By shehu yahaya

The Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘D’ Bauchi of the Nigeria Customs Service in its anti-smuggling drive has halted the illegal exportation of two thousand two hundred and nine (2209) jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (25 litres each), one hundred and forty-nine (149) drums of PMS (250 litres each), forty-nine (49) jerrycans of Automotive Gas Oil (25 litres each). Totalling, ninety-three thousand, seven hundred (93,700) litres of petroleum products.

The Customs Comptroller in charge of the Unit, Comptroller Musa Ibrahim Jalo disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing with Media at the Unit Headquarters in Bauchi.

Comptroller Jalo decried the unpatriotic attitude of the smugglers of petroleum products, thereby harming the economy which can exacerbate the present scarcity of the product in Nigeria.

In his words “There are environmental, social and economic impacts of smuggling which has a far-reaching effect on our economy, yet some unscrupulous elements derive pleasure in deflating the economy via this means. It erodes government revenue accruable through tariffs and perpetuates a culture of lawlessness. FOU Zone ‘D’ of Nigeria Customs is on top of the game. We won’t let this illegal trade thrive”

Similarly, in line with the strategic role of Customs in enforcing the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES), Operatives of the FOU Zone ‘D’ intercepted four sacks of Pangolin scales weighing 165kg.

Trafficking in wildlife can diminish species population and cause local or even global extinction. Illegal trade of Endangered Species, poaching, or harvesting risks the species of becoming extinct, which is also stated in Schedule 6 of the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET) 2022-2026.” He explained.

He further stated that two thousand three hundred and twenty-six (2326) pieces of used tyres, four hundred and forty-one (441) bales of secondhand clothing, and twenty-seven (27) sacks of secondhand clothing were seized in line with schedule 4 of the CET which places the above items on absolute prohibition on health and safety grounds.

While decrying the harmful effects of used and old tyres, such as loss of control of the vehicle, and reduced grip, particularly in wet conditions which may lead to road crashes, the Comptroller urged Nigerians to desist from patronizing them and second-hand clothing which is injurious to the skin and causes other skin related diseases.

Other Seizures include; three thousand, four hundred and eighty-seven (3487) bags of fertilizer. Which is controlled as measures placed by the Federal Government to avert the potential danger of its usage by insurgents for the production of explosives.

During the period under review, the unit also seized six hundred and seventy-five (675) bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each), two hundred and fifty-two (252), cartons of foreign soap, two hundred and fifty (250) cartons of foreign spaghetti, forty-two (42) pieces of alloy rims, five (5) units of used imported vehicles, seventeen (17) vehicles as means of conveyance among others.

According to him, the cumulative Duty Paid Value of all the seized items stood at four hundred and sixty-eight million, three hundred and forty-one thousand, four hundred and thirty naira only (₦468,341,430).

The Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Musa Mohammed has vowed that the entire people of Kaduna North and kaduna state would remain committed to the course of delivering the party`s governorship candidate, Senator Uba Sani, come 2023 election.

Comrade Musa made the resolution while fielding questions from journalists in his Local Government Area, on Thursday.
He said that the entire Local Government Area was absolutely behind the candidature of Uba Sani.

“As a member and of the APC in my local government, we are working round the clock to deliver kaduna north for Uba Sani.

He urged to the APC and Uba Sani Supporters that all hands must be on deck to win the election.

“He is a popular candidate and I am rest assured that he is the next governor of Kaduna State”, he said

“Kaduna needed somebody of political sagacity as Uba Sani to manage the affairs of the state in 2023.

Comrade Musa said that Governor Nasiru Elrufai had laid the right foundation for progressive governance, as he had been responsive, progressive, and totally committed to the needs of the people.

He said that there was a strong need to use the 2023 elections to vote for APC across all levels, for consolidation and continuity of the remarkable work and achievement of Malam Nasiru El-Rufai administration.

According to him, it is crystal clear that the continuity of the APC government is the sure way to greater progress.

By Comrade Musa Mohammed

No fewer than Two Thousand four hundred members of the People Democratic party (PDP) in Maiburji Ward in kaduna north local government area of Kaduna State, on Sunday defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), ahead of the forthcoming 2023 general election.

