Author Archives: MOONLIGHT NEWS

The Nigeria Customs Service Kano/Jigawa Area Command has held a stakeholders meeting on the collection of 4% Free On Board (FOB), insisting that the new revenue law was in the interest of all stakeholders, including exporters, importers, customs agents, among others.

The Area Controller, Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar, has said that, the 4% FOB collection was temporarily suspended because the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) contract with the service providers has been terminated.

Comptroller Abubakar made the statement during a sensitization of importers and stakeholders on the collection of 4% free collection on board, organized by Nigeria customs service Kano/jigawa command which took place on Wednesday.

He explained that, Nigeria customs service will begin to collect the 4% FOB by itself once the suspension is lifted.

He added that the Nigeria Customs Service is using the period of suspension to sensitize all stakeholders on the need to pay the 4% FOB levy.

“Our meeting today is to discuss what all of us are already aware of; that is the issue of 4% Free-On-Board collection has been suspended,” Abubakar said.

“The suspension is why we are here. We want to engage the stakeholders. The suspension aligns with the termination of our contract agreement with the service providers.

“This stakeholders meeting will be continuous. We will be inviting you in the coming weeks. We are here to sensitize you and give you lectures on the reason we should pay the 4% FOB levy.”

According to him, the Act gives Customs the powers to collect the 4% FOB, which is largely used to facilitate the activities of the NCS, as well as making the process of dealing with stakeholders easier.

Lectures were presented to the stakeholders, highlighting the need they should accept the collection of the 4% FOB.

Though some of the stakeholders who spoke said the levy was adding more burden on their business transactions, many of the agreed with the submission of the NCS, but insisted that stakeholders should be carried along whenever such laws affecting their businesses directly are promulgated.

They also urged the NCS to inform all stakeholders whenever the suspension of the 4% FOB is lifted so that they can inform their customers and business partners.

Kaduna based Human Rights group, K-23 Movement has applauded the National Security Adviser,Mal Nuhu Ribadu for concerted efforts and proactive steps taken to rid the north and indeed the entire country of banditry, terrorism and other security challenges.

According to the group, kidnapping and banditry had become economic crimes, which many criminals engaged in to make cool money in the country, before Ribadu alongside security agencies deployed proactive strategies that are already yielding fruits to tame insecurity in the country

The Chairman of K-23 movement Comrade Bashir Bello, who made the commendation during a press conference held at Arewa House Kaduna, expressed angered overs what he described as “unprovoked vituperations” from the former Governor Nasir Elrufai against the NSA and other political leaders.

He words: ” We are angry at Elrufai’s vituperations against the respected National Security Adviser , Mal Nuhu Ribadu and Kaduna State Governor .

El-Rufai had backed Haj. Naja’atu Muhammad when he released a newspaper article as evidence of where Ribadu vowed to expose leaders of the All Progressives Congress, including President Tinubu. According to him, Ribadu has serious amnesia.

According to him , the K-23 is unhappy that a man facing alleged corruption, should be very careful not stirr up controversy that overheats the polity. We want him to know that this campaign of calumny against he highly revered National Security adviser would be resisted

While noting that those who come to equity must come with clean hands, the Chairman described, Mal Nuhu Ribadu as a man of proven integrity ,who served his country meritoriously as the pioneer chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC and left with an unblemished record with unrivaled achievements .

Bello who reiterated readiness ready to give all necessary support that will help the NSA rid the north of insecurity challenges, said he is elated that the National Security Adviser is working tirelessly to rid the north and indeed the entire country of banditry, terrorism and other security challenges.

Speaking about El-Rufai, he said ,he It is on record that his administration in Kaduna State built a reputation for political repression by muzzling dissenting voices, sending numerous citizens to jail including journalists, traditional, politicians and academics without recourse to fairness.

He further said, “Among the numerous casualties of his repressive rule are a journalist Luka Biniyat who spent 185 days in jail. Steven Kefason also journalists spent 162 days in Jail. Dr. John Danfulani a university lecturer with the Kaduna State University was detained for 22 days and subsequently sacked from the university. We will not forget the nine Adara elders detained for 183 days. Abubakar Idris alias Dadiyata, a lecturer and public commentator was also abducted in his home.

