Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke (left) when he paid a courtesy visit on a former Governor of Old Oyo State, Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo at his residence, Molete Ibadan, yesterday. Photo: AKINOLA ARIYO
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Customs Refutes Allegations Of Compromise At Kano Free Trade Zone
By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
The Kano/Jigawa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service and the Management of Kano Free Trade Zone have jointly debunked an article alleging irregularities at the Free Trade Zone causing the Federal Government huge loses in revenue generation.
According to M.L. Alabi, Superintendent of Customs and SA, Special Duties to the Kano/Jigawa Comptroller, Dauda Ibrahim Chana while reacting to the article titled: Federal Government losing huge revenue to saboteurs at Kano Free Trade Zone published by an online platform; Nigeriantracker described it as malicious, unfounded and an attempt to discourage officers and men of the Customs.
He said, a so called self-acclaimed economic expert, Mr. Audu Abubakar who accused men of the Customs of illegalities in the article succeeded in displaying his ignorance in activities of the Nigeria Customs especially in the areas of Duty, Import and Export processes and the laws guiding trade activities in the Free Trade Zone while describing the journalist behind the said story as unprofessional, violating the journalistic code of objectivity, fairness and balanced story, publishing an accusation without any efforts to speak with those concerned.
“We woke up to a story accusing our men of illegalities making the government to lose billions of naira as revenue.
“The claims that our men are conniving with some business men to divert finished products to the Export Processing Zone and pay only 30% Customs duty and or sometimes pay nothing is unfounded, laughable, a deliberate mischief to drag the Service and the good intention of the Federal Government for creating the Zone to Facility ease of doing business and create more employment for its people.
“We were even more surprised by the attitude of the reporter who would go ahead to write a story without investigating claims raised and giving a chance to the accused for a balanced story. It is not only unprofessional but an insult on the noble profession.”
Alabi further stated that, contrary to the allegations of revenue lost, the Kano/Jigawa recorded Six Hundred and Thirteen Million, Three Hundred and Sixty-Nine Thousand, Two Hundred and Four. Eighty-one Kobo (613,369,204.81) between January-April 2024 as against One hundred and thirty-two million, four hundred and thirty-six thousand, seven hundred and sixty-six (132,436,766.00) in 2023; a clear indication of rise in revenue generation by our men”.
“We have a regulatory body NEPZA that regulates the Activities of Free Trade Zone and until and unless there is an intention of exporting to Customs territory our men cannot be found in the picture although when goods are brought in, records are taken for proper duty collection and calculation but then, Customs are not the only body present there.
“In the Free Trade Zone, there are productions taking place, there are manufacturing taken place and the end product of all these are finished products and for these to go out, duties are paid so how does this person come to the conclusion that finished goods are being moved out of the zone without paying duty or given illegal discount or destined for Customs territory?
“It is also good for the public to know that goods or raw materials locally sourced are duty free as well as exportation.
“Let it also be on record that the process of clearance involves many stages and we even have a unit domicile in every Command that check after clearance of goods cleared for anomalies, so no officer can connive because the documents are all intact to show what transpired, it is a baseless allegation”.
“In the interest of justice and fair hearing, it is always good to listen to both parties. It is devastating to sit at your comfort zone and insinuate that this is what should happen. Th Government will not fold its hands and the present CGC of customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, will not allow such sabotage under his watch. He is a trade facilitator and you can check what the Service has generated so far under him,” Alabi added.
Furthermore, Public Relations Officer of the command, SC Saidu Nuraddeen described such unpatriotic attitude from some individuals as capable of affecting the thousands of persons earning a living within the facility adding that people must learn to prioritize the interest of the country above their selfish interests.
“At a time, the country is struggling to sustain its economy, what baseless allegations that portrays the government or any of its agencies must be frowned at and I advise that people should always verify their information and be wary of aggrieved persons who couldn’t have their way to achieve their selfish interests, hence resort to cheap black mail”.