The defectors were led by Hon. Abba Usmanl Dankoli Councillor Maiburji Ward.

The defection of the PDP members into APC was consequent upon what they described as the unending deceit and deception within the party which they said, has not only continued to cause more harm to their personal development as politicians than good but also dangerous for the entrenchment of internal democracy within a political party.

Receiving the defectors into the APC fold, the Administrator, Kaduna Capital Territory, KCTA, Muhammad Hafiz Bayero who represent Senator Uba Sani governatorial candidate, the Senatorial candidate Muhammad Sani Dattijo and Hon. Bello El-Rufai who is the house of representative candidate, said “I’m welcoming you and i must say you have made the right decision by joining the Progressives.”

Hafiz Bayero drummed support for the candidature of APC candidates in Kaduna North.

Earlier in his address, Alhaji Ashiru Sani the APC vice chairman in Kaduna North local government who is the Chief host, maintained that the mass decampment show that APC is progressing, and party was like a moving train whose time has come.

He added that the momentum which is consistently gathering in favour of APC and it’s candidates within the political landscape must be sustained.

Hon. Sani Rabiu Bako who is among the special guest, said on his speech that the momentum was evident in the defection of over two thousand card carrying PDP members in the state into the APC with the primary aim of lending their support All Progressive Congress (APC) ahead of 2023.

Also, Receiving the new members, the executive chairman of Kaduna North local government area,Hon. Mukhtar Baloni said it’s a thing of pleasure to welcome the defectors to the kaduna APC.

“I am very happy not because I am welcoming you back into the party but because there is no society that is good without good leaders and people of good intentions.

“This is the time for us to have the right leadership”

Earlier in his remark, Hon. Awwalu Bakori campaign Director General for Hon. Bello El-Rufai, described the defection as a step in the right direction.

He said: “They have realised it is time to take the right decision and join the winning team. Thank you for finding it necessary to return to the progressive family and be part of the process of developing kaduna state.

The APC state secretary in Kaduna, Hon. Yahaya Baba Pate the defectors have taken the right decision.
“Because this is your party and the right party that has contributed in no small measure to the development of the state”.

The leader of the PDP defectors, Hon. Abba Usman Dankoli said: “We are from PDP and we decided to join APC because PDP has failed us because they care only about themselves and not the citizens.”

Senator Uba Sani to me is the most qualified candidate among others. He is the man I believe can take kaduna state to a greater heights by making the state great again.

Sen Uba Sani as a man with sound knowledge of economics and finance is in the best position to handle kaduna state.

We need a man of conviction and courage like Uba Sani to govern kaduna state

We are aware that other governatorial candidates have said they will do it. We know they will not do it. We need a leader who can actualise what he says. That leader is Uba Sani

As a Senator, he ensure that devidens of democracy was taken to the grassroots.

He will promote good governance.
Uba Sani has over the years, proved to everyone that he is a democrat.

He is now one of the strong pillars of the All Progressive Congress (APC)

Uba Sani’s legacy as Senator has prevailed in Kaduna state and Nigeria.

Uba Sani is a bridge builder, who has made friends across all the three zones of the state.

He also does not discriminate when it comes to picking his aides. His major consideration is competence, not where you come from.

By all parameters, Uba Sani performed well in all the tasks he handled. He is an accomplished technocrat and politician.

I am aware that the issue of his choice of running mate in the person of Hajiya Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe did not go well with some of our Christian brothers in Kaduna state.

As a listening leader, he has already taken steps to assuage their feelings through dialogue. I do not believe religion should play a role in deciding on the leaders that can bring good governance to the state.

The people of Kaduna state needs a well-rounded leader like Uba Sani.

He has the education, experience and courage to take decisions. The problem with the state is not that of lack of resources but that of incapacity to harness our resources. There is no doubt that the state is not where it ought to be today despite our enormous resources. If we truly need a leader that can take kaduna state to its deserved destination, that leader is UBA SANI.

His humility, strong character, passion for the less-privileged and love for quality education are some of the defined qualities of Sen. Uba Sani.

Some Politicians most especially those elected in Nigeria have done nothing with that position while some others have done something reasonable with it like Distinguished Senator Uba Sani.