“Five years down the line, his whereabouts is still unknown. Bashir Hamdada, a political associate of Senator Shehu Sani, was abducted and tortured for days in a detention facility for voicing his concerns. Galadiman Ruwan Zazzau A traditional title holder was detained for several days for defending the labour movement. His predecessor, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero was not spared either as he was humiliated and forced to display the EFCC charges board to the world after being detained for several days. likewise the former Secretary to the State Government Hamza Ishaq Danmahawayi and former PDP State Chairman A.G. Haruna. The list is endless.

“The ex-governor has flooded the media with wild claims that the current administration of Gov. Uba Sani has failed to disclose to the people of Kaduna State the fabled N150billion Financial intervention to the state while forgetting to remove the speck on his own eyes.

“Lest I forget, it is on record that erstwhile governor has, for the eight years he held sway as, refused to disclose the trillions that accrued to the state coffers from various grants and loans, which to date no member of the Kaduna state can testify how they were spent. The followings may suffice
He received millions of dollars Paris refund from the Federal Government without disclosing the sum to the people of the state.

Bello however revealed, “He received billions of naira in Ecological funds and failed to disclose the sum to the people of the state .He collected billions of Naira from the Excess Crude Account without disclosing the sum to the state
He also received billions of naira from Special Grants by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) without disclosing the sum to the state.

“He received payment for Stamp Duties in billions without disclosing the sum to the state. He also mortgaged the state Internally Generated Revenue IGR to a commercial bank and received billions of naira in return without disclosing the sum to the state until the startling revelations made by the report of Kaduna State House of Assembly emerged, no one could defend how the USD350million loan the ex-governor received from the World Bank was spent
Mal Nasir El-Rufai should therefore spare Governor Uba Sani his tantrums which are capable of distracting the current administration from the steady progress being made in the state in all areas of governance.

“Besides, we are calling on all relevant agencies to investigate his record of abuse of office and human rights violation including arbitrary detention and the illegal demolition of homes and business property in Kaduna, Zaria and Kafanchan, which rendered the state’s economy comatose. We should not forget that the ex-governor was disqualified by the National Assembly when his name was forwarded for ministerial screening on the grounds of security and poor human rights records”.

He emphasized the need for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to prosecute El-Rufai for the alleged charges of monumental corruption levelled against him by the State House of Assembly and other crimes committed against the State.

Enraged by her recent Tiktok Video comments, Kano based women group, Kanawa Womenu Forum for Development (KWFD) has said Hajiya Naja’atu Mohammad, the Police Service Commission member has no moral right and honour to attack the National Security Adviser ,Mal. Nuhu Ribadu.

According to the women group, Naja’atu Muhammad should not be speaking against the National Security Adviser who has been able to use his office to relatively secure the north and its people from daredevil bandits and insurgents .

Najaatu in the video, claimed that during Ribadu’s tenure as chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), he accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senators George Akume and Orji Uzor Kalu, of being among the most corrupt Governors in Nigeria.

The Kanawa Women Forum for Development in statement made available to journalists in Kaduna which claimed,Naja’atu is working for Atikui said, “Though the National Security Adviser did demand for a public apology and retraction from Hajia Naja’atu Muhammad over the allegations she made in the viral TikTok video, we are giving her 7-day ultimatum to go back on same tiktok to apologize”.

The statement signed by the Leader of the group,Hajiya Amina Musa Lawan posited that he who must talk about equity must be ready to come with clean hands, thus part of reasons we are revealing her this her dark titled: “The ABC of Naja’atu the Saint” .

The statement further reads: ” Naja’atu’s first husband Dr. Bala Muhammad,was the political adviser of late Kano Governor Rimi in the 80s.Dr Bala was killed in kano by members of the faction of his party.Naja’atu went ahead to marry one of the foes of her late Husband.She had married and divorced over 7 times and now she is single.

