The Nigeria House of Representative Files Suits against Governors

5th June, 2024

Africa News

By Oyenike

THE NIGERIA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FILES SUITS AGAINST GOVERNORS

The House of Representatives has shown its support for the Federal Government’s legal actions against the states to ensure local government autonomy. The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees has also pledged to mobilise its branches in solidarity with the Federal Government’s efforts.

The Federal Government has taken the matter to the Supreme Court, seeking to prevent governors from arbitrarily dissolving democratically elected local government leaders. The House of Representatives’ deputy spokesman, Philip Agbese, affirmed their backing for local government reforms to improve citizens’ welfare.

Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees NULGE, in a statement, announced plans for a significant rally to advocate for local government autonomy, emphasising the importance of grassroots support in the campaign.

Nigeria House of Representatives

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THE NIGERIA FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AIMS TO GET REVENUE FROM THE NIGERIA CUSTOMS AUTOMATION

The ongoing Customs Modernisation Project of the Nigeria Customs Service aims to generate over $250bn for the Federal Government. The project involves automation to simplify and enhance trade processes, including using drones and body cameras to counter smuggling body and demonstrate a commitment to modernizing operations. The initiative is expected to boost revenue significantly and bring Nigeria in line with global technology standards for international trade, supporting economic diversification efforts.

The Chief Superintendent of Customs Bukola Omoniyi, stated “that various software has been deployed in this project to counter smuggling and generate revenue for the county through Nigeria Customs service”

The project’s focuses on technology, aligns Nigeria with global standards, supporting economic diversification efforts. The collaboration is with the Trade Modernisation Project Limited under a public-private partnership framework with the Trade Modernisation Project Limited handling the concession for a 20-year period. Geo-mapping and other software tools are being utilised to combat smuggling and increase revenue for the country.

Trade Modernisation Project Limited

“By the time the project is fully implemented it will cover all the areas of the Nigeria Customs Service activities. Collection, clearance options and suppression of smuggling will be easy” the General Manager, of the Trade Modernisation Project Limited, Ahmed Ogunshola stated.

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NIGERIA AIR-FORCE CHIEF ASKS FOR CIVIL COLLABORATION TO TACKLE INSECURITY

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has urged for joint efforts to eradicate criminals in Delta State Nigeria and its surroundings. He stressed the importance of effective collaboration between civilians and the military in the region to enhance peace and security.

Recent occurrences in Delta State have included violent acts such as communal clashes, abductions, and the tragic killing of security personnel, notably the officers and soldiers of the 181 Amphibious Battalion ambushed during a peacekeeping mission in the Okuama community on March 14, 2024.

In a meeting with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Chief of Air Staff Abubakar highlighted the essential link between peace and development in the state, underlining the necessity for a peaceful environment to foster progress.

This information was contained in a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, AVM Edward Gabkwet. The statement says, “The CAS has reiterated the need for concerted efforts to flush out unscrupulous elements in Delta State and environs while also embracing effective civil-military cooperation where all parties can work as peace and security stakeholders, mutually supporting each other for the socio-economic benefit of all.

The call for concerted action to eliminate unlawful individuals in Delta State and neighbouring areas, while establishing robust civil-military cooperation for the benefit of all, was reiterated by Air Marshal Abubakar. He emphasised that sustainable development hinges on a peaceful setting and encouraged the people of Delta State to continue supporting security forces in their efforts to remove criminal elements.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, praised the governor for his unwavering backing of the Armed Forces and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), acknowledging the allocation of a significant land area with a Certificate of Occupancy in Osubi for the development of a comprehensive base, signalling a significant milestone.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar

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THE NIGERIA POLICE ZAMFARA COMMAND ARREST MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY AND FORMER LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHAIRMAN FOR BANDITRY

The Commissioner of Police in Zamfara State, Muhammad Dalijan, has reported the apprehension of a State House of Assembly member and a former local government chairman linked to banditry in the state. Dalijan disclosed this during a meeting with Thomas Parker the officer in charge of the Counterterrorism Unit, under the United Nations Office On Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

UNODC.org

The Commissioner did not disclose the identities of the arrested lawmaker and ex-council boss connected to the criminal activities. He also requested the United Nations’ aid in establishing a forensic laboratory to streamline forensic analysis processes and replicate successful strategies from Maiduguri in Zamfara. Additionally, he sought support for training and setting up forensic labs to expedite investigations and prosecutions of suspects.

Crime rates have decreased in the state due to the joint efforts of security agencies and Community Protection Guards in driving out suspected terrorists who relocated from Maiduguri to Zamfara in Northwest Nigeria.

Thomas Parker mentioned that the UN delegation responded to Governor Dauda Lawal’s plea for assistance in addressing the security challenges in the state. He assured Dalijan of the United Nations willingness to assess the security situation to understand the issues and provide support in managing the threats effectively.

United Nations Office On Drugs and Crime (UNODC) team has started a three-day session with stakeholders in the state to understand the scale, common challenges, and main causes of the insecurity in the area. They aim to figure out how they can assist in dealing with this problem effectively.

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NIGERIA CUSTOMS SOLDIERS COUNTER SMUGGLING ATTEMPT IN BADAGRY LAGOS STATE NIGERIA

Lately, a combined patrol team involving the Nigerian Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, and soldiers intercepted a boat carrying smuggled items, including rice and vehicles, in the Badagry region of Lagos State Nigeria. However, the smugglers reacted violently after being intercepted, attacking the customs and army personnel, and leading to injuries among some officers.

A statement mentioned that during the operation, a team from the Federal Operation Unit FOU A and some soldiers stopped a boat transporting smuggled rice and vehicles near the waterfront in Badagry, Lagos State. While unloading the goods, a group of individuals, led by a person armed with dangerous weapons, assaulted the team, causing injuries to Customs Officers and a Soldier. In self-defence, the personnel incapacitated the gang leader to prevent further harm to the team, who was then taken for immediate medical treatment.

An Injured Custom Officer

The Comptroller of FOU A, Kola Oladeji, praised the bravery and professional behaviour of the Army and Customs personnel in the face of a violent attack. He commended their courage and skilled response to the dangerous situation they encountered during the operation. The team’s ability to act decisively and protect themselves while carrying out their duties was highlighted as a crucial aspect of their successful handling of the situation.

Nigeria Custom Officers

The incident involved a joint effort between the Nigerian Customs Service and soldiers to intercept a boat smuggling goods in Badagry, Lagos State. Following the interception, the smugglers resorted to violence, attacking the officers involved in the operation. This led to injuries among the Customs Officers and a Soldier, prompting the team to defend themselves and neutralise the leader of the attacking group to prevent further harm.

The official statement released by Theophilus Duniya, the Unit’s Public Relations Officer, detailed the events of the operation in which the joint patrol team intercepted a boat carrying contraband items. The team faced aggression from the smugglers, resulting in injuries to some officers. Despite the challenging circumstances, the team’s swift and decisive actions, including incapacitating the leader of the attacking group, were crucial in ensuring the safety of the personnel and successfully carrying out their duties.

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