He is using his privilege to help the less privileged.

Senator Uba Sani has does something meaningful with his position.

So, instead of gallivanting all around, he always been busy supporting the people across his senatorial district, championing the cause of youth and women, and emancipated people with different challenges.

Being someone passionate about helping others, and with a view to supporting the efforts of the state government in his desire to empower women and youth, Uba Sani floated a Non-Governmental Organisation, UBA SANI FOUNDATION. Through this initiative, he has rekindled hope of many and alleviated their distress even with his sympathy.

He is a renowned philanthropist for his passionate initiatives that promote youth and women development. Through ‘UBA SANI FOUNDATION’, he has facilitated many succour for women and youth folks.

The Senator offers humanitarian services by providing economic interventions for women as well as scholarships for some youths.

So for people of Senator Uba Sani constituency, knew that he has done very well for them. If you ask them, they will also tell you they have benefited from it.

UBA SANI used his privilege for the betterment of lives of the less privileged in our society.

If people of Kaduna state elect Uba Sani as the governor come 2023, he has many initiative gallant moves that would help in ameliorating, alleviating and annihilating the hardship of the less-privileged in our society.
“He will provided steady leadership”

We are proud of Senator Uba Sani of Representation for his impactful leadership and quality representation of his constituents.

Majority of people in Kaduna central Senatorial district lauded Uba Sani for always coming home to consult with his people for first-hand knowledge of their needs and for always reaching out to the state government on strategic issues.

“I can truly attest to the fact that he is doing well in the Senate.
thank you for the work you are doing in the National Assembly and I must say we are very proud of you.

“I must also thank you for always returning home to your people to ensure regular communication and effective representation for them.

“We are proud of your representation and we pray that God will continue to bless you and enable you to do more for the people.

“Party members should understand that they are the candidates, and so, they should put in more effort for the party to win in the upcoming general election.

“What remains now is the polling units’ exercise and harmonization, I urge you to put in all efforts at this time to make sure UBA SANI.

“You should improve your efforts at polling units; you should form stakeholders of not less than 10 people and give them the task to secure a total number of supporters in each polling unit.”

He maintained that only APC has a strong political structure, thus, party members should vote for all the candidates from the federal to the state levels

Dr. Aliyu Idris Funtua can best be described as a bridge builder with uncommon character and discipline.

The Federal College of Education Katsina is a federal government higher education institution located in Katsina, Katsina State, Nigeria. The current Provost is Dr. Aliyu Idris Funtua.

Dr. Aliyu Idris Funtua had his first, second and ph.D degree all from Bayero University, Kano.

Dr Aliyu’s initiative capability and leadership qualities started coming out when he was appointed head of department.

In 2010, Dr. Aliyu was appointed Director FAT AT consultancy services unit of the college. His appointment has really helped for the successful revival and promotion of consultancy services in the college. As Director, he initiated and introduced a part-time academic programmes such as NCE’s part-time

He was appointed Deputy Provost by the immediate Provost, Prof. Mamman Wasagu and also renewed the appointment in 2015. Acting Provost 15 July, 2015. Dr. Aliyu Idris Funtua was appointed substantive Provost of the college by the President and Commander in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari GCFR on 19th August, 2016 and reappointed on the July, 2020.

“Dr. Funtua has been able to increase the professional capacity of the FCEs Katsina workforce”.

‘Marvelous Achievements With Six years of Dr. Aliyu Idris’.

Every organization or institution that is thriving is obviously blessed with a good leader. The Federal College of Education Katsina is indeed thriving because a man with a remarkable ability is at the helms of affairs. That person is Dr. Aliyu Idris.

Since he assumed duty as the Provost of FCEs Katsina in the year, 2016, the college has witnessed monumental and unprecedented development in various areas, including Service delivery, physical and infrastructural as well as college equipments and staff wellfare.

It is however good to point out right here the secret behind the accomplishments. On assuming duty he began by appreciating the efforts and contributions of his predecessors who laid the foundation stone of the college.

This he did by thorough study of the available records at his disposal and physical inspection of existant policies, programs and structures in the college that gave him full insight and sense of direction of how to move the Institution to another level of development.