The platform had earlier reported that Some businessmen are in the habit of diverting finished products to Nigerian Export Processing Zone Authority because they pay as little as 30% of the customs duty while the government lose billions of revenues with the help of some Customs officers.
Also, The Director Kano Free Trade Zone Muazu Musa Sahabi in a rejoinder said Mr. Abubakar is grossly ignorant of the Free Zone’s operations in general and the strict rules governing import and export activities in the Zone.
Sahabi revealed that a total sum of N364,289,408.63 IGR was generated by his office between January to 25th April 2024 which is a significant record and does not go in line with the accusation of the faceless writer.
He added that, inline with the “Nigeria First” Mantra of the present leadership of the Authority, the Zone has been strategically repositioned to provide efficient service delivery to investors and ensure returns to on investment to the Federal Government in line with international best practices and the public are hereby urged to disregard the allegation.
Prabhu Dorai, the owner of two companies within the Kano Free Trade Zone including Planet Go Green FZE when contacted about his experiences described the Kano Free Trade Zone as one of the best in the country with capable management team and professional and uncompromised Customs Officers worthy of emulation.
He said, the Customs in Kano Free Trade Zone have been very effective in their job as documentation takes him maximum of two hours and if there is any delay, the office of the Kano/Jigawa Controller is always open and it will be addressed immediately.
Dorai added that the Customs in Kano have distinguished themselves from other commands he has been to and have been dogged in their mode of operation ensuring all necessary customs duty are dully paid and he personally can attest to their resilience at blocking revenue leakages.
Ignore Destructive Elements, April 22 Communique Ilegal, SWAN Admonishes Bayelsa Sports Journalists, Others
By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
The National leadership of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has declared purported Monday April 22, 2024 communique by some destructive elements in its Bayelsa state Chapter, as illegal and non-existent.
SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, in a press statement through the Association’s Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, on Thursday enjoined Sports Writers to remain focused and forge ahead with the Bayelsa SWAN Congress decision on April 17, 2024.
President Benjamin reckoned that since few persons who lack the prerequisite to operate as professional sports writers, have compounded their issues, by plotting against SWAN Bayelsa chapter, in connivance with some rejected external elements outside the state, no effort should be spared to resist any attempt to infiltrate the Chapter.
Giving account of how the National Secretariat of SWAN deployed a top National official, Mr. China Acheru, to supervise the earlier scheduled election, the number one sports writer in Nigeria said, “The National Ex-Officio who was officially deployed for the SWAN election in Bayelsa arrived Yenogoa fully ready but most of the SWAN members including contestants frowned at some abnormalities.
“After due consultations the congress members on the elective congress day, the National Officer who also briefed the National Secretariat in Abuja decided to listen to the majority of SWAN members’ plea to postpone the election in order to address the issues raised and ensure everyone is carried along in the process.
“The record of all that transpired is well documented. I could vividly recall how one of the Chairmanship aspirants, Mr. George Ameli, immediately called and commended the national SWAN leadership for allowing the wish of the majority in the Congress to prevail by postponing the election.
“So, anyone who allows himself or herself to be now used to cause confusion in the system is doing so at his own peril. As a leadership, we urge every sports writer in Bayelsa to remain calm and that within the shortest period which the interim caretaker committee led by Mr. Loveday Herbert has, election will take place and usher in substantive SWAN leaders in Bayelsa State.
“Just like other states in Nigeria have stood their ground, I urge Bayelsa Chapter not to loose focus or be swayed by those who don’t mean well for the growth and overall development of the Association.
“It’s your SWAN, own it, don’t leave it for miscreants. Together, we will continue to chart a positive way forward.”
The SWAN President also expressed delight with the robust sports development drive in Bayelsa State, anchored by Governor Duoye Diri who has reappointed the workaholic, fit and energetic man, Mr. Daniel Igali, to once again lead the state’s Sports sector, adding, “it’s a thoughtful and commendable decision, which will continuously set the State on high human development pedestal.”
