Colonel Hameed Alli (retd) and His proactive officers
Eight months after the seized of 661 pump action rifles and another container filled with 440 guns of various sizes and designs imported into the country. The Tin-Can Island Command of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) on 6TH OF SEPTEMBER 2017,has intercepted another 1,100 rifles which were imported into the country from Turkey under false declaration.The weapons are believed to have been smuggled into the country by a gun-running syndicate.
Controller-General of Customs, Colonel Hameed Alli (retd), told journalists at a briefing in Lagos on Monday that the weapons were brought in from Turkey and concealed in a container purportedly conveying wash basins.Following a thorough examination of the said container, the Customs boss said the weapons included 600 pieces of Georgia Magnum Black Pump-Action rifles among other rifles.“If you add 600 plus 300, plus 200, that’s 1,100 pieces of pump-action rifles that were brought in under the guise of wash-hand basins and some other items,” he said.
“As you may already be aware, the two previous cases are 661 Pump Action Rifles from Apapa Command and 440 rifles from this command.“The 20ft container No GESU2555208 was intercepted during examination, while the Bill of Lading falsely indicated wash hand basins and water closets.“An officer of the service alleged to have authorised the cutting of the seal and the terminal clerk have been arrested and are undergoing investigation.
“NCS under my leadership will do all possible to fish out all those remotely connected with this devilish importation.
“We shall bring them to justice,” Ali said.He said that the NCS would meet with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and Foreign Affairs Ministry to stop illegal importation of ammunition.He said that the service would not only pursue the agents but would also go after the shippers and terminal operators who took custody of the consignments.
The comptroller-general commended operatives of the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU) for discovering the rifles in spite of the false declaration.
Mr Kennedy Ugo Uzoka Group Managing Director /CEO United Bank of Africa(UBA)
[dropcap]K[/dropcap]ennedy Uzoka is a quintessential and an Excellent banker. 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.
Kennedy Uzoka is one of those very few good men; a true philanthropist, an accomplished administrator and banker, 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.
On July 31st, 2016,Kennedy Uzoka assumed leadership of one of the strongest and olderst bank in Africa (UBA GROUP).To put the epochal celebration in proper perspective, he has attained the midpoint of midlife at his 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 administrative aplomb woven into the matrix of an intrepid homogeneous ubiquity.
He is 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 succor to the poor and needy. To everyone who crosses his path, he is a light. He is a friend to the youths, 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 Onicha-Ugbo, Anioma nation, Delta, Nigeria and the world at large.
Kennedy Uzoka is not only very hard working, but he is also a man of impeccable integrity. He is passionate and committed to United Bank of Africa that is why the board is confident that he will take the bank to greater heights because Uzoka can bring an extremely strong skill set and a breadth of financial services experience that will help the bank execute the next phase of its growth strategy.
Kennedy Uzoka who had been leading the transformation agenda of the Bank,had to return to complete the Advanced Management Programme of Harvard Business School.He has over two and a half decades of experience in commercial banking, strategy and business transformation. Following his sabbatical at Harvard,he served as Deputy Managing Director, UBA Group and was also the CEO of UBA Africa who is responsible for the Group’s operations in 18 countries across Africa as well as business in New York and London.
Uzoka started his Banking career at Standard Trust Bank where prior to the merger he served as Regional Director South East and Chief Marketing Officer of the bank. His extensive experience within UBA has given him a birds’ eye view of the organisation’s capabilities and he is committed to enhancing performance, delivery and processes to ensure that customers,large and small, investors and shareholders see UBA as their preferred financial institution.He is a holder of a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Benin,MBA from the University of Lagos and an AMP from Harvard Business School.
Uzoka is a proud son of Anioma nation(ezigbo nwa Anioma), who has made his entire people of Anioma nation proud since he took over the leadership of United Bank of Africa (UBA).It was based on this recognition that made the Grassroots (Anioma ) Newspaper Publishers to honour him along with other sons and Daughters of Anioma
Extraction including the Executive Governor of Delta State Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and Senator Peter Nwaoboshi two weeks ago at their 5th Bi-Annual Symposium/ Gala nite, where he was unavoidably absent. Ezi Nwa Anioma, we are solidly behind you and pray that God will always lead and protect you to enable you take United Bank of Africa
to the the aspired level.