It was from there he identified the most important and urgent needs of the Institution.

HIS ACHIEVEMENTS AS PROVOST :

Despite with the insecurity that has impacted the state negatively.

In his effort to apply the best of his ability to reposition and improve the performance of this institution, the Provost was able to record numerous achievements:

Service Delivery: The Management, under his leadership has improved the various services rendered to the institution. According to SERVICOM has been upgraded and empowered to monitor all the service points to ensure that students are served right. The Federal College of Education, Katsina, is amongst equals to publish its Service Charter and keep students informed about the services rendered and what is expected from the school management.

Infrastructural Development: In the area of infrastructure development, the Provost, has done excellent job by ensuring that the College was renovated (construction and reconstruction) Construction of lectures room and hostels.

Provided newly acquired equipment befitting modern times, even a visitor to the College will appreciate the fact that most of the Departments/Units have undergone facelift as they are now looking new and beautiful.

Human Resource Development: A significant number of staff were sponsored for either long or short term courses during the period under review. In his bid to ensure best practice in terms of academic is achieved, Dr. Aliyu Idris Funtua ensured that staff were sent for training and retraining in order to refresh and update their knowledge for better output.

INDUSTRIAL HARMONY:

Over the years, the Provost, Dr. Aliyu Idris Funtua, has done a lot to maintain industrial harmony. His open door policy to the leadership of various Workers, Unions in the college through regular interaction has led to a continuous industrial harmony with attendant positive consequences of unhindered service delivery in the institution.

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE HOST COMMUNITY:

In order to strengthen the existing good relationship between the institution and the host community, College Committee League of Friends and Conflict Resolution were reconstituted thereby involving well be provided to such cases.

The Funtua popularity, experience, exposure, acceptability, marketability and his dedication as a public servant for decades, and his track records earned him many awards to his credit.

He is generous, honest and trustworthy person who can be entrusted with a higher public responsibility, as a simple and committed public servant.

Abubakar Musa is a Media Practitioners (Kaduna Based Journalist) write this Article

The Coordinator’TRUST UBA SANI 2023′ Comrade Musa Mohammed, has applauded the judiciary, especially members of the tribunal, for doing its job without fear or favour.

He made the statement on Friday, after the Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna dismissed the suit challenging the candidature of Senator Uba Sani as the gubernatorial candidate of All Progressive Congress(APC) in Kaduna state for the 2023 gubernatorial elections.

He felicitated with the entire members of the APC family in Kaduna for the victory.

“I join the APC family and Senator Uba Sani Supporters in congratulating you on the overwhelming victory won on the basis of a populist mandate as well as today’s judicial victory won on the strength of our constitution, at the governatorial primaries Election Petition Tribunal today.”

He also, described the judgement and the decision as victory for democracy and the rule of law.

Comrade Musa, expressed joy at the outcome of the verdict confirming the candidacy of Sen. Uba Sani at the May 22, governorship primary election.

“It is victory for all of us and democracy. It shows that while minority would always have their say, the majority would always have their way,”

“I am very proud of the judiciary. This arm of government has again, for the umpteenth time, demonstrated exemplary candour, courage and integrity for which modern democracies thrive,”

While urging Sani Shaaban to see the verdict as the voice of the people, Comrade Musa reiterated his conviction in the fact that power belongs to God who bestows it on whom He wishes.

He called on all democrats to support Uba Sani, who has the divine mandate of God and endorsement of the people to lead kaduna state.

He said, “The tribunal confirms our stance that Uba Sani remains the preferred candidate for APC, to reset our state on the path of greatness.”

“On behalf of the ‘TRUST UBA SANI 2023’ and people of Kaduna State, I once again, congratulate Uba Sani and our great party the All Progressives Congress (APC), on this landmark victory. Congratulations, our dear governatorial candidate,” Comrade Musa added.

“Dr. Bello Muhammad has been able to increase the professional capacity of the FMC Gusau workforce”.

‘Marvelous Achievements With Three years of Dr. Bello Muhammad’.

Every organization or institution that is thriving is obviously blessed with a good leader. The Federal Medical Centre Gusau is indeed thriving because a man with a remarkable ability is at the helms of affairs. That person is Dr. Muhammad A. Bello.