Agbucity Farms Embarks On Roads Construction In Gwer West
By; ARCHIBONG ESUENE, Makurdi
As part community service to the people, the Chief Executive Officer of Agbucity Farms, Mr Timothy Tiza, has flagged off the construction of two rural roads in Gwer West Local Government Area (LGA, of Benue State.
The two rural roads according to New Nigerian Newspapers, include Kula-Anguhar and Anune-Anguhar roads.
Mr Tiza who spoke at Kula village during the flag off, charged members of the two communities to cooperate with the project team to enable them complete the roads successfully.
According to him, the projects are aimed at reducing the insecurity in the area as well as boosting the economic activities of the rural dwellers when completed.
He appreciated Governor Hyacinth Alia for his efforts so far at rural transformation in the State, stating that the Governor’s commitment in the areas of infrastructure, prompt payment of civil servants and pensioners prompted them to contribute in their little way.
Speaking, the kindred head of Mbakyu, Chief Anche Gbugh appreciated Tiza for his commitment to community development and called on other prominent sons and daughters in the area to emulate him.
Also, the Mue Ter Mbapa, Chief Lawrence Jir, who was visibly happy over the initiative, described Tiza’s gesture as “Miraclous” saying it was the first of it’s kind in the area for an individual to embark on road construction.
He also appealed to the people to guard the equipment for the project.
In their separate remarks, Hon Victor Ormin and Uhee Tor extolled the contributions of Tiza to Tyoshin nation in terms of security and community development saying the gesture is a wake up call to Tyoshin people and Benue state at large to contribute to the immediate communities.
Protesters Storm APC Headquarters, Demand Ganduje’s Resignation
By; BASHIR BELLO DOLLARS, Abuja
A multitude of demonstrators flooded the national headquarters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja, echoing calls for Ganduje’s immediate departure.
This uproar stems from Ganduje’s recent suspension by a faction of his ward executive and the bribery allegations levelled against him by the Kano state government.
Amidst chants of solidarity and a sea of banners on Wednesday advocating for Ganduje’s resignation and the restoration of the APC chairmanship to the North Central region, the protesters implored Bola Tinubu and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, to heed their demands and relocate party leadership to their locality.
Addressing the press in Abuja, the demonstrators, operating under the banner of Concerned Northern Central APC Stakeholders, denounced Ganduje’s prolonged tenure as a violation of the party’s zoning principles.
Muhammad Muhammad Saba, the leader of the protesters, said that, unlike the 37 APC state chairmen, the North Central region had issued a vote of no confidence in Ganduje and called for his immediate resignation.
He underscored the region’s feeling of betrayal, pointing to the appropriation of the APC national chairmanship position following the departure of Senator Abdullahi Adamu, notwithstanding the region’s substantial support for Tinubu during the 2023 presidential
This fervent display occurred merely two days after the Forum of APC State Chairmen expressed their support for Ganduje, endorsing his leadership during a visit to the party’s national secretariat.
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Enugu Govt Bans Illegal Tolls, Extortion Of Motorists, Haulers
*Sets up service centres, cancels haulage revenue collection contracts by MDAs
By; KELVIN OKPARA, Enugu
Enugu State Government has banned all forms of illegal tolls and extortion of motorists by touts, warning that disobedience of the order would result to facing the full wrath of the law.
It equally announced the cancellation of all existing produce and haulage revenue collection contracts by various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), saying those responsibilities would now be taken over by service hubs to be established in partnership with Heavyhaul Services Limited to meet the needs of logistics businesses and heavy-duty vehicles that transport goods in and out of Enugu State.
The government disclosed this through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, yesterday in Enugu, while speaking with critical stakeholders.
Explaining the directive and initiative, Prof. Onyia said: “The Enugu State Government recognises the pivotal role of efficient logistics and transportation infrastructure in driving our target to grow our economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion naira and make the state the preferred destination for business, investment, tourism, and for living.
“Therefore, the government notes with dismay the reports of the incessant harassment and extortion of motorists and transporters by touts and hoodlums, who masquerade as revenue collectors in some parts of the state.”
