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Obasanjo makes U-turn, endoses Atiku for 2019

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Obasanjo makes U-turn, endoses Atiku for 2019

[dropcap]O[/dropcap]basanjo, who has a history of squabbling with Atiku for more than a decade now especially when they were together at Aso told Newsmen that Atiku asked for forgiveness and he had granted it ‘wholeheartedly’

Addressing the media after a marathon meeting with Atiku at his residence in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, Obasanjo said Atiku has a better understand of the economy than Buhari. He went on to say it is not what Atiku did against him that was the issue but what he (Atiku) did against the Party, the Government and the country. “I took the stand I had taken based on the character and attributes you exhibited in the position you found yourself. I strongly believe that I was right. It was in the overall interest of everyone and everything to take such a position” he said

Obasanjo went on to say Atiku Abubakar have shown remorse and since he asked for forgiveness it was obvious he had learnt some good lessons.

I am happy to welcome the distinguished leaders of goodwill who have led the PDP Presidential Candidate and my former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, to my humble abode and I welcome the Presidential Candidate himself.
Let me start by congratulating President-to-be, Atiku Abubakar, for his success at the recent PDP Primary and I took note of his gracious remarks in his acceptance speech that it all started here.
Yes, when it started, it was meant for Atiku to succeed Obasanjo. In the presence of these distinguished leaders of goodwill today, let me say it openly that we have reviewed what went wrong on the side of Atiku. And in all honesty, my former Vice-President has re-discovered and re-positioned himself. As I have repeatedly said, it is not so much what you did against me that was the issue but what you did against the Party, the Government and the country.
I took the stand I had taken based on the character and attributes you exhibited in the position you found yourself. I strongly believe that I was right. It was in the overall interest of everyone and everything to take such a position.
From what transpired in the last couple of hours or so, you have shown remorse; you have asked for forgiveness and you have indicated that you have learnt some good lessons and you will mend fences and make amends as necessary and as desirable.
Whenever or wherever you might have offended me, as a Christian who asks for God’s forgiveness of my sins and inadequacies on daily basis, I forgive and I sincerely advise you to learn from the past and do what is right and it will be well with you. Obviously, you have mended fences with the Party and fully reconciled with the Party. That’s why today, you are the Presidential Candidate of the Party. In addition to appreciating all that the Party has done for you, may I advise you to work together with all those who contested for the Party’s flag with you as a team for your campaign.
There are still areas, nationally and internationally, where you have to mend fences and make amends. You will know how to handle what is already out and what may yet be put out by the opposition. But, I am convinced that if you continue with the attitude that brought you here with these distinguished leaders of goodwill, with remorse and contrite heart, the rest of the coast within and outside the country can be cleared. And if there is anything I can do and you want me to do in that respect, I will do.
I am sure with the right attitude for change where necessary, and by putting lessons learned by you to work, you will get the understanding, cooperation, support and mandate – all at the national level. With Nigerians voting for you, it will mean that you secure their forgiveness and regain their confidence. It will be with the hope or assurance of a Paul on the road to Damascus Conversion. After all, change and conversion are of man. I believe that with a contrite heart, change is possible in everybody’s life and situation.
For me, relatively and of all the aspirants in the PDP, you have the widest and greatest exposure, experience, outreach and possibly the best machinery and preparation for seeing the tough and likely dirty campaign ahead through. From what I personally know of you, you have capacity to perform better than the incumbent. You surely understand the economy better; you have business experience, which can make your administration business-friendly and boost the economy and provide jobs.
You have better outreach nationally and internationally and that can translate to better management of foreign affairs. You are more accessible and less inflexible and more open to all parts of the country in many ways. As Pastor Bakare, one-time running mate of the incumbent President said, “You are a wazobia man.” And that should help you in confronting the confrontable and shunning nepotism.
As you know, along the road to where you are today, many leaders and ordinary people cooperated and overtly and covertly worked hard. On your behalf, I thank them all. May their coast continue to be expanded. And when you become Nigerian President which, insha-Allah, you will be, remember what we did together in government – we ran an administration by Nigerians for all Nigerians where merit and performance count more than blood relationship, friendship or kith and kin. Although some time and ground have been lost, you should endeavour to start from where we stopped and recover some lost ground, if not time.
Please uphold truth, integrity, principles, morality and fight corruption, crimes and insurgency. The fundamental law of the land, our constitution must be scrupulously defended. I make one demand and one demand on you today, I need you to say before God and man that you will always remain irrevocably committed to upholding ALL the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the whole country will remain your single indivisible constituency.
Constitutionalism, popular participation and inclusiveness are pre-conditions for reversing the deficits of the past three and half years. They will ensure abiding faith in our indivisibility, oneness and faith in the survival of all against none.
The fundamentals for our development, economic growth and progress are hard and soft infrastructure. Remember to always give adequate places in your administration to our youth and women.
All the authorities involved with the preparation, all processes and conduct of the election must ensure that the election is free, fair and credible.
Once again, congratulations and I wish you well. My distinguished brothers and leaders of goodwill, thank you for making this happen. I will now count on you to encourage all hands to be on the deck to take Nigeria to the level God has created it to be – autopilot level.
God bless you all and God bless Nigeria.

