Hold on to the right beliefs

By solomon2day
On 11/07/2023
In Special Report

The right beliefs ensures the preservation of life, just as the wrong ones results in disaster. By understanding the Word of God you will avoid the wrong beliefs. 1 Kings 20 : 1,20-30

And Benhadad the king of Syria gathered all his host together: and there were thirty and two kings with him, and horses, and chariots: and he went up and besieged Samaria, and warred against it. And they slew every one his man: and the Syrians fled; and Israel pursued them: and Benhadad the king of Syria escaped on an horse with the horsemen. 21 And the king of Israel went out, and smote the horses and chariots, and slew the Syrians with a great slaughter. 22 And the prophet came to the king of Israel, and said unto him, Go, strengthen thyself, and mark, and see what thou doest: for at the return of the year the king of Syria will come up against thee. 23 And the servants of the king of Syria said unto him, Their gods are gods of the hills; therefore they were stronger than we; but let us fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they. 24 And do this thing, Take the kings away, every man out of his place, and put captains in their rooms: 25 And number thee an army, like the army that thou hast lost, horse for horse, and chariot for chariot: and we will fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they. And he hearkened unto their voice, and did so. 26 And it came to pass at the return of the year, that Benhadad numbered the Syrians, and went up to Aphek, to fight against Israel. 27 And the children of Israel were numbered, and were all present, and went against them: and the children of Israel pitched before them like two little flocks of kids; but the Syrians filled the country. 28 And there came a man of God, and spake unto the king of Israel, and said, Thus saith the LORD, Because the Syrians have said, The LORD is God of the hills, but he is not God of the valleys, therefore will I deliver all this great multitude into thine hand, and ye shall know that I am the LORD. 29 And they pitched one over against the other seven days. And so it was, that in the seventh day the battle was joined: and the children of Israel slew of the Syrians an hundred thousand footmen in one day. 30 But the rest fled to Aphek, into the city; and there a wall fell upon twenty and seven thousand of the men that were left. And Benhadad fled, and came into the city, into an inner chamber.

U.K. Citizen Sentenced To Five Years In Prison For Cybercrime Offenses

By solomon2day
On 03/07/2023
In News

Cases Brought by the Southern District of New York, the Northern District of California, and the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that JOSEPH JAMES O’CONNOR, a/k/a “PlugwalkJoe,” a U.K. citizen, was sentenced today to five years in prison for his role in a wide array of cybercrime offenses. O’CONNOR was extradited from Spain on April 26, 2023, and pled guilty on May 9, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff to two sets of charges: (i) conspiracy to commit computer hacking and other charges pending in the Southern District of New York relating to a fraudulent scheme perpetrated by O’CONNOR and his co-conspirators to use a cyber intrusion technique known as a SIM swap attack to steal cryptocurrency, then valued at approximately $794,000, from a Manhattan-based cryptocurrency company and then to launder the proceeds of the scheme (the “SDNY Case”), and (ii) a set of charges filed in the Northern District of California, and transferred to the SDNY under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 20, relating to O’Connor’s role in the July 2020 hack of Twitter, computer intrusions related to takeovers of TikTok and Snapchat user accounts, and cyberstalking two separate victims (the “NDCA Case”). Judge Rakoff imposed today’s sentence.

According to the publicly filed charging documents against O’CONNOR, court filings, and statements made in court:

The SDNY Case

During a cyber intrusion known as a subscriber identity module (“SIM”) swap attack, cyber threat actors gain control of a victim’s mobile phone number by linking that number to a SIM card controlled by the threat actors, resulting in the victim’s calls and messages being routed to a malicious unauthorized device controlled by the threat actors. The threat actors then typically use control of the victim’s mobile phone number to obtain unauthorized access to accounts held by the victim that are registered to the mobile phone number.

Between approximately March 2019 and May 2019, O’CONNOR and his co-conspirators perpetrated a scheme to use SIM swaps to conduct cyber intrusions in order to steal a large amount of cryptocurrency from a Manhattan-based cryptocurrency company (“Company-1”), which, at all relevant times, provided wallet infrastructure and related software to cryptocurrency exchanges around the world.

