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Attack on popular human rights activists(ASORO AKPOVONA OMO)reach crisis point in Nigeria

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Attack on popular human rights activists(ASORO AKPOVONA OMO)reach crisis point in Nigeria
ASORO AKPOVONA OMO

[dropcap]C[/dropcap]ommunity leaders, lawyers, journalists and other human rights defenders across the world are facing unprecedented levels of persecution, intimidation and violence. It was based on this that Amnesty International launched a new global campaign demanding an end to the onslaught of attacks against brave individuals standing up to injustice.

Popular human right activist ASORO AKPOVONA OMO was attacked in his home, an assault that was linked to brave individuals standing up to injustice in the country.

ASORO AKPOVONA OMO, who has angered authorities in the wider region by exposing rights abuses, believes it is being targeted by a campaign designed to drive it out. It said ASORO AKPOVONA OMO, who ran his office at Asaba, Delta State capital and Lagos had escape death many times by unknown assailants , who are after his life and that of his mother, Mrs ELIZABETH E . ASORO who was chased out of Nigeria by same unknown assailants. It was based on this reason that she re-located to United States of America to save her life.

It will be recalled that ASORO AKPOVONA OMO was attacked last year (Friday 21st day of march 2017) by  unknown assailants who invaded his home and  stabbed him many times and heated with dangerous weapons. From our investigation, an unnamed eye witness said that his attackers had jumped out of a tinted car parked front of ASORO AKPOVONA OMO’s  home in Asaba, over-powered his gate man and  jumped inside ASORO AKPOVONA OMO house to carry out the evil operation. We consider that the attack on ASORO AKPOVONA OMO was linked to his human rights activism. In January 2017, OMO’s mother house in Warri was burn down and the reason was that ASORO AKPOVONA OMO mother who resides in USA is the one sponsoring his son to carry our his human right activism and because of his support for BIAFRA Actualization and Homosexualism. According to our source, his mother ELIZABETH E . ASORO has been receiving a lot of calls and messages; threats that she will be killed anytime she comes to Nigeria. Although the matter was reported to police and investigation is still ongoing but nobody is yet arrested. ASORO AKPOVONA OMO confided to us that the same unknown assailants are still after his life till date and he has no place he can call his home for now because of the fear of unknown. We are calling on the government, media and other Human right groups to come to his rescue because ASORO AKPOVONA OMO is facing unprecedented levels of persecution, intimidation and violence in Nigeria.

ASORO AKPOVONA OMO mother burnt house
ASORO AKPOVONA OMO

Seme border Customs Command; redeeming the decades of negative public perception

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[dropcap]I[/dropcap]t is worthwhile to note that Seme border over the years is considered to be the only International land border that contributes substantially to the country’s socio-economic development. These historical facts are corroborated by the statistical documentation of economic activities that have thrived through the Lagos-Abidjan corridor both in terms of human and vehicular movements. Being a renowned border that links most of the West African Countries within the sub-region, and its pivotal role in the economic development of Nigeria and West Africa at large, it is a known fact that the corridor has attracted both legitimate international and local travelers across the frontier, this international attraction is also accompanied with its dare consequences of illicit and illegal activities like smuggling, Drug trafficking, human immigration/trafficking, terrorism and money laundering amongst others. Unfortunately, on this part of the climes, Seme border which is an approved international route was known and seen over the years by the public for its negative trans-border crimes than the legitimate means of trade transaction, movement of people and the link it has with other West African Countries. Globally, the Customs Administration of any member country coordinated by the World Customs Organization (WCO) is strategically deployed to the Seaport, Airport and Land borders of all member countries as an institution to execute its mandates (Revenue generation, Suppression of Smuggling and Trade facilitation among others) of which Nigeria is not an exception. As a global phenomenon where Customs are the custodians of all the entry points to a country, the international designation has led to the Customs Administration of each member country playing leading role when it comes to the management of all the entry points, especially in terms of their statutory responsibilities. This hitherto has caused the misguided perception of some averagely enlightened and the ignorant within the public domain, that all activities and other engagements emanating from the entry points be it legal or illegal are orchestrated by the Nigerian Customs Service.

Compt. Aliyu showcasing some seizures made by the command

The same negative perception about the service has eroded the public mindset over Seme border not minding the fact that an efficient border management is a factor of effective collaboration with all the relevant border security agencies of any country, hence despite the leading role of the customs at any seaport, Airports or Land borders, they can’t operate in isolation. However, this write up intends to address the recent dynamics at the Seme command of the Nigeria Customs Service which is a direct reflection of integrity, professional due diligence and ethical standards. The Customs Area Controller of Seme Command, Compt. Mohammed Aliyu A seems to be operating in strict adherence to the reform agenda of the Comptroller General of Customs (COL. Ibrahim Hammed Ali Rtd); this is evident as his operational strategies are determined within the Service mandate with the Nation’s security in mind. The command has also succeeded in stemming the impunity and the flagrant abuse of the Federal Government policies by ardent smugglers, who used to operate at the border with dexterity and reckless abandon at the risk of officers lives.

