Connect with us

News

Customs seize N680m elephant tusks, others

Published

on

The Nigeria Customs Service, Eastern Marine Command, Port Harcourt, said it intercepted different wildlife and other contrabands with a duty paid value of N680m.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Tangwa, said this in a statement on Saturday.

He said the various contrabands were intercepted at different waterways within the command.

“The Eastern Marine Command of the NCS has made a significant breakthrough in combatting wildlife trafficking by intercepting a substantial quantity of pangolin scales, elephant tusks and sacks of used second-hand shoes.

“The seizure took place in the South-South coastal waterways along the Ibaka-Bakasi Beach,” he said.

Tangwa added that the seizures showed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

Giving details of the seizure, he added, “Sizeable consignment of pangolin scales and elephant tusks amounting to 365.4 kg and six large sacks of used second-hand shoes with a total duty paid value of N680m were intercepted.”

He noted that the interception represented a significant blow to the illicit trade of endangered species.

Meanwhile, in the statement, the Customs Area Controller in charge of the command, Mike Ugbagu, thanked the management of the service for deploying gunboats and logistic boats to the command.

“These additional resources greatly enhanced the command’s ability to patrol and secure the South-South coastal waterways effectively and also comb the beaches,” the CGC stated.

Ugbagu reiterated the command’s commitment to providing officers with the necessary tools and support needed to safeguard the nation’s waterways.

“These heinous activities not only endanger vulnerable species but also contribute to organised crime and illicit financial flows.

“Nigeria, as a responsible member of the international community, remains steadfast in its commitment to combating wildlife trafficking and preserving its rich biodiversity,” he added.

Ugbagu reiterated that the Eastern Marine Command under his watch will continue to intensify its efforts in combating wildlife trafficking and protecting Nigeria’s natural heritage.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

“Go and Verify”: How Sunday Umeha Is Redefining Representation in Ezeagu/Udi

Published

on

Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha has continued to distinguish himself not only as a grassroots politician but as a sound parliamentarian who clearly understands the true essence of legislative representation and public service.

Since emerging as the Member representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Umeha has consistently demonstrated capacity, vision, and commitment both on the floor of the National Assembly and within his constituency.

Unlike many politicians whose promises disappear after elections, Rt. Hon. Umeha has steadily transformed his campaign mantra, “Go and Verify,” into practical realities visible across communities in Ezeagu and Udi Federal Constituency.

From road construction to solar-powered streetlights, classroom projects, healthcare interventions, agricultural empowerment, scholarships, boreholes, and youth development programmes, his stewardship has remained rooted in service delivery and measurable impact.

Observers say one of the strongest qualities that separates Umeha from many lawmakers is his deep understanding of parliamentary responsibilities. Through strategic bills and motions, he has continued to show that representation goes beyond rhetoric and political appearances.

Among several notable legislative efforts, he sponsored bills seeking the establishment of a Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition in Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency, reforms in the education sector through the abolition of levies in public basic schools, mandatory insurance protection for NYSC members, and the establishment of a National Football Academy.

He also sponsored motions addressing critical national concerns, including the investigation into the gruesome killing of Nigerians by soldiers in Enugu State and the urgent completion of the Karshi/Apo Road project in Abuja to ease traffic congestion.

Political analysts note that these interventions reflect a lawmaker who understands that effective representation must combine constituency development with strong legislative advocacy.

Many constituents equally commend him for remaining faithful to the promises he made during his campaigns. Across the constituency, residents point to completed and ongoing projects as evidence that the lawmaker has not reneged on his commitments to the people.

Beyond governance and legislative duties, Rt. Hon. Umeha also played significant roles in efforts aimed at restoring sanity, stability, and internal cohesion within the Labour Party before his eventual defection to the APC.

Sources within the political space in Enugu State revealed that Umeha consistently pushed for peace, unity, and institutional order within the party during periods of internal crisis and leadership disagreements. His interventions were said to be driven by the desire to protect the interests of party members and preserve the integrity of the platform.

However, following prolonged internal challenges and unresolved structural issues within the Labour Party, the federal lawmaker eventually moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a decision many political observers described as strategic and inevitable.

Despite the political transition, supporters insist that his focus has remained unchanged — delivering quality representation, empowering constituents, and sustaining developmental projects across Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency.

For many residents, Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha represents a rare blend of grassroots leadership, legislative competence, humility, and political responsibility.

And across the constituency, the verdict from many communities remains simple:

“He promised, and he delivered.”

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending