Wednesday 21 June 2023 New service chiefs: 100 military generals may be retired Naira closes N756/$ as trading rises at investor’s window Emefiele’s detention backed by court order, says DSS Gunmen abduct monarch, wife in Kogi FG demands N5,000 promotional exam fee NDLEA, NAFDAC Boards Not Dissolved, FG Clarifies Tinubu’s Start As President Better Than His Lagos Days – Bode George Appeal Court Sets Aside Warrant Of Arrest Against Amaechi, Others Appeal Court Sets Aside Warrant Of Arrest Against Amaechi, Others Tinubu Returns NEMA, Hajj Commission To VP Office Court To Rule In Kanu’s Case Against DSS July 20 Emefiele Sues DSS, Court To Rule On Rights Enforcement Suit July 13 Joe Biden’s Son Hunter Reaches Plea Deal On Gun, Tax Charges Life Is A Stage, I’m Happy Handing Over To IGP Egbetokun – Baba Ganduje Govt Spent Over N20bn On Foreign, Local Scholarships – Ex-Commissioner Kano Governor Yusuf Threatens to Expose Alleged Illegal Land Beneficiaries Families Of Slain Zamfara Police Officers Receive N23.5m EFCC Releases Ortom After 10 Hours In Custody Obi Vs Tinubu: LP Rep Who Described President As Intelligent Sparks Fresh Row Man, 35, Arrested Over Rape Of 3-Year-Old Girl In Kaduna Anxiety as ex-depot petrol price rises to N490 per litre Gunmen abduct bank’s Operations Manager in Bayelsa Visit a newspaper stand this morning, buy and read a copy for yourself…

  The housing allowances for members of the National Assembly may cost the country about N5.87bn yearly, according to findings from The PUNCH. With the annual allocation of N5.87bn, in four years the Federal Government will spend N23.48bn on the lawmakers’ accommodation. The allowances are based on data collated from a document obtained from the website of the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Allocation Commission. It covers allowances for accommodation (200 per cent of basic salary), domestic staff (75 per cent of basic salary), utilities (30 per cent of basic salary), house maintenance (five per cent of basic salary), wardrobe (25 per cent of basic salary) and furniture (300 per cent of basic salary). Also, although furniture allowance is usually paid once in four years for public office holders, the frequency of payment is not disclosed for members of the National Assembly. From the total amount, the housing allowances of the Senators will cost about N1.38bn yearly. The amount for the Senate President and Deputy Senate President was not disclosed by the RMAFC. Therefore, the amount covers only the allowances for the 107 senators. A breakdown shows that N4.05m was allocated for accommodation, N1.52m for domestic staff, N607,920 for utilities, N101,320 for house maintenance, N506,600 for wardrobe allowance, and N6.08m for furniture allowance. The housing allowances of the House of Representatives members will cost N4.49bn yearly. The amount for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker was not disclosed by the RMAFC. In addition, Isma’ila Maihanchi, member-elect of the House of Representatives for Jalingo/Yorro/Zing federal constituency in Taraba, is reportedly dead. Also, Femi Gbajabiamila, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, resigned from the 10th House to take up his new position as the chief of staff to President Bola Tinubu. Therefore, the amount covers only the allowances for the 356 House of Representatives members. Allocation breakdown A breakdown shows that N3.97m was allocated for accommodation, N1.48m for domestic staff, N595,563.75 for utilities, N99,260.62 for house maintenance, N496,303.12 for wardrobe allowance, and N5.96m for furniture allowance. Since the allocations for the Senate President and his deputy and the Speaker and his Deputy were not disclosed, it means that the N5.87bn is likely below the total amount the members of the National Assembly would get as housing allowances yearly. Prices of residential apartments in the highbrow areas of the Federal Capital Territory have surged by at least 60 per cent due to the high demand for houses by the newly inaugurated members of the national assembly, The PUNCH has learnt. The areas include Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse, and other locations close to the city centre. A member of staff of a real estate firm, who spoke with our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, confirmed the new surge in prices, adding that it was natural for prices of homes to increase with over 900 persons looking for residential apartments at the same time. The staff member said, “Yes it has, we have over 400 NASS members with over 500 support staff looking for housing accommodation at the same time so automatically the force of demand and supply has come into play so the cost of housing has jacked up.” Giving further explanation, a real estate agent, Bimbo, blamed the current economic realities caused by the removal of fuel subsidy and high inflation as part of the reasons for the outrageous surge in prices. The agent further revealed that some of the senators have in the meantime decided to reside at short-let apartments pending the time they can buy their preferred residence outrightly. The agent said, “Prices of houses in posh areas have increased drastically. Houses available for rent now go for N6m from N3m before the inauguration, other smaller places for their aides that were around N800,000 now sell for almost N1.4m. Most of the senators prefer to buy than rent and this is even more expensive, a house in those posh will cost not less than N150m. “Also, it is not solely because of the arrival of new senators but due to current economic realities caused by the removal of fuel subsidy. Even with this number, there are still empty houses that are not occupied and the owners will instead leave them to waste than sell them for a lesser amount. “I have also noticed that some senators prefer to stay in short lets apartments for the meantime before getting their apartments. For instance, I know someone that paid to stay in an apartment for N1m per month.” On his part, the Executive Director of the Housing Development Advocacy Group, Festus Adebayo, welcomed the new development as it would drive positive change in the sector. He, however, warned that this may affect prices of rent beyond the affordability of a good number of workers who are salary earners. “Abuja is receiving over a thousand new entrants daily. The real estate sector will witness positive development but that means rent will go beyond the affordability of a good number of workers. Most landlords increase rent once the old payment expires. “Government must provide palliative not only for govt workers but for Nigerian workers in housing.”