According to him, the government deplores the observed extortions and excesses by hoodlums on our roads.
“In order to stem the excesses and ensure a free movement of persons, goods, and services as well as improve logistics and supply chain operations in Enugu State, the Enugu State Government hereby orders such extortionists to clear off our roads, as anybody caught engaging in such activities henceforth will be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law. All local government areas are to take note and ensure full compliance with this directive.
“Again, to further improve logistics and supply chain operations and address the challenge of multiple taxations on the highway, touting and all sorts of criminalities committed by non-state actors, the Enugu State Government announces the establishment of Service Centres at strategic locations across the state in partnership with Heavyhaul Services Limited.
“The services will include: provision of livestock health and agro-produce diagnostic centres to ensure that animals and foods coming into the state are safe for consumption and comply with regulatory requirements.
“Provision of designated points where security officials can check and ensure that arms and other dangerous goods are not imported into the state.
“Provision of weigh stations to ensure that trucks and heavy-duty vehicles coming into the state are not overweight, thereby damaging both major and intra-state roads, which were not designed to carry such axle loads.
He added that “Provision of complimentary services to drivers where they can take convenience breaks and refuel (vehicles).
“Deterring industrial waste transportation by enforcing sanctions and penalties.
“Ensuring that the haulage of industrial goods and minerals comply with environmental standards.
“Provision of ancillary services such as vehicle maintenance to reduce road traffic congestions due to the breakdown of heavy-duty trucks.
“This press statement serves as a stern warning to those who erect all manner of structures or collect service tolls outside the Service Centres, as such defaulters will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.”
One of the speakers, and traditional ruler of Ibagwa Nike, Igwe Emma Ugwu lamented the extortion of his subjects by touts, saying it was often difficult to differentiate the touts from kidnappers and robbers due to their modes of operation.
“In daytime, you see them with sticks. But in the night, they turn into something else,” he stressed, adding that with the initiative, traditional rulers could now join hands with the government to stamp them out.
Ebonyi Traders Lament Govt Demolition Of Shops, Residential Buildings
*Say no compensation nor notice before demolition
*Insist they are stranded, goods outside, nowhere to pack them
*We gave them 3 years notice, says works commissioner
By; MKPUMA ENYINNA, Abakaliki
Traders and landlords in Abakaliki the capital of Ebonyi State are counting loses, following the ongoing demolition of shops and residential buildings along Ogoja Road and Vanco Junction.
It was gathered that government wants to build flyover at the popular Ogoja Road and Vanco junction, which led to the demolition.
However, traders and landlords that inhabit that area are lamenting bitterly over the level of damages and loses they have incured over the sudden demolition, saying that the are stranded and don’t know what to do.
In an interview with some of the affected traders in the area who gave their names as Anayo and Chimezie, they lamented bitterly over the sudden demolition of their shops without any valid notice to that effect, saying that their goods are outside since they don’t know where to pack them.
They further noted that no form of compensation has been given to them by government, but only forms were submitted.
“Is not as if we don’t like development ,but this demolition affected me a lot because there was no single information nor notice given to us to vacate this place before this demolition. See how everybody is running helter skelter; some even sustained injuries. We don’t even have a place to pack our goods. We are not happy at all.
“Nobody is happy about what is happening here. We are not saying that development is not good, but we should have been given notice and compensation to enable us vacate before this. What pains me most is that no notice was given to us to pack our goods out. Almost everybody you are seeing here is stranded,” the traders lamemted.
When contacted for his reaction, the Commissioner for Works and Transport in Ebonyi State, Engr. Lebechi Mbam said the allegations from the traders are false because government gave them three years notice before going to demolish those shops and residential buildings.
Concerning compensation, he said all landlords in the area have been directed to go to the Ministry of Works for documentation.
Police Inspector, Others Arrested Over Ogbomosho Night Club Fatal Shooting
*Police says they are currently under detention
By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
A Police Inspector and others are now in the net of the Oyo State Police Command over the alleged shooting to death of a student at a Night Club in Ogbomosho on Monday
Oyo State Police Command made this known yesterday in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Adewale Osifeso on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebola Hamzat.
