

Daud Olatunji In a scathing critique, former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has taken aim at the current Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, asserting that he is unfit for the prestigious office he holds.  Ezekwesili’s criticism, expressed on Wednesday via a tweet, contends that Akpabio’s occupancy of the Senate President position is a stain on Nigeria’s democracy, attributing it to the compromised state of the country’s judiciary. The former minister alleges that the Court of Appeal, entrusted with upholding justice, has forsaken prudence and allowed itself to be swayed by corrupt and decadent politicians.  Ezekwesili pulls no punches in her assessment,…

Daud Olatunji The American Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Legal Attache in Nigeria, Mr. Jack Smith, praised the appointment of Mr. Ola Olukoyede as the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).  During a visit to the EFCC’s headquarters on Wednesday, Smith commended Olukoyede’s impressive credentials and expressed delight in the Commission’s reform agenda. Smith, in his statement, acknowledged conducting personal research on Olukoyede’s background and qualifications, affirming that the appointment was well-founded.  “I came to congratulate you on your appointment. I did my homework and research, and I discovered that your appointment is right,” he stated.…

Daud Olatunji In a chaotic eruption of violence, Akute Bus Stop and Alagboole in the Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State became a battleground on Wednesday as commercial motorcyclists clashed with transport union tax collectors, popularly known as ‘Agbero,’ in protest against a steep hike in ticket prices. Eyewitnesses at the scene reported the shuttering of shops and the destruction of properties, forcing residents and traders to hastily seek refuge amidst the turmoil. Garba, a stranded commuter who supported the motorcyclists, asserting that the abrupt increase in ticket prices from N700 to N1400 was unjustifiable, especially in light of…

Daud Olatunji  The Vice-Chancellor of Tai Solarin University of Education,Ijagun, Ogun State, Prof. Oluwole Banjo has announced that 18 students have distinguished themselves by attaining first-class honours out of  5,153 graduating students at the combined convocation of the 13th, 14th, and 15th ceremonies.  The VC also said that  159 students will be awarded master’s degrees, 60 with Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE), and 30 with Postgraduate Diplomas (PGD).  The Vice-Chancellor  disclosed this on Wednesday at a press conference held in preparation for the combined convocation.  Prof. Banjo hinted  that the  highlight of this year’s convocation is the conferment of an…

Daud Olatunji  The Ogun 1 Area  Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has announced that it has  not only generated an unprecedented N30,408,276.00 in revenue but also exhibited a 400% increase compared to the same period in 2022. The Acting Customs Area Controller of Ogun 1 Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu stated this on Wednesday, at a press briefing held  at Idiroko, unveiling remarkable achievements for the month of October 2023. Shuaibu  attributed the  extraordinary surge to the Command’s steadfast commitment to trade facilitation and robust engagement with stakeholders.  He disclosed that the  Duty Paid Value (DPV) of…

Daud Olatunji In a bid to combat the adverse effects of climate change in Nigeria, the Nigeria Institute of Landscape Horticulture (NILH) has urged the National Assembly to pass a law mandating homeowners to plant at least one tree within their premises. The institute, recognizing the crucial role of trees in mitigating climate change and safeguarding the environment, emphasizes the need for a greenery environment as a strategy to control environmental pollution. At the 16th National Conference and Annual General Meeting held at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), with the theme “Urban Greenery And Beautification As a Strategy…

 Daud Olatunji In an ongoing legal saga, the trial of Ogun State House of Assembly Speaker, Olakunle Oluomo, and three others, accused of diverting approximately N2.5 billion, encountered a fresh hurdle on Tuesday,the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) case, initially scheduled for proceedings, was once again adjourned. The case was  adjourned until January 21 and 22, 2024, due to the absence of Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, the presiding judge at the Federal High Court in Abeokuta, who is reportedly on leave. This marks the fourth instance of adjournment for the case, with prior delays attributed to pre-election matters, the judge’s…