[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) has approached a Benin High Court for perpetual injunction, restraining civil rights groups from protesting against electricity tariffs, rates, levies and fees.
The electricity distribution company is also asking the court to award it N5 million as damages for the “psychological discomfort and embarrassment it has suffered at the instance of civil rights groups who deliberately misinform and publish falsehoods against the company.”
Besides, the claimants asked the court to order the defendants and their civil rights groups not to enter, seal take over or occupy its property premises, and not to interfere with its collection of electricity tariffs, rates and fees.
The electricity coy averred that the incessant protest of the defendants against it constitute an attempt to usurp the statutory functions and powers of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), adding that the defendants and their groups’ act of marching on its premises and sealing up same is trespassory and actionable.
According to the coy, “only the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) that can determine its standards of performance, method by which tariffs may be charged and other levies that the claimant can charge its customers.”
The defendants named in the suit marked B/781/2016 and filed through its lawyer, P. A. Akhatsokhe, Esq, BEDC in its statement of claims are: Comrade Austin Osakue, Comrade Omobude Agho, Barrister Abraham Oviawe, who according to the electricity coy, were sued on behalf of Edo State CSOs, youth groups and community groups protesting against it (BEDC).
Delta State Acting Governor, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro (2nd right) and others, during the African Tour and the Test Run of Facilities for the 21st African Senior Athletics Championship at Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.
[dropcap] B[/dropcap]arr. Kingsley Otuaro, the Delta State Acting Governor, has stated that the state government is ready to host the continent at the 21st African Senior Athletics Championship tagged “Asaba 2018” scheduled for August 1st-5th.
Deacon Otuaro who disclosed this today while declaring open the “African Tour/Trial”, and test run of facilities at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, venue of the championship, said all the necessary facilities needed for the championship were in place for a successful event.
He said athletes from 45 African countries including Nigeria will be in Asaba for the championship, stressing that “Today marks the test running of the facilities in preparation of the African Senior Athletics Championship and as you can see we are very set for the country, we are set for Africa. For everyone, both athletes and guests, as a state government, our simple message is that Delta state is set to give them a beautiful hosting; we are an accommodating people, everything that is needed to make this championship a success is set and we are welcoming them all”.
The acting Governor said adequate security and other logistics had been provided to ensure a hitch free championship, adding that the test run of facilities was organised to prove to the world that the state was 100% ready to host the continent.
Delta State Acting Governor, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro (4th left); member representing Aniocha North LGA. Hon Emeka Nwobi, (2nd left); the Chairman, Local organizing committee for Asaba 2018, Chief Solomon Ogba (left), and others, during the African Tour and the Test Run of Facilities the 21st African Senior Athletics Championship at Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba
Deacon Otuaro called on Deltans and lovers of sports to come out en-mass to give support to the athletes and make the event a memorable one, adding that the event would continue to be acknowledged in the annals of history as the most successful in the series of the championship.
While reiterating the hospitable nature of Deltans, He enjoined the visitors to also take advantage of the tourism potentials of the state. The test run of facilities for the 21st African Senior Athletics Championship featured various track and field events by students of selected secondary schools and professional athletes from within and outside the country.
[dropcap]I[/dropcap]ndependent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) has declared the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate, Kayode Fayemi, winner of the Ekiti State governorship election.
The Chief Returning Officer, Professor Idowu Olayinka, made this declaration at the INEC office in Ado Ekiti.
Mr Fayemi polled 197,459 votes while his major contender from the People’s Democratic Party, Kolapo Olushola got 178,121 votes With victory in 12 out of the 16 local government areas of Ekiti State.
Mr Olusola is the incumbent deputy governor of the state and was hoping to succeed his boss, Ayodele Fayose, who had campaigned vigorously for him.
The results of the election mark a remarkable rebound for Mr Fayemi, who as the incumbent governor, was roundly defeated four years ago by Mr Fayose.
The collation of results at the INEC Secretariat in Ado-Ekiti started around 2:30 am on Sunday, July 15, 2018 after an address by the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Professor AbdulGaniy Raji.
The election was keenly contested but largely peaceful with pockets of ballot box snatching.The gap between the two major parties is below 19,338 votes.No reaction has come from the losing Peoples Democratic Party.
[dropcap]L[/dropcap]es Bleus have polished off their victory on Sunday in the world cup final, with their biggest stars turning in huge performances resulting to a 4-2 win against Croatia.The dramatic final in Moscow featured a series of firsts and a pitch invasion orchestrated by Russian protest group Pussy Riot.
