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Updated: Anger in Customs over extension of 12 senior officers’ service years
Updated: Anger in Customs over extension of 12 senior officers’ service years
Internal wrangling is brewing among some sections of Nigeria Customs officers over a reported extension of the service years of 12 top officers already due for retirement.
A new report by FIJ this was done Contrary to the public service rules (PSR).
The report listed some of the beneficiaries as Michael Awe, the comptroller of the Murtala Muhammed Cargo Command; Baba Imam, an assistant comptroller of customs and secretary to the NCS Board; Kayode Kolade, the comptroller of Seme Area Command; and Umar Isah Gusau, Assistant Comptroller of Customs.
They were said to be due for their compulsory three months pre-retirement leave as dictated by the PSR.
The extension, it was learnt, would last a year, impeding the career progression of those who could have stepped into the roles of the affected officers.
“I write on behalf of the Comptroller General of Customs and Vice Chairman of Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB), Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, to convey the approval of Extension of your Service by Mr. President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR vide Ref, PRES/81/SGF/154/114/NCS/4 dated 5th December, 2024,” Imam, one of the retained officers, wrote in a letter directed to Awe, dated December 12.
A copy of Awe’s extension letter.
“The Extension period approved is twelve (12) months from the date of your supposed retirement.
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“By this Extension, while the CGC congratulates you, you are expected to bring your invaluable wealth of experience and professional expertise to bear on the policy thrust of the CGC and for the growth and development of the Service and the Nation.”
There are also indications that the secret retention signals the extension of service years of the Customs boss, whose 35th year as a Customs officer statutorily ends next month.
Although Tinubu had said his tenure would be guided by the “extant provisions of the Public Service Rules (PSR)”, there are concerns that this may not be so.
Imam Baba.
The concerns was said to have stemmed from a recent action of President Tinubu controversially extending the tenure of Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun by allowing the National Assembly to amend the Nigeria Police Act to legitimise the extension for a period of four years.
The IGP would have retired after attaining the retirement age of 60 years recognised by the PSR.
Uneasy calm
In preparation for his retirement, for instance, Awe was said to have already handed over to the most senior officer at his command and was awaiting a send-off party by his colleagues.
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“Awe ceased being a customs officer on November 27. On the same day, he handed over to the most senior deputy comptroller at the Murtala Muhammed Cargo Command pending when a substantive appointment would be made,” an FIJ source said.
“He then travelled to Abuja and returned to announce that he remained the head of the command to the consternation of the officers who were already planning a send-off ceremony to be held on November 30 for him.
Kayode Kolade
“Nobody is lawfully allowed to experience their retirement leave on duty. What our findings showed was that these people are the henchmen of the comptroller general.
“So, if they are breaking the law for his lieutenants, then his own overstay or approval for his extension would be a walk in the park.
“There is a lot of anger in the service as we speak and officers don’t know how to vent it. By now, the law deems those people as non-Customs officers and are not expected to sign or authorise any action at any level of the NCS.”
Michael Awe
Abdullahi Maiwada, the customs national public relations officer, was quoted as saying on the issue, “We are going to make a formal announcement as to whether there is that development or not.
“We will issue a statement very soon on that. But for now, I don’t have anything to say.”
Updated: Anger in Customs over extension of 12 senior officers’ service years
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Navy arrests 19 Nigerians attempting to reach Europe by hiding on ship
Navy arrests 19 Nigerians attempting to reach Europe by hiding on ship
The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT has successfully apprehended 19 individuals attempting to stow away on Europe-bound vessels.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Lagos, the ship’s Information Officer, Lt. Hussaini Ibrahim, disclosed that 15 stowaways were intercepted on Dec. 19 aboard the European-bound Moto Tanker (MT) KRITI RUBY. Another four were caught on Dec. 21 aboard MT MCC YANBU.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the stowaways boarded the vessels at night and concealed themselves in the rudder compartment while attempting to illegally migrate to Europe,” Ibrahim stated.
