Ex-Customs Boss, Ibrahim Mero’s Song of Lamentation

Ask Prince Ibrahim Mera, a former Deputy Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service, to spell out his most cherished ambition, and he will probably tell you that he wants to be governor of his state, Kebbi.

This is one dream he has always pursued with great determination. But either by design or accident, the most sought position has again eluded him.
Society Watch gathered that he failed to secure the All Progressives Congress’ ticket for the next year governorship election in the state.
It was gathered that the billionaire ex-Customs topshot did not pass the screening organised by the party recently, thereby foreclosing his ambition of wresting power from the incumbent governor, Abubakar Bagudu.

Although a source revealed that he is not taking this without a fight, the general belief is that “his ambition is as good as dead!”
“He may likely go to another party for his governorship aspiration,” a source added.
However, another source said that it would be easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for him to become the number one citizen of the state.

“It is difficult for Mera to become a governor anywhere. He does not have the temperament to hold such a political office. Besides he is too arrogant. He should just stay back and enjoy his retirement,’’ another source hinted.
Though many wonder about the source of his stupendous wealth, those close to him maintained that his wealth could be traceable to the vast Estate bequeathed to him by his late father.
Mera, who is also described as a car freak, has properties in some states across Nigeria, including Argungu in Birnin-Kebbi, Lagos, Kaduna, Abuja as well as in London.

Unknown to many, this is not the first time his dream had been shattered. It was revealed that he had hoped to succeed his father, Alhaji Mohammed Mera , the late Emir of Argungun, in line with his royal title of Ciroman of Argungu (Crown Prince).

He, however, lost out in the battle of succession to his elder brother, Samaila Mera, who was allegedly imposed on the Emirate by the then Military governor of the old Sokoto State under whom he had served as Commissioner for Water Resources.

Mera, who is said to have been the choice of their late father, felt betrayed by the imposition of his elder brother, but he resigned to fate.
He also lost out of the bid to become the number one man in the Customs when President Buhari was elected in 2015.