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Opposition Parties Unpopular, Stand No Chance In Ogun LG Polls — Governor Dapo Abiodun

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One week ahead of the November 16 local government elections in Ogun State, Governor Dapo Abiodun declared on Sunday that, based on his administration’s performance over the past five years, opposition parties are “clearly unpopular and invisible” and, therefore, stand no chance in the upcoming council elections.

The Governor added that the quality of candidates the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is fielding in the election would make it the party to beat, predicting a landslide victory across all 20 Local Government Areas in the State.

Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Kayode Akinmade, Abiodun explained that his administration has transformed Ogun’s previously volatile political landscape, creating an environment conducive for opposition parties to operate without hindrance or intimidation.

According to him, rather than using intimidation tactics, his administration has marginalised opposition parties through sterling performance and innovative development ideas.

Governor Abiodun urged APC members in the state to show increased commitment and work together to build on the achievements of the past years, ensuring a resounding victory in the November 16 local government elections.

“With the quality of candidates our party is presenting in the forthcoming local government election, APC remains the party to beat. We have consistently and diligently made significant impacts in the lives of our people, and this is indeed our selling point.

“Without resorting to intimidation tactics against opposition parties, our administration has overshadowed them with our impactful projects, innovative ideas, and prudent governance, earning us a leading position among other states.

“It is now incumbent upon every APC member across the 20 Local Government Areas to sustain the enviable achievements our party has recorded over the past five years by showing greater commitment and working in unity for a victory come November 16,” Abiodun said.

BIG STORY

President Tinubu Determined To Eliminate Bandits, Terrorists — Nuhu Ribadu

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The National Security Adviser, “Nuhu Ribadu,” has warned that obstructing security under President “Bola Tinubu’s” administration will not be tolerated.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ribadu made this statement at the Comptroller General of Customs Conference in Abuja on Wednesday, emphasising the President’s determination to eliminate bandits, terrorists, and other security threats.

According to him, the government’s high-level strategies had led to the killing of hundreds of bandits daily, forcing many to flee to Chad.

“This prompted the Chadian president to declare war on them.”

“We will secure this country, we will fix it, we are not jokers,” he said.

“Ribadu” assured that the government was working tirelessly to achieve a secure environment, which is crucial for the country’s development.

He cited the improved security situation in the Niger Delta region and the significant increase in crude oil production, which had reached 1.8 million barrels per day.

“Many parts of our country today are living in peace. Go to the Niger Delta, things have changed,” he added.

The NSA urged Nigerians to be patient in the face of the current challenges, as the government’s policies were designed to sanitise the system and improve the economy.

He noted that the “Central Bank of Nigeria” was being reformed, adding that “Naira” would be stabilised.

“Ribadu” also commended the achievements of the “Nigeria Customs Service” and encouraged career officers to aspire to leadership positions, stressing that opportunities for growth were now available to them.

The NAN reports that the conference, which began on Tuesday, is scheduled to end on Friday.

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BIG STORY

“Defamation”: I Won’t Apologise, VeryDarkMan To Falana, Falz As Trial Resumes

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VeryDarkMan, the controversial activist, has insisted that he did not defame human rights lawyer “Femi Falana” and his son “Falz.”

The social media influencer, born Martins Otse, recently shared a purported audio conversation in which the crossdresser “Bobrisky” alleged that Falana and Falz contacted her while she was serving a six-month sentence for naira abuse.

In the recording, “Bobrisky” claimed the Falana family “tried to get me a presidential pardon in exchange for N10 million.”

However, the crossdresser denied the recording’s authenticity and threatened to sue VeryDarkMan for alleged defamation.

The Falana family also demanded a retraction and apology, threatening legal action.

The activist, however, refused to apologise, arguing that he exposed corruption and did not defame anyone, prompting Falana to proceed with legal action.

Matthias Dawodu, the presiding judge, had ordered the self-proclaimed social media police to delete “defamatory comments and videos” concerning “Falz” and “Falana” from all his social media pages.

The judge also ordered the activist to desist from further releasing, publishing, or circulating any defamatory videos and comments against the Falana family.

In response, VeryDarkMan filed two separate motions with the court, requesting an extension of time to secure permission to appeal the ruling.

In the motion, based on seven grounds and dated October 18, VeryDarkMan argued that the court order relied solely on the respondent’s affidavit. He said refusing his “request would constitute legal injustice.”

On Wednesday, VeryDarkMan took to his Instagram page to reveal that he has arrived in Lagos with “Deji Adeyanju,” his lawyer, for the hearing of the lawsuit filed against him.

VDM disclosed that the hearing of the defamation lawsuit will begin by 9:00am at the Ikeja High Court.

The activist stressed that he won’t apologise to “Falana” and “Falz” over the claim of defamation, arguing that he only exposed corruption.

“I just arrived in Lagos for the “Femi Falana” case against me, scheduled for tomorrow (Thursday) at the Ikeja High Court by 9:00 AM,” he said in a video.

“I came to Lagos ahead of that. As you all know, they (Falana and Falz) said I defamed them, but for me, it’s corruption I exposed. I see things that don’t make sense, like someone going to prison and not serving their jail term or the EFCC, which is supposed to catch people involved in corruption, collecting money.

“That’s what I exposed. But sadly, some people (Falana and Falz) whose names were mentioned said I should have informed them before posting such things about them.

“They (Falana and Falz) asked me to apologise. I don’t see anything wrong with what I did, so I’m not apologising to anybody. If someone’s name is mentioned, they should clear their name.”