Luka Igbonoba: The Quintessence of an Excellent Leader and Gentleman

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Luka Igbonoba: The Quintessence of an Excellent Leader and Gentleman
Luka Igbonoba

[dropcap]L[/dropcap]uka Igbonoba is the quintessential leader and gentleman. He is the embodiment of cerebral articulation, the essence of unparalleled philanthropy, the epitome of intellection and breathtaking simplicity, the personification of undiluted humanness, the perfect example of leadership symbolism, the paragon of idealism, the soul of humanity, the heart of warrior, the perfect gentleman. Indeed, some leaders are born, some achieve leadership, some have leadership thrust upon them, while only very few have all three embedded in them.

Luka Igbonoba is one of those very few good men; a true philanthropist, an accomplished businessman,a perfect gentleman, a man of valour, the bringer of rain.In the gallery of great leaders and great men, he is without doubt, a rare masterpiece.
Luka Igbonoba celebrated his birthday and to put the epochal celebration in proper perspective, he attained the midpoint of midlife at the exciting peak and the proper prime of his mercurial powers where, poised like the bronzed champion, glowing flamboyantly in the golden flame of his decade, prepares himself to capture and conquer arguably, the one ultimate laurel for which his superlative gifts and brilliance clamour to be manifestly celebrated with maximum political aplomb woven into the matrix of an intrepid homogeneous ubiquity.

A true brother,elegant,teacher and handsome, dark and unblemished in the magisterial lithe and athleticism of folkloric Kings and heroes, soft-spoken, with clear, unfettered, excellent diction and oratory, his brilliant smile like sparkling sun radiating from crystal clear eyes and embellished by the clean-shaven glistening scalp.Luka Igbonoba is down to earth and corporate-smart, from the various experiences of home-bred grooming, ivy league sojourns in first class institutions and the inspirational influence and unparalleled, unquantifiable tutelage from the grand master himself, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, Luka is an accomplished businessman, technocrat, politician and grassroots mobilizer on his own merit.

A man of immense mettle and a completely detribalized human being with a profound depth of character, whose humility, devoid of discrimination, embraces all and sundry, he soars like an eagle and exudes reverence and integrity. A pragmatic leader full of benevolence, he gives hope to the hopeless, Job to the jobless and welfare and succor to the poor and needy. To everyone who crosses his path, he is a light. He is a friend to all, a role model to the young, a helper to many and a visionary man bubbling with the ideals of entrenching a united, peaceful, harmonious vision for his community and the world. Honest, Transparent, Dependable, uncomplicated and full of wisdom, Luka Igbonoba can change you effortlessly, with his word.
Brother, though even the sun will one day run out of fuel, our love for you shall last forever. we thank God each and every day for giving us a brother like you. On your birthday, we want to thank you for being the best brother anyone could ever hope for.You are such a great role model for every brother in the world because you are so loving, caring, protective, and supportive. Happy Birthday!

By: Ike Abiagom

Rivers APC in disarray as court nullifies nomination of guber candidate

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Rivers APC in disarray as court nullifies nomination of guber candidate
Amaechi and Oshiomhole

[dropcap]R[/dropcap]ivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been thrown into confusion as a high court in Port Harcourt on Wednesday nullified the nomination of Mr Tonye Cole as the governorship candidate of the party in the state on grounds that his nomination is a function of illegality and unconstitutional acts.

The court also nullified the the APC senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly primaries conducted on the premise of the illegal ward congresses. The high court further nullified all the elections of Rivers APC ward executives, local government executives and state executive committee that arose from the illegal ward congresses.