As part of the scheme, O’CONNOR and his co-conspirators successfully perpetrated SIM swap attacks targeting at least three Company-1 executives. Following a successful SIM swap attack targeting one of the executives on or about April 30, 2019, O’CONNOR and his co-conspirators successfully gained unauthorized access to multiple Company-1 accounts and computer systems. On or about May 1, 2019, through their unauthorized access, O’CONNOR and his co-conspirators stole and fraudulently diverted cryptocurrency of various types (the “Stolen Cryptocurrency”) from cryptocurrency wallets maintained by Company-1 on behalf of two of its clients. The Stolen Cryptocurrency was worth at least approximately $794,000 at the time of the theft and is currently worth more than $1.6 million.

After stealing and fraudulently diverting the Stolen Cryptocurrency, O’CONNOR and his co-conspirators laundered it through dozens of transfers and transactions and exchanged some of it for Bitcoin using cryptocurrency exchange services. Ultimately, a portion of the Stolen Cryptocurrency was deposited into a cryptocurrency exchange account controlled by O’CONNOR.

The NDCA Case

Between 2019 and 2020, O’CONNOR participated in a variety of crimes associated with exploitation of social media accounts, online extortion, and cyberstalking.

In July 2020, O’CONNOR participated in a conspiracy to gain unauthorized access to social media accounts maintained by Twitter, Inc. (“Twitter”). In early July 2020, O’CONNOR’s co-conspirators used social engineering techniques to obtain unauthorized access to administrative tools used by Twitter to maintain its operations. Those co-conspirators were able to use the tools to transfer control of certain Twitter accounts from their rightful owners to various unauthorized users. In some instances, the co-conspirators took control themselves and used that control to launch a scheme to defraud other Twitter users. In other instances, the co-conspirators sold access to Twitter accounts to others. O’CONNOR communicated with others regarding purchasing unauthorized access to a variety of Twitter accounts, including accounts associated with public figures around the world. A number of Twitter accounts targeted by O’CONNOR were subsequently transferred away from their rightful owners. O’CONNOR agreed to purchase unauthorized access to one Twitter account for $10,000.
O’CONNOR also accessed without authorization one of the most highly visible TikTok accounts in August 2020, which was associated with a public figure with millions of followers (“Victim-1”). O’CONNOR and his associates obtained unauthorized access to Victim-1’s account via a SIM swap after discussing a variety of celebrities to target, and O’CONNOR used his unauthorized access to Victim-1’s platform to post self-promotional messages, including a video in which O’CONNOR’s voice is recognizable. O’CONNOR also stated publicly, via a post to Victim-1’s TikTok account, that he would release sensitive, personal material related to Victim-1 to individuals who joined a specified Discord server.

O’CONNOR targeted another public figure (“Victim-2”) in June 2019. O’CONNOR and his associates obtained unauthorized access to Victim-2’s account on Snapchat via a SIM swap. They used that access to obtain sensitive materials, to include private images, that Victim-2 had not made publicly available. O’CONNOR sent copies of these sensitive materials to his associates. O’CONNOR and his associates also reached out to Victim-2 and threatened to publicly release the stolen sensitive materials unless Victim-2 agreed to publicly post messages related to O’CONNOR’s online persona, among other things.

Lastly, O’CONNOR stalked and threatened a minor victim (“Victim-3”) in June and July 2020. In June 2020, O’CONNOR orchestrated a series of swatting attacks on Victim-3. A “swatting” attack occurs when an individual makes a false emergency call to a public authority in order to cause a law enforcement response that may put the victim or others in danger. On June 25, 2020, O’CONNOR called a local police department and falsely claimed that Victim-3 was making threats to shoot people. O’CONNOR provided an address that he believed was Victim-3’s address, which would have the result of causing a law enforcement response. That same day, O’CONNOR placed another call to the same police department and stated that he was planning to kill multiple people at the same address. In response to that call, the police department dispatched every on-duty officer to that address in reference to an armed and dangerous individual. O’CONNOR sent other swatting messages that same day to a high school, a restaurant, and a sheriff’s department in the same area. In those messages, O’CONNOR represented himself as either Victim-3 or as a resident at the address he believed was Victim-3’s. The following month, O’CONNOR called multiple family members of Victim-3 and threatened to kill them.