A well-known traveler through the corridor will bear witness to the fact that smuggling is being confronted head long and there is no room for impunity in illegalities among saboteurs at Seme route now. The total and aggressive compliance level in the enforcement of relevant government policies is a thing of admiration in the command as seizures of different contrabands are reeled in to the warehouse in a perpetual manner. These exceptional performances within the country are felt in other countries as the command’s collaborative effort within the sub-region wax stronger daily. The synergy has yielded an unprecedented feat in the arrest of many items including over fifty stolen exotic cars at Republic of Cote d’Ivoire under the Interpol collaboration. If this performance could necessitate a commendation letter from the Cote d’Ivoire government to the Comptroller General of Customs as a way of appreciating the synergy at the regional level to rid of cross-border crimes, It is worthy of note that the Nigeria Customs Service is undergoing a positive metamorphosis that deserves the commendations of its citizenry than mere criticism born out of selfish reasons from the Nigerian public.
The command is always gathering classified intelligence on the berthing of some consignments in the neighboring countries that are prohibited and restricted into Nigeria, and targeting Nigeria as her final destination. The strategies of the command to work on such information are only disclosed when the information are effectively treated. The command therefore remains resolute in the enforcement of the Federal government policies across the frontier. The surveillance of the command over the years has led to the arrest of over thirty two thousand bags (32,000) of smuggled rice with a duty paid value of over ₦530,000,000.00 attest to the command’s uncompromising stand to working in conformity to the current reforms of the CGC. As a revenue generating institution of the Federal government, the border command apart from enforcing government fiscal policies have generated the sum of₦1,576,153,186.40 into the Federal government coffers, which represent 78% of the monthly revenue target allocated to the command from January to March. The command has also made a total of 270 seizures with a duty paid value of ₦235,648,447.00 for the same period under review. It could be recalled that there was a smuggler’s ‘’WONDER CAR’’ from the headquarters customs crew that was trending in the social media, with concealment of smuggled goods with a duty paid value of over 40million naira emanated from Seme border. It is pertinent to note that this dangerous concealment (amongst others) is routinely intercepted at the Seme axis. The Seme Customs Command is making frantic efforts to stop the menace of smuggling of contraband into the country for sanity and security.
Changing the public perception towards its workforce is a task the present leadership is instilling among its officers and in the modus operandi of the service to comply with international best practice, considering the fact that the corridor is a gateway to the most populated black country in Africa, hence the need for international travelers to be treated with dignity, high degree of respect, transparency and professionalism. The Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Command is conscious of this fundamental fact which has guided the way officers are deployed, to be strictly dependent on the training experience of the officers in order to curb with the public domain, an average traveler is therefore expected to meet with an enlightened customs officer along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor who is expected to be exemplary in discipline, approach and human relationship, this is because every trained officer is expected to be an embodiment of all the seven operational golden Cs that will help him to be articulate in courtesy and responsible while on duty. It is therefore not out of place to say, Seme border in the eye of the public is undergoing a positive metamorphosis despite the fact that often times few recalcitrant officers are always seen among the committed and patriotic ones.

Some seizures made by Seme Command

The Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Command made bold to say that discipline permeate the highway among its officers now, while cross border crimes is abhorred among officers who are ready to do the right thing. We therefore enjoin the public to change their perception as the approved border is meant for legitimate trade and not smuggling activities. We also enjoin Nigerians who know their right and are not smugglers to challenge that officer who is seen doing the wrong thing, as this will not only be a collaborative effort but also help the Service to fight smuggling along the international route through Seme border.

Esewezie hails Okowa’s endorsement by Anioma nation

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Esewezie hails Okowa’s endorsement by Anioma nation
Hon. Innocent Esewezie

[dropcap]D[/dropcap]elta state House of Assembly hopeful for the Oshimii North constituency seat, in the forthcoming 2019 general elections,Hon. Innocent Esewezie, has hailed the people of Anioma nation in Delta North Senatorial zone for the recent grand reception they organized in honour of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa just as he lauded the governor for his excellent achievements and urged the other senatorial zones to follow suit and endorse Okowa for a second tenure in 2019.