In a judgment delivered by Justice Chiwendu Nwogu on Wednesday, in a suit filed by Ibrahim Imah and 22 others against the APC, the court declared that the ward congresses of the party were illegal because they were not conducted in line with the APC guidelines and constitution

Justice Nwogu set aside the ward congresses of the party held on May 19, 2018, local government congresses of May 19, 2018 and State Congress of the party held on May 21, 2018.

He stated that all actions taken by the APC during the pedancy of the suit have been set aside because they are illegal and unconstitutional.

Justice Nwogu declared that all those who purchased nomination forms for the ward congresses were entitled to contest the ward congresses of May 19, 2018, but were unjustly excluded by the party.

He said: “The Rule by might must be checked by the rule of law. We must restore the hope of the common man in the justice system”.

Justice Nwogu who based his judgement on the Amaechi versus INEC Matter of 2007, noted that having studied the submissions in the matter, he was bound to make consequential orders to ensure that justice was done in the case.

He stated that the High Court has jurisdiction to entertain the matter as an appeal filed by the respondents at the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt to stop proceedings on the suit was rejected by the Appellate Court on September 21, 2018.

He stated that all through the hearing, the APC filed no counter-affidavit denying the facts of the matter as presented by the applicants in the originating summons.

Justice Nwogu said that it is trite law that facts not disputed are deemed admitted.

On the suit filed in an Abuja High Court by a faction of the APC, Justice Nwogu declared that the court is of coordinate jurisdiction with the High Court in Port Harcourt and cannot sit in appeal over it.

He added that the suit filed by Ibrahim Imah preceded that of the Abuja High Court by a faction of the Rivers State APC.

Before the delivery of the judgment, a counsel to the APC, Prince OSM Azunda moved a motion to arrest the judgment.

However, Justice Nwogu dismissed his application which he termed as a ploy to arrest the judgement.

Following the judgment, the APC no longer has a candidate for the governorship, Senate, House of Representatives, House of Assembly elections in the forthcoming 2019 general elections.

The APC also has no state working committee, local government working committees and ward executives.

WAEC Approves Results Cancellation For Exam Malpractices

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WAEC Approves Results Cancellation For Exam Malpractices

[dropcap]N[/dropcap]igeria Examinations Committee (NEC) of the West AfricanExaminations Council (WAEC) has approved sanctions in all cases of examination malpractices during its 66th Meeting in Lagos revealed that henceforth, candidates who flout the rules and regulations guiding the conduct of the council’s examinations will bear the consequences..

According to a press statement signed by Demianus Ojijeogu, Head of Public Affairs, WAEC,  “The results of candidates involved in proven cases which attract Cancellation of Entire Results will be cancelled; while subject results of those involved in proven cases, which attract Cancellation of Subject Results will be similarly cancelled.”

The NEC also revealed that it will start sanctioning some candidates by banning them from sitting for the council’s examinations for a specific number of years. Schools involved in proven cases of exam malpractices will also be derecognised for a certain number of years. Examination supervisors found wanting will be reported to their employers and blacklisted, while invigilators involved in exam malpractices will face disciplinary measures.

NEC went on to advise WAEC, All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools and States Ministry of Education to publish names of those involved in examination malpractices to serve as a deterrent to others. See the detail Press  statement:

 