The command emphasized that the arrested policemen are currently under detention at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Iyaganku as the State Commissioner of Police has ordered that the case be taken up by the Homicide Department of the State Criminal Investigation Department with the Deputy Commissioner of Police directly in charge of the investigations.
It pointed out that the state Police command is presently awaiting the result of the post-motem on the deceased to further assist with the investigation.
” The Oyo State Police Command wishes to clear the air about the unfortunate shooting incident that occurred on Monday 22/4/2024 at about 0130hrs around a popular Night Club along, “Under G” Area, Owode-Ogbomoso resulting to demise of Iyanda Damilola, ‘m’”, it said.
Oyo Police command added, ” investigation report reveals that during the early hours of the same date and time, a distress call was received by Operatives of the Command’s Monitoring Unit stationed within Ogbomoso through the Director of a popular Night Club within the axis, requesting for immediate intervention and protection from rampaging suspected student cultists who were at the time harassing guests and destroying club property”.
” In a swift response to the call by the Club Director, A team of officers led by one Insp Rasheed Saheed arrived at the scene.The fracas worsened as deliberate efforts were made by the suspected cultists to prevent the Police from further gaining access into the Crime-Scene while shots were allegedly fired from different angles including from the intervening officers who fired warning shots to disperse onlookers’.
It noted further ,”the incident recorded the death of one Iyanda Damilola, ‘m’ and the injury of his brother, one Iyanda Femi Isreal who has since been discharged from the hospital after treatment.”
The command emphasized its committed towards having a people friendly police Force, driven by professionalism and respect for the rights of the citizens.
” All the Operatives involved in the incident including Inspr Rasheed Saheed are currently under detention at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Iyaganku. Lastly, the Oyo State Police Command assures members of the public particularly the Student Community of swift dispensation of Justice.
” More updates and case progression would be provided accordingly, please.In cases of emergencies, the. Command can always be reached through these emergency control room numbers: 615 (Toll free) (Oyo State Security Response Center.),and Oyo State Police Command Emergency line 08081768614.
364 Students From Bauchi South Benefit From Senator Buba Education Endowment Support
By; ABBAS SHEHU, Bauchi.
In his determination to encourage and make youth purposeful in the area of education for development of Bauchi State and Nigeria, the Senator Representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, Shehu Buba Umar, has sponsored 364 students that wrote JAMB/UTME Exams from seven local government areas of his constituency.
The students participated in 2024 JAMB Exams yesterday at Alfurqan International Academy along Yalwa Road Bauchi, after receiving three months intensive training on how to approach the exams.
Speaking shortly on the exams in Bauchi, the Coordinator of Shehu Buba Education Endowment Support, Alhaji Awwal Umar, thanked Almighty God for the opportunity given to his boss to sponsor 364 children of poor and less privileged students in his catchment area to enjoy the endowment.
He informed the students that Senator Shehu Buba would sponsor their education to any higher institution in Nigeria if they pass the examination.
Awwal said the support has nothing to do with politics, because the Senator does not know anyone among the beneficiaries.
He revealed that feeding, transportation and allowances were given to the students during the training and on exams day.
Some of the beneficiaries, who spoke on behalf of the other students, lauded the Senator for supporting the less privileged and prayed to Almighty Allah to protect and reward him abundantly.
They called on other politicians and well to do individuals to emulate the good gesture of Senator Shehu Buba.
Troops Eliminate Terrorists, Armed Robbers In Sokoto, Kaduna, Plateau
By; AMOS TAUNA, Kaduna
Three terrorists and armed robbers have been eliminated by troops of the Nigerian Army.
They have also foiled a kidnap attempt and arrested two in Sokoto, Kaduna and Plateau states in separate operations.
The Nigerian Army official X handle (formerly Twitter), said the successful operations were conducted on April 24, 2024.