Hon. Innocent Esewezie made this commendation and call for a second term while expressing his joy with the people of Anioma nation for organizing the grand reception for their son and endorsing him as their sole candidate for the 2019 governorship election, in recognition and appreciation of the good governance and giant achievements in virtually all the sectors, which have been the hallmarks of Governor Okowa’s administration.

According to the Delta State House of Assembly hopeful, Governor Okowa merited the grand reception from the Anioma nation and deserved his endorsement for a second term to consolidate on the good works he has been doing through the SMART Agenda in job creation for the youths.

He listed some of the achievements of the governor to include the YAGEP and STEP entrepreneurship schemes, healthcare and education structures, ensuring sustainable peace in the riverine areas which has yielded improved revenue generation, provision of proper and functional administrative processes, dedicated financial support for market women and small scale businesses through the micro credit scheme and major infrastructural development initiatives seen in the visible projects like the rehabilitation of schools, construction of roads, upgrading of the Asaba international airport and the massive storm drainage to check flooding in Asaba the state capital, amongst other outstanding achievements of his administration so far.

While noting that Governor Okowa took over a depleted economy which was ravaged by recession for nearly two years of his administration,Hon. Innocent Esewezie stated that the Delta governor had succeeded in turning around the economic fortunes of the state by an honest, pragmatic, dedicated, dynamic and God fearing leadership style, which has plugged administrative loopholes, stemmed financial wastages and set down a well articulated strategic governance roadmap which has been followed with precision and guided the administration from an almost dead economy to the recent confirmation that the IGR of the state had hit a whopping N51billion.

The  Delta assembly aspirant who is eyeing the seat presently occupied by Hon. Pat Ajudua, stressed that with all the achievements so far recorded by Governor Okowa, there is absolutely no doubt that he deserved a second term to bring more dividends of democracy to Deltans and while hailing the Anioma nation for endorsing Okowa as their sole candidate for 2019, he urged other Delta ethic nationalities to follow the example of the Anioma people and endorse Okowa for a second term, so that more prosperity for all Deltans will be delivered as he has already been doing.

Source :Grassroots Publishers

Okowa orders demolition of illegal structures within Asaba airport

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Okowa orders demolition of illegal structures within Asaba airport
Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (middle); Commissioner for Works, Chief James Augoye (left); Area Manager Setraco, Jihard Yaghi (2nd left); Commissioner for Urban Renewal, Asupa Forteta (right) Mr. Austine Ayemidejo (2nd right) and Other’s, during an Inspection at Completion of the Rehabilitation of Runway and Taxiways, Extension of Box Culvert and Ancillary Works at Asaba International Airport.

[dropcap]D[/dropcap]elta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has said that private houses built within the perimeter of the Asaba International Airport will be demolished.  Governor Okowa made the disclosure on Tuesday during an unscheduled inspection visit to ascertain the level of construction going on at the airport.

According to the Governor, “we need to determine the perimeter of the airport to know where our land ends, we need to look at the buildings close to the airport if they have relevant approvals and if they have no relevant approvals, the buildings will go down.”

“I have asked the Commissioner for Lands and Survey to take inventories for us to take necessary actions,” the Governor said, adding that, “if the owners of the buildings have relevant documents, they will be compensated because what is foremost on our mind is safety.”

The Governor who lauded the level of work done at the airport, emphasised that the contractor was working hard to beat the five weeks deadline for the reopening of the airport for commercial activities.

“The contractor is right on course and they will deliver before the deadline, we are concentrating on the runway which must be of international standards, and we are confident that we will get one of the best in the country, I am happy with the pace of work,” the Governor said.

Okowa who was accompanied by some members of the state executive council trekked more than two kilometres of the three-point four-kilometre runway asking questions.

Project Manager of Setraco Nigeria Limited, Mr Jihad Yaghi, thanked Okowa for encouraging them to speed up the delivery of the project, noting that all hands are on deck to complete the job before the set deadline.

Special Project Director, Asaba Airport Project, Hon. Austin Ayemidejor, who was among those that took the Governor and his team round the project site, assured the Governor that the contractor handling the project was working round the clock to deliver the project before the deadline and to specifications.

Drunk NDLEA officer kills civil servant with machete in Lagos

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Drunk NDLEA officer kills civil servant with machete in Lagos

[dropcap]A[/dropcap] staff of Alimosho Local Area of Lagos State simply identified as Samuel Koro-toe was on Tuesday stabbed to death by an officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA. The incident happened at the secretariat of Agege Local Government Area.

Late Okoro-toe, an activist, was at the Council for the ongoing celebration of the 40th-year anniversary of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, across the country.

According to a source who captured the moment on camera, and posted it on social media, trouble erupted after some NDLEA officers, who have an office in the council, fired several shots into the air. They were said to be heavily drunk.