By: Ike Abiagom and additional reports by Mike Osemeke
Following Monday fracas between the Nigerian Army and members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Governor Okezie Ikeazu of Abia state has declared a three day curfew in Aba. In a statement personally signed by the state governor and made available to Grassroots Publishers correspondent says, the curfew will be observed from 6pm to 6am starting from Tuesday, September 12, 2017 to 14 Thursday, September, 2017.
The governor who noted that Abia State has for the past few days been the focus of security searchlight occasioned by the reported skirmish between some groups in the state, especially Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) with men of the Nigerian Army, stated that government has noted and observed the frenzy of activities of members of IPOB within Afara–Umuahia, the ancestral home of the leader of IPOB for some months now.
“Government is equally aware of the recent proclamation by the Nigerian Army of Operation Python Dance II within the South–East geopolitical region of Nigeria. The operation as declared by the Army is intended to check kidnapping, banditry, assassination, secessionist activities within the region, amongst other forms of criminal activities.
“The recent confrontation between the Nigerian Army and members of IPOB on Sunday, 10th September, 2017, could presumably be attributed to the commencement of the said Operation Python Dance II. The Abia State Government unequivocally states that Abia is a component State of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and subscribes to the supremacy of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all other extant laws.
“While the Government of Abia State recognizes the right of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, to perform their statutory duty of protection of lives and property of Nigerian citizens, such duties must be carried out within acclaimed Nigerian and international standards of engagement with the civil populace, with due respect to the human rights of citizens and sanctity of human lives.
“The Abia State Government is committed to the protection of the lives and properties of its citizens and others residing and doing business within the geographical entity called Abia State. Abians and others living within Abia, are advised to remain law abiding and carry on their lawful business without fear, as efforts by Government will be made to reduce friction between the civil populace and military personnel in the State.” the statement stated.
The statement however added that persons residing within the state are strongly advised to remain law abiding, while going about their lawful business without fear of molestation, and, not to engage in any form of confrontation with military personnel or other security agents.
“The Government recognizes the constitutional Right to Freedom of Movement for all Nigerians, but objects to the influx of people into Abia State for purposes of unsettling the enduring peace in the State. Finally, Abia State will co– operate with security agencies to maintain the rule of law and order in the State.” the statement adds.
Youths from Eket, Esit-Eket, Onna and Ibeno Local Government Areas, the host communities of Exxon Mobil, on Monday embarked on a warning protest to demand the immediate relocation of the company’s headquarters to Akwa Ibom State.
The youths stated their demands by blocking the gates of the company at its Housing Estate, Eket and the Airstrip entrance with coffins and other traditional warning emblems. Photos of the emblems were shared widely on the social media. Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Mr. Joe Etukudo said it is time for the oil company to relocate to Akwa Ibom State in keeping with the presidential directives.
“Today is just a warning protest done in a very civilized manner, we will eventually shut down Mobil’s operation both onshore and offshore if, after 14 days, the company does not take us seriously,” Etukudo said.
The protesters also called on the company to stop being partial in its award of contracts and employment so that indigenes of the oil producing communities, and Akwa Ibom indigenes, in general, could benefit.
RIVERS-Acting Vice President ,Prof. Yemi Osibanjo commended Gov. Nyesom Wike’s commitment to the sustainable development of Rivers State, with the successes recorded in achieving his administration’s point agenda in the state.“He truly commended Gov. Wike as a true African leader and performer. His achievements cut across road infrastructure, security, and most profoundly, the economy. He has placed his state as a destination for investors to thrive, which has resulted to job creation, support for entrepreneurship and enterprise development.He made this statement while commissioning the largest fertiliser plant in Africa. According to him, today in Rivers State, there are strategic investments that are playing leading roles in the economy of Nigeria. These investments despite the prevailing economic challenges, are waxing strong.
Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, with Gov. Wike
Indorama Fertiliser Plant is one investment that has been nurtured under the friendly business climate created by Governor Wike.This plant is one of the largest in this part of the world; playing critical roles in the revival of the nation’s agricultural sector, which is the highest employer of labour in the country.
Indorama is growing because of the favourable investment climate provided by the Wike administration. The governor has personally interfaced with the management of the company strengthening areas of partnerships and building their operational security through enhanced community relations and participation.
The governor’s regular personal interventions have ensured that all high profile business concerns in the state are shielded from host community conflicts that disrupt production. Whenever a situation arises, he steps in personally to resolve the areas of friction so that economic activities will continue to flourish. That is the selling point of Rivers State under Governor Wike, which makes it easy for investors to commit their resources in the state.