  A Monday pronouncement by the Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, has dissolved the governing boards of all federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education. The president, by the pronouncement, has also dissolved the governing board of all parastatals under the Federal Ministry of Education (FME). According to a statement by the Director, Information, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Willie Bassey, Mr Tinubu approved the dissolution of all governing boards of all federal government parastatals, agencies, institutions, and government-owned companies. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved the immediate dissolution of the Governing Boards of all Federal Government Parastatals, Agencies, Institutions, and Government-Owned Companies in the exercise of its constitutional powers and in the public interest,” Mr Bassey wrote. Exemption There are, however, some exceptions to the president’s sweeping order. According to the statement, the president “exempted boards, commissions and councils listed in the Third Schedule, Part 1, Section 153 (i) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.” But there is no parastatal under the education ministry that is exempted from the order. A review of Section 153(I), first part of the third schedule of the Nigerian constitution, shows that the exempted parastatals include: the Code of Conduct Bureau, Council of State, Federal Character Commission, Federal Civil Service Commission, Federal Judicial Service Commission, and the Independent National Electoral Commission. Others are National Defence Council, National Economic Council, National Judicial Council, National Population Commission, National Security Council, Nigeria Police Council, Police Service Commission; and the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission. Affected education agencies, institutions The institutions that are affected by the order under the education ministry include; National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), National Universities Commission (NUC), Nigerian Educational Research Development Council (NERDC), Nigerian French Language Village (NFV), National Commission for Adult Education Mass Literacy and Non-Formal Education (NMEC), National Examinations Council (NECO), and Librarians’ Registration Council of Nigerian (LRCN). Others are the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), National Commission for Nomadic Education (NCNE), Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN), Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), National Institute for Educational Planning & Administration (NIEPA), National Teachers Institute (NTI), National Institute for Nigerian Languages (NINLAN), Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), National Library of Nigeria (NLN), Federal Scholarship Board (FSB), Nigerian Arabic Language Village (NALV) and the Nigerian Mathematical Centre (NMC).   Also affected are all federal government-owned universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and inter-university centres such as the University of Lagos, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Uyo, Yaba College of Technology, Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, and Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka.   Operations continue Meanwhile, following the dissolution of the boards, the president has directed the heads of affected parastatals to refer all matters requiring the attention of the board to his office through the respective permanent secretaries in their ministries. “In view of this development and until such a time new boards are constituted, the Chief Executive Officers of the Parastatals, Agencies, Institutions, and Government-Owned Companies are directed to refer matters requiring the attention of their Boards to the President, through the Permanent Secretaries of their respective supervisory Ministries and Offices,” the statement said. “Permanent Secretaries are directed, also, to route such correspondences to Mr President through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Consequently, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies are to ensure compliance to the provision of this directive which took effect from Friday 16th June.”

