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FOU Zone `A` impounds 10 trailer loads of rice, and other contraband goods worth N1.6bn

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FOU Zone `A` impounds 10 trailer loads of rice, and other contraband goods worth N1.6bn
       Comptroller Uba Garba Mohammed
      CAC, Federal Operations Unit, Zone      ‘A’, Ikeja

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Federal Operations Unit, Zone `A` of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Wednesday said it intercepted 10 trailers loads of parboiled rice and other contraband with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1.62 billion.

The Area Controller of the unit, Comptroller Mohammed Garba, disclosed this to journalists in Lagos. He said the unit also generated N166. 20 million from March 19 to April 9 from duty payment and demand notices on general goods from seaports, airports and land border stations.

Garba said, “The command also intercepted contraband with DPV of N1.46 billion between March 19 and April 9.“The seized items include Indian hemp (cannabis sativa), 64 exotic vehicles, 6,003 bags of foreign parboiled rice (equivalent of 10 trailers loads), 963 cartons of frozen poultry products. “Others are 431 jerry cans of vegetable oil, 163 bales of used clothing, 569 pieces of used tyres, 69 bags of sugar and four containers, among others.” The customs boss added that the 570 parcels and 98 sacks of cannabis sativa weighing 1,550kg were intercepted on the Olorunda axis of Ogun, following a tipoff.

He said, “These Indian hemp was the highest seizure of such hard drugs in the history of the command.“Such a drug will have negative effects on consumers if it escapes to the public.

“In the spirit of inter-agency relationship, the seized Indian hemp will be handed over to the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation.” According to Musa, the command evacuated 2, 671 bags of 50kg parboiled rice from nine storage houses in Ilogbo, Abeokuta.

He said that the evacuation was done by the Lagos Roving Team complemented by other teams of the service. Garba said that there were mob attacks on customs operatives but the officers were not deterred from performing their statutory responsibilities.

He added that the seized 64 vehicles, including Toyota Land Cruiser, 2018, 1 Escalades 2017 Cadillac, 2014 Range Rover and 2014 Toyota Highlander, had a DPV of N258 million

Garba said that the command intercepted three 40ft containers and one 20ft container classified CSNU 106087/4 containing 2, 260 cartons of Gonca Spagetti and 530 packages of Rifle Energy drinks.

He said that the goods were intercepted as a result of false declaration, adding that they were declared as baking powder.He said, “A 40ft container No. PCUI 865957/1 was seized for carrying 200 cartons of ladies shoes, 134 cartoons of children shoes, among others.

“Another 40ft container No. FCIU 80992/0 was seized for carrying 2,300 cartons of tiffany chocolate, 385 cartons of tiffany crunch cream biscuit as against tappet for pump.“A total of 10 suspects were arrested in connection with these seizures.”

He commended the support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) and his management team for providing adequate logistics for the command to succeed.
Garba also commended the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Police for their support. He pledged that the command would not relent in its efforts to bring down smugglers and improve government revenue.

While receiving the intercepted cannabis sativa from customs, Mr. Lawal Opeloyeru, the NDLEA Principal Officer (Operations and Intelligence), hailed the service for the feat. He promised that NDLEA would carry out further investigation on it. Opeloyeru acknowledged the contributions of NCS in the fight against illicit drug peddling.

He said that the NDLEA could not win the fight without the support of other agencies and members of the public.

Customs redeploys 8 senior officers

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Customs redeploys 8 senior officers
Hameed Ali, Customs Comptroller-General
Hameed Ali,
Customs Comptroller-General

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Retired Col. Hameed Ali, has redeployed eight customs officers to further strengthen the operations of the service. Information about the redeployment is in a statement signed by the NCS Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller Joseph Attah, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Attah stated that the redeployment would boost service delivery.

He listed those redeployed as Comptroller Adetoye Francis, moved from Adamawa/Taraba command to Ports and Terminals Multi-Services Logistics (PTML); Comptroller Loko Yusuf moved from Strategic Research and Policy (SR and P) to Abia/Imo Command.Others are Comptroller Ajiya Kashim, moved from Human Resources and Development to Customs Training College, Ikeja, while Comptroller Sani Madugu, moved from Ogun Command to Enforcement headquarters.

Deputy Comptroller Dangaladima Khalid was also moved from SR and P to Presidential Task Force on Cross Border Movement.

Col. Hameed Ali had also appointed Comptroller Aremu  Adeyanju as acting Assistant Comptroller-General, Strategic Research and Policy, while Deputy Comptroller Agbara  Michael as acting Customs Area Comptroller, Ogun Command.