Since he assumed duty as the medical director of FMC Gusau in Zamfara State on 29th September, 2019, the medical centre has witnessed monumental and unprecedented development in various areas, including Service delivery, physical and infrastructural as well as hospital equipments and staff wellfare.

It is however good to point out right here the secret behind the accomplishments. On assuming duty he began by appreciating the efforts and contributions of his predecessors who laid the foundation stone of the medical centre.

This he did by thorough study of the available records at his disposal and physical inspection of existant policies, programs and structures in the FMC that gave him full insight and sense of direction of how to move the medical centre to another level of development.

It was from there he identified the most important and urgent needs of the federal medical centre Gusau.

HIS ACHIEVEMENTS AS MEDICAL DIRECTOR:

Despite with the insecurity that has impacted the FMC Gusau negatively.

In his effort to apply the best of his ability to reposition and improve the performance of this institution, the Medical Director was able to record numerous achievements:

Service Delivery: The Management, under his leadership has improved the various services rendered to the centre’s clients. According to SERVICOM has been upgraded and empowered to monitor all the service points to ensure that patients are served right. The Federal Medical Centre, Gusau is amongst equals to publish its Service Charter and keep clients informed about the services rendered and what is expected from the customers/clients.

Infrastructural Development: In the area of infrastructure development, the Medical Director, har done excellent job by ensuring that the Centre was renovated (construction and reconstruction) Construction of Wards.

Provided newly acquired medical equipment befitting modern times, even a visitor to the Centre will appreciate the fact that most of the Departments/Units have undergone facelift as they are now looking new and beautiful.

Also, there’s Provision of Hospital Equipments across the medical centre whereby Purchase of Power Generating Set, Purchase of Environmental Materials, Tree Planting and Horticulture, etc.

Human Resource Development: A significant number of staff were sponsored for either long or short term courses during the period under review. In his bid to ensure best practice in terms of Healthcare is achieved, Dr. Muhammad Bello ensured that staff were sent for training and retraining in order to refresh and update their knowledge for better output.

INDUSTRIAL HARMONY:

Over the years, the Medical Director, Dr. Muhammad Bello, has done a lot to maintain industrial harmony. His open door policy to the leadership of various Workers, Unions in the Centre through regular interaction has led to a continuous industrial harmony with attendant positive consequences of unhindered healthcare delivery in the Centre.

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE HOST COMMUNITY:

In order to strengthen the existing good relationship between the Centre and the host community, Hospital Committee League of Friends and Conflict Resolution were reconstituted thereby involving well meaning individuals and holders of various traditional title to be mediating, in any case of complaints by a group or individual, so that lasting solutions would be provided to such cases.

A public affairs analyst and a member of the APC in Kaduna, Comrade Musa Mohammed, said
PDP governor’s has succeeded in wasting the opportunity offered to them to serve the good people of Kaduna state.

“Instead of concentrating on delivering the dividends of democracy they has created acute disenchantment among the polity by their propensity for burning bridges and poor performance.

the APC in Kaduna state will manage itself to victory through putting its best forward and ensuring that our candidate SENATOR UBA SANI is unblemished to avoid a Phyric victory; a short-lived success that could be upturned”,

Our governatorial candidate Uba Sani is very strong, and we have our solid structure on ground and we have people of very respectful status in our fold. We have a very good and strong structure capable of winning elections any time. We are very ready to win election.

And we will not allow the State to fall in the hand of the people who do not have vision for the development of the state; no mission.

Sen. Uba Sani had an opportunity to represent the people as a member of the Senate. At least, the people believed in what he did. He had just a little opportunity and with the little he were able to do a lot

I believe that looking at Uba Sani past and present records, it is not going to be a difficult thing to run affairs of the state.

I believe that members who left our party in anger before the 2023 election they will begin to retrace their steps back to the APC.

“I have my reasons for supporting Senator Uba Sani. Among all the aspirants, he is the most ready and prepared candidate to lead. He has what it takes to deliver us. I have listened to and read the CV of others who think they are better. Such arguments are at best very subjective.

“I can go on and on to tell you the good things about my preferred candidate. I am out to sell him to the people of Kaduna state.