“During the reign of General Sani Abacha,Naja’atu distanced herself of progressive politicians and befriended the wife of the late dictator.She defended that regime in the face of the looting and the rights violations.She benefited financially and bought a lot of properties.At the time of the Abacha transitions,She contested the Senate seat for Kano central,As results were tricking in favour of Senator Kura Muhammad of blessed memory,Soldiers were ordered to invade collation center and Naja’atu was illegally declared the Winner,and it never lasted. That is why you will never hear her say anything about Abacha’s family or his looting.

“Naja’atu has a track record of blackmailing successive Kano state Governors in the last 25 years.During the Government of Shekarau,She brought in a Chinese Company to the Governor and demanded that billions of Naira contract should be awarded to her,when shekarau declined,she started campaign against him and ran away from kano.

“Naja’atu was praising Buhari and wanted Buhari to appoint her minister,when he refused and appointed her the cv of Federal University Dutse Jigawa state,she declined and started attacking him. “

Concerned Kaduna Citizens have dissociated its group from the recent publication made the former Kaduna State Governor,Mal Nasir Elrufai.

According to the group, there was no time permission was granted to Elrufai,while improperly using the group’s name as a hashtag at the end of his write-up, where he attacked his successor, Governor Uba Sani.

The Concerned Kaduna Citizens in a Disclaimer written and made available to journalists in Kaduna today stated, “Our attention has been drawn to a publication by one Nasir EI-Rufa’i, in which he vehemently opposes His Excellency, the Governor of Kaduna State, while improperly using our name as a hashtag at the end of his write-up.”

The disclaimer signed by the Chairman of the group, Isah Abbas Ahmed reads: “We want to make it clear that; The name Concerned Kaduna Citizens as used by Nasir El-Rufa’i does not imply membership, endorsement, or authorization by the actual group.

“Any views, opinions, or statements expressed by Nasir El-Rufa’i in relation to this name are solely his own and do not represent the position of the group, its members or well-meaning Kaduna citizens.

“The group disclaims any association, responsibility, or liability for the use of its name by this individual who is not recognized as
member.”

In recognition of his outstanding dedication to public service, Sani Liman Kila, (MFR), the Chief of Staff to Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, was today, February 4, 2025, honored with the prestigious People-Friendly Chief of Staff award by the Pastors United for Change Association.

The award, presented in a ceremony graced by key stakeholders and community leaders, underscores Kila’s pivotal role in supporting Governor Uba Sani’s progressive, people-centered administration.

The association’s leadership lauded the Kaduna State Government’s remarkable strides in infrastructural development and security, attributing part of this success to cabinet members like Kila and their commitment to excellence and efficient service delivery.

“Kaduna State under Governor Uba Sani’s leadership has witnessed transformational growth, and the Chief of Staff has been a key driver behind this success. This award is a token of our appreciation for his tireless efforts and dedication to the people of Kaduna,” the association stated.

Malam Kila, known for his strategic leadership and hands-on approach to governance, expressed gratitude for the recognition, reaffirming his commitment to advancing the state’s development agenda. “This award is not just for me but for every member of our team working tirelessly to deliver on the promises of the administration of our tireless governor. Together, we will continue to prioritize the needs of our people,” he remarked.

This recognition adds to the growing list of accolades received by officials under Governor Uba Sani’s administration, reflecting a government deeply rooted in transparency, accountability, and people-focused governance.

Kaduna Peace and Unity Forum (KPUF) has blasted former Governor ,Mal. Nasir Elrufai over his fraudulent and destructive legacies that left Kaduna an indebted State.

The Forum, which Passed Vote of Confidence on his successor, said Elrufai has no moral right to accuse Governor Uba Sani for working closely with President to enjoy Federal government support to provide adequate security and development in the State .

El-Rufai had launched a scathing attack on his successor, Uba Sani, accusing him of sycophancy and pandering to President Bola Tinubu for self aggrandizement.

The criticism followed Governor Uba Sani’s remarks during a TVC News interview on Monday, where the governor expressed surprise at the growing criticism of Tinubu’s administration from some founding members of the All Progressives Congress.

