Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The Emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Mohammed Idrisa Timta, has disclosed that the suicide bombers responsible for the tragic attack on Gwoza town on June 29, were not local insurgents but were imported to demonstrate that Boko Haram remains a relevant threat despite their significant defeats by Nigerian troops. This devastating attack resulted in the loss of 32 lives and left about 100 people injured. In a public statement made on Sunday during a visit by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who represents Southern Borno at the National Assembly, the Emir emphasised that the bombers did not originate from the notorious Sambisa…

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate cases of electoral violence, bribery, vote-buying, and conspiracy during the 2023 general election. The suit, which was filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, (SERAP), had sought for the prosecution of suspected perpetrators of electoral offences and their sponsors. In a statement issued yesterday, SERAP said the court ordered INEC to ensure the appointment of independent counsels to “investigate cases of electoral violence and other electoral offences against state governors and their deputies during the 2023 general elections”. The court also…

The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) has issued a call to Nigeria’s anti-graft agencies, urging them to disclose the current status of their investigation into Betta Edu, the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. Edu was suspended following allegations of diverting a N585 million Federal Government grant intended for the vulnerable into private accounts. CACOL’s Chairman, Debo Adeniran, in a statement signed by the Group’s Director of Administration and Programmes, Tola Oresanwo, emphasized the need for transparency.  The statement highlighted recent media reports that Edu sent condolences to the victims of the recent Jos building collapse…

Today, 22nd July , 2024, we celebrate a matriarch of virtue, a pillar of community, and a shining example of faith, Deaconess Juliana Agbeke Adeyemi who marks her 98th birthday today. As a devoted mother, she selflessly prioritized our education and upbringing, instilling in us, the values of hard work, discipline, and compassion. Her unwavering support and guidance have shaped our bringing to the envious positions we occupy in our various callings. As a community leader, our Mummy has been a driving force for progress, spearheading initiatives and bringing vital projects to her various communities. Her tireless efforts have improved…

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has announced the rescue of another group of 58 Nigerian women and children from human traffickers in Ghana.  This latest operation brings the total number of rescued Nigerians in Accra to 105 in the past three months. The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Board of Trustees in Ghana, Chief Callistus Elozieuwa, revealed this development during a visit by NiDCOM Chairman, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, to the victims’ location in Accra. The NiDCOM Head of Media and Public Relations, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, provided further details in a statement released on Saturday.  According to the…

A  notorious terrorist leader, Bello Turji, has levelled serious accusations against the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle.  The allegations, presented in a viral video, claim that Matawalle, who previously served as Zamfara State governor, was complicit in fostering terrorism in Nigeria.  The accusations have prompted a strong rebuttal from Matawalle’s camp. Turji, known for his involvement in violent attacks across northern Nigeria, including a massacre in Zamfara in early 2022, alleges that Matawalle was supportive of terrorism during his tenure as governor.  In the video, Turji accuses the former governor of backing terrorism, asserting that he possesses…

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested numerous individuals, including a man with a physical disability and a Beninese national, seizing large quantities of narcotics across various states.  The NDLEA’s Director of Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, revealed in a statement on Sunday that the crackdown led to multiple arrests and drug interceptions over the past week.  On July 14, operatives arrested Amadu Garba, a 48-year-old man with a physical disability, at his residence in Yawuri town, Kebbi State. Garba was found in possession of six bags of cannabis weighing 67 kilograms. In another significant bust, 60-year-old Ademola…

Daud Olatunji The Coalition for Transparency and Economic Reforms (COTER), representing 259 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), has announced its firm opposition to the planned nationwide protests by the group #EndBadGovernance. PLATFORM TIMES reports that these  protests, scheduled from August 1st to 15th, aim to challenge the administration of President Bola Tinubu. In a press conference held in Lagos, COTER’s leadership, including National Coordinator Adeshina Animashaun and Comrade Akintunde Adedeji, warned the organisers to reconsider their plans.  They compared the proposed protests to the #EndSARS demonstrations of October 2020, which resulted in significant turmoil across Nigeria. COTER  accused certain disgruntled politicians…

Daud Olatunji  The Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) has officially announced that local government elections will be held on October 26, 2024.  This announcement follows the impending end of the current tenure of local government chairmen across the state. PLATFORM TIMES reports that the development  is setting the stage for a critical electoral process that will see new leadership for the 20 Local Governments and Councillors for the 236 Wards in Ogun State. OGSIEC Chairman, Mr. Babatunde Osibodu, released a statement confirming that the elections will be conducted in accordance with Section 10(1) of the Ogun State Electoral Law…

Daud Olatunji  The Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division in Oyo State, has issued a ruling prohibiting the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) from organising and supervising elections for the state’s 37 Local Council Development Authorities (LCDAs).  This decision follows an appeal filed by lawyer Oluwaseun Lawal against a previous judgement by Honourable Justice A.A. Akinyemi of the Ogun State High Court on May 20, 2020. In the appeal marked CA/IB/292/2020, Lawal contested the legitimacy of the Local Council Development Areas created under the Local Government (Creation and Transitional Provisions Amendment) Law, 2016, by the Ogun State House of Assembly. …