DISPOSAL OF SEIZED ITEMS: SOCIETY EYE SUPPORT INITIATIVE COMMENDS ADENIYI FOR TRANSPERENCY
…says adequate crowd control measure must be prioritized subsequently
By Mcanthony Onuoha
As Customs commences disposal of seized food items to mitigate the excruciating hardship ravaging Nigerians presently, Society Eye Support Initiative (SESI) has commended the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, for the level of transparency that has characterized the process so far.
CHINEDUM JAMES OGOKE, NATIONAL COORDINATOR, SOCIETY EYE SUPPORT INITIATIVE(SESI)
The National Coordinator of Society Eye Support Initiative (SESI ) Comrade Chinedum James Ogoke, made the commendation on a telephone chat with The Prestige Blended Magazine Online. Speaking, Ogoke said that the CG has demonstrated a high level of transparency in the sales and distribution of the food item (rice) and expressed optimism that with the CG’s commitment to the welfare of the common man, the process would not be compromised.
Recall that the Comptroller General of Customs on Friday, the 23rd of February, 2024, kick started an intervention programme to cushion the effect of the present economic hardship ravaging Nigerians. The programme which was declared open by the CGC at at Harvey Road, Yaba, offers Nigerians from all walks of life the opportunity to get a 25kg of rice at N10,000 against N35,000 which is the current market price for half a bag.
Congratulating the CG and the Federal government on the gesture, Ogoke stated that, “the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs must be commended for exhibiting utmost level of transparency in the sales and distribution of the seized food items to the public and l sincerely wish that same gesture be replicated in the distribution of other seized items. For once, let the public speak good of the performance of the government.”
Unveiling the intervention programme, the CGC disclosed that a lot of things were put into consideration while trying to come up with the most transparent measure to carry out the exercise. He said that one of the modalities is the presentation of National Identification Number (NIN) and payment of N10,000 only, which qualifies one person to go home with 25kg of rice.
The CG warned the general public not to indulge in underhand dealings, stressing that the items are not resellable; and anyone caught in such act of sabotage must be made to face the wrath of the law.
Comrade Chinedum James Ogoke, urged the Government to fix the economy; and in the interim, explore other means of cushioning the effect of the present economic crises.
Nevertheless, a certain number of casualties was recorded during the first day of the exercise. According to media reports, six people including a pregnant woman lost their lives in a stampede that ensued at Customs Zonal Headquarters, Harvey Road Yaba which resulted in temporary suspension of the intervention programme by the Comptroller General of Customs.
Reacting to the tragic incident, the Coordinator of Society Eye Support Initiative (SESI) condemned the unfortunate incident urging Nigeria Customs Service to prioritize adequate crowd control measure in subsequent exercise.
Society Eye Support Initiative (SESI) is a Non Governmental Organization that partners with agencies, individuals local and international organizations in sensitizing young people on the menace of drug abuse and other criminalities. It is also a Public Welfare Advocacy Initiative.
