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By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has inaugurated a new tactical team, Operation Whirlwind, aimed at combating the smuggling of petroleum products to neighbouring countries. 

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, CGC Adeniyi stated the crucial role the team will play in protecting the nation’s economy from the adverse effects of smuggling petroleum products.

“Economic saboteurs must be brought to justice,” he declared. The team, which was set up to curb smuggling, particularly of petroleum products diverted to neighbouring countries, will undergo a workshop to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively carry out their mission. CGC Adeniyi highlighted the significance of the workshop and the strategic importance of the new operation.

“This is not a task force or the setting up of checkpoints,” he clarified.

“This is an intelligence-driven operation that will support the political will at the highest level. Our dedication and loyalty must not be compromised. There will be serious consequences against whoever acts against this mission. There is zero tolerance for sabotage.” 

The team was urged to work together to achieve their mission, with CGC Adeniyi stressing that “you were selected because you can do the job. Your coordinator’s record is impeccable, and your assignment can’t succeed without you working as a team. You are to complement the existing structure. You are not going as competitors; you are going to fight people sabotaging our efforts.” 

The Director of Legal Services is scheduled to educate the team on the proper procedures for filing seizures, ensuring that all legal aspects of their operations are handled correctly. 

The inauguration of Operation Whirlwind marks a significant step in Nigeria’s fight against smuggling and economic sabotage.

As the team prepares to embark on their mission, the Comptroller-General of Customs asserts that the expectation is clear: to protect Nigeria’s economic interests with unwavering dedication and integrity.

Mohammad Qaddam Sidq Isa (Daddy)                     

The return of Muhammadu Sunusi ll as Sarkin Kano is yet another manifestation of the influence of politics on the traditional Masarauta establishment, which, after all, has always been used and abused by politicians.

Since the British conquest of the Usman Dan Fodio Islamic sultanate in what subsequently became part of today’s northern Nigeria, the enthronement and dethronement of emirs (Sarakuna) have always been motivated by underlying political interests. 

Throughout the colonial era, the British would only enthrone aspiring princes deemed the most loyal to the British colonial establishment as leaders of their respective emirates. This practice enabled them to maintain their colonial grip through those proxy-Sarakuna. And since then, successive generations of military and civilian administrators have followed suit, enthroning and dethroning Sarakuna literally at will. 

The only shift in this regard is that, in the past, the influence of political leaders would mostly come to play only when a throne became vacant mainly due to the death of the Sarki, when the incumbent governor would influence the emergence of his successor, as it happened in 2014 in Kano that led to the enthronement of Sunusi. However, now that the trend is becoming systematic, it will indeed, if left unchecked, render the reins of Sarauta effectively tenured, subject to the tenure of the governor behind it. 

After all, just like his enthronement in 2014 by then-Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and his subsequent dethronement in 2020 by then-Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Sarki Sunusi’s return to the Kano throne remains politically motivated within the context of the power struggle in Kano politics between Kwankwaso and Ganduje, two provincial vindictive enemies hell-bent on finishing off each other.  

By the way, as a subservient Kwankwaso ‘boy’, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf himself is a mere fighting tool in the hands of his godfather in the struggle. 

Interestingly, Kwankwaso has tactically put his vengeful mission against Sunusi on hold for now, pending finishing off Ganduje and his legacy. 

Sunusi incurred then-Governor Kwankwaso’s wrath as a then-Lagos-based bank executive when he kept dishing out disparaging criticisms against Kwankwaso and his government. For instance, in an article he titled “The Kwankwaso Phenomenon”, Sunusi described then Governor Kwankwaso as a “rural aristocrat” who “surrounds himself with provincials and places key posts in the hands of rural elite”. He also compared Kwankwaso’s government to “the classic comedy of the Village Headmaster in a village council”. 

Kwankwaso got mad at Sunusi and demanded his sacking by his then-employer, United Bank for Africa (UBA). He threatened to stop his government’s dealings with the bank in case of non-compliance. 

Anyway, now that Sunusi is back, it remains to be seen how it plays out between him and Governor Abba, considering Sunusi’s penchant for publicity stunts involving controversial utterances against government policies and wrongdoings. 

As much as Sunusi is excited about his return to the Kano throne, the development represents a tricky dilemma for him that also tests his supposed commitment to outspokenness against government wrongdoings. 

On the one hand, Governor Abba won’t tolerate his stunts in the name of outspokenness; no governor will, either. And unless he (Sunusi) has, this time around, decided to desist from his stunts to keep his throne, Governor Abba, under Kwankwaso’s influence, won’t hesitate to go to any extent, including dethronement, to deal with him. 

On the other hand, his distance from his stunts would undoubtedly mean the end of the reputation he has somehow earned as an outspoken critic of government wrongdoings.  

Mohammad wrote from Dubai and can be reached via mohammadsidq@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam Imam

In Ekiti State, a tragic incident unfolded as Dare Onipede, a 34-year-old man, is accused of fatally stabbing his wife, Arinola, 32, following allegations of infidelity.

Confirmation of the event came from DSP Sunday Abutu, the Public Relations Officer of the Ekiti State Police Command, who stated that the information was received on Saturday, April 27, through the couple’s children.

The distressing episode occurred over the weekend at Christ Avenue in the Adebayo area of Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

According to a resident who chose to remain anonymous, the couple had sent their eldest child on an errand before engaging in a heated argument in their apartment over the alleged infidelity.

During the altercation, both individuals, with the husband purportedly a law enforcement agent and his deceased wife employed at a chemist shop, wielded sharp objects, resulting in injuries to both parties.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command, has shattered previous revenue records by collecting an astonishing N489,614,095,022.15 in the first quarter of 2024.