Indorama Petrochemicals has directly benefited from the governor’s social engineering skills to resolve conflicts between host communities and the company.When a crisis threatened to disrupt the operation of Indorama early July, Governor Wike held a meeting with the host communities, Elelenwo -Akpajo-Aleto-Njuru-Okerewa (ELANO) and Indorama Petrochemicals to resolve the conflict.
Chokocho-Umuechem-Ozuzu Road and Chokocho-Igbo-Etche-Rumuokurushi inter-change
The commissioning of Indorama Petrochemicals was possible because Governor Wike calmed frayed nerves amongst the host communities.Speaking at the commissioning of the plant, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike explained that his driving force for improving the business climate in Rivers State is the need to create employment opportunities and construction of link roads Chokocho-Umuechem-Ozuzu Road AND Chokocho-Igbo-Etche-Rumuokurushi Inter-Change in Rivers.
These two roads span thirty kilometres. They constitute some of the major interventions of Governor Wike to resolve the deliberate neglect that the Etche Ethnic Nationality suffered under the Amaechi administration for eight years.Little wonder, Amaechi was so afraid to accompany the Acting President to Etche for the commissioning of the two projects. Governor Wike had earlier restored the link between Etche and Port Harcourt when he constructed the Igwuruta-Chokocho road and Ulakwo- II-Afara-Nihi road. He is also reconstructing General Hospitals at Okehi and Omuma Local Government Area.
When Acting President Yemi Osinbajo saw the importance of the road to the people of Etche Ethnic Nationality, he joined them to sing. He shared in their joy. He prayed that such opportunities should be replicated for them. In his happiness, he walked on the two roads, shaking hands with the people.It was a palpable celebration of performance. An endorsement of the judicious use of Rivers resources to improve the living condition of the people. A silent advice to other governors to borrow a leaf from Governor Wike.
Indeed, it was a statement that partisan politics has no place in projects delivery. For Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, a performer deserves encouragement, irrespective of his political affiliation.The words of the Acting President: “Today is a very happy day. And I pray that we always have happy days. I am very happy to be here to witness the commissioning of these roads in this local government.”The Federal Government wants to support every effort that makes the life of people easier and benefits the people. I want to say that this effort is one of those that makes life easier for people, especially the people of Etche.”We must always look for ways that we can advance the interest of this country..
I am very happy to see the sense of unity here in Rivers State. The governor is the one who initiated this project and has done it very well.”Here we have Senator Magnus Abe from another party. I want to say that sense of unity and collaboration is important. “I want to commend Governor Wike for the great work. This is great. I know that there are other great works he is doing. This is wonderful to see. I will look at it myself.I am very happy that the people of Etche are experiencing this great project. Let me enjoy this day with you, God bless you.”
Despite the inability of the Acting President to commission two other projects, the Rukpokwu-Aluu road and the Rumuokoro Market and Park, both in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Governor Wike went ahead to inaugurate the two projects.At the commissioning of the two projects, Governor Wike expressed his commitment to the sustained delivery of pro-people projects, despite the antics of enemies of the state.
Rivers State is marching forward under the direction of Governor Wike ,this is the new era in Rivers State. Even the leaders of the APC have acknowledged this fact. First it was Sokoto State Governor, Aninu Tambuwal, then Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari. The ultimate came from the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, who has endorsed Governor Wike twice.
Gov. Wike is keeping to the promises he made during his campaign; that he will transform Rivers State to a God’s own state so that his people can reap the dividends of democracy. Ever since he assumed office on May 29, 2015, he has turned himself to a workaholic governor despite the economic challenge the country is currently facing.
Apart from the numerous bridges and roads projects he has executed in the state since he assumed office, he has yet again decided to extend this construction gesture to public schools in the state by flagging off the reconstruction and furnishing of 175 Basic Schools across the 23 Local Government Areas of the state.
The 175 basic schools are in deplorable condition, making teaching and learning difficult.
Performing the flag off of the reconstruction of the schools on Thursday at the State School, Rebisi in Port Harcourt, Governor Wike said nobody would believe that the immediate past administration left schools to decay to this level.