But in a swift reaction, the Kaduna Peace and Unity Forum in a statement rose in defence of the Governor on account of his civil approach to governance and his cordial and visionary leadership style that gave birth to a peaceful and relatively secured Kaduna today.

According to group, the huge debt left by Elrufai’s administration is part of reasons ,the Governor is facing difficulty in efforts to raise funds for development and working round the clock to ensure gaps of harsh economy are closed .

The Statement signed by the Chairman of the Forum,Dr. David Bege Abraham, explained,”There is no where in the world where frictions with superior leaders such as a President can yield growth and development. This is part of reasons, Governor Uba Sani’s support is apt and right in our view.

While Stating that Elrufai’s recent comments on Uba Sani are unwarranted , especially that the governor didn’t abuse of destroy his image on the live TV programme.

The statement further reads: “We can all testify to the commitments of the Governor to provide security that today has created enabling environment for the citizens, residents and business people.

“This was the case in days of Mal Nasir Elrufai.We can argue the fact he supported the Governor to win ,but he should allow him to govern the State with interference and distractions.”

” When Elrufai accused the APC of poor leadership and encouraged the opposition parties to form a united front ahead of the 2027 election, What Governor Uba Sani did was only to gave an insight to why they are aggrieved and nothing else .

“What we want in Kaduna now is peace and unity and not political fights. Anything short of this would be resisted by the good citizens of the state

Coalition of Northern Elders across the three geopolitical zones today called on President Bola Tinubu to appoint the Chief Health, Safety and Environment Officer Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Dr. Bala Wunti to succeed Engr. Mele Kyari, the outgoing Group Chief Executive Officer of the country’s oil company.

According to the Elders, the appointment of a Northern to succeed Kyari would no doubt clear the misgivings and impression that the President favours only people from the south, especially southwest for ‘juicy’ appointments.

“We strongly believe if Wunti from Bauchi State is appointed,the erroneous impressions about the lopsided appointments would disappear because the Northerners would celebrate the feat”. They said .

The elders, who made the appeal in a statement made available to journalist in Kaduna explained,”The decision to speak as elders is to douse tension and tell the President that north deserve rewards in form of appointments for the overwhelming support he enjoyed during the 2023 general elections.

The statement signed by Chairman of Coalition,Prof. Inuwa Wada Mohammed further stated:”We have carefully studied all Northerners within the oil and gas sector,and resolve to support Bala Wunti, a thoroughbred oil and gas industry professional with 30 years’ experience covering Technical, Commercial, Managerial and Executive roles across the oil and gas value chain.

“From records obtained,His leadership in various NNPC roles, from upstream investment management to gas policy reform, shows competence.

“Information gathered about revealed that he is qualified as graduate of Chemistry from Ahmadu Bello University,Moreso as an individual with a Master’s degree in Business Administration,his capacity to deliver is not in doubt.”

The Elders, who acknowledged his selfless commitment and hard work at his current and previous positions in NAPIMS, say President will the service of such oil and gas expert.

“Mele Kyari-led team, alongside Bala Wunti and others, has its name written in gold in the history of the Nigerian oil sector despite challenges and distractions within and outside the sector, therefore the President as head of Nigeria’s apex oil company has the power to decide on who takes over from Kyari.

“We urge Mr President to do this for us and he would assured of our full support in the forthcoming 2027 elections .”

…Urges Members to Take Over Social Media, Fight Fake News

Northern based media group under aegis of Northern Online Media Reporters and Publishers ( NORP) on Saturday elected it’s National executive members .

The election held in Kaduna at Arewa House, Kaduna was supervised by the Electoral Committee of the Union.

Comrade Musa Mohammed from Kaduna State emerged as the new Executive National President in keenly contested election .He polled 287 votes to defeated his rival ,Comrade Lynn Adda the former NUJ chairman, Taraba state, who got 138 votes .

While Comrade Femi Adi from Kogi State emerged as the Executive National Secretary with 210 votes .He defeated Comrade Rayyan Al-Hassan who polled 207 votes.