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BIG STORY

Bashir Adewale Adeniyi: Adeptly Navigating Customs Complexities With Commitment And Proficiency — By Oladapo Sofowora

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Whether admired or criticized, Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, is unwavering in his mission to transform the Nigeria Customs Service. His primary focus is to safeguard the nation’s borders against economic sabotage while boosting revenue and facilitating seamless trade relations between importers and exporters, ultimately fostering economic growth and stability for Nigeria.

Since his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration last year, Bashir has utilized his exceptional acumen and strategic insight to elevate this crucial law enforcement agency. Many initially doubted his ability to succeed, but he is decisively silencing his critics with impressive outcomes that have solidified the customs agency as one of the largest revenue-generating bodies in the country, channelling trillions of Naira into government coffers annually and enhancing trade facilitation.

Adeniyi, often dubbed the “new sheriff in town,” is unyielding in his approach, having made it clear to those who previously exploited systemic weaknesses that their days of advantage are numbered. A natural team player, he leads not from behind a desk but from the forefront, diligently ensuring that every loophole is sealed. Those who have profited at the country’s expense feel the consequences, as Adeniyi pursues them relentlessly.

He believes that for the customs service to function optimally, it must not only focus on revenue generation but also strive to portray Nigeria positively on the global stage. To that end, he has streamlined the cargo release and evaluation processes through cutting-edge technology, significantly reducing the bureaucratic red tape that plagued the service. While his reforms have drawn ire from some quarters, he remains undeterred. Adeniyi has equipped all commands and zones, preparing them to combat both internal and external corruption. Smugglers, in particular, now view him as a formidable obstacle.

In a resolute effort to protect Nigeria’s agricultural sector, Adeniyi has strategically assigned capable personnel to the nation’s borders, issuing a stringent directive that anyone attempting to undermine the Nigerian economy is seen as an enemy and will face no leniency. This has resulted in tighter border security and has enabled local producers to flourish, attracting increased investment in vital sectors, especially agriculture. Internally, CGC Adewale is effecting a groundbreaking reform of the customs workforce by emphasizing professionalism and ethical standards. He has initiated extensive training programs focused on customs law, risk assessment, and technology, aiming to cultivate a skilled workforce equipped to tackle contemporary customs challenges.

His unwavering stance against corruption, coupled with a strong emphasis on accountability, seeks to restore public confidence in the Nigeria Customs Service. By fostering a culture steeped in ethics, CGC Adewale aspires to elevate the agency into one that commands respect for its integrity and fairness. Adeniyi also recognizes the significance of collaboration; thus, he actively partners with other agencies to forge a synergistic relationship, sharing intelligence that effectively combats smuggling and enhances the interception of illegal goods. The agency has recently reported seizures worth billions while intercepting arms and ammunition, marking a significant turn in fortunes as he strives to solidify the Customs’ reputation as a reputable agency, reversing the negative narrative that has long surrounded it.

Under his stewardship, he has prioritized the welfare of staff, the development of women, and the motivation of officers, fostering a dedicated workforce eager to protect the nation from economic sabotage. Significant seizures from petroleum products to endangered species parts, such as pangolin scales, donkey skins, and elephant tusks, alongside smuggled vehicles, have underscored Adeniyi’s commitment to elevating the agency above others. The digitalization of key customs processes has made trade more efficient, decreasing unnecessary human interaction to minimize corruption.

Despite the considerable challenges faced, during Adeniyi’s tenure, Customs has remarkably generated an impressive N5,079,455,088,194.38, exceeding the 2024 target of N5 trillion. As part of ongoing reform measures, six beneficiaries of the Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) program have been selected, with an additional 21 requests processed under an advance ruling initiative designed to expedite customs decision-making on import and export cargoes before they arrive at the ports. Adeniyi’s significant strides, alongside streamlined cargo alerts, have begun to reshuffle the customs landscape in Nigeria, introducing hope and renewed purpose to this vital service.

Beyond the realm of security, the collaborative efforts extend into vital economic initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This ambitious project aims to create a cohesive market across the continent, fostering seamless trade among African nations. Adewale’s significant involvement in the development of AfCFTA-related policies highlights his unwavering commitment to transforming the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) into an agency that not only facilitates economic integration but also harmonizes customs standards across Africa.

This harmonization is crucial for streamlining trade flows and unlocking a plethora of economic opportunities. Despite facing fierce opposition and deliberate campaigns aimed at undermining his reputation, Adeniyi has remained resolute, undeterred by the negative tactics employed by his detractors. He continues to focus on his responsibilities with diligence and integrity. While some have resorted to disparagement, Adeniyi has made sizable advancements toward realizing his ambitious vision of elevating the customs service to an esteemed position on a global scale.

This commitment to progress is exemplified through the ongoing Comptroller of Customs conference, aptly themed “Nigeria Customs Service: Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose.” This conference, which had been previously halted for several years, has been revived since Adeniyi took the helm, offering the NCS a platform to engage in meaningful discussions. It serves as an opportunity to reassess strategies, ensuring the agency remains afloat and true to its potential in enhancing trade facilitation while also safeguarding our local economy.

True to the adage that the reward for a job well done is more work, Adeniyi is prepared to meet the challenges head-on, ready to deliver exceptional results regardless of the circumstances. The Nigeria Customs Service has never experienced such a level of organization and efficiency since its inception, earning it recognition as one of the most structured agencies in Nigeria today. This achievement is a testament to Adeniyi’s dedication and commitment to promoting excellence and prosperity within the service.

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