The NDCA Case was transferred to the Southern District of New York pursuant to Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 20 and consolidated with the SDNY Case before Judge Rakoff.

* * *

O’CONNOR, 24, of the United Kingdom, pled guilty before Judge Rakoff to the following charges: (i) as part of the SDNY Case — conspiracy to commit computer intrusions, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering; and (ii) as part of the NDCA Case — conspiracy to commit computer intrusion, two counts of committing computer intrusions, making extortive communications, two counts of stalking, and making threatening communications. In addition to the prison term, O’CONNOR was sentenced to THREE years of supervised release. O’CONNOR was further ordered to pay $794,012.64 in forfeiture.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He also thanked the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs for its assistance in the extradition.

The SDNY Case is being handled by the Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. Assistant U.S. Attorney Olga I. Zverovich is in charge of the prosecution of the SDNY Case. The NDCA Case is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California and the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (“CCIPS”) of the Department of Justice. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew F. Dawson and CCIPS Assistant Deputy Chief Adrienne L. Rose are in charge of the prosecution of the NDCA Case.
<b>Source-FBI</b>

Farmers Worry

By solomon2day
On 03/07/2023
In Solomon's Column

Farmers in Nigeria have continued to lament the hostile attitude of the government at all levels towards the enactment of a policy that would empower and safeguard them.
Of worry,are the numerous challenges weighing down the agricultural sector, among which is the astronomical costs of processing and distribution between the farms and markets.

Indeed, the insecurity in different parts of the country has resulted in the forced annexation of the ancestral land of the people by faceless actors backed by Those-in-Charge.

In so many states the real estate business has distracted the elected representatives of Nigerians form their primary responsibilties, while lawlessness and criminality have defied all solutions.
Difficulties in accessing credit, farm loss and policy-induced distortions have also contributed to the situation today, that has translated to hunger and poverty.
Sadly, the ailing sector has ensured the acute shortage of food, a high rate of unemployment, increase in the poverty rate and inadequate supply of raw materials to industry, while political office holders grapple with self-centered interest-outside economic development.

The Economic Status
Daily scenes, events and occurrences across the geographical locations in Nigeria indicate that millions of Nigerians are anxious to experience a positive change in their economic status very soon. How soon, Those-in-Charge would have to determine.

Ed El Kabir-Share with the Poor-Senator Ladoja to Rich Nigerians

By solomon2day
On 28/06/2023
In News

Poor A former Oyo state Governor, Senator Rashidi Ladoja has called on wealthy Nigerians to cater for poor Nigerians this festive period.

Senator Ladoja made this call on Wednesday in an interaction with journalists at his Ondo Street, Bodija, Ibadan, Nigeria residence.

''We thank God for witnessing Eid, we pray that we will celebrate more Eids. I will plead with wealthy Nigerians to share with the poor the things they have to celebrate. The times are hard. Let us extend our hands of fellowship to others. I wish Nigerians Barka De Sallah.

He expressed confidence that the present administration would make a positive impact, saying ''all of us know that we need to readjust and rejig Nigeria. It is now a question of how to redistribute wealth. We assume that he knows what he is doing and he will do well. We will get there.''

Protecting Poor Nigerians from the Unpredictable Price Mechanism

By solomon2day
On 27/06/2023
In Solomon's Column

Nigeria's chronic budget deficit has brought about an unhindered increase in the national debt.

Indeed, the multiple taxation by the government at all levels may now be too embarrassing for an economy that majorly revolves around the motive of personal gain.

Without doubt, the redistribution of disposable income from the well-to-do to the indigent would increase the average propensity to consume, since the marginal propensity of the indigent to consume is higher than that of the well-to-do.

Sadly, this approach is not in the thoughts of the government, although the budget deficit may have stimulated private investments.

The government ought to cut down on expenditure on political office holders.

However, in view of the fact that the economy is ailing, the government at all levels must be decisive and proactive in interventions in health, transport, electricity, unemployment, hunger and poverty.

Of course, the protection of sectors such as education, health and agriculture which have direct bearing on the survival of citizens from unpredictable price mechanisms is desirable, but largely depends on the mindset of those in charge.

