Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The Edo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, sitting in Abuja, has upheld the electoral victory of Senator Monday Okpebholo, dismissing the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo. The tribunal’s ruling on Wednesday solidifies Okpebholo’s position as the duly elected governor of Edo State. Delivering the lead judgment, Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Wilfred Kpochi, declared that the three-member panel found no substantial grounds to nullify the governorship election conducted on September 21, 2024. The tribunal ruled that the petitioners failed to provide sufficient evidence to warrant overturning the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC)…

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has debunked claims that it is introducing N5,000 and N10,000 banknotes, describing the report as false and misleading. In a statement posted on its official X handle on Wednesday, the apex bank urged Nigerians to disregard the report, which falsely attributed the move to a supposed Deputy Governor of the bank, Ibrahim Tahir Jr. “The content is not from the Central Bank of Nigeria. Kindly note that the official website of the CBN is cbn.gov.ng,” the statement read. The bank’s communications department further clarified that the CBN has not issued any directive regarding the…

Feyisayo Ogunbiyi In a recent investigation conducted by PLATFORM TIMES, it has been revealed that twenty local government areas across Ogun State collectively shared a substantial sum of N8,921,835,442.20 in December 2024. This allocation, sourced from BudgiT, sheds light on the distribution of funds among the councils during this period. Among the local governments, Ado-Odo/Ota emerged as the top beneficiary, receiving a significant portion amounting to N755,023,001.48. Following closely, Ifo secured N746,984,433.76, while Ijebu North obtained N545,100,443.69. Abeokuta South and Obafemi local governments also received substantial allocations, collecting N500,587,070.70 and N497,780,299.95 respectively. Abeokuta North and Egbado North were not left…

The Ogun State Police Command has heightened security at the Sagamu Interchange, leading to the arrest of three suspects and the dismantling of illegal activities in the area. Following recent concerns over security at the interchange, the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, led an extensive operation to assess and reinforce safety measures. PLATFORM TIMES reports that the move comes amid reports circulating on social media regarding a security incident on March 21, 2025, though no formal complaints were lodged at any police station. The Police Public Relations Officer in the State, Omolola Odutola in a statement said CP Ogunlowo…

Daud Olatunji The youth of Ipokia Local Government in Ogun State have issued a stern warning to the state government, threatening a massive protest over its continued silence on the lingering fuel supply crisis affecting border communities. The youths, under the aegis of the Ipokia Local Government Youth Forum (IPYF), decried the hardship inflicted by the Federal Government’s 20-kilometer petrol supply suspension policy, which they described as “inhumane and demonic.” PLATFORM TIMES reports that the crisis has started since 2019 when the Federal Government ordered the shut down of the border and suspension of fuel around the border communities. In…

Lafarge Africa Plc has reinforced its commitment to gender inclusion with the graduation of 17 female truck drivers under its Women-on-Wheels (WoW) initiative. The graduation ceremony, held on Wednesday at the Lafarge Driving Institute in Ewekoro, Ogun State, marks another milestone in the company’s efforts to foster diversity in Nigeria’s transport and logistics sector. The event drew key stakeholders, including government officials, representatives from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and industry leaders. Speaking at the ceremony, Lafarge Africa’s Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, described the programme as a game-changer in the logistics industry. “At Lafarge…

In a historic announcement, Chief Iskil Abiodun Lammeed, the esteemed Asoju Oba of Obada Oko under the esteemed royal majesty of Oba Olufemi Abiodun Solaja, is set to be honored with not just one, but two prestigious chieftaincy titles. The grand ceremony, scheduled for April 4th and 5th, will mark Chief Lammeed’s induction as the Akinrogun of Itoku, Abeokuta, and subsequently as the Balogun Woro of Itoku, during the 38th Lisabi Festival. The momentous occasion, hosted by the Ademuyiwa family of Apesin Compound, Oke Itoku, Abeokuta, promises to be an unforgettable event celebrating Chief Lammeed’s unwavering dedication and exemplary service…

A leaked document, purportedly containing the judgment of the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, has surfaced online, triggering widespread controversy and speculation ahead of the official ruling. The unsigned document, which emerged less than 24 hours before the tribunal’s scheduled verdict on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, bears the petition number of the case filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Asuerime Ighodalo, against Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The leak has raised concerns over its authenticity, with many questioning whether it represents the tribunal’s actual decision. The document indicates a split…

Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed deep concern over the declaration of emergency rule in the state, stating that the situation has left him and his team feeling depressed. President Bola Tinubu had on March 18 declared a state of emergency in Rivers State due to prolonged political tensions. The move led to the suspension of Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state assembly for an initial period of six months. Retired naval chief, Ibok-Ete Ibas, was subsequently appointed as the sole administrator of the state. Speaking at his private residence in Port Harcourt…

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, has declared that Nigeria is not a democratic country, accusing the government of failing to uphold the principles of democracy. Speaking on Tuesday during an appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time, Obi stated that Nigeria lacks the key indicators of a functioning democracy, asserting that the government is neither of the people, by the people, nor for the people. “I have said it, and I maintain that there is no democracy in Nigeria today,” Obi said. “Nigeria today is not a democratic country. Let’s stop…