France led 2-1 at halftime courtesy of the first own-goal and the first video-reviewed penalty in a World Cup final. The own-goal off the top of Mario Mandzukic’s head was the 12th of the tournament. That’s double the previous World Cup record of six. Croatia rallied to equalize on a terrific left-foot strike by Ivan Perisic, but France took the lead right back when Perisic handled the ball in the area. Argentine referee Nestor Pitana initially didn’t call the handball but awarded the spot kick after a video review. Antoine Griezmann converted the penalty to put France back in front.
Mbappé and Pogba marvel at their achievements
Four pitch invaders disrupted the game in the 52nd minute for about a minute before being dragged away by security and police. Punk rock group Pussy Riot quickly claimed responsibility for the pitch invasion via social media, saying it was a protest aimed at ending illegal arrests of protesters and to allow political competition in Russia.Play resumed and France quickly took a 4-1 lead with goals from Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe in the 59th and 65th minutes before Mario Mandzukic pulled one back for the Croatians in the 69th.Croatia was playing in its first World Cup final. For France, it was a first World Cup crown since winning on home soil in 1998.
French President Emmanuel Macron celebrating his team’s victory
… Describes Imo PDP Scribe as Clown over comments on boss
A media aide to Prince Eze Madumere, Deputy Governor of Imo State, Uche Oneuchekwa has described George Egu, the Secretary of Peoples Democratic Party, Imo State chapter, as a clown, over his call on people of Mbaitoli to disown their son, Prince Eze Madumere during a PDP rally in Ubomiri.
He made this statement while reacting to Egu’s call on Mbaitoli to disown his boss during a chat with newsmen. He said it was embarrassing and disgraceful to hear such from Chief Egu who he said has remained a perennial political liability to the good people of Ihitte Uboma.
While describing Egu as a sore thumb that has become an eternal negative agent, which Imo people would only continue to manage believing he could repent of his ways, observed that Chief Egu has been part and parcel of PDP administrations that misruled and enslaved the good people of Imo State for twelve years.
Outlining the achievements of Deputy Governor of Imo State, Onwuchekwa observed that in Mbaitoli and Ikeduru Local Governments, Prince Madumere attracted over twenty four school buildings which many are already completed while others are at the various stages near completion. He queried Egu if he did not pass through Obazu Road that is under construction for which he said PDP left to rot for over twelve years. Media aide to number two citizen of Imo State also mention long stretches of asphalted Roads of over twenty kilometer Road constructed by the present administration.
He reminded Egu of Umudagu Road, which is in good shape with dual drainages. ” this was a road leading to the former PDP Chairman, which almost became a fishing pond but today, the situation is different”, said he.
Speaking further, in his words, ” It is shocking that people forget so soon where they are coming from. With all due respect, Chief George Egu has been part of the past successive governments of PDP that left no one in doubts they meant harm than good. I am happy he agreed his PDP was not fit and had no grace to do anything good when he said they have been repositioned to bring good governance. That alone is acceptance of failure. How can Egu who has a beam in his eyes be asking Prince Madumere who has long clear his eyes when he has already done so through his five star performances?”
He revealed that Madumere’s performance, loyalty and humility, has earned him the best Deputy Governor in the South East and as one of the ten most outstanding deputy governors in Nigeria according to Newname Communications Inernational Limited and Nation Newspaper’s survey respectively.
He averred People’s Democratic Party would remain a nightmare Imo people would never ever wish to have even in their next life to come if any. He proudly commended Okorocha-Madumere administration of less that a tenure, which he said has weighed PDP lackluster twelve years of deceit while submitting the party can never be better as long as the same old hawks with tradition of impunity remain in the party.
Compt. Musa Baba Abdullahi CAC, TinCan Island Customs Command, Lagos
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Customs Area Controller of the command, Compt. Musa Baba Abdullahi of the TinCan Island Customs Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced that it intercepted a cache of ammunition at two terminals on 9th and 10th July 2018. He made this known in Lagos when briefing newsmen on the recent seizure. He said that about 150 rounds of live ammunition were intercepted at Terminal ‘C’ II(Ports & Cargo) while 28 pieces of various sizes of jack knives were found in a 1 x 40ft container No. TGHU 60143419.