He said that when his administration took over, the former administration did not access UBEC, pointing out that the State Government accessed the funds for the re-positioning of basic schools in the state.According to him, after paying the counterpart fund, the state now has N5.6billion to address the infrastructural challenges of selected basic schools.”The entire world should see that a school like this exists in Port Harcourt. Imagine the condition of schools in the rural areas. Just imagine that the past administration claimed that they revolutionised education. All they did was to construct a few schools by the roadside.”The funds for the reconstruction and furnishing of these schools have been set aside. Therefore, funding will not be an issue. I direct that payment should be done by milestone. The contractors should be paid based on the work they do. There should be nothing like variation”.The governor directed that the reconstruction should be holistic to improve teaching and learning in all the schools.The reconstructed basic schools will have the following facilities: new furniture, sports equipment/facilities, Information/communication equipment, standby generator, boreholes, toilets, head-teacher office and table-top fridges.
Governor Wike noted that his administration has awarded contracts for the equipping of laboratories of selected secondary schools and re-stocking of libraries.
He said: “While the immediate past administration used over N4billion to build one school, we are using slightly above N1billion to build one school. This is a prudent administration “.
In his remarks, Executive Chairman of the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board, said the reconstruction is being done via the Federal Government Universal Basic Education Commission/Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board 2014-2016 Intervention Projects for Rivers State.He said: “One great benefit the day’s event holds for education and indeed for all of us, is that it offers a time for common reflection on the very needful and yet neglected aspect of educational organisation which hitherto was a prime place.”We appeal to community and local government leadership in the state to realise that we now live in a time when all must respond to the invitation to stand with the state government to own and ensure security of school staff and facilities provided by government for use in our various communities”.
14-07-2017 The government of Kaduna State in its further drive to cage the media and muffle freedom of expression, had this week arraigned a Kaduna based Journalist, Luka Binniyat before a Kaduna State High Court charged with injurious falsehood and incitement. He was earlier charged to a Magistrate Court for the same allegations, remanded in Prison custody before being granted bail. The High Court had equally remanded Luka Binniyat in Prison custody pending the hearing of his bail application next week.
It will be recalled that Kaduna State government had issued a stern warning to Journalists on the 28th of January this year, threatening of dire consequences if they file any story considered false by the State Governor. Recently some other journalists were taken to court by Governor Nasiru el Rufai, prominent of which included Midat Joseph of Leadership Newspapers who was detained and charged to court for alleged injurious falsehood, plan for mass demonstration that will shut down Kaduna and public incitement. Others being hounded are Dickson Onjekwu of New Nigerian Newspapers and Gabriel Idibia of Union Newspapers.
EL Rufai’s numerous actions are clearly aimed at his perceived political opponents which ridiculously include the media. As a result of his intolerance for criticisms and aversion for the media many Journalists in the State are now being persecuted by the Government. We are terrified by the remanding of Binniyat in prison custody because of his health challenges. He had an accident and came to court on clutches to answer the summons but instead of being in hospital, he is now behind bars. The NUJ will hold Governor Nasiru el Rufai fully responsible if anything mysterious happens to Binniyat in prison.
This development calls for concern, because the government of el Rufai rode to power on the formidable use of the media and therefore it cannot now turn round to want to instruct journalists on how to do their jobs. Certainly the Governor cannot make untoward rules for journalists outside their extant code of practice. Journalists should not be used as scapegoats to cover up for his numerous gaffes.
We advise the Governor to desist from having Journalists arrested, detained and taken to court for writing stories and reports on the crisis in Southern Kaduna which he feels do not reflect the thinking of the State Government.
The problems of Southern Kaduna can never be resolved through threats and intimidation by the Kaduna State Government on Journalists. Rather, we suggest that he should appeal to the media to help mobilise citizens to appreciate the benefits of peace and peaceful coexistence.
Shuaibu Usman Leman
Walin SHadalafiya
National Secretary
14-07-2017
It is also the second highest African transfer fee this season behind Mohammed Salah’s £34.3million move from Roma to Liverpool.The transfer, which has been in the offing for weeks, was held up by legal issues over his image rights with his former agents. But sources close to the player confirmed to KweséESPN that after passing his medical on Tuesday, the player signed a five-year contract with the Foxes.
However, an announcement is only expected within the next 24-48 hours as the club tidy up legal details in respect of his former representatives.Manchester City have inserted a buy-back option in the contract, which KweséESPN is told has been pegged at £50million for one of Europe’s brightest young footballers.It is unlikely, but Iheanacho could be announced in time to be involved in Friday’s friendly against Borussia Monchengladbach at the Kingpower Stadium.
Leicester’s capture of the 20-year-old, who scored 26 goals in his 71 appearances across all competitions and friendlies for Manchester City, brings to three the number of Nigerians at the KingPower after Ahmed Musa and Wilfred Ndidi.