THE WEST AFRICAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL PRESS RELEASE ON THE 66TH NEC MEETING

The 66th Meeting of the Nigeria Examinations Committee (NEC) of the West AfricanExaminations Council (WAEC), was held from Tuesday, 2nd to Thursday, 4th October, 2018 atExcellence Hotel & Conference Centre, Ogba – Lagos.
The Committee, which is the highest decision-making organ of WAEC on examination-relatedmatters in Nigeria, meets twice a year, to consider matters relating to the conduct of the WestAfrican Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for School Candidates and PrivateCandidates. Its statutory Chairman is the Chief Federal Government Nominee on Council.Membership of the Committee comprises four representatives each, of the State Ministries ofEducation and the Department of Education of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja,ANCOPSS and the Universities. It also includes the Registrar to Council, the Head of theNigeria National Office, the Head of the Test Development Division (TDD) and the Head of theTest Administration Division (TAD) of the Council.During the 66th Meeting, the Committee received reports on Irregularity, Special and ClemencyCases arising from the conduct of the WASSCE for Private Candidates, 2017 and the WASSCEfor Private Candidates, 2018-First Series, earlier considered at the 65th Meeting of theCommittee. The Committee also considered a report on the conduct of the WASSCE for SchoolCandidates, 2018, as well as Irregularity Cases arising from the conduct of the examination. In the course of considering the various reported cases of malpractice, the Committee, afterdiligent deliberations, approved appropriate sanctions in all established cases of malpractice, asprescribed by the Rules and Regulations governing the conduct of the Council’s examinations. Itapproved that the entire results of candidates involved in proven cases, which attractCancellation of Entire Results (CER) be cancelled, while subject results of those involved inproven cases, which attract Cancellation of Subject Results (CSR), be similarly cancelled. Inaddition, some candidates will also suffer other sanctions such as barring them from sitting forthe Council’s examinations for a certain number of years, some schools will be derecognised fora specified number of years, some supervisors that were found wanting in the discharge of theirexamination duties will be formally reported to their employers and blacklisted while someinvigilators will be reported to the appropriate authorities for disciplinary action. The decisionsof the Committee will be implemented without delay and the affected candidates and schoolsduly informed by the Council. However, the results of candidates who were exonerated by theCommittee will be released.

2 Furthermore, the Committee considered Special Cases, Clemency Appeals from the WASSCEfor School Candidates, 2018 and Restitution Cases as well as Impounded Certificates for variousyears. The Committee also received a report on the Statistics of Entries and Results for theWASSCE for Private Candidates, 2017 and 2018-First Series. In addition, it received andconsidered the General Résumé of the Chief Examiners’ Reports on the WASSCE for PrivateCandidates, 2018-First Series and the WASSCE for School Candidates, 2018. It also receivedand considered reports on the Activities of the Aptitude Tests Department (ATD), for the periodMarch to September, 2018 and on the Activities of the Research Department of the Council forthe period March to September, 2018. With regard to the General Résumé of the Chief Examiners’ Reports on the WASSCE for SchoolCandidates, 2018, the Committee noted the observation by the Chief Examiners that the standardof the papers compared favourably with those of previous years and that the questions werewithin the scope of the syllabuses as well as the ability of the candidates. They also reported thatthe rubrics were clearly stated and the marking schemes were comprehensive.The Committee noted the strengths and weaknesses of the candidates as reported by the ChiefExaminers and the suggested remedies for the weaknesses. The Committee observed that even with the commendable efforts of the Council in the fightagainst examination malpractice, the menace is still on the increase and called on all stakeholdersto intensify their efforts in the fight against examination malpractice.The Committee decried the high rate of impersonation as a form of examination malpractice inSchool Candidates examinations, called on school principals to check the ugly trend and urgedthe States Ministry of Education to look at the calibre and integrity of teachers nominated asSupervisors for public examinations.On the issue of punishment for schools, candidates, invigilators and supervisors caught aidingand abetting examination malpractice, the Committee advised that WAEC, ANCOPSS and theStates Ministry of Education should publish the names of those involved to serve as a deterrentfor others.Finally, the Committee commended the Council for ensuring that examination cheats do not getaway with their nefarious activities by deploying cutting-edge technology and putting in placeseveral mechanisms to detect and forestall examination malpractice.

Issued by the Public Affairs Department
Signed:
Demianus G. Ojijeogu, anipr –
Head, Public Affairs WAEC, Yaba, Lagos
10th October, 2018

Word of Solution Ministries marks 10th year anniversary

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Word of Solution Ministries marks 10th year anniversary
Prophet Sholola Akeem Sholola
Prophet-in-charge,
Word of Solution Ministries,
Lagos

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]t was a time of jubilation and thanksgiving to the Almighty God for the members of the Word of Solution Ministries aka “Mountain Of Solution”, Alakpere, Lagos as the church celebrates its 10th year anniversary with the theme: ‘The Manifestation Of His Presence’.

Admonishing the congregation in his sermon tagged: ‘People Will Hear My Testimony’, the Guest Speaker urged the believers to exercise patience and endure hardship as good soldiers of Christ to obtain the promise of God,adding that God is never late to fulfill his promises of granting testimonies to his people.