Deputy Comptroller Olumoh Kamaluddeen would take over the Adamawa/Taraba Command as acting Customs Area Comptroller.The customs boss charged the officers to see their appointments and redeployment as opportunity to build on the gains of the ongoing reforms for enhanced service delivery.

Grassroots Publishers acclaims the Election of Akporeha as NUPENG President

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Grassroots Publishers acclaims the Election of Akporeha as NUPENG President
  Prince Williams Akporeha

[dropcap]G[/dropcap]rassroots Publishers congratulates Prince Williams Akporeha on his election as new National President of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG.
The Grassroots Publishers,Chief D.O.D.Okirika commended the membership of the union on the peaceful conduct of the election at the 4th Quadrennial National Delegates Conference, NDC, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. “The processes leading to the election and its peaceful conduct and outcome as well as the peaceful transition have shown that NUPENG is determined to provide leadership for oil and gas workers in the country.The members of Grassroots Publishers are not surprised Comrade Akporeha was elected unopposed because he has shown dexterity on labour related issues over the years. He is a core unionist who rose through the ranks in NUPENG to get to the exalted office of President.
Chief D.O.D.Okirika, while congratulating Akporeha on his election, urged him to dedicate himself to building on the achievements recorded by his successor, Comrade(Dr)Igwe Achese.

Chief D.O.D.Okirika assured the NUPENG boss that the Grassroots Publishers will continue to partner with the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, and other key stakeholders in the oil and gas sector to advance the fortune and development of Nigeria.Until his election as NUPENG president, Prince Akporeha was the National Treasurer of The Union and Delta State Chairman of United Labour Congress of Nigeria, ULC. He started his leadership role in NUPENG as a branch secretary, branch chairman, Warri Zonal Council Treasurer, Warri Zonal Council Chairman, and Warri Zonal Vice President. He was also Delta State Vice Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and Delta State Chairman of NLC.

Delta police command recovers 200 illegal, prohibited arms, issues grace period to other deviants

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Delta police command recovers 200 illegal, prohibited arms, issues grace period to other deviants

[dropcap]F[/dropcap]ollowing the directive of the inspector general, Ibrahim Idris, of police that members of the Nigeria public should surrender all illegal and prohibited firearms at their disposal, the Delta state command of the Nigeria police force, on Monday told journalists that the people of Delta have complied with the directive as a total of 200 arms have been recovered from the state.

Briefing journalists at the command headquarters in Asaba, the state commissioner of police, Muhammad Mustafa, said beside the 200 arms, the command has also recovered 3789 live cartridges, 145 rounds of 9.56mm, 24 ammunitions and eight expended cartridges.The recovered arms and ammunitions include 103 locally made single barrel guns, 10 pump action guns, three locally made double barrel guns, 53 cut to size single double barrel guns, 22 locally made pistols, among others.

The police commissioner said from the date the directive was issued till date, compliance has been great, consequently the command made great breakthrough in the recovery of the aforementioned fire arms and other ammunitions.He said the arms were recovered from Sapele division, Ogwashi Uku division, Warri, Aladja, Ugborikoko and Effurun area of the state.

However, Mustafa said despite the number of arms so far recovered, the command is still intensifying effort to mop up any illegal or prohibited firearms within the state.

Following this, he said: “All persons who have failed to take advantage of the 21 days of grace from March 1 to March 21, 2018, which had been extended to them, should have themselves to blame and therefore be prepared to face the full weight of the law.”

Governor Okowa joins issues with Ochei, rains attacks on former speaker

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Governor Okowa joins issues with Ochei, rains attacks on former speaker

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he chief press secretary to the governor of Delta state, Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu, has lambasted the former Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, over his comments on the governor’s administration’s achievements, challenging Ochei to reveal how he made his money.He took on the former speaker while answering questions posed to him by Niyi Ojemakinde while on Trend Talk speaking about Delta state governance at the Trend 100.9 FM at the early hours of Wednesday.

Aniagwu asked: “Who was Victor Ochei before his entrance into politics? How come he became stupendously rich just by being in the House for 12 years? Aniagwu stressed that it was inconsequential joining issues with Ochei’s vituperations, maintaining that Ochei reigned as speaker yet could not effect the repair of the road leading to his official quarters at the legislative quarters.He also alleged that Ochei as speaker manipulated the Independent Power Plant, IPP Project and many other state contracts to his company, yet got paid but refused to deliver.

He posited that Ochei does not possess the moral requisite to question the developmental integrity of Governor Okowa, being himself the biggest fraud produced in politics.