He equally advised the APC members to shun hate speech and heaping of insult on other candidates.

Emphasised that the party’s governorship candidate, Sen. Uba Sani remains the man to beat in the forthcoming election, adding that the good performance of governor Malam Nasiru El-Rufai in Kaduna had made the election a walk over for PDP.

called on the people to vote massively for Uba Sani in the forth-coming election, as he promised to provide quality services to the citizenry.

Comrade Musa assured the people of Kaduna state that if they voted Sen. Uba Sani and APC, all parts of the state will enjoy dividends of democracy, adding that Uba Sani administration’s priority will be welfare, prompt payment of salary and pension .

By Comrade Musa Mohammed

As the 2023 general elections get closer, the time for the people of Kaduna Central to put on their thinking cap has come.

This is no time to pander to political party supremacy without questioning. Political parties, as has been emphasized over time are simply vehicles for promoting the vision and aspirations of the individuals, particularly in the Nigerian context without a clear-cut ideological foundation for the political parties.

What the people need at this point in our political journey are men and women with the capacity and character to deliver on their mandates.
From our experiences so far, there is no gain in saying the fact that the calibre of people elected as leaders determines the quality of democratic dividends that would be delivered to the citizens.

It is out duty to elect someone like MUHAMMAD SANI DATTIJO who I believe would deliver the devidens of democracy to make the lives of the people of his Constituency better.
With all indication, our democracy is wearing a new look to the extent that people with ideas and new visions ‘like Dattijo’ are taking our political space by storm.

. If we are looking for a candidate with the character and personal clout to deliver, then ‘MUHAMMAD DATTIJO’ is the man.

With men Muhammad Sani Dattijo occupying public offices across kaduna state and Nigeria, the land would yield her increase and the people will see reasons to celebrate democracy in the coming years. Those faces that represent the corruption and heartless failures of the past should be barred from the coming dispensation when character will reinforce hope and peace for a better Nigeria.

There is no better candidate for the senate in the 2023 general election than Muhammad Sani Dattijo.

The time to elect DATTIJO to replicate the magic of his visible successes in the corporate world in the senate has come.

DATTIJO should be encouraged with our votes in 2023. He is fully prepared. He may not be a saint but he has demonstrated decorum and modesty in his service to the people.

He is a thinker. He is disciplined. He has been a successful international development expert and Nigerian public servant, who has over a decade of experience in development policy formulation, public finance, and project implementation of no mean repute, with experiences on the board of several organizations, multi-national organizations and government agencies, he knows how to play boardroom politics and could be a huge asset to the National Assembly with the prospect of heading strategic committees of the senate.

These are the kind of people we should be sent to the senate and not some empty political noisemakers who boast of everything but achieve nothing for the people.

MUHAMMAD SANI DATTIJO, the APC Candidate for the kaduna Central senatorial elections in 2023 represents true change as he brings a breath of fresh air to the political space.

We can understand why there is palpable faith and hope across the Kaduna Central Senatorial district in his capability and credibility account. The people had always craved a new dispensation and a new order in leadership.

Dattijo comes to the table with an amazing score in competency, in capacity, credibility, integrity, passion, humaneness and humanity and in believability. No doubt, the impact of a Dattijo’s representation of Kaduna Central in the senate will be monstrous, magnificent and huge.

The 2023 political game is wearing a new look. The reality of the moment is to send men who can breast the tape with uncommon charm and grace.
The coming dispensation is for people with grit and audacity to dare the system to yield our lot. None of those in the race is better qualified and equipped than ‘MUHAMMAD SANI DATTIJO’ in terms of professional qualifications.

His world-class taste and acclaim would galvanize the people to aspire for better things. His carriage is urbane and elegantly sophisticated.

He is already being referred to as the ‘Barrack Obama’ of KADUNA CENTRAL because of his unassuming mien and outlook.

Handsomely suave and polished, DATTIJO is like a shining star in the firmament of Kaduna political cosmology. Kaduna Central deserve the best. Muhammad Sani Dattijo is the best.

Comrade Musa Mohammed
Political Writer/Analyst
From Shaba Ward 1
Doka District, Kaduna North Local Government.
musamohdeen@gmail.com
+2348038895334