The Guest Pastor expressed gratitude to God for keeping the church for the past ten years despite all odds and challenges: “It is God’s mercy and divine favour that has uphold us up till now. He also charged the congregation to be strong and steadfast in the will of God despite hard situations to experience the later glory of God and hope for better future.”God always prepare the believers in a unique way to make indelible marks here on earth. Anyone who is not ready to endure hardship, he is not prepared for breakthroughs.”

In his remarks, the pastor-in-charge, Prophet Sholola Akeem Sholola recounted the successes of the parish in the past ten years and expressed gratitude to God for the uncommon favour and gift he has given him to touch the lives of mankind through healing, prophecies, financial breakthrough, and so many uncountable miracles he is performing by the grace of God. He urged the church to remained dedicated to the kingdom stewardship, adding that though the parish’s beginning may be small but its
later end shall be great.

Below are some pictures from the event:

 

 

Prophet Sholola Akeem Sholola and some church members cutting the anniversary cake

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Youths doing what they know how to do best

Customs At Airport Uncovers Over N1bn Items …Says Concealment Impeding On Revenue Collection

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Customs At Airport Uncovers Over N1bn Items …Says Concealment Impeding On Revenue Collection

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Murtala Muhammed Area Command (MMAC) of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has attributed the recent uncover of over N1billion items at the International Airport, Lagos, concealed with other goods by the importers, in a bid to evade payment of Customs duty to intelligence driven approach used by officers on duty.

The CAC also disclosed that Some of the goods uncovered by Customs operatives under the supervision of the Customs Area Controller, CAC, of the Command, Comptroller Jayne Shoboiki, during physical examination include cartons of very expensive shoes, estimated at the Duty Paid Value, DPV, of N500.000 each, camera flash equipments loaded in different cartons, assorted textile materials and pharmaceutical products with names not written in English for easy understanding.Other items discovered during the examination process were second-hand mobile phones, sophisticated oil-well equipment with iron accessories, eye-glasses, computer accessories, blenders in many cartons and slippers, among other items concealed in large quantities.antities., using intelligence driven technique to uncover the real contents of the item packed in cartons.

Comptroller Shoboiki expressed displeasure at the level of concealment, stressing that such illegality is affecting revenue generation of the Command, thereby making the Federal Government to lose income as well.
She promised that her Command must continue to work hard in enforcing government’s policies to protect our economy, while facilitating trade in line with global best practice. Customs under the watch of CGC Hameed Ali is intelligence driven, as such, we are well trained to carry out our statutory duties effectively”.

The CAC said, “We are working with the Customs Intelligent Unit, CIU and other security agencies to curb criminal activities at our area of coverage. As you can see here, these are very expensive goods, which ought to bring revenue for government being concealed by the importers with household items and other goods in attempt to evade duty payment”.

Comptroller Shoboiki emphasized,“We uncovered these items through intelligence and must continue to work tirelessly in carrying out our statutory functions of revenue generation, trade facilitation and anti-smuggling in line with global best practice.

“Right now, we are going to ensure that prohibited items like the drugs are seized. You can see that the names of the drugs are not written in English, so that attract outright seizure. Above all, we must ensure that appropriate duty of other items is paid to government”.

Comptroller Shoboiki warned, “Economic saboteurs should desist from illicit trade and allow sanity in our economic ambience, as we must continue to carry out our statutory mandate of enforcing government trade policies and protecting our economic environment.

By: Grassroots Publishers

My proactive team has continued to clamp down on unrepentant smugglers-Compt. Odibu

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My proactive team has continued to clamp down on unrepentant smugglers-Compt. Odibu
Comptroller Odibu Christopher Ogar,
CAC, Oyo/Osun Customs Command

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Oyo/Osun Customs Command has continued to strengthen its enforcement capacity to ensure that no stone is left unturned in the rage against smuggling in the Command. The Comptroller Odibu Christopher Ogar led proactive team has continued to clampdown on unrepentant smugglers who are working for personal gains, to the detriment of our economy. Infact hard times await recalcitrant smugglers in the Western axis of the country as the Nigeria Customs service new Area Controller for Oyo/Osun Command, Comptroller Odibu Christopher Ogar has pledged his determination to leave no stone unturned in dealing decisively with them with a view to safeguarding the national economy for the wellbeing of the people.