Their action was said to have been met with indignation from Council’s staff, particularly NULGE Excos, who protested against the vile act.

The reaction infuriated the NDLEA officers and they went overboard shooting sporadically and stabbing Koro-toe with a machete. The latter was pronounced dead at the scene, while the perpetrator fled but his colleagues were arrested by the police whose arrival averted a reprisal attack.

Police re-arrests Dino Melaye in hospital

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Police re-arrests Dino Melaye in hospital
•Senator Dino Melaye on the ground after allegedly jumping from a police vehicle, Tuesday in Abuja

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he police on Tuesday evening re-arrested Senator Dino Melaye in an Abuja hospital where he was receiving treatment. Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Jimoh Moshood, confirmed the development in a statement issued last night.

He said: “At about 1200Hrs of today Sen. Dino Melaye while in lawful custody of the Nigeria Police Force personnel and being taken for arraignment in Federal High Court Lokoja from Abuja, escaped from lawful custody when hoodlums and miscreants in two (2) Toyota Hilux Vehicles blocked the Police vehicle conveying Senator Dino Melaye around Area 1 Round About, Abuja and in the process the Senator jumped out of the Police vehicle through the window and was rescued from the Policemen by hoodlums and miscreants to an unknown destination.

“The Police team re-enforced and trailed Senator Dino Melaye to Zankli Hospital, Abuja where he was re-arrested. The Senator would be arraigned in court without further delay.

“Meanwhile, one of the Toyota Hilux vehicles used by the hoodlums and miscreants in aiding the escape of the Senator has been recovered by the Police investigation team.

“The Inspector General of Police has therefore directed a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to the rescue and escape of Senator Dino Melaye from lawful custody.”

UBA shareholders approve N22.23bn dividend for 2017

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UBA shareholders approve N22.23bn dividend for 2017

[dropcap]U[/dropcap]nited Bank for Africa (UBA), on Monday, endorsed the payment of N22.23 billion final dividend declared by the board for the financial year ended Dec. 31, 2017. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the shareholders gave the approval at the bank’s 56th Annual General Meeting held in Lagos.

The final dividend translated to 65k per share when compared with the final dividend of 55k paid in the corresponding period of 2016.The dividend was in addition to the 20k per share paid as interim dividend earlier.

Speaking at the meeting, Mr Boniface Okezie, the National Chairman, Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria (PSAN), commended the board and management for the dividend in spite of unfriendly operating environment. Okezie lauded the bank for the enhanced dividend and its great work as well as achievements in the continent. He said that the bank had shown that good things could come from Africa, noting that the bank would continue to showcase the strength of Africa.

The shareholder activist urged the board and management of the bank to live up to the desired expectation.

Okezie, however, called on the shareholders to leverage on the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) e-dividend initiative in order to bring down the bank’s unclaimed dividend totaling about N7 billion. Mr Nona Awo, a shareholder also urged the bank’s management on investors’ enlightenment on the benefits of e-dividend.

Awo said that the bank should engage the company secretary and the registrars to tackle the unclaimed dividend figure.He also commended the bank’s subsidiaries for improved contribution to the company’s performance indicators.

Mr Timothy Adesiyan, Grand Patron, Nigerian Shareholders’ Solidarity Association, appreciated the bank for the dividend and achievement during the year under review.

Adesiyan said that the bank should conform to regulatory rules and regulations to avoid payment of unnecessary fines.

Responding, Mr Tony Elumelu, the bank’s Chairman, assured the shareholders of enhanced returns in the years ahead.

Elumelu said the bank had opened a banking license a few months ago to operate UBA London, noting that it would continue to increase its footprint across the globe.On unclaimed dividends, he said that the bank would continue to create e-dividend awareness in partnership with APR Registrars to reduce the figure.

Mr Kennedy Uzoka, the bank’s Group Managing Director, said that the bank would leverage its Pan-African platform to deepen and formalise intra-Africa trade through cross-border synergies across its group operation.

Uzoka said that the bank would focus on growing its market share and would remain committed to sustainable banking principles and risk management practices.“Notwithstanding the ever-increasing competition from traditional peers and emerging Fintechs, we are approaching 2018 with strong optimism,’’ he said.

Uzoka said that the bank had made a lot of investment in technology to drive business operations.

He assured the shareholders that the bank would ensure efficient service delivery in its operations.

NAN reports that the company posted the profit before tax of N105.26 billion during the period compared to N90.64 billion in the previous year.

Its profit after tax stood at N78.59 billion in contrast with N72.26 billion in the comparative period of 2016.

