Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Human Rights Lawyer Femi Falana has called on the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Betta Edu, to refrain from insulting Nigerians amid allegations of a N585 million scandal.  The controversy surrounds a leaked memo instructing the transfer of funds to a private account, prompting heavy criticism of the embattled minister. In the leaked memo dated December 20, 2023, Minister Betta Edu directed the Accountant-General of the Federation to transfer N585 million to an account owned by Oniyelu Bridget, purportedly serving as the Project Accountant for Grants for Vulnerable Groups.  The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation…

In a decisive move, the Federal Government, via the Federal Ministry of Education, suspended the evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from the Republic of Benin and Togo last Tuesday.  This decision was prompted by an undercover investigation conducted by a Nigerian newspaper, revealing the existence of a degree mill in Cotonou, Benin Republic. The investigative reporter’s exposé detailed how a degree from Cotonou University was obtained within six weeks, along with participation in the National Youth Service Corps’ mandatory one-year scheme. In response to this alarming revelation, the National Universities Commission (NUC), Nigeria’s regulatory agency for universities, has reaffirmed…

Daud Olatunji Babcock University has vehemently rejected what it called a baseless online post falsely implicating the institution in having fake professors. Director of Communication and Marketing,Joshua Suleiman, PhD, stated this in a statement on Sunday,saying the list, erroneously linked to the National Universities Commission, is not only malicious but also unfounded. Suleiman said the university Known for meticulous due diligence in the recruitment of academic staff, upholds a reputation for a thorough scrutiny. According to the statement, the institution is committed to providing a high standard of education, ensuring that its students’ futures are not jeopardized by the inclusion…

In response to the recent visit by officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to its Lagos headquarters on January 4, 2024, the Dangote Group has issued a statement explaining the circumstances surrounding the visit and assuring stakeholders that no accusations of wrongdoing have been made against the conglomerate. The conglomerate disclosed that on December 6, 2023, it received a letter from the EFCC, requesting details of all foreign exchange allocations from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) between 2014 and 2023.  The Dangote Group, along with 51 other companies, received similar letters, prompting a response acknowledging receipt…

In a notable development, the federal and state governments have unveiled their 2024 budgets, allocating a staggering N17.04 trillion for recurrent expenditure.  Despite mounting concerns about the rising recurrent costs, both tiers of government are forging ahead with substantial allocations for non-capital spending. The federal government, accounting for a significant portion, plans to spend N8.27 trillion on salaries, subsidy transfers, and other non-capital expenses.  Simultaneously, the states have set aside N8.77 trillion for their recurrent expenditure, raising questions about productivity and GDP contribution. Within the comprehensive N44.93 trillion 2024 annual budget for both tiers of government, a noteworthy N17.38 trillion…

Daud Olatunji In the quiet village of Ajipatutu, Ewekoro local government area of Ogun State, Bayo Ibikunle’s life took a tragic turn during the end-of-year carnival, unraveling a heart-wrenching tale of love, betrayal, and fatal consequences. Bayo, 22 years old, found himself in a harrowing situation when he stumbled upon his wife, Christiana, entangled in a compromising act with Wasiu, a friend linked to her elder brothers.  Fueled by a mix of emotions, Bayo confronted them, leading to a physical altercation with Wasiu. The strength of Bayo’s character shone through as he defended his marriage, injuring Wasiu in the process.…

In a recent development, Chris Okoye, a 44-year-old tenant residing at 2A Niger Avenue Villa Nova, Apo, has been remanded by the Kabusa Grade I Area Court in Abuja.  The presiding Judge, Malam Abubakar Sadiq, issued the order after hearing the plea of the defendant. Okoye faces charges of criminal conspiracy, intimidation, force, assault, and causing hurt against his landlord, Mr. Ochengele Isaac.  Despite pleading not guilty to the charges, the prosecutor, O.S. Osho, informed the court that the landlord had reported the incident to the Apo Police Station on January 3. According to Osho, Okoye, along with his two…

In a shocking incident that has rocked the community, 18-year-old thug Yusuf Haruna, known as Lagwatsani, brutally stabbed 45-year-old Kano Imam, Mallam Sani Mohammed Shuaibu, to death.  The tragic event unfolded on December 31, 2023, at Jakara Quarters in Kano, when the Imam, while performing ablution, confronted Lagwatsani and his gang for smoking Indian hemp around the mosque premises. According to the spokesperson of the state command, SP Police Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, Lagwatsani attacked the Imam with a sharp knife, inflicting a deep injury that proved fatal.  The victim was rushed to Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital, where he was pronounced…

Chief Bode George, former Deputy National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, expressed deep concern about the escalating security challenges in the country, emphasising that the situation has surpassed the realm of political manoeuvring. Addressing the recent surge in violence, particularly in Plateau State, George called on President Bola Tinubu to confront the pressing issue of insecurity, highlighting the urgency of the matter.  He stressed that the current state of affairs demands a serious, non-political approach. “The state of our nation is in a shambolic situation, marked by perpetual despair and despondency.  There is hunger and anger in the land;…

Deborah Loveth (@_Debbie_OA), a Twitter user, has been bestowed with a generous gift from the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). The company presented her with a free premium motor spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, valued at N200,000.00. Deborah’s story gained widespread attention on X (formerly Twitter) when she shared that she diligently wakes up at 4:50 am to prepare lunch for her husband, Abiola Adebisi, before he heads to work. The viral post, amassing 21 million views, sparked discussions on household responsibilities. In her own words, Deborah revealed the catalyst for her early morning routine: “I’ve always been…