The Navy’s Quick Response Team (QRT), operating from ATLAS COVE and using the Falcon Eye Alignment under the Nigerian Navy Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, facilitated the interception of the 15 individuals near the Lagos fairway buoy.
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Ibrahim further explained that credible intelligence led to the interception of the additional four stowaways by Navy personnel deployed on escort duties aboard the vessel.
“The prompt response of the QRT saved the stowaways from exposure to life-threatening situations during the long voyage,” he added.
The first group of 15 individuals has been handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos State Port/Marine Command, Apapa, for further investigation and necessary action. The remaining four suspects will also be transferred in due course.
“The presence of stowaways poses serious security threats to maritime operations, including risks of smuggling, piracy, drug and human trafficking, among other maritime crimes,” Ibrahim noted.
He emphasized that under the leadership of Chief of Naval Staff Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, NNS BEECROFT will continue maintaining security along Lagos waterways and surrounding creeks to support safe maritime activities and economic growth.
Navy arrests 19 Nigerians attempting to reach Europe by hiding on ship
metro
Troops arrest four Ambazonian rebels in Taraba
Troops arrest four Ambazonian rebels in Taraba
Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 of the Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have arrested four suspected members of Ambazonian rebels in Taraba.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ambazonia is a rebel group operating in neighbouring Cameroon Republic.
A statement on Saturday in Jalingo by Capt. Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, said the suspects were arrested at a hotel in Takum town.
The statement said that acting on credible intelligence, the suspects were tracked and apprehended.
According to the statement, during initial interrogation, the suspects confessed to being part of the rebel group involved in arms proliferation in exchange for cocoa with their Nigerian collaborators.
It said that four mobile handsets were recovered from the suspects now in detention undergoing further investigation.
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The statement also said that in another operation following actionable intelligence, troops deployed at Natilde community in Bantaji District of Wukari Local Government Area intercepted a truck with registration number WKR 66 BB, transporting 19 pieces of stolen pipelines belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).
It said that further collaborative efforts with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Wukari Division led to the recovery of an additional 11 pipes, bringing the total to 30.
“The recovered items have been handed over to the NSCDC Wukari Division for further investigation and necessary action.
“The 6 Brigade Nigerian Army will remain resolute in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property while ensuring the security of critical national infrastructure.
“We urge members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to enhance our collective efforts in maintaining peace and security,” the statement added.
Troops arrest four Ambazonian rebels in Taraba
(NAN)
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NIMC warns against extortion, reaffirms free NIN enrollment
NIMC warns against extortion, reaffirms free NIN enrollment
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued a stern warning to the public, reiterating that enrollment for the National Identification Number (NIN) is entirely free of charge. The Commission emphasized that it neither charges nor authorizes its staff or Front End Partners (FEPs) to demand payment for NIN registration.
In a statement released on Friday by Dr. Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications, NIMC reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy for extortion and pledged to take decisive action against offenders. To ensure compliance, the Commission has directed security agencies to identify and prosecute any staff or FEPs involved in such illegal activities.
“Anyone caught engaging in extortion will face sanctions in line with the provisions of the law, including the withdrawal of licenses for culpable FEPs,” the statement read.
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NIMC also urged the public to report any cases of extortion. Complaints can be sent via email to [email protected] or by calling 0700-2255-646. The Commission assured Nigerians that all reports would be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate measures would be taken to address any violations.
Reaffirming its commitment to efficient and transparent service delivery, NIMC pledged to provide seamless and hassle-free enrollment processes for all Nigerians. The Commission expressed its determination to eliminate corruption and protect citizens from exploitation during NIN registration.
This announcement is a clear signal of NIMC’s dedication to upholding integrity and ensuring that the NIN enrollment process remains accessible and free for all. Nigerians are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any attempts at extortion to help maintain the credibility of the system.
NIMC warns against extortion, reaffirms free NIN enrollment
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