DIRECTOR-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Col. Hameed Ali, rtd, has explained that he decided to lift the ban on importation of rice through land borders due largely to the great increase in the activities of smugglers of the commodity, which he noted was largely reducing the revenue generation of the agency.

MOST Nigerian leaders while in office, get afflicted by two common bugs, namely, the bug of attracting only grave and gold diggers as friends and associates, and the bug of regarding every critique as an enemy, even constructive critiques. Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo is not different, but fortunately, some of us,have resolved to continue to point the right ways to him, in his own interest and that of his people, even when he feels bad about such comments, because we are all involved.

Scores of women from four local government areas in Enugu State,yesterday, called on the state government to quickly halt incessant attacks occasioned by Fulani herdsmen who molest, maim, rape and destroy their farmland and livestocks.

There were strong indications yesterday that Osun State government may this week announced the new Ooni of Ife amidst heavy presence of security operatives around the ancient town.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday dismissed the call for further devaluation by the Emir of Kano, and immediate past Governor of the bank, Mallam Muhammad Sanusi II, saying there would be no further devaluation of the naira.