Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Daud Olatunji Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State had emphasized the unwavering commitment of his administration to the development and progress of the state.  The governor said this during the Egba Division Town Hall meeting, a pivotal event in preparation for the 2024–2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and the 2024 Appropriation Bill. The meeting took place at the Cultural Center in Kuto, Abeokuta.  Abiodun, represented by his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, underlined that the impressive growth and development experienced in the state in recent years were integral to the realization of his administration’s “Building Our Future Together Agenda” and embodied…

Daud Olatunji  In a groundbreaking development set to redefine Africa’s energy landscape, the much-anticipated Dangote Refinery, with a daily capacity of 650,000 barrels, is poised to kickstart operations next month.  The project, backed by Africa’s wealthiest individual, Aliko Dangote, is expected to revolutionize oil trading in the Atlantic Basin and alter the course of fuel exports from Europe and the United States to the African continent. Sources with insider knowledge of the matter have disclosed that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is prepared to supply up to six shipments of crude oil to facilitate the crucial test runs…

Daud Olatunji The Supreme Court of Nigeria has scheduled January 26, 2024, as the date for the judgment in the appeal filed by former House of Representatives member, Farouk Lawan.  Mr. Lawan, who is currently serving a jail sentence, seeks to overturn the February 24, 2022, verdict of the Court of Appeal in Abuja. The case, presided over by a five-member panel headed by Justice John Okoro, concluded its proceedings after lawyers for both parties presented their final arguments and adopted their written briefs. Farouk Lawan’s appeal centers on his conviction on a three-count charge of soliciting a bribe, agreeing…

Daud Olatunji The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, has extended clemency to 53 inmates facing various charges at the Port Harcourt Maximum Correctional Centre.  This compassionate gesture marks the commencement of the 2023/2024 legal year in the state, aimed at reducing the strain on the facility. Justice Amadi’s decision aligns with the legal provisions outlined in section 34 Sub-section 1 of the Criminal Justice Law of Rivers State and the special provision act of the Laws of the Federation, which empowers the Chief Judge to evaluate the correctional center’s inmate population, their length of incarceration, and…

Daud Olatunji The High Court of Justice in the  Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has issued a compelling order for the immediate and unconditional release of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele.  The court’s decision comes in response to a Motion Ex-parte filed by Emefiele, who sought his release from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) while awaiting the determination of the Originating Motion. Justice O.A. Adeniyi presided over the case and granted the order after carefully considering the motion presented by Emefiele.  The respondents in the case, which include…

Daud Olatunji In a recent development, a Sharia Court operating under the Kano State Hisbah Board, located in the Sharada area of Kano, has sentenced eight individuals accused of cross-dressing to three months of imprisonment at a Correctional Centre.  The court also offered them an alternative to pay a fine. The verdict was handed down following the admission of guilt by the cross-dressers during their appearance before the Hisbah Shari’a Court. The presiding Judge, Khadi Tanimu-Sani, decreed that each offender should receive 10 lashes of the cane, pay a fine of N20,000, and provide one surety or face the three-month…

Daud Olatunji In a significant legal development, a Federal High Court in Kano has issued a compelling order demanding that the Kano State Government pay a substantial compensation of N30 billion within seven days.  This verdict stems from a lawsuit brought forth by the Incorporated Trustees of Masallacin Eid Shop Owners and Traders, who accused the government of unlawfully demolishing their shops without adhering to proper legal procedures. The judgment, initially delivered on September 29, 2023, had already mandated the Kano State Government to pay the same amount to the aggrieved shop owners.  However, the recent order by Justice Samuel…

Daud Olatunji In a heartwarming display of corporate social responsibility, PR Primus Magazine, Nigeria’s leading Public Relations publication, has extended a helping hand to four underprivileged students by granting them scholarships to support their educational pursuits.  This noble initiative took center stage at the 2023 “Your Image Awards” and Public Lecture event, held in Abeokuta.  The event was organized in collaboration with the Ogun State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to recognize and honour six distinguished Nigerian icons for their significant contributions to the country’s development. During the ceremony, Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by the State…

Daud Olatunji In a resolute commitment to fostering a thriving business ecosystem and uplifting small-scale enterprises, the Ogun State government is unwavering in its mission to maintain an enabling environment for businesses, ensuring the prosperity of its residents. Mr. Adebola Sofela, the Commissioner for Industry, Trade, and Investment, reaffirmed this commitment during a media address in Abeokuta.  Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola, and other top management staff of the Ministry, he led a tour of various agencies, markets, and the Ogun State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA) complex. The tour included visits to…

Aminat Gusanu Nigerians have voiced their concerns over the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and its recent call for President Tinubu to reduce the N6.9 billion car budget or face potential legal action. On Wednesday, SERAP used its Twitter platform to call on President Tinubu to promptly trim the extravagant N6.9 billion budget allocated for purchasing cars for the House House, First Lady’s Office, and the Presidential Villa, sparking a wave of reactions from netizens. Many Nigerians expressed their skepticism about SERAP’s ability to effect change through legal channels. @IfeanyiGod questioned the organization’s impact, noting the prevailing sense of…