Aniagwu mentioned several projects of Governor Okowa’s administration including the Asaba airport, Asaba stadium, the ongoing storm water drainage, Cable Point road, Delta state Job Creation Initiatives and Ukwu-Nzu road in Aniocha North.Recently, Victor Ochei was on the same platform where he alleged that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa is the worst governor ever produced in Delta state. But in swift reactions, some aides to the governor have been condemning Ochei for making such comments.

On Wednesday, Charles Aniagwu who had claimed never to join issues with Ochei until the question came from his interviewer, had to query Ochei’s moral justification to speak against his boss.

Victor Ochei was in PDP but defected to Accord after his failure to secure the PDP Governorship ticket and later to APC where he is  also seeking another opportunity to contest the Governorship of Delta State.

WAEC 2018: 42 candidates to miss 2018 SSCE at Bayelsa centre

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WAEC 2018: 42 candidates to miss 2018 SSCE at Bayelsa centre

[dropcap]A[/dropcap]bout 42 candidates who purportedly registered for the forthcoming 2018 May/June Senior Secondary School Certificate examinations may not write the examinations over missing registrations fees.

It was gathered from one of the parents of the affected students that Principal of Community Secondary School Amkefa in Yenagoa failed to register their wards for the external examinations

They got to know of the development following checks at the Bayelsa Ministry of Education which indicated that 42 names were missing on the list.

Mr James Ebiowei, a parent said that it took the vigilance of one of the parents of the affected 42 parents to discover that something was ‘fishy’ with the registration of their wards.

He alleged that the Principal of Community Secondary School, Akemfa in Yenagoa Local Government Area had collected the registration fees from the parents without remitting same to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

According to him, the Principal had made away with the examination fees of the affected 42 students who have been preparing for the examinations shortly before retirement in March.

”It was one of the parents who saw the school’s WAEC candidates list and noticed that the name of his child and 41 others were missing and raised alarm and when we got to the school we were told that the Principal behind this had just retired.

“This is cruel as the implication is that these innocent children do not know what is happening to them, they will most likely lose a hole academic year due to this unfortunate incident.

“My son for instance sat for the last JAMB and got very high scores with bright chances of getting admission offer on merit only to discover that his registration fee was not paid by the School Principal, it is unfortunate.

“The saving grace for me is that the alternative examinations, conducted by National Examinations Council (NECO) is still open, so I will ensure I register him for NECO,” Ebiowei said.

Mr Francis Micah, the immediate past Principal of Community Secondary School, Akemfa confirmed that some 42 students who paid their WAEC examination fees were not registered.

Mica, who said the development was regrettable said that lost the examination fees totalling about N800,000 (Eight hundred thousand naira) to armed robbers who trailed him and boarded the same taxi.

“The incident is unfortunate and regrettable, it is a big misfortune. I fell into the hands of some cultists and armed boys who collected the examination fees in a taxi I struggled to pay back but it was not possible and the exam deadline passed.

“I have managed to pay back to some of the affected parents so that they can register for NECO, but a lot are still pending and I have been begging them to understand and be patient with me,” Micah explained.

7 politicians who are key to president’s re-election

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7 politicians who are key to president’s re-election
Bola Tinubu and Buhari are best of friends again

[dropcap]A[/dropcap]s President Buhari prepares for a re-election battle, these 7 politicians will play significant roles in his corner.President Muhammadu Buhari hasn’t formally announced that he’ll be seeking re-election ahead of the 2019 election. However, he’s been dropping hints all over the place.Here are the 7 men Buhari will be counting on when he finally declares for a second term:

1. Bola Tinubu

The Jagaban Borgu has been extracting firm commitments from Aso Rock lately with President Buhari willing to yield to his demands and politics.There was a time when Tinubu was dispatched to the fringes as Buhari went about the task of putting his team together after a fierce 2015 election contest.

Some of Tinubu’s men have found their way to the Villa, President Buhari refused to extend the tenure of APC Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun because Tinubu wanted it that way; and Tinubu was asked by Buhari to reunite the APC.
Buhari recently visited Lagos to honour Tinubu on his birthday; a sign that their once frosty relationship is thawing fast.
As 2019 draws ever so close, Buhari is forging even closer ties with the Asiwaju.Like 2015, Buhari knows that Tinubu’s support will be invaluable when the chips go down.

2. Adams Oshiomhole

The grapevine says this former Governor of Edo State has been penciled to become the next Chairman of the APC as John Odigie-Oyegun exits with his tail between his legs.
Oshiomhole is a bare-knuckled, hands-on campaigner whose time as labour leader still endears him to the grassroots.
Oshiomhole has Buhari’s ears and visits the Villa regularly.Should Buhari decide to run, he will find in Oshiomhole a ready ally.