“I directed the transfer of the suspicious container No. TGHU 60143419 to the Enforcement Unit where it was examined and found to contain 150 rounds of live ammunition and 28 pieces of various sizes of jack knives. ”These items contravene Schedule 4 Absolute Import Prohibition List item 17 of the Common External Tariffs and Section 46 of the Customs and Excise Management Act Cap C45 LFN 2004. “Meanwhile, the container, a suspect and the exhibit are currently being held at the Enforcement Station pending further investigation,’’ he said.
Compt. Abdullahi also said that on Tuesday at Five Star Logistic Terminal while vehicles were being discharged from a vessel, MV GLOVIS COURAGE Voyage NO. 036, a black bag was found in one unpacked Ford Edge with Chassis No. 2FMDK48C98BA05947.
Cache of ammunition
Upon examination, the bag was found to contain 149 rounds of 38 MM calibre live ammunition, 92 rounds of 9 MM calibre live ammunition, two rounds 7.62 MM calibre and 11 cartridges of live ammunition, 12 expended empty shells of various calibres and an empty magazine.
Both the vehicle and the exhibits were currently at the Enforcement Unit of the command pending further investigation and I use this opportunity to issue stern warning against importation of such goods and importers should know that whatever anyone might use, it would attract our attention,” he said.
ACG Aminu Dahiru Zonal Coordinator, Zone ‘A’ Lagos
[dropcap] A[/dropcap]ssistant Comptroller General of Customs, Aminu Dahiru is the Zonal Coordinator in charge of Zone ‘A’ Lagos; the zone that generates the largest chunk of revenue and also controls the busiest ports in the country. The Grassroots Publishers paid him a courtesy visit in Lagos where he restated their relentless efforts in fighting smuggling to the barest minimum. In this interview, the Sokoto state born officer bear his mind on the operations and strategies adopted in the zone to address several problems confronting the service. He also lauded the efforts of Grassroots Publishers in showcasing the activities of the zone. and urged them to continue the good work.
Excerpts:
Customs Zone ‘A’ based in Lagos is expected to generate 75% of the 1.3trn naira overall target of the service for the year 2018. How do you intend to achieve this target?
When I came on board, I ensured solidification of the structure by redeploying more competent officers to combat the incidence of smuggling of contraband goods into the system. These men have continued to redouble their efforts to ensure maximum revenue generation and reduction of smuggling activities within the Zone to the barest minimum. Infact, let me quickly state here that I’m pleased with our performance because so far in the first quarter input in percentage, we collected almost 90% of what was expected of us in our quarterly target because we collected N220, 884billion.” The innovation of NICIS2 in Nigeria Customs Service has enhanced our revenue generation which is evident in Tincan Island and PTML Commands. For example, records have shown that the highest collection ever in PTML was N10.6billion, while their monthly target is N10.2billion, but the good news is that in April we collected N10.8billion. Even the Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘A’ headed by Compt. Mohammed Uba Garba is not left out as he has strategically remodeled his operations to curtail the menace of smugglers and improve revenue generation in his command. Definitely by the time Apapa is hooked and MMIA, I believe from all indication we will surpass what we have done last year, because we almost collected what was expected of us last year in the first quarter, because where you collect 90%, I think that by the time we balance even that 10% will be met. There are also some silent areas like NIPOST we are trying to revive in order to increase the revenue generation of our Zone. So, we are hopeful we will surpass our target.
ACG Aminu Dahiru and his ManagementTeam during the interview session
What is Customs doing to cub the frequent clashes between its officers and smugglers which often times have led to the killing of innocent lives and officers?
I want us to realize that we have rules of engagement and anybody following Nigeria Customs programs in the past 3 years will tell you that a lot of training took place within the period on arms handling, shooting and so on. Its not that those handling the arms do not know how to use it; the arms were given to them for the purpose of at least protecting themselves. Firing of arms is only done when an officer’s life is at risk, and it is usually done based on instruction from superior officers. Additionally, we engage in meetings with security agents, traditional rulers, and community leaders in border communities to sensitize them on the importance of providing us with useful information about smuggling activities ongoing in their vicinity. It may interest you to know that our movement timetable is out for us to revisit especially border areas to let them know that we are for their safety and not against them. I must state that it is unfortunate that the prosecution process of offenders is taking longer time because it would have served as a deterrent to others and those who intend to venture into smuggling. We are working assiduously to ensure that this occurrence is minimized by the grace of God.
What are the measures put in place to checkmate Customs officers on duty who cleared contraband goods at the points of entry into the country; or are they not well trained?