In his address to Grassroots Publishers in Ibadan, Oyo State capital on Thursday, Comptroller Odibu who recently took over from the immediate past CAC, Comptroller Chikan Elisha David (now the Assistant Comptroller General (Human Resources and Development at the Customs Command Headquarters), declared pointedly that the Nigeria Customs service zero tolerance for smuggling is unalterable, stressing that the service will do everything in its capacity to fight it.

Excerpts:

Can we meet you Sir?

I am Comptroller Odibu Christopher Ogar. I hail from Cross River State, had my B.A. (Hons) in History from the University of Calabar, before joining the Nigeria Customs Service in 1987 as an Assistant Superintendent I of Customs. Since then, I have worked mainly in the Enforcement Unit, Revenue Unit and the Customs Intelligence Unit respectively. I have attended various professional courses that have boosted my experience as a seasoned Customs Officer. Customs Valuation (with special reference to ACV) Port Harcourt – October, 2009; Institute for Security Studies (ISS) Abuja 2013 (EIMC 5) where I was conferred with a fellow of the Security Institute (fsi); Enforcement Strategies Course by NCS, Abuja, 2011. Sequel to my present posting as Controller,I was the Comptroller,Human Resources Department Headquarters, Abuja in 2016 before my transfer to Ikorodu Lighter Terminal Area Command in 2017.

Comptroller Odibu posed with his management team and Grassroots Publishers’ delegates during a courtesy visit at Ibadan recently

Can you highlight some of your achievements in terms of revenue generation?

Since I assumed office as the Controller in charge of Oyo/ Osun Customs Command, we have made about 180 seizures ranging from Tokunbo cars, bags of parboiled rice, used tyres, kegs of vegetable oil, bales of secondhand clothes, bags of sugar and so on. The Command has generated the sum of Thirteen Billion, Six Hundred and Forty Five Million, Seven Hundred and Thirteen Thousand, One Hundred and Forty Seven Naira, Sixty Kobo only (N13, 645,713,147.60) from January 2018 till date to the coffers of the federal government mainly from excise factories. We have been able to record the above sum despite the challenges on double taxation as the tariff on some products like beverages and tobacco has increased resulting to low patronage.

How do you intend to checkmate smuggling activities in this command in order to generate more revenue?

When I came on board, I went for familiarization tour and then came back to my drawing table to look at the solution I can proffer to some of the issues in the area. When I got to Saki, I noticed there was no strong Nigeria Customs presence. So one of the things I did was to visit the Baale of Saki demanding for land to site Customs office and even barracks so that CPC can be installed in that area for proper operations in the command. The Baale was so happy saying no Controller has ever made this request and so granted it immediately. The essence of that is for us to get to Nigeria Customs authorities, so that they can get to state government and by so doing, there will be united efforts. If the state government can construct a road leading to a real border town with Republic of Benin, it will reduce smuggling activities, other crimes and also encourage legitimate trade.

What helps you to stand out in terms of competence and skills on the job?

Discipline and training received in the Service. Sometimes we encounter some corrupt people trying to entice us to compromise.  But refusal to yield and ability to reject such enticement led some of us to where we are now. Today, there is discipline in the Service with the leadership of CGC Ali. We can confront smugglers and individuals with criminal tendencies without any fear.

There have been cases of clashes between customs officers, smugglers and host communities. Are there measures you have put in place to prevent future occurrences?

Yes, I must thank you the Grassroots Publishers most immensely for the public enlightenment campaign you are doing on behalf of Nigeria Customs Service. Globally speaking, no country in the world has stamped out smuggling completely. You can only bring smuggling to the barest minimum. Some smugglers see smuggling as part of their life, as a way of life. For instance now, in some border towns, you find out that almost every person is a smuggler. In the course of doing our work, when our officers pursue a smuggler to a town or a place, you will see that nobody supports the Customs officer; the community will rise against the Customs officer and treat them as enemies. They will say they have been in the business (smuggling) long ago, even their forefathers were into it. So, why are you now coming to tell them that there is a government policy, that this should not be done? Despite the efforts of community relation committee formed by the border Commands, comprising the traditional rulers, traders and the agents; it has not stopped them from engaging in smuggling. But notwithstanding, we are stepping up on our own through continuous public enlightenment campaign to educate the masses on the effects of smuggling on our economy and the danger of smuggling; organized meetings with the traditional rulers of the communities to help sensitize their people also. This has also helped to reduce the interdiction between customs officers, smugglers and host communities. The effects of smuggling as I say, it results in underdevelopment, it brings diseases, we lose foreign exchange, we become dependent  and we are not self-sufficient in whatever we want, it also kill our industries. So, to that extent, smuggling must be fought to a standstill. That is what we do, and we will continue to do. The kind of strategy I applied here is monitoring the smugglers to a point where there will be fewer casualties, then arrest them and make seizures. With this, we have been able to reduce the clashes to barest minimum.