3. Adebayo Shittu

On January 24, 2018, Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, showed up at the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari re-election souvenirs.
Hours later, he was spotting a Buhari 2019 re-election cap and telling the world how the president is the best thing to happen to Nigeria since sliced bread.
In the days that followed, Shittu inaugurated the Buhari Southwest re-election campaign in Ibadan and he has deployed foot-soldiers for the ground operation; from Lagos to Ondo.He may not be your idea of a decent minister, but he could come in handy when the re-election campaign of the president officially flags off.

4. Rotimi Amaechi

He could lay down his life for Buhari if it came to that.A good talker who packs a punch and then some, Transport minister Amaechi never shies away from picking fights for the cause.He has taken on everyone as he defends the government he serves in—from the PDP, to Rivers Governor Wike, to anyone who says the APC has performed poorly since it assumed the reins at the center.He’s also not afraid to fight dirty, giving as good as he gets.He’ll be ready with his battle axe when Buhari declares he’s running again.

5. Nasir El-rufai

Kaduna Governor Elrufai has told whoever cares to listen that all the APC Governors will back Buhari’s re-election bid.
Elrufai has also told former Vice President Atiku Abubakar not to waste his time and money because Buhari will be unbeatable in 2019.And he says it with chutzpah, with pride and with reckless abandon.
El-rufai talks a good game and could be brutally honest, perhaps a bit too much for his own good.Call him Buhari’s adopted son and you’d be darn right.

6. Ken Nnamani

A former senate president, Nnamani is a deft political player with the nous of a veteran. He’s pivoted to the APC for a while now and has been singing the praises of Buhari.He may just be the man who sells the APC to a Southeast region where it is most derided.Nnamani is also rumoured as a potential APC chairmanship candidate when the party’s elective congress comes around in June.And he will be in Buhari’s corner when push comes to shove.

7. Abdulaziz Yari

As Chairman of the Governors Forum, Zamfara State Gov Yari wields enormous influence which he could throw around before the election.The APC has 24 Governors to its name and that’s plenty of grassroot votes to deploy and bargain with.
There’s not a more powerful pressure group and political bloc in the land than the Nigeria Governors Forum.
The Governors will be key to Buhari’s re-election moves and Yari’s job will be to rouse his colleagues to get out the votes for the president.It’s a role he’s beginning to warm up to.

Zitas World Ultra-modern interior furniture Mall Commissioned by Senator Peter Nwaoboshi

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Zitas World Ultra-modern interior furniture Mall Commissioned by Senator Peter Nwaoboshi
official cutting of tape by Distinguished Senator Peter Nwaoboshi

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he official commissioning of Zitas World Limited in Asaba,an Ultra-Modern dealers of all kinds of Assorted and designers interior furniture, General Electronic, Surgical Equipments, Solar Power System ,uphostries and fittings.This Mega interior furniture Mall, located at 458 Nnebisi Road, Opposite St’ Patrick’s Collage, Asaba Delta State was official commissioned by Distinquished Senator Peter Nwaoboshi (Senator Representing Delta North Senatorial District at the Red Chambers Abuja).
In his speech,Senator Peter Nwaoboshi hailed the Managing Director/ CEO, Zitas World Limited, Chief Austin Ogom Nwaoboshi, for boosting the economy of the state through the facility amongst other initiatives. He went on to express his appreciation for the commitment of Zitas World Limited to the development of Delta state.

While commending the management of Zitas World Limited for its interest in establishing ultra-modern interior furniture mall in Asaba.He expressed satisfaction that investors are having more confidence in establishing their business in the state, it shows that the environment is friendly and economically viable; we welcome the development because, it will ease the movement of people, beautify the environment and I know that it is also going to above all, create jobs for the people.”

The CEO/Managing Director of Zitas World Limited , Chief Austin Ogom Nwaoboshi in a welcome address, stated that the friendly environment for investment attracted the company to Delta State, assuring that the company has a reputation of having superior products at all times at the right price.He also thank Senator Peter Nwaoboshi for his support and for giving the good people of Delta North Senatorial District quality representation at the Red Chambers Abuja.He also thank His Excellency, The Executive Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa the Executive Governor of the State for creating friendly environment for investors.
Zitas World Limited is a leading Nigeria company With superb portfolio of interior collections and grand range of home and office products.

 

Governor Wike flags off construction of NUPENG’S International Tanker Park in Eleme

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Governor Wike flags off construction of NUPENG’S International Tanker Park in Eleme

 

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike performing the flag off of the construction of the International Tanker Park being constructed by NUPENG at Eleme on Friday. With him are: Outgoing President of NUPENG, Comrade Igwe Achese (in red) and Deputy Governor Ipalibo Harry Banigo .

