Author: Platform Times Newspaper

In a significant fiscal achievement, the Federal Government of Nigeria reported a robust collection of N1.75 trillion from Company Income Tax (CIT) during the third quarter of 2023. This represents an impressive surge of 115.90% compared to the corresponding period in 2022. The data, sourced from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in its Q3 2023 CIT report, indicates a month-on-month increase of 14.27% over the N1.53 trillion garnered in Q2 2023.  The NBS also highlighted a positive trajectory in Value Added Tax (VAT) collections, with the Federal Government’s income rising from N781.35 billion in Q2 2023 to N948.07 billion…

Senator Dino Melaye, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the Kogi State election, emphatically denied allegations of collecting N3 billion from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group.  Speaking at a dinner organized in his honour by his campaign organization in Abuja, Melaye dismissed the speculations as baseless and the product of detractors seeking to undermine his campaign. Describing the rumors of N1 billion from Atiku and N2 billion from Dangote as “fake news” peddled by “betrayers,” Melaye took the opportunity to set the record straight, reiterating that he did not receive…

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld the decision of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), directing Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, to pay the outstanding balance of N3,374,889,425.60 (N3.4b) from a N4,874,889,425.60 (N4.9b) debt emanating from a Supreme Court judgment on May 7, 2021. The debt resulted from the Supreme Court’s ruling against Makinde, the state’s Attorney General, Accountant General, and four others, in an appeal by chairmen and councillors elected on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform but dismissed by Makinde upon assuming office on May 29, 2019. In a unanimous judgment, a three-member…

Daud Olatunji In a compelling address at the Second Veritas University Digital Innovations Exhibition and 12th Convocation Lecture, the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, called on African leaders to confront the challenge of brain drain by creating quality jobs for the continent’s burgeoning youth population. Expressing concern over the ‘Japa’ syndrome, where Nigeria is losing its brightest minds to migration, Adesina emphasized the need to transform the vast youth demographic into an asset rather than a liability.  He was conferred with an honorary doctorate degree during the event. Adesina announced Nigeria’s inclusion among ten African…

Daud Olatunji In a historic moment, the late Professor Lai Oso, a distinguished figure in communications and scholarship, is set to posthumously receive dual honours at the upcoming 18th edition of the Wole Soyinka Award for Investigative Reporting.  The event, scheduled for Saturday, December 9, 2023, at the Abuja Continental Hotel (formerly Sheraton) by 5 pm, will commemorate Oso’s legacy with the Lifetime Award for Journalistic Excellence and the Anti-Corruption/Human Rights Defender Award. Motunrayo Alaka,Executive Director/CEO, WSCIJ and Coordinator, MAJ Cohort disclosed this in a statement . Alaka said the decision to honour Professor Oso in this unique manner is…

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), recently conducted the matriculation ceremony for 223 students enrolled in the Part-Time Degree Programme (PTDP) for the 2022/2023 Academic Session. The event, which took place at the university premises, marked the official induction of the students into the academic community. Addressing the matriculating students, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, congratulated them on becoming bonafide members of the university and emphasized the commitment to providing them with a quality education.  Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Kola Adebayo, Prof. Kehinde urged the students to strive for excellence and to believe in themselves…

In a much-anticipated appearance before the joint committee on appropriations, Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, responded to questions regarding the potential drop in the pump price of petroleum following the expected functionality of refineries. The Senate had issued a 24-hour ultimatum for Kyari to appear, expressing concern over his previous non-compliance with summonses related to the probe of over 11 trillion naira expenditure on the turnaround maintenance of refineries between 2010 and 2023. During the session, Kyari clarified his stance on the impact of refinery functionality on petrol…

In a startling revelation, over 400 lawyers from across Nigeria convened on Friday to raise alarm over persistent threats to the life of Barr. Yetunde Olubunmi Shaibu, Convener of the United Front for Democracy (UFD). The lawyers, under the banner of the Committee for the Defence of Democracy, expressed concern about the alleged threats emanating from interests associated with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its Governorship candidate. The alarm was triggered by UFD’s whistleblowing on an alleged attempt by the SDP to file a petition against the outcome of the November 11 election through the backdoor, an act that…

In a shocking incident captured on video, the police have confirmed the apprehension of two Special Constabularies who were seen demanding money from a Dutch woman rider in the Ojongbodu area along Iseyin/Ogbomosho Road in Oyo.  The arrest was detailed in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, who described their actions as “unprofessional, unacceptable, and punishable.” The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Adebola Ayinde Hamzat, swiftly instituted a disciplinary procedure on the matter.  Adejobi emphasized the police authority’s condemnation of the act and ordered sanctions against the arrested constabularies and their supervising Divisional Police…

Daud Olatunji In a recent interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and ex-Minister of Finance, Olu Falae, has passionately appealed to the federal government to take immediate action in repairing Nigeria’s refineries.  His recommendation includes subsequently selling these facilities to capable entities for more efficient operations. “The government should repair and sell refineries to those who can run it. Crude oil is our national endowment and should be sold at the cost of production plus a little margin,” Falae asserted during the interview. Emphasizing the significance of resolving the nation’s fuel-related challenges,…