Rivers
Custom Chief Promises To Prevent Crime In Ports
The Comptroller, Customs Area Controller, Port Harcourt Area II Comand, Onne, Bashir Abubaka, has said that he would work round the clock to rid the ports under him of crime.
He made the assurance when members of Maritime and Energy Practitioners of Nigeria (MEMPON) led by its President, Dr Raph John paid him a courtesy visit in Onne, recently.
Abubaka noted that since importers were using crime as an alibi to avoid eastern ports, the command would ensure that the level of crime rate was reduced to the barest minimum.
He hinted that such was the idea of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col Hameed Ali (Rtd), saying that he would only key into the project.
According to him, Ali has the interest of port users in the country at heart and would not watch anyone to destroy his vision.
The Onne Port boss noted that sea ports in the eastern part of the country were safe for all kinds of transaction.
He reasoned that importers and other port users from the area who used other ports were not fair to themselves.
The custom chief, who condemned the practice of importing goods from countries like Contonou, said such was against the spirit of patriotism.
He maintained that all ports in the east including that of Warri in Delta State were safer for business, saying that quality vessels were now used in the area.
Furthermore, he also informed MEMPON members that he was an ardent believer of rule of law, adding that he would not toy with objectivity and transparency.
Inspection of cargo and other practices at the ports he said, were in line with the best international practice based on the Comptroller-General’s directives on Ease of Doing Business (EODB).
Responding to some of the points raised by the Port Harcourt Area II Custom boss, the President of MEMPON, Dr Raph John, said his members were prepared to crusade against all forms of characters inimical to port growth especially in the eastern ports. He lauded him over his plans to transform the Onne Port building and other projects.
The Chief of the Rivers State Road Traffic and Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO), Engr. Akobo Monibo, alongside other executive officers of the agency, received the leadership of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Employees (AUPCTRE), Rivers State Council, during a courtesy and interactive meeting held at the office of the Chief VIO.
The delegation was led by the State Chairman of AUPCTRE, Comrade Tamunoiminabo Toby, accompanied by other executive members of the union.
Speaking during the meeting, Engr. Akobo Monibo expressed appreciation to the union leadership for identifying with the VIO at this crucial time and commended the union for its commitment towards workers’ welfare and institutional development.
According to him, the responsibilities of the VIO remain enormous and vital to the development of a safer transportation system within the state.
In his response, the State Chairman of AUPCTRE, Comrade Tamunoiminabo Toby, appreciated the warm reception and hospitality extended to the union delegation by the leadership of the VIO.
He explained that the purpose of the courtesy visit was to facilitate the establishment of an AUPCTRE Unit or Chapter within the VIO, noting that the union already has members within the Ministry of Transport and other related agencies.
The chairman further emphasized the benefits of union membership, especially in promoting workers’ welfare, unity, cooperation, and professional representation within government establishments.
Also speaking during the meeting, the Deputy Chief VIO, Comrade Livings Denoi, appreciated the union for the visit and welcomed the move towards establishing a VIO Chapter of AUPCTRE, describing it as a positive step toward strengthening collaboration and staff welfare within the agency.
Other personalities present during the meeting included Sup. Stella Jacks and the State Secretary of AUPCTRE, Comrade Okpeyeme Adebajo, alongside other officials from both organizations.
The meeting ended on a cordial note, with both parties reaffirming their commitment to partnership, institutional growth, and the promotion of efficient service delivery in Rivers State.