Major gridlock on Abuja- Lokoja highway today as travelers were stranded as the road was heavily flooded making it difficult for them to continue with their journeys.
The flooded area is the Nataco Junction at Seriki Numan Village about 1km to Lokoja. There was heavy rainfall that lasted for about three hours in Lokoja and its environs Thursday morning coupled with run-off from the mountains which led to the flooding.
The heavy rain added to the water level of River Niger that runs parallel with the road at that point.
The high ebb of the river spilled water over the banks that got overflown raising fears of the flood disaster that happened in 2012 which ravaged nine local government areas.
Travelers from Abuja, according to our findings are stranded around Okumi Village while those going towards the north stopped at the Nataco Junction.
Eye witness account said in few hours from now the water may recede paving way for the motorists to pass through but it was observed that some motorists are already navigating through the flooded area.
Compt. Uba Garba Mohammed chatting with CPRO, Mr AttahCompt. Uba Garba Mohammed handing over the car key to the first winner Mr, Agu OkechukwuCompt. Uba Garba Mohammed handing over the car key to the second winner, Mr Ayokusehin DahunsiCompt. Uba Garba Mohammed and his officers
When Nigerian Customs Service launched the e-Auction platform on July 3rd, 2017, many Nigerians doubted the authenticity and transparency of this platform where seized items would be sold through online bidding, but today it a reality and a dream come true for Nigerian as witnessed yesterday. This strategy was adopted by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to beat fake agents to their game. The portal is networked to designated banks to ensure money accruing from the auction gets to the Central bank of Nigeria Treasury Single Account for transparency and accountability. e-Auction platform was designed in a way that only proper pictures of the goods as well as detailed information about each will be uploaded to avoid and misgiving.
The Controller, Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, Lagos, Compt. Uba Garba Mohammed explained to newsmen yesterday at FOU Zone ‘A’ warehouse before presenting the keys of the two vehicles to the winners, that about 19 commercial banks are now hooked to the platform and interested bidders now have the option of choosing banks nearest to them for ease of transactions. “Four weeks after the official launch of the NCS e-auction platform, https: app.trade.gov.ng/eauction by the Comptroller-General of Customs, retired Col. Hameed Ali, alot of winners have emerged across the country from various Customs Commands and Zones.
Compt. Uba Garba Mohammed confirmed that Nigeria Customs Service has already taken steps to deal with the challenges posed by fraudulent bidders who log in to frustrate other genuine bidders by placing bogus and unrealistic figures. “In some cases, they send SMS to supposed winners congratulating them. Apart from de-activating the Tax Identification Numbers (TIN) of these elements, the option for second highest bidder to win when the highest winner fails to pay has been jettisoned. “In such situation, the item reverts to the system for fresh bidding. Winners are informed only through e-mails from the system not by SMS,” Compt. Uba Garba Mohammed said. According to him, the System is being re-programmed to automatically reject such criminal antics. Compt. Uba Garba Mohammed advised fraudulent bidders to keep off the platform and allow interested Nigerians to reap the benefits of the transparent system that presented equal opportunity to all. He said that NCS resolve to ensure the success of the e-auction, was motivated by the inherent benefits of the platform. Compt. Uba said that the platform was secured, provided opportunity to generate more revenue for government, and gave equal opportunities to all interested persons. He added that the platform was transparent, accountable and free from vices associated with manual process of the past, that is the change brought by the administration of Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd).
According the first the winners of this e-auction bid, Mr Agu Okechukwu, a business man from Enugu State commended the NCS for this giant stride. He said the bidding process was very free, fair and transparent. The e-auction platform is a commendable programme where you have the opportunity to bid for a car of your choice and if declared winner, you have the car. Sincerely, there is no favouritism in this process”.
Another winner from Ogun State, Mr Ayokusehin Dahunsi said that he was surprised when he received email from Nigeria Customs Service as of one of the winner of the e-auction bid , infact he concurred that a true change is taking place in Nigeria Customs Service and Nigeria now and that the transparent system of this e-auction has presented equal opportunity to all Nigerians .
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!
el Rufai, prominent of which included Midat Joseph of Leadership Newspapers who was detained and charged to court for alleged injurious falsehood, plan for mass demonstration that will shut down Kaduna and public incitement. Others being hounded are Dickson Onjekwu of New Nigerian Newspapers and Gabriel Idibia of Union Newspapers.