Interview session with Comptroller Odibu

What are the challenges you face in the course of carrying out your duty?

Well, our challenges have been very obvious. You know Nigerians will always want to contravene the law. We don’t really have a border town in this area so to say. Saki has been an old border station; which people have taken to be a border town. But we don’t have a border town like Seme-Cotonou border. Here, we generate revenue mostly through Excise and not from Imports and Exports. So it is sometimes very challenging combating smuggling with the available resources we have here. But we are doing our best.

The Service under CGC Ali Hameed has recorded tremendous success notwithstanding the slow growth in economic activities. What is the secret behind this remarkable achievement?

When you look at the structure of the Service currently, you would realise that CGC Ali Hameed Ali is reforming Nigeria Customs to world class standard.  This has shown in all aspects of our activities, on revenue generation, trade facilitation in line with global best practice and anti-smuggling. Ali is strong filler for the Service. His integrity, transparency and accountability are clearly demonstrated in his leadership approach.  His ‘three Rs’, representing reform, restructuring and revenue generation are seen in all areas of Customs operations across the country. Another thing, which stands Ali out is the fact that he believes so much in merit. To him, things must be done the right way, and with proper approach. He has inculcated the culture of discipline in the Service. Under Ali, prohibited items smuggled into the country by highly placed individuals are seized, in order to ensure sanity in the economic ambience.

What is your message to your officers?

My message to them is to always fight to promote legitimate trade and remain proactive. They should never compromise but rather always follow the foot step of the Comptroller-General of Customs who without mincing words is a no nonsense, hardworking and committed man.

By : Grassroots Publishers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two Judges recommends by NJC for dismissal

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Two Judges recommends by NJC for dismissal
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he National Judicial Council on Thursday recommended the dismissal from office, of Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court and Justice James T. Agbadu-Fishim of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria. The council made the recommendation during its 87th meeting on October 3, 2018, a statement issued by the Director of Information, Soji Oye, on Thursday said.

According to the statement, Justice Ajumogobia’s recommendation for dismissal followed allegations of misconduct contained in a petition to the council by the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ibrahim Magu. Some of the EFCC’s findings included funds lodged by several personalities into various accounts belonging to the judge and an ex-parte communication between the judge and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria Mr Godwin Oblah on a matter pending before her.

Justice Agbadu-Fishim, on the other hand, was recommended for dismissal sequel to the findings of the council on the allegations contained in another petition by the EFCC.

The EFCC had alleged that he received various sums of money from litigants and lawyers that had cases before him, as well as some influential Nigerians, under the false pretence that he was bereaved or that there was a delay in the payment of his salary. This according to the NJC is contrary to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Channels tv reports that both justices have now been suspended with immediate effect, pending their removal from office by President Muhammadu Buhari.

NEMA Declares 12 Worst Affected States by flood

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NEMA Declares 12 Worst Affected States by flood

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Director General of NEMA, Engr. Mustapha Maihaja, made the disclosure when his agency hosted the monthly meeting of the Forum of Spokespersons of Security and Response Agencies,After its assessment, the National Emergency Management Agency has declared 12 States along Rivers Niger and Benue as worst affected by flood disaster this year, while other states are being monitored.

