Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The legal fraternity in Nigeria is grappling with the harsh realities of economic hardship, as highlighted by legal luminary Aare Afe Babalola during the 13th edition of the Annual Aare Afe Babalola Public Bar Lecture.  The founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), voiced concerns over the deteriorating financial status of lawyers, once considered prosperous professionals. Babalola lamented the adverse effects of Nigeria’s battered economy, which he said has pushed lawyers below the subsistence level.  He attributed this downward spiral to a myriad of factors, including the agrarian nature of many states, inadequate infrastructure such as poor roads and lack…

Prominent Islamic scholars have  highlighted political and economic disparities, alongside corruption, as significant factors driving the rise of violent Islamic movements across Sub-Saharan Africa.  The discussion, streamed on various social media platforms, television, and online radio stations, featured distinguished scholars with expertise in Islam in Africa. Addressing the theme “Islam in Africa,” during the  Toyin Falola Interview Series, Professor Cheikh Anta Babou from the University of Pennsylvania stated  the evolving nature of Islamic radicalism in the region.  He argued that contemporary Islamic movements are more influenced by political and economic circumstances than religious doctrine, noting the disillusionment of former Marxist…

I had my first period when I was 11 years old. I knew what was happening from science classes at school and had known to expect it at any time. But I remember a deep sense of shame – one I couldn’t quite rationalise. I hid it from my mother, using countless amounts of toilet paper until I knew I couldn’t hide it any more. About a year later, I was walking from school with a boy whom I used to be friends with. He started laughing at me. Not just laughing, but howling. He pointed to the back of…

Daud Olatunji A  coalition comprising 259 anti-corruption, civil society, and human rights groups, known as the Coalition for Transparency and Economic Reforms (COTER), has accused members of the Northern elite group of attempting to instigate a crisis in Nigeria.  This accusation comes in response to claims made by the Northern elites regarding a purported plan by the Bola Tinubu-led administration to allow the relocation of United States of America and French military bases from Francophone West African countries to Nigeria. COTER, through its President, Dr. Peter China Chukwu, and General Secretary, Mallam Auta Ibrahim Koko, released a statement condemning the…

Daud Olatunji Tensions are running high within the Ogun State House of Assembly as controversy surrounds the recent appointment of a Clerk, raising questions about adherence to legislative procedures and the integrity of the institution. The saga began with the passage of an Amendment to the House of Assembly Service Commission Law on April 11th, 2024, which altered the remuneration of the Clerk and Deputy Clerks.  However, despite the passage of this amendment, the position of Clerk remained vacant for exactly two months following the retirement of the former incumbent, Adedeji Adeyemo. PLATFORM TIMES reports that the move by the…

The controversy surrounding the suspected gang renting out apartments under the Dolphin Estate Bridge in Ikoyi, Lagos, has taken a new turn as Gbenga Oluwafemi, purportedly the landlord and alleged leader of the operation, refuted claims of collecting exorbitant rent charges from residents. In a video circulated by News Central on Sunday, Oluwafemi, popularly known as “Mopol,” dismissed allegations of receiving N250,000 per annum as rent for the apartments.  He asserted his familiarity with influential figures within Dolphin Estate and denied any involvement in rent collection. Oluwafemi shed light on the history of the establishment, revealing that the blue container…

Tension flared in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State on Monday as police officers reportedly fired shots at protesting women, leaving several injured and requiring hospitalization. PLATFORM TIMES reports that the commotion erupted when women from Oteri-Ughelli community gathered to demonstrate against alleged police extortion and harassment. Despite their peaceful intent, the protesters were met with resistance upon reaching the Ughelli Area Command, where they were allegedly subjected to tear gas and gunfire by officers. Representatives of the protesting women, Harvest Ugbhwiako and Mrs. Vivian Aphiare, accused the police of unlawfully arresting and detaining their children, demanding hefty…

Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, on Monday, announced the suspension of three lawmakers over their alleged involvement in a plot to impeach him and other principal officers of the Assembly.  The suspended lawmakers include Donald Okogbe of the PDP representing Akoko-Edo II, an ally of the impeached deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, as well as Addeh Emankhu Isibor of the APC representing Esan North-East I, and Iyamu Bright of the PDP representing Orhionnwon II. The suspension stems from accusations leveled by Speaker Agbebaku, who claimed that the trio orchestrated a scheme to undermine the leadership of the…

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has issued a stern warning to members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, cautioning them against opposing his administration.  Speaking during a meeting with a delegation of political and traditional leaders from Bayelsa State at the Government House in Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara asserted his authority, declaring that the legislators’ existence is contingent upon his recognition. Governor Fubara expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the state lawmakers, criticizing their stance towards his administration.  He emphasized his pivotal role in recognizing their legitimacy, citing the Peace Accord initiated by President Bola Tinubu as the basis…

Former Nigerian Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, has raised concerns over the absence of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima from the country simultaneously. Atiku raised  questions about the leadership vacuum and the nation’s direction. President Tinubu’s recent travels have sparked controversy, with his departure to France last Thursday following a trip to Saudi Arabia.  While the purpose of his visit to France was not officially disclosed by the Presidency, sources said  that it was for medical reasons, adding to the speculation surrounding his health. Meanwhile, Vice President Shettima departed for Dallas, USA, to represent President Tinubu at the 2024…