By the constitution of the Union,the Deputy National Secretary and National Assistant Secretary are reserved for persons who come second in both Therefore,Comrade Lynn Adda and Comrade Rayyan Al-Hassan emerged as Deputy National President and National Assistant Secretary accordingly.

Other who emerged unopposed are Comrade Zaharaddeen Ishaq Zailani – National Financial secretary; Comrade Abraham Suleman – Asst. National Financial secretary, and Comrade Abbas Yusha’u – National Treasurer.

In his acceptance speech,Comrade Musa Mohammed urged members of group across the 19 northern states to take advantage of the social media platforms to fight fake news and promote good governance.

According to him, the social media platforms can only be reliable for information dissemination,when professional journalists take over and use the professionally.

” Our greatest headache is the citizens journalist problem,where anyone can post anything online without verifying the source or authenticating such stories .But the good thing is that the professional journalists are taking over now .” He said .

While urging members to work within ethics of the profession,he expressed commitment to ensuring unity and progress of the Union within the three years term of office.

He however ,thanked the members who turned out for election and prayed for their safe return back to their destination.

All Progressives Congress Support Vanguard(APCSV) has faulted the failure on side appointed aides to respond to former Minister of Transportation and former Rivers state governor, Rotimi Amaechi over alleged incitement of anarchy against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

According to the Support group, it is unfair for Party members, especially appointed aides to pretend not understand the implications of such vituperation from Amaechi and others in recent time with no response from them .

The APC Support Vanguard, which states this in a statement made available to journalists today, observed that, “Aside the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, who issued a warning to the former Minister of Transportation, over what he described as reckless and inciting statements regarding the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, we are yet to see other that rose in his defense of the Tinubu “.

In the statement signed by the Chairman , Abdullahi Mohammed Tofa , the group said the former Minister of Transportation warning that President Bola Tinubu will not relinquish power to the younger generation without resistance and pushing for alleged do-or-die election is dangerous to our existence as a people .

The statement further reads ,”For anyone to make public statements such as, “If you think Tinubu will just give you power, you are wasting your time”, is nothing but,an incitement. And seeing majority of his aides main sealed lips leave a lots to be worried about.

“We Recalled how same Amaechi in 2024 questioned the preparedness of President Bola Tinubu on the removal of the fuel subsidy and returning again in 2025 to say the political class, including President Bola Tinubu, would not willingly cede power to the younger generation.

“We are not against criticism of any sort,but let it be such that will be constructive and not overheat the polity .” It stated .

While noting that the aides can’t claim not to understand the erroneous signals being sent to the public and the subtle push for anarchy ahead of the 2027 general elections, the group said ,”As concerned support group,who are disturbed about the unwarranted attacks on Tinubu within the party hierarchy such as; Amaechi and Elrufai, we call on appointees ,the party structure and friends of the President to reply Amaechi immediately and put the records straight.”

The former lawmaker representing Kaduna Central Senatorial zone , Senator Shehu Sani took a swipe at former Kaduna Governor,Mal Nasir Elrufai over his recent political comments of ,” Illiterates In Leadership Position”.

According to Shehu Sani, Elrufai in power practiced tyranny, but out of power he preaches democracy.

Former Kaduna Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, had accused his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), of abandoning its founding principles and fostering poor leadership, saying “You cannot afford to have illiterates, semi-illiterates, and cunning people as your leaders. This is why we end up with the poor leadership we have today,”

But in a reaction to Elrufai’s comments, Senator Shehu Sani via a telephone interview said ,”The man with a history of undisguised intolerance to opposition and hypersensitive allergy to criticisms have no moral and saintly feet to stand on the pulpit of democracy to preach about good governance.

While stating that Elrufai is like a man who is turned down by a woman and resorted to speaking ill of her, he posited that ,”If Nasiru is in a Keke napep, he will call it a Lamborghini; if he is thrown out of the Lamborghini,he will call it a Keke Napep.

He demonised the opposition when in the palace and now embracing them when in the wilderness.

According to him , today Tinubu’s Government is led by illiterates, because they refused to hire Professor Nasiru,who left behind a heap of garbage in kaduna and now preaching hygiene in Nigeria