Impersonation of Comptroller Mohammed Uba on ‘Facebook: FOU alerts public

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Impersonation of Comptroller Mohammed Uba on ‘Facebook: FOU alerts public

Disclaimer Notice!!! Be Warned!!! Do Not Fall Victim !!! Think Before You Click !!!

Disclaimer Notice!!! 

.Be Warned!!!

. Do not fall victim !!!

.Think before you Click !!!

 Pervasive impersonation of Comptroller Mohammed Uba on ‘Facebook’

Comptroller Uba Garba Mohammed
CAC, Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘A’, Ikeja

The attention of the Management of Nigeria Customs Service ,NCS, Federal Operations Unit ,FOU, Zone ‘A’ has been drawn to the persistent activities of impersonators on social media platform, specifically ‘Facebook’, who are impersonating the Customs Area Controller ,CAC, of the Unit, Comptroller Mohammed Uba.

 The Unit hereby formally informs the public that Comptroller Mohammed Uba, the CAC of FOU does not have any‘Facebook Account’. He does not even operate any ‘Facebook Account’ bearing his name or using his picture.

FOU is hereby alerting the public to be aware that any  ‘Facebook Account’ bearing Comptroller Mohammed Uba is a fraudulent account being handled by impersonators, trying to mislead unsuspecting members of the public by using  the CAC’s name and his images.

We are utilising this medium in urging the public to be perpetually conscious of such ‘Facebook Account’ (s), and desist from following the impersonators and similar accounts. We further ask that you contribute in exposing and reporting them till they are arrested.

These perpetrators are strongly warned to stop handling such pages, because  impersonation is a criminal offence.  We would not hesitate to take legal actions, to ensure that those behind this crime are traced using ‘Facebook Administrator’s back-end, and prosecuted according to the law.

The NCS appreciates your continuous support. We remain committed to trade facilitation, while ensuring that smuggling is brought to its barest minimum.

Be warned !!!

Don’t patronize them!!!

Think before you click!!!

 Signed:

Mr. Jerry Attah:

The Public Relations Officer, FOU Zone ‘A’

Omo-Agege Denies Invasion Of National Assembly With Thugs

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Omo-Agege Denies Invasion Of National Assembly With Thugs

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he embattled senator representing Delta Central senatorial district in the National Assembly, Mr. Ovie Omo-Agege has denied his alleged involvement in the invasion of the national Assembly with thugs and carted away the mace, its symbol of authority.

In a statement signed from the office of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, signed by Lucky Ajos, noted that they read in several media reports suggesting that the senator personally encouraged the removal of the Mace of the Senate, adding that “This weighty allegation is not true at all.”

“On Thursday, April 12, 2018, the Senate purportedly suspended Senator Ovie Omo-Agege. However, based on legal advice and his understanding of the current position of the law, Senator Omo-Agege today resumed work and sitting with his colleagues.

“A few champions of the unconstitutional, invalid and tyrannical suspension tried to stop him but those who opposed it welcomed and protected him throughout the sitting. We are grateful to the many Distinguished Senators who stood by Senator Omo-Agege. “We are aware of several media reports suggesting that Senator Omo-Agege personally removed or encouraged anyone to remove the Mace of the Senate. This weighty allegation is not true at all.

“Following the said media reports on the Mace issue, the Police authorities decided to hear from Senator Omo-Agege. He has told the Police his perspective to help them carry out a proper investigation. He has since left the Police. Senator Omo-Agege trusts them to thoroughly investigate this very serious matter.

“We are also aware of a statement allegedly issued by the Senate Spokesperson, Senator Abdullahi Sabi. Without any investigation, Senator Sabi willfully, deliberately and unfairly made very serious allegations against Senator Omo-Agege on the Mace incident.

“We are carefully studying Senator Sabi’s allegations to ascertain their full ramifications. Appropriate responses will follow, as may be necessary.” the statement concluded.

Meanwhile, the police has released Mr. Omo-Agege who was arrested shortly after the invasion and carting away of the National Assembly Mace.

Senator Dino Melaye Arrested at Abuja Airport

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Senator Dino Melaye Arrested at Abuja Airport
Senator Dino Melaye

[dropcap]D[/dropcap]ino Melaye, a Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial district has been arrested by security operatives at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International airport, Abuja. It was not immediately clear which agency carried out the arrest,The 44 years-old Mr Melaye made this known via a tweet on his Twitter page. Melaye, an ally of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, said he was picked up on his way to Morocco for an official engagement sponsored by the Federal Government.

Mr Melaye was declared wanted by the police for gun-running and escape of suspects from police custody. He is also facing a recall from his senatorial district in Kogi.

… More details soon

 

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