  A 36-year old, Ayotomide Adeniyi, on Tuesday, appeared before an Osogbo Chief Magistrates’ Court, for posing as a lawyer and defrauding unsuspecting residents of the state. Adeniyi, who was arraigned on six counts bordering on posing as a lawyer, obtaining money under pretence, stealing and membership in an unlawful society, pleaded guilty to the crimes. The prosecutor, Elisha Olusegun, told the court that the defendant, between January and June 2023 in Osogbo, falsely presented himself as a lawyer to unsuspecting members of the public with the intent to defraud. Other details of the offences committed by the defendant further read, “That you, AYOTOMIDE ADENIYI ‘M’ on the same date, time, place and in the aforementioned Magisterial District, did, with intent to defraud, unlawfully obtain the sum of thirty thousand naira (N30,000:00k from one Ganiyu Sukurat ‘ under the pretence to appear for her in court as a lawyer. “That you, AYOTOMIDE ADENIYI ‘M, on the same date, time, place and in the aforementioned Magisterial District, did with intent to defraud, unlawfully obtain the sum of five thousand naira (N5,000:00k) from one Oyinloye Samuel ‘m° under the pretence of assisting him to secure his bail in court. “That you AYOTOMIDE ADENIYI ‘M’, on the same date, time, place and in the aforementioned Magisterial District, did engage in yourself in an unlawful society known as ALORA Confraternity – a secret cult.” The offences committed were said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 484 of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. II, Section 419 of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. I, Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol.Il,l and Section 64 of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. Il laws of Osun State ofNigeria,a 2002. After the defendant, who had no legal representation, had pleaded guilty to all the counts, the presiding magistrate, Dr. Olusegun Ayilara, adjourned the case till July 24 for sentencing.

  A 60-year-old pastor, Chukwuemeka Orji, was remanded in a Correctional centre on Tuesday by an Aba South Senior Magistrate’s Court over the alleged rape of a minor. The Assemblies of God Church cleric is facing one count of serially raping a 13-year-old girl who lived with him. The rape survivor (name withheld) told the court that the defendant had carnal knowledge of her on many occasions. She said that after Orji’s third-time rape, she told his wife, Mercy, who reportedly confronted him over the allegation. The survivor claimed that the pastor denied the allegation before his wife. She said that Orji, however, continued to rape her and threatened to send her back to her parents in the village in Ugwunagbo should she expose him. She said that the threat deterred her from telling her parents, who worship in another branch of the church, about what she was passing through. She further said that on Thursday, June 15, after Orji’s wife had gone to market, he asked her for sex, but she refused on the ground that she was menstruating. She said that Orji, however, forced her to suck his manhood, an act she described as nauseating to her. She said that because she could not satisfy him, he ordered her to cut the overgrown grass in their compound “as a punishment” A 60-year-old pastor, Chukwuemeka Orji, was remanded in a Correctional centre on Tuesday by an Aba South Senior Magistrate’s Court over the alleged rape of a minor. The Assemblies of God Church cleric is facing one count of serially raping a 13-year-old girl who lived with him. The rape survivor (name withheld) told the court that the defendant had carnal knowledge of her on many occasions. She said that after Orji’s third-time rape, she told his wife, Mercy, who reportedly confronted him over the allegation. The survivor claimed that the pastor denied the allegation before his wife. She said that Orji, however, continued to rape her and threatened to send her back to her parents in the village in Ugwunagbo should she expose him. She said that the threat deterred her from telling her parents, who worship in another branch of the church, about what she was passing through. She further said that on Thursday, June 15, after Orji’s wife had gone to market, he asked her for sex, but she refused on the ground that she was menstruating. She said that Orji, however, forced her to suck his manhood, an act she described as nauseating to her. She said that because she could not satisfy him, he ordered her to cut the overgrown grass in their compound “as a punishment”

