Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Amendment has officially rejected all 31 proposals for new state creation, citing non-compliance with constitutional requirements. The proposals, which were submitted on February 6, 2025, sparked significant attention from various regional groups seeking to expand Nigeria’s federal structure. However, according to Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House and Chairman of the Committee, none of the state creation requests met the constitutional provisions stipulated under Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution. Speaking at a retreat for panel members in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, Kalu emphasized that although the proposals reflected the regional aspirations…

A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the final forfeiture of $4.7 million, N830 million, and several properties linked to Godwin Emefiele, the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), following a ruling on Friday. The court’s decision came after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) applied for the final forfeiture of the funds and assets, which the court deemed unlawfully acquired. Presiding over the case, Justice Yellim Bogoro granted the EFCC’s application for forfeiture, ruling that the forfeited funds were held in various accounts managed by individuals and companies closely associated with Emefiele. The accounts,…

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, has raised serious concerns about the dangerous health implications of the processing techniques used in the production of ponmo, a popular meat product in Nigeria. Speaking at the 2025 ministerial press briefing on Friday, Maiha revealed that the current methods employed in producing hide and skin, commonly known as ponmo, are carcinogenic and hazardous to human health. The minister emphasized that the processing techniques, including the use of harmful substances like kerosene and engine oil to burn off animal hides, were not only unhygienic but also posed significant health risks, including the…

The Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, has described the late Senator Ayodeji Otegbola as a valuable asset to both Ogun West and Ogun State at large. Speaking during a condolence visit to the Otegbola family in Lagos, the Deputy Governor highlighted the profound impact the late lawmaker made across political, professional, religious, and intellectual spheres. Engr. Salako-Oyedele, who led a prominent delegation from Ota, noted that Senator Otegbola’s contributions transcended his political career, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to shape the current leadership. She emphasized that the late senator was a source of pride not only to…

Daud Olatunji Nigerian troops have dealt a severe blow to terrorist activities across several regions, resulting in the elimination of 82 insurgents, the apprehension of 198 suspected terrorists, and the successful rescue of 93 hostages during an operation spanning from February 14 to 21, 2025. PLATFORM TIMES reports that Major General Markus Kangye, the director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed this on Thursday. Kanye said during this period, the operations extended beyond counter-terrorism efforts, with troops also making substantial gains against criminal elements involved in illegal oil activities. He said across the Niger Delta, 32 illegal refining sites were dismantled,…

Daud Olatunji A major scandal has erupted at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) following allegations of abuse of office leveled against the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Owunari Abraham Georgewill. The accusations, contained in a petition addressed to the university’s Governing Council through the Pro-Chancellor, were made by Faith Etunem Nnenanya, a lecturer in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. In the petition dated January 14, 2025, followed by a reminder dated February 17,2025, Nnenanya accused the Vice-Chancellor of gross misconduct, abuse of office, dereliction of duty, misinformation, suppression and falsification of records, corruption, bias, and double standard. PLATFORM TIMES reports…

Daud Olatunji The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has issued a stern warning to the Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, urging him to respect the recent Court of Appeal judgment and halt plans to conduct local government elections on Saturday, February 22, 2025. Fagbemi’s statement, issued late Thursday, highlights that the proposed elections would be unconstitutional due to a recent court ruling reinstating locally elected officials. In his statement, Fagbemi referred to the February 10, 2025, judgment of the Court of Appeal in Akure, which reversed a previous Federal High Court ruling…

Daud Olatunji The President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has announced the donation of N8 billion to the former Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, popularly known as IBB Presidential Library, to be paid at a rate of N2 billion annually over the four-year period allocated for the project’s completion. A statement issued by the Headline, Media Relations, Brand and Communication, Sunday Esan stated that Dangote made this statement on Thursday during the unveiling of the book “A Journey in Service”, the autobiography of the former Head of State held in Abuja. PLATFORM TIMES reports…

President Bola Tinubu has revealed how former military leader General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) played a pivotal role in his political career, acknowledging that without IBB’s influence, he would not have ventured into politics. In a candid and emotional address at a book launch in Babangida’s honour in Abuja, Tinubu recounted a defining moment during the Babangida administration. Reflecting on the political turbulence of the era, the President shared a personal experience that shaped his own political ambitions. He recalled how IBB, during his tenure, repeatedly delayed the inauguration of elected officials, creating widespread uncertainty among politicians. Tinubu, known for…

A prominent Hajj monitoring and reporting organisation, Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), has called on the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to immediately refund the excess fares paid by intending pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj exercise due to recent exchange rate fluctuations. IHR has revealed that 26,287 confirmed intending pilgrims, who paid their Hajj fares before the February 10 deadline, are entitled to an average refund of N437,000 each. The call for a refund stems from an analysis of the Hajj fare template, which revealed that NAHCON initially calculated the cost of the 2025 pilgrimage based on an exchange rate…