Bad Eggs in Uniform The crime-friendly mindset and attitude of a number of those in law enforcement agencies in certain states, including Oyo, justifies the unabating lawlessness, criminality and violent crimes in the land. Curiously, the high levels of insecurity in Nigeria is partly due to unprofessional conduct and despicable acts of bad eggs in uniform.

Nigeria in the Clutches of Those with dangerous Ideology-Former TUC chairman

By solomon2day
On 13/06/2023
In News

Gov 3 Nigeria is in the fierce clutches of individuals with ideology that is detrimental to the people.

This assertion was made by a former chairman of the Oyo state council of the Trade Union Congress(TUC), Comrade Andrew Emelieze at a symposium in Ibadan, Nigeria.

''In Nigeria, it is still the same old story, the same drive, the same motivation and the same ideology. The mood is not encouraging. All the while, we have been having changes in nomenclature, but in actual fact, nothing has changed. It has been eight years of manipulation and it is continuing. These individuals are fighting Nigerians. We are already witnessing the extension of hardships. I am not sure if there is any hope for Nigerians'', Comrade Emelieze declared.

Similarly, Comrade Reasheedat of the Campaign for Democratic and Workers Rights(CWDR), blamed some of those in the leadership of labor for the attitude of insensitive political office holders, saying, ''the leadership of the labor movement has been compromised. That is why we have a democracy for the rich. Also, the presence of right wing elements in labor unions in the country has furtherworsened the situation. Nigerians are now left with only one option-take their destinies in their own hands.

Misplaced Priorities

By solomon2day
On 06/06/2023
In Solomon's Column

Wicked The lack of domestic purchasing power of citizens has been a set back for economically backward countries of the world.
Monetary expansion in these countries has resulted in the inflation of prices of goods and services to the detriment of the people.
Indeed, in a number of countries, the great majority who are poor are manipulated to focus on smart phones and related products as urgent priorities even as they wallow in abject poverty.
Sadly, these products are not locally produced, but imported from economically viable countries.
Of worry, is the fact that the real income of the workforce is side by side to the subsistence level-with little or no hope for a raise.
The unimpressive income of the workforce has ensured that productivity remains at the lowest ebb, while redundancy, inefficiency and mdeciority take the center stage.
Curiously, the prevailing hunger and poverty in a given geographical location not only inhibits the inducement to invest but also discourages economic progress.
Nigeria is made up of an estimated land mass of 923,773km2, including varied vegetation and soil types suitable for a variety of agricultural initiatives.
Solid minerals, namely coal, coumbite, liginite, talc, marble, baryte, gypsum, iron, crude oil, among others abound in the country.
The mentioned resources ought to be a concrete foundation for development.
The improvement in the well being of citizens is usually the ultimate objective of visionary leadership all over the world. In addition, this is achievable by formulating an economic policy that would ensure unhindered access to the basic needs of life by citizens.
There is no doubt that today's political office holders ought to put in place policies that would have an immediate, visible and positive impact on the quality of lives of millions of impoverished Nigerians.
The Desperate and Wicked Heart
Well wishers, supporters, admirers and loyalists of political office holders are indeed, having a field day in Molusi, Olorunsogo, Onafuwa Solanke, Oyegbami, Oshodi, Aluko and Felele communities in Ibadan, Oyo state among several other communities in Nigeria. The situation is disturbing even as lawlessness and criminality persists.
Indeed, long before now, pick pocketing has become a means to an end in different parts of Nigeria, with no convincing effort from Those-in-Authority to combat the ugly trend.The hearts of those who insist that they are representatives of the people have become seemingly desperately wicked.

Human Trafficking-Former Oyo TUC chairman Hails Judgment Vindicating Embattled ASCSN President of Human Trafficking

By solomon2day
On 02/06/2023
In News

A former chairman of the Oyo state council of the Trade Union Congress(TUC), Comrade Andrew Emelieze has hailed the High Court judgment that vindicated the embattled president of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria(ASCSN), Bola Audu for human trafficking.
Comrade Emelieze gave the commendation in a statement.
''The Judiciary remains the last resort of the common Nigerian. The high court's judgment has vindicated Bola Audu of human trafficking. This is a welcome development.
After over two years of trial, the court has finally declared that Comrade Bola Innocent Audu is truly innocent in the alleged case of human trafficking . Comrade Bola Audu, a staff of the Accountant General of the Federation, and also the National President of the Association of Senior Civil servants of Nigeria, (ASCSN), who also doubles as the National Vice President of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) was arraigned alongside three other civil servants for human trafficking. We are full of joy to hear of the victory of Bola Audu,'' Comrade Emelieze concluded.

