Author: Platform Times Newspaper

AJANAKU SUN BI OKE……. I received with utmost grief but with submission to the wish of the Almighty God, the passage of my friend, comrade and brother, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the Governor of Ondo State, in the early hours of today. It is a most arduous task writing about him in the past tense. Akeredolu was ever present. He was the life of every meeting and never left anyone in doubt about his position on any issue because of his candour, frankness, and honesty. He was not a typical politician who spoke from both sides of the mouth. Akeredolu…

Another chapter has been written in Nigerian political history with the demised of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State. This is because I can’t remember when last a sitting Governor died while still in office aside Shehu Kangiwa. However, at the Presidential level power was transferred to Goodluck Jonathan in like manner. My condolence to the family of Governor Akeredolu and the people of Ondo State in general. It is not extra ordinary that Governor Akeredolu died because the angel of death is not a respecter of anyone irrespective of your birth, sex, age, position or religion affluation. I love…

Wale Adedayo In the midst of the festive season, many are joyously celebrating the arrival of the Word of God, known to them as Christmas. However, a contemplative perspective reveals a poignant observation: the emphasis on the physical vessel of celebration rather than the profound essence of the Word itself. It is disheartening that, as the Word affirmed during His physical presence, there are other sheep and consequently, other Shepherds. The cautionary foresight of a repackaged portrayal that would be abhorrent upon His Second Coming is evident. The warning rings clear – those who, despite performing miracles and invoking His…

Pensioners in Ogun State are urging Governor Dapo Abiodun to extend the Christmas bonuses, traditionally awarded to civil servants, to include retired members in their festive season financial considerations. In a heartfelt Christmas message conveyed to Governor Abiodun, Comrade Bola Lawal, the State Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, expressed gratitude for the governor’s proactive steps.  Lawal acknowledged and appreciated the timely disbursement of December pension payments to pensioners before the onset of Christmas celebrations.  He also commended the governor for the thoughtful extension of a ten thousand naira palliative to help offset the impact of the petrol subsidy…

In a concerning development, the Ogun State House of Assembly has raised alarms over the insufficient funding allocated to its legislative activities.  The Assembly is  appealing for the swift release of the capital vote to execute various projects slated for the upcoming 2024 fiscal year. Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration, in its budget allocation last month, earmarked  two percent of the N703 billion budget size, equivalent to N14.2 billion, for the legislature. Additionally, only one percent of the budget proposal was allocated to the judiciary arm of government for the impending 2024 fiscal year. Expressing dismay, the Clerk of the house,…

In a significant display of unity, members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum convened at President Bola Tinubu’s Lagos residence on Tuesday, December 26, following their meeting at the Lagos House, Marina. Addressing various national concerns during the visit, Tinubu highlighted the recent resolution of the crisis in Rivers State, stemming from a dispute between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Expressing his gratitude, Tinubu commended Governor Fubara for his statesmanship, stating, “I thank you for your commitment to peace. Your emphasis on peace in your recent broadcast is commendable.  “Effective governance can only thrive in an atmosphere of…

A heart-wrenching incident unfolded on Christmas Eve in Akwa Ibom State, where the residence of the late State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Obong Udo Ekpenyong, was ravaged by fire in Ukanafun Local Government Area. The tragic inferno, which occurred on the eve of Christmas celebrations, resulted in the demise of Mrs. Elizabeth Udo Ekpenyong, the wife of the late PDP chairman, and her sister, Miss Ofonime Frank, as confirmed in a statement issued by Mr. Udeme Idiòng, the Secretary of the Transition Committee of the Local Government Area. While the cause of the fire was not disclosed…

In a recent development, the Bauchi State Police Command has arrested Umar Abdullahi, an 18-year-old resident of Yelwa, for the alleged rape of a student at the Federal Polytechnic Bauchi. The incident occurred at Peace Lodge in Gwalleji, the vicinity hosting the Polytechnic, where Abdullahi, accompanied by five others, reportedly invaded rooms.  The Bauchi State Police Command’s spokesperson, Mohammed Abdullahi, confirmed the arrest and revealed that the suspects, armed with machetes and flashlights, targeted houses in different locations. According to the police, the victim had filed a complaint of armed robbery and rape, leading to the successful apprehension of the…

In a tragic incident that unfolded in Aduma ward, Mkpani, Cross River, a dispute over a wrap of marijuana turned deadly on Christmas Eve.  A man simply identified as Mkpor, having purchased the illicit substance from his friend, Tunde, allegedly hacked him to death with a machete.  The incident took place in Yakkur Local Government Area, situated about 120 kilometers from Calabar. According to reports, the disagreement arose when Mkpor refused to pay Tunde for the purchased marijuana, leading to a heated verbal exchange.  The conflict escalated when Mkpor, a known troublemaker at Tunde’s marijuana-selling “bunk,” smoked a wrap of…

In a startling revelation, the Nigerian Police Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi has  apprehended officers involved in extorting money from unsuspecting motorists along the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.  Adejobi took to X (formerly Twitter) on Monday night to expose the corrupt activities. Expressing regret over the prevailing corruption within the police force,Adejobi announced that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) responsible for the implicated officers has been instructed to send them to Abuja for disciplinary actions. Adejobi condemned the act of extortion as a form of oppression, emphasizing that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has mandated senior officers to…