Well, that is where I think all hands should be on deck. I may decide to be good; another may decide to go against authority. I must tell you that in this dispensation, we have cases where a consignment is seized after investigation. I have a court section at Abuja for a case whereby Nigeria Customs is taken to court. Any erring officers cannot go scot free because the Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) led administration is determined to punish any officer found culpable in this act. The CGC made it clear that any officer found wanting would not only be dismissed but prosecuted.
Grassroots Publishers receive Compliments from ACG Aminu Dahiru
Most people complain of Federal Operations Unit’s interception of already cleared consignments either on the highways or at their destinations. Is this practice right?
It takes two to tangle. Sometimes in this case, the importers contribute to this maybe by way of negligence. The truth of the matter is that if you make your investigation on this, you will find out that the compliance traders do not experience this because they have being into the importation of a particular goods for a long time and you have no doubt about any consignment coming from them. Even after thorough examination, the consignment will always prove genuity. So, if you profile those who complain about interception of their consignment, they are those individual importers whose importation are questionable and we have and we have our gallant intelligence officers who do justice to that. Just recently, information came to this office which led to the interception of a trailer load of tramadol from India. If these goods had into the country, what would have happened to our people? So, these are some interceptions people should not even complain of. I also want to point out clearly here that there is no situation whereby a container is interception and continued to be detained when there is no good reason for that. We release the consignment immediately if found okay after necessary examinations. The agents should always follow regulations in order to avoid such occurrences.
As the ACG, what steps have you taken to educate the grassroots who have taken smuggling as culture on the negative effects of smuggling to the national economy?
I think this is not only limited to the Zonal operators. It is an area I have special interest because there was a time we felt Customs Headquarters need to invite all the traditional rulers on this. So by so doing, the smugglers will come to realize that authority is there to watch what they are doing. At the same time, we encourage Area Commands particularly border stations on Customs Community Relations as a way of further enlightening host communities on the need to shun unlawful acts like smuggling that contravenes customs laws. Good community relationship will achieve better results, reduce casualty levels and increase revenue through lawful importation, exportation and manufacturing that will also create employments. We shall continue to be resilient towards delivering our mandate.
What challenges is your zone facing?
Well, at the seaports Scanning machine is one issue that is bothering us, not only Customs, all stakeholders from the importer to agent everybody concerned is affected. We have been saying it that if items were to be scanned not necessarily subjected to physical examination it will facilitate trade and quick clearance of goods. Unfortunately almost all our scanners are grounded and what I can tell you concerning that is we are only waiting for information from headquarters. Waterways are one area that has been giving us problem because of poor logistics supply. We need more sophisticated arms because smugglers in the water are more dangerous than those on land. I have visited Western Naval Command in the view of inviting them to cooperate with us so that we can achieve our objectives in that area and a lot of seizures were made, particularly of petroleum products because it seems as if two major items that are being smuggled in our waterways are petroleum products and second hand clothing. Not only is the Navy behind us, but Nigerian Army and other sister agencies. We are working hand in hand, the last time the highest seizure ever in the history of Federal Operation, illicit drugs was made; we invited NDLEA and handed it over to them. This zone has vast borderline starting from Seme to Idiroko through Shaki up to Kwara State, we need very strong vehicles to discharge our enforcement functions. Stopping the smuggling of rice and vehicles through the border has been one task we are serious about and not resting on our oars to fight it head-on. Officers’ welfare is another challenge because the last time I tried to access the number of officers in this zone, they up to 7,000 if not more. We have 16 Area Commands under this zone excluding zonal office. We have Apapa, Tincan, PTML, Airport, Seme, Ikorodu, FOU, Zone ‘A’, Training College, Western Marine, Ogun, Oyo/Osun, Ondo/.Ekiti and so on. So, all these commands require proper welfare for effective operation.
Finally, how would you describe the Nigeria Customs Service of today under Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd) leadership?
In the Col. Hammed Ali (rtd) led administration, Nigeria Customs have been reformed positively; in revenue collection, seizures, capacity building, welfare, and above all discipline by retirement, transfer and even prosecution as the case maybe. He is a man who has come to change Customs for good. He is a father who is always there for you. Whenever someone looks from headquarters, you have the support of the leadership, the sincerity of their actions. When he says something, he will go ahead and do it, it may take some time, but definitely, it will be done. So, we are on the same page with him and we pray that God will continue to inspire him to do more for Nigeria Customs Service.