  Anambra government on Tuesday warned brothel operators to stop using underage girls to run their businesses or face prosecution. Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs Ify Obinabo, gave the warning in Awka on Tuesday while reacting to the rescue of 12 such girls from brothels in the state capital on Sunday. The ministry, in collaboration with the police, rescued the 12 girls, some as young as 15 years, in a raid at a guest house in Amawbia on June 18. “Anambra government is committed to putting an end to all forms of child kidnap, trafficking and sexual slavery in the state.   “We got a tip-off and during the raid we discovered that three out of the 12 girls are underage girls who were trafficked into Anambra from other states. “We are warning brothel operators in Anambra. They should desist from using underage girls in running their businesses or face the full wrath of the law. “The owner of the brothel has been arrested and the case will not be treated with levity as it has been transferred to State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka, for investigation,’’ Obinabo said. She added that the girls had been taken to hospital for medical examination and treatment and their families had been contacted. Narrating her ordeal, a 15-year-old rescued girl, told newsmen that she was taken from her home in Ebonyi by two ladies. She said the ladies tricked her to believe that she would be employed as sales girl in Anambra. She said she was shocked that she was taken to Awka to engage in prostitution. “The ladies who brought us to the brothel in Awka seized our phones and other belongings before handing us over to another woman. “The woman is our madam and she told us that she would not release us unless we pay her N150,000 each or serve her for a period of one year. “We were mandated to bring between N10,000 and N15,000 every night and N40,000 every Sunday. The men who sleep with us usually pay N1,000 per session. “We started having issues with our madam because we could not pay the stated sums,’’ she said. The girl said herself and other captives used a whistle blower’s phone to get across to their families and the whistle blower in turn notified the ministry and the police, leading to the raid. Mother of the 15-year-old said she already lodged a complaint at a police station in Abakaliki when her daughter did not return home. She thanked the commissioner and the police for their prompt response and efforts. (NAN)

  A federal high court in Abuja has fixed July 20 to deliver judgment in a suit filed by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), seeking unhindered access to his medical doctors. In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/ 2341/2022, Kanu prayed the court for leave to apply for an order of mandamus to compel the Department of State Service (DSS) to allow him to have access to his medical doctor, among others. On February 1, the court granted leave to the IPOB leader to apply for an order of mandamus. At the court session on Tuesday, A. M. Danlami, counsel to the DSS, challenged the jurisdiction of the court to grant the request. Danlami insisted that Kanu has been receiving adequate medical attention in DSS custody. The counsel said he has attached to his preliminary objection and counter affidavit, a feeding schedule that shows Kanu’s food preferences and demands. He added that an exhibit was also attached to show that the applicant is “dutifully and clinically on his routine medication”. “We, therefore, urge this honourable court to dismiss this suit in the interest of justice and national security,” Danlami said. Responding, Mike Ozekhome, Kanu’s lawyer, told the court that the health of his client has greatly deteriorated. He told the court that a specialised physician hired by the security agency had issued a dire warning that the IPOB leader would not survive if denied access to high-quality medical care. “All we are saying is, let this young man not die. They told us that they took his medical report to South Africa. But to date, we have not seen anything,” Ozekhome said.   “Now they are talking about conducting ear surgery on him. The supreme court has repeatedly said that a man should be alive to be able to stand trial. “This case has taken international colouration and this court can save this country this opprobrium by ordering them to release his medical records. “We humbly seek my lord’s intervention in this matter. We are seeking solace for this young man who has been beaten blue and black, with no one to stand up for him apart from this court. “His doctor has gone there two times but they refused him entry. But here they are, asking for relief from this court when they have not obeyed a subsisting order of this same court.   “They cannot come before this temple of justice with soiled hands to seek equitable remedy. “Moreover, my learned friend is missing the entire point. We are not here on the issue of whether they are feeding him or not.   “All we are saying is, let the treatment they claim that he is receiving, be subjected to a review by an independent physician of his choice. “What are they to lose to allow an independent doctor to examine him in their presence?” After listening to the arguments of counsel, Binta Nyako, the presiding judge, fixed July 20 for judgment.

  After spending over 10 hours at the Makurdi office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, former Governor of Benue state, Samuel Ortom has been released by the anti graft agency. The Governor had Tuesday morning at about 10am reported at the Zonal Office of the Commission following an invitation from the office. It was gathered that the former Governor was invited by the commission to answer to allegations relating to his eight years stewardship as governor of the state.   After spending the entire day at the Commission, the ex Governor was seen being driven out of the EFCC office in a Sports Utility Vehicle, SUV, at about 7:55pm, accompanied by some friends and associates who had waited patiently at a nearby hotel for his release. Though the former governor could not be reached for comments but a statement released shortly before his release Tuesday evening, by his media aide, Mr. Terver Akase indicated that he was not arrested by the anti graft agency. Akase in the statement explained that “contrary to insinuations in some sections of the media, the immediate past Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom today visited the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC to honour the invitation of the commission. “Chief Ortom was neither arrested nor detained at the EFCC Zonal Headquarters in Makurdi. “The former Governor has repeatedly said that he is available to respond to inquiries by anti-graft agencies as he has nothing to hide regarding his stewardship of Benue State.” Meanwhile no EFCC official volunteered information on the ex Governor’s visit to the office.