The statement issued today, explained that acting on actionable intelligence, troops in Sokoto State ambushed a notorious group of terrorists at a suspected crossing point around Sarma village in Tangaza Local Government Area of the state.
It said the troops, following a firefight, eliminated the group’s kingpin and recovered one AK-47 rifle with two magazines, seven rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) and a motorcycle.
The troops, in a related development, while responding to a distress call, foiled a kidnapping attempt along Kasu village road, Kafanchan District in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The statement further explained, “the troops arrested two suspected kidnappers and recovered one fabricated rifle, two rounds of 7.62 mm (Special), one cartridge, and a motorcycle.”
In yet another operation, troops following a distress call about armed robbery activities around UTC (TENTI) Junction in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, killed a suspected armed robber at Kaskara Check Point.
The troops also neutralised one armed robber and recovered one locally fabricated gun and other harmful weapons, adding that the troops also neutralised one of armed robber and recovered one locally fabricated gun and other harmful weapons.
Be Diligent In Your Job, Commissioner Tasks Akwa Ibom Health Insurance Agency Staff
By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
The need for diligence service topped concerns as the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency (AKSHIA) has commenced the weeklong accreditation of healthcare facilities as well as personnel for a smooth take off of the health insurance programme in the state.
Commissioner for Health, Prof Augustine Umoh while receiving the accreditation team on a courtesy visit to his office at Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat in Uyo yesterday, urged workers of the agency to be diligent in their work to earn trust of Akwa Ibom residents.
Prof Umoh noted that trust remains one of the cardinal ingredients that drives successful insurance scheme in anywhere in the world.
His words, “As you continue the processes of ensuring easy financial access to health for the Akwa Ibom residents, you must do diligence work because health insurance depends so much on trust. When trust is gone, you can’t run an insurance program.
“People must trust our service to be able to insure their health, and to improve the process of that trust, it means that we must offer good service. To be able to offer good service, we must have good facilities. Facility that can meet the required standard.
“So make sure that the baseline is set. If you set a bad foundation, you are going to have a bad process but when the foundation is good, facilities are okay for the people to see and accept to invest in, that’s when we will be in business”.
The commissioner, who expressed delight at the processes already began by the AKSHIA, said that health insurance programme is one of the focal areas hoped to provide better financial access to healthcare for residents of the state.
He said that though the health insurance scheme is new in Nigeria unlike in other climes, Akwa Ibom would leverage on experiences and the challenges encountered by some states in the country that earlier started the program, given the quality of the health professionals involved in the state.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of AKSHIA, Dr Igbemi Arthur Igbemi had told the Commissioner that the visit was to announce to him of the commencement of accreditation of healthcare facilities in the state.
Another reason, Dr Igbemi stated was to present to him the workplan developed by the Agency in collaboration with National Health Insurance Agency (NHIA), Ministry of Health and State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (AKSPHCDA) aimed to facilitate the journey to Health Insurance in the state.
According to the AKSHIA Executive Secretary, accreditation teams with not less than five members, and with representatives of AKSHIA, NHIA and AKSPHCDA have been sent across the 31 local government areas of the state to commence the process.
Present at the courtesy visit were
Dr Igbemi Arthur Igbemi, Executive Secretary, Akwa Ibom State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Eno Attah, Ministry of Health Representative/ BHCPF Focal Person, Dr George Ekanem, Coordinator National Health Insurance Agency, Mr Williams Ebioko among others.
Recall health insurance is a social security network that guarantees the provision of needed health services to persons on the payment of token contributions at regular intervals.
The funds would be managed by the AKSHIA established with the mandate to manage and regulate the Health Insurance scheme for all residents of Akwa Ibom State, thereby increases life expectancy of the people of the state.
The commencement of the accreditation of healthcare facilities for the scheme through a check list developed by the Agency, is another phase of the process before the enrollment of the beneficiaries beginning with the vulnerable group using the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).
Under vulnerable group are pregnant women, children under five years, physically challenged and elderly from 85 years and above as well as those in IDP camps.