ACG. Aminu Dahiru (3rd left) posed with his Management Team and Grassroots Publishers during a courtesy visit to his office in Lagos
Comptroller Muhammed Aliyu CAC, Seme Customs Command
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Seme border area command of the Nigeria Customs Service on Monday said it collected N2.86 billion revenue between January and June. Addressing newsmen in Lagos, Controller of the command, Comptroller Muhammed Aliyu said that within the period under review, the command made 620 seizures with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N432.93 million.
Compt. Aliyu said the feat was achieved despite the current low volume of importation through the border and also commended the officers and men of the command for their doggedness,commitment and gallantry saying that their efforts and the sustained compliance by stakeholders contributed immensely to the revenue increase.
He restated that no amount of intimidation by the smugglers to use the Seme border route for smuggling activities will be tolerated adding that the command will continue to work with the sister agencies and the communities to nip the activities of smugglers in the bud.
Aliyu expressed appreciation to the existing cordial community relationship and called on the leaders to further sensitize their youth not to join forces with the smugglers who may not come from their immediate communities to destroy the peaceful co-existence between the command and the host communities.
Comptroller Muhammed Aliyu inspecting warehouse
He enjoined the host communities to give intelligence report to the command of any smuggler under their domain in order not to portray the community as collaborators harbouring illegalities within their domain.
While reiterating his commitment to work in line with the federal government policies at the land borders, the Controller warned officers to desist from conniving with trans-border miscreants in their quest to indulge in trans-border crimes at all times.
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]here was pandemonium yesterday as three unidentified men, suspected to be in their early twenties, died on Thursday after being struck by lightning following a downpour in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun.
According to eye-witness accounts, the incident occurred on the Otunba Dipo Dina International Stadium road in Ijebu-Ode at about 3 pm during the downpour.
The victims, and a fourth person, were said to had disembarked from the motorcycles they were riding on and ran towards a makeshift shelter for the rains to subside when tragedy struck.The three victims were said to have been hit while the fourth person took to his heels unharmed.The three corpses were still lying at the spot as at the time of filling this report.
Investigations revealed that many bystanders refrained from going near the corpses for fear that the occurrence was related to perceived retribution from Sango, believed among the Yoruba to be the god of thunder.
An eye witness, who claimed anonymity, said that the people believe that anyone who died as a result of lightening was linked to punishment for wrong doing.“No one can touch or remove their bodies until after some traditional rites to appease Sango are done,” the witness said.
The police personnel who visited the scene also refrained from moving near the corpses as they mounted a perimeter fence at the scene. All efforts to speak with the Police Public Relations Officer in Ogun, Abimbola Oyeyemi, on the incident proved abortive as he did not respond to calls made to his mobile phone line.
[dropcap]I[/dropcap]t took then the more than half of our off-season for Chelsea to do what looked inevitable by sacking Antonio Conte after just two years with fellow Italian Maurizio Sarri set to be appointed as their new manager imminently. The announcement still hurts given all that Antonio Conte has done for the club, translated into a Premier League winning campaign on his debut season and a FA Cup trophy in his second and apparently last one in May.
The writing has been on the wall for some time with Chelsea openly on the lookout for a new boss ever since with a number of high-profile names considered.Talks with Napoli intensified after they hired Carlo Ancelotti as their own new boss with the significant breakthrough over compensation for Sarri coming as negotiations intensified over midfielder Jorginho, a player that the 59-year-old former Empoli coach had specifically requested be signed by the Chelsea top brass. Manchester City have had an offer on the table for quite some time that Jorginho had been considering but the opportunity to continue to play under Sarri, albeit in the new surroundings of English football, was understood to be a key factor and the Italian international is now expected to make a £53m move to Stamford Bridge.
Conte had refused to walk away unless the final year of his three-year contract was paid up in full and even returned to take pre-season training which began on Monday.But a compensation agreement was finally reached on Thursday with Sarri set to be announced as his replacement shortly. Sarri will be joined by former Blues striker and club legend Gianfranco Zola who is set to join as part of a new-look backroom team.
We wish to inform the general public to beware of impostors who use the name of grassroots Newspaper Publishers Network to solicit for interviews, adverts or award presentation to always confirm the authenticity of such transaction through the following numbers:
09029375906 | 08149835420
As this body will not be held LIABLE for any unauthorized transaction with anyone. BE WARNED!
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) has approached a Benin High Court for perpetual injunction, restraining civil rights groups from protesting against electricity tariffs, rates, levies and fees.
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]here was pandemonium yesterday as three unidentified men, suspected to be in their early twenties, died on Thursday after being struck by lightning following a downpour in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun.