Maihaja said casualty have been recorded in several Nigerian states following heavy rains that caused the Rivers Niger and Benue to overflow. The worst affected states are Benue, Kogi, Niger, Kwara, Anambra, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Adamawa, Kwara, Kebbi and Taraba.
Maihaja said proactive intervention measures instituted prior to the occurrence of the flood have prevented the situation from aggravating to the point of the 2012 disaster.
He added that even the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria has commended the proactive measure of his agency.
He said: “Though concerns have been expressed over a possible repeat of the 2012 flood disaster in some states when the River Niger overflowed its banks, displacing many residents, this year we are able to manage it.
“When the agency received the forecast of high rainfalls and likelihood of the heavy flooding, we immediately mobilized the stakeholders in preparing ahead with all necessary resources for preventive interventions.
“This mitigated against the worsening of the situation as most of the communities at risks were evacuated to safer higher locations ahead of the rising water level from the rivers.
“With presidential directive, the agency also declared national disasters in the initial six worst affected states and immediately created Emergency Operations Centres with officers deployed to coordinate the interventions.
“The situation was also being monitored with daily updates compared with the water level of the 2012 flood.
“We have sustained campaign advising residents on the flood plains to immediately relocate to the upland areas or to the Internally Displaced Persons camps established to mitigate the disaster
“It is obvious that we may have always seen the worst of the situation and we are grateful to the Federal Government and development partners, particularly the United Nations systems in Nigeria, for their supports and encouragement.”
Maihaja applauded the creation of the spokespersons’ forum of Spokesperson of Security Agencies and charged the members to assist in building cooperation among the government agencies in information management
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of FOSSRA and Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General John Agim, commended NEMA boss for his result-oriented commitment on restructuring, repositioning and reorganisation of emergency risk reduction strategies in the country.
General Agim said the spokespersons’ forum has continued to achieve its objectives in promoting solidarity among the member agencies and reducing conflicts and rancour in the management of public information in Nigeria.

Customs FOU, Zone ‘A’ intercepts smuggled goods worth N2.24 billion

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Customs FOU, Zone ‘A’ intercepts smuggled goods worth N2.24 billion

Comptroller Mohammed Aliyu

[dropcap]C[/dropcap]ompt.Aliyu Mohammed, led Federal Operations Unit, FOU, Zone ‘A’ proactive team has vowed not to relent in the national assignment of ridding the country of contraband items, describing smugglers as economic saboteurs who are bent on circumventing the law.

The Federal Operations Units Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service says it has intercepted various smuggled items with a Duty Paid Value worth N2.24 billion in one month. The Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Aliyu Mohammed, who disclosed this to newsmen in Lagos on Thursday, saying the items were seized within 30 days.
According to him, the smuggled items include nine bullet-proof Sports Utility Vehicles and 11,000 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, with an approximate DPV of N2.02 billion.

He said that 28 suspects were arrested in connection with the total of 89 seizures between September 4 to October 3, while two bags of military uniforms were also intercepted. Compt, Mohammed said: “The unit also recovered the sum of N220.03 million from Demand Notices on vehicles and other general goods that had evaded full payment at sea and airports through false/under-declaration or transfer of value, bringing the approximate total to N2.24 billion.
“The items include 22 exotic vehicles with an approximate DPV of N1.18 billion. These comprised four bullet-proof Lexus Jeep LX570 (2016), three bullet-proof Land Cruiser Jeeps (2016), and bullet-proof Mercedes Benz G63 (2014) and S550 (2015).
“Others are three Toyota Hilux (2018), two Toyota Highlander (2018), a unit each of Toyota Rav4 (2015), Toyota Prado (2018), Toyota Land Cruiser (2016), Toyota Corolla, Toyota Fortuner (2017), Toyota Sequoia and Lexus RX 350, among others.
“Also some of the vehicles were intercepted at Ogere and along Ijebu Ode Expressway in Ogun State. The bullet-proof vehicles were trailed and evacuated from some private residences at Victoria Island based on credible information.”
He explained further that within the period under review that the command also seized 11,303 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice (equivalence of 18 trailers) and 2,410 cartons of frozen poultry products.
Among the seized items were 853 jerry cans of vegetable oil, 245 parcels of Indian hemp, 4x40ft container of unprocessed wood, 2,017 bales of used clothing and 283 cartons of various pharmaceutical products without NAFDAC number.
More so, Mohammed advised intending car buyers to verify the authenticity of the import and clearance documents with the appropriate Customs Area Controllers at the seaports to avoid unknowingly buying smuggled vehicles with the inherent problems.
He decried the high prevalence of smuggling along the Idi Iroko corridor in spite of the quantity and frequency of seizures over the past one year.
The FOU Zone “A” boss, urged the public to join customs in the fight against smuggling, considering its economic consequences to the Nation.
He noted that politicians, in their bid to buy or reward patronage with gift items ahead of the 2019 elections, were also adding to the rate of smuggling even as the end-of-year festivities approach.
Compt. Mohammed, however, commended the efforts of the Comptroller-General of Customs, retired Col. Hameed Ali and his management team for providing the unit with necessary incentives and logistics.

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