[dropcap]R[/dropcap]ivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has flagged off the construction of the Ultra-Modern International Tanker Park in Eleme Local Government Area of the state.The Ultra-Modern International Tanker Park which is being constructed by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).

Flagging off the Project on Friday, Governor Wike thanked the outgoing President of NUPENG, Comrade  Igwe Achese for attracting  the project to Rivers State.He said : “Igwe Achese remembered his state and has attracted a project of this magnitude to improve the condition of the people of the state.“This is a legacy for Achese and for the people of Rivers State.  Anywhere he goes after now, Igwe Achese will be remembered for this edifice that will improve the economy of this state “.
The governor urged other Rivers leaders in different locations of authority to promote the interest of Rivers State, instead of de-marketing  the state.“It doesn’t matter where you are, work for the benefit of Rivers State.  Attract projects that will create opportunities for the people “, he said.
He assured that his administration will continue to create the enabling environment for businesses to thrive.  The governor said that he  has signed 1000 certificate of occupancy, which are aimed at helping businesses generate funds from banks.
Governor Wike said that the Tanker Park will employ youths in the area and help the state generate revenue through taxes.“This  park will reduce accidents, loss of lives and unnecessary inconvenience caused by the indiscriminate  parking of tankers. We shall support this project”, he said.
In his  remarks, Outgoing President of NUPENG, Comrade Igwe Achese said he is happy that  the project  initiated by him has come to fruition.He commended Governor Wike for granting the certificate of occupancy to  NUPENG for the 700 plots of land where the international tanker park is being constructed.
He said the Tanker Park will be constructed at the cost of N4b, while it will have a fire station, bank, police station, hotel and banquet hall.
Comrade Achese called on investors to partner with NUPENG for the successful completion of the project. He said construction will start after the flag off .

Oshimili South LGA sets to Boil: As NULGE vows to dance naked with chairman

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Gov. Ifeanyi  Okowa

[dropcap]L[/dropcap]ocal Government Council  are usually the grassroots government which is nearest to the people. In Delta State, Council election was recently conducted on January 6, 2018 where some former chairmen lost their seats and new once came to power. Oshimili South Council for instance, had a change of Executive power  from Hon. Pastor Barr Chuks Obusom to Hon. Uche  Osadebe as the new executive chairman.

Since their inauguration by the Executive Governor, His Excellency, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, all the chairman has hit the ground running with activities in the councils looking upwards. But Oshimili South Council has become a peculiar case at hand where activities of the councils has remained shutdown by the chairman who have decided to adopt  Late  Ex-Libyan dictator Colonel Muammar Gaddafi ‘s leadership style.

Since assumption of office by Hon Osadebe as the executive chairman of the council nothing is working presently because he has refused to give the council staff working materials to perform their duties as civil servants, as it was alleged that he openly called all the council staff of oshimili South thieves  and promised to deal with any council staff (NULGE) that fails to follow his order as a civilian General in power because he boasted that as far as Governor Ifeanyi  Okowa remains the governor of the state, that  nobody can challenge his dictatorial rule  because Oga at the top is strongly behind him, but we want to let him know that Governor Okowa we know is a hard working governor and cares for Deltans.

To this end therefore, he does not follow due process in doing things. He runs the council affairs as his personal estate and very dictatorial. He has also  refused to carry NULGE along in the scheme of things. Even if he was hand -picked by power that be as claimed, does our amiable  Governor runs dictatorial rule  or run the affairs of the state without following due process?NO! If the state Governor who is well educated and exposed in governance can run peoples government and follow due process in running the affairs of the state, who is the council chairman to handle the affairs of the council like his personal business?

Moreover, he is not media-friendly as he usually shuts his doors against the press. He does not pick calls from media personnel who may want to clarify issues from him as they emanates. He has been acting autocratically in the council as if he owns the secretariat. He hardly listens to voices of wisdom, rather, he takes personal decisions that suits him and not the council.

A close source from state NULGE  confided to us that his draconian actions has triggered tension in the council to the extent that Oshimili South  NULGE has decided to nail him soon if he fails to tender open apology to the entire staff of Oshimili  South local government for calling them  thieves, then  NULGE will plan a showdown and dance naked  with the chairman next week.

We are calling to our amiable Executive Governor, His Excellency, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa to call him to order now before his dictatorial rule will exceed its  boiling point . We will soon expose the dirty deals in the council since January  2018 till date. Details soon.

By : Anthony Okwunebe

 

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