This figure marks a staggering increase of over 100% compared to the N212.5 billion collected during the same period in 2023. 

The announcement came through a press release from the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Abubakar Usman, on Saturday, April 6, 2024. 

Commander Babajide Jaiyeoba, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Command, hailed this achievement as a significant stride towards reaching their ambitious target for the year.

With a target set at nearly N2 trillion for 2024, Jaiyeoba emphasized the pivotal role of compliance in achieving this objective. 

Jaiyeoba underscored the importance of adhering to established protocols, including the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023, government import/export prohibition lists, Common External Tariff, and Federal Government-approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).

He stated that diligent compliance not only ensures smoother operations but also unlocks a myriad of benefits for all stakeholders. 

Expressing gratitude to the Officers and port stakeholders for their cooperation, Jaiyeoba called for sustained compliance from both government and private sector entities.

He urged all stakeholders within the Apapa Port to continue supporting the Customs Service in fostering an efficient and rules-based system for import/export cargo clearance. 

“I will continue my weekly engagement of stakeholders at various levels to sustain the tempo of our achievements and consolidate on the gains from regular enlightenment of every member of the port community,” said Jaiyeoba, highlighting the importance of ongoing communication and collaboration. 

In his address, Jaiyeoba reiterated the role of the Apapa Command in realizing the NCS’s annual target of N5.7 trillion for 2024, stressing the collective responsibility of all involved parties. 

Furthermore, Jaiyeoba outlined the benefits of compliance, including the recently launched Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program.

He noted that honest declaration not only enhances reputational integrity but also expedites cargo processing, reduces costs, and mitigates the risk of penalties or seizure. 

As the Command gears up for the second quarter of 2024, Jaiyeoba expressed confidence in surpassing previous achievements.

“As we step into the second quarter to end the first half of 2024, I am convinced we will do better in revenue collection, facilitate more trade through our port, and prevent smuggling under any guise,” he affirmed.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Strong indications have emerged suggesting that the Nigerian Federal Government is considering a groundbreaking policy that could lead to the conversion of over $30 billion in domiciliary accounts held by citizens into naira, aiming to stabilise the nation’s currency. 

If the plan becomes a reality, the government is set to mandate the conversion of foreign currencies in individuals’ and corporate organizations’ domiciliary accounts to naira, with the exchange rate to be determined by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). 

A government source confided that the issue of dollar scarcity primarily affects the elite, particularly at the end and beginning of each month, coinciding with FAAC (Federal Account Allocation Committee) allocations to governors.

The government seeks to address the unconventional practice of keeping dollars in domiciliary accounts, stating that no other country follows this trend. 

The source was quoted as saying, “In Nigeria today, there are over $30 billion in domiciliary accounts of individuals. It is in the CBN account. The records are there. It is not right. These are issues we will have to deal with. In other countries, dollars are not meant to stay in peoples’ accounts.” 

This potential policy shift marks a departure from the stance expressed by the President Bola Tinubu administration in September 2023, which aimed to attract funds from domiciliary accounts and those held by Nigerians abroad into substantial investments across various sectors of the economy. 

Mr. Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, disclosed this earlier, noting the need to tap into the significant funds held in domiciliary accounts and abroad to revitalize the economy.

Edun indicated that Nigerians in the Diaspora would play a crucial role in contributing to the proposed economic rejuvenation through increased productivity and efficient resource management.

The contemplated conversion policy, if implemented, represents a significant departure from the earlier strategy of attracting foreign funds for economic development.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Usman Ododo, the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has clinched the coveted Kogi State governorship seat following the conclusion of the election held on November 11, 2023. 

Ododo secured an impressive 446,237 votes, outshining his nearest contender, Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), who amassed 259,052 votes.

Dino Melaye, representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), garnered 46,362 votes, trailing behind in the race. 

This declaration comes amidst the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to conduct fresh polls in select polling units within the Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area on November 18, 2023.

Professor Johnson Urama, the returning officer for the Kogi State governorship election, officially announced Ododo’s triumph on a Sunday evening, stating, “Ahmed Ododo of APC, having been certified by the law, is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected.” 

As the governor-elect, Ododo is now positioned to assume the mantle of leadership in Kogi State, with citizens eagerly anticipating the realization of his outlined plans and vision for the state’s future.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Reverend Oscar Mukahanana, a prominent figure in the United Methodist Church, took his own life following an adultery scandal that rocked the church community in Harare East District, Zimbabwe.

The Reverend’s affair with a female youth was exposed when an audio recording of their secret conversation leaked on the church’s WhatsApp group.

The humiliation became unbearable for Mukahanana after members shared the recording widely and even created memes, leading him to tragically end his life.

The United Methodist Church expressed deep sorrow, urging members to support the grieving family through prayers during this difficult time.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari 

A ministerial nominee, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, collapsed during his screening by the Senate. 

Mr Balarabe passed out on the floor of the Red Chamber of the National Assembly during interrogation by senators on Wednesday. 

Concerned senators rushed to the aid of the 65-year-old ministerial nominee while they called for help. 

As soon as the incident occurred, the Senate President, Godswil Akpabio, was heard requesting water and sugar to revive the ministerial nominee. 

“Water, water! Can you give him sugar and water? Can someone bring water and sugar? Please, call Dr Wale!” Akpabio exclaimed. 

He also requested that members of the press exit the hollow chamber while the senators tried to help Abbas get a seat. 

He was taken to the hospital at the time this report was filed, but his condition remains unknown. 

Recall that Balarabe Abbas Lawal was nominated by President Bola Tinubu as a replacement for former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

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