The Vicious Circle of Poverty

By solomon2day
On 29/05/2023
In Solomon's Column

Hunger 3 Infrastructure is a necessity for development but may not be a condition for advancement.

Skilled labor, moral and social outlook, political situation and historical narratives all play critical roles in economic development.

Indeed, the store of technical knowledge is not at par with economic resources available at a given point in time, while corruption remains a major impediment to development.

Various conditions determine the inducement to invest, but in most cases, developing countries rely on a make-believe and cosmetic approach.

Unfortunately, this has not been successful.

The potential to develop is guided by the ability and willingness to save.

Sadly, the capacity to save in developing countries is low due to low real income, which in turn is as a result of low productivity and the visible absence of the enablers of development. Some countries remain in the vicious circle of poverty not because of the lack of natural resources and a conducive environment, but because of corruption, greed and self-centeredness among those-in-authority.

However, redundancy and ignorance are challenges for the workforce in focus.

Seeking Foreign Direct Investment

By solomon2day
On 22/05/2023
In Solomon's Column

Lead 1 Lawlessness is now the way of life in Nigeria, due to the lingering poverty and hunger in the land.
A review of the economy and security architecture will unravel the untold story, only if a transparent probe is conducted in the days to come.
A number of the crises in the last eight years have generated revenue for a few pockets, with millions of Nigerians always contending with the sufferings and hardships during such crises.
Indeed, the interests of Nigerians have been undermined or destabilized based on ethnic, religious and gender considerations.
Sadly, the political leaders in the states, have failed to convincingly ensure a conducive environment, but are in the nick of time, seeking direct investment.
Investors can only develop confidence in the economy when there is regular electricity supply, free flow of potable water, good and motorable roads, security of lives and property, skilled and trained power and favorable incentives for startups.

Nigerian Man Sentenced for Online Fraud Schemes

By solomon2day
On 13/05/2023
In Special Report

Defendant extradited from the United Kingdom

BOSTON – A Nigerian man has been sentenced in federal court in Boston for his role in online fraud schemes.

Happy Chukwuma, 30, was sentenced on May 5, 2023 by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock to eight months in prison (time served). On April 10, 2023, Chukwuma pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud conspiracy. Chukwuma was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2019. He was arrested and detained in the United Kingdom in September 2022 and extradited to the United States in March 2023.

Between November 2015 and January 2019, Chukwuma and his co-conspirators participated in a variety of online fraud schemes, including “phishing” and romance scams. They exchanged victims’ personally identifiable information, including identification and financial documents, and engaged in financial transactions with that information. Several of the victims whose information was compromised were from Massachusetts.

Phishing schemes mimic the appearance of legitimate websites to gather victims’ online credentials, including usernames, passwords, financial account information, social security numbers and other types of personal identifiable information. In romance scams, perpetrators generally create fictitious online personas to develop online romantic relationships with individuals in the United States, and then leverage those relationships to obtain money and property.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie A. Queenin of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and the United Kingdom’s Metropolitan Police National Extradition Unit provided critical assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Chukwuma.

Source-FBI

Make a simple Business plan

By solomon2day
On 13/05/2023
In Special Report

When drawing out your business plan, let the actions of customers influence your decision.
Make your business plan simple, straightforward and workable.
Adjust your plans to be in line with market feedback.

Translating Acclaimed Potentials to Reality

By solomon2day
On 11/05/2023
In Solomon's Column

Loot This has resulted in the sidelining of critical sectors of the economy.
Nigeria's quest for economic growth and national development, has overtime, been impeded by the absence of broad policy objectives and strategies for achieving the country's vision statement.

Policy choices all the while have impacted negatively on the economy, which has brought about social and political instability, declining welfare and economic stagnation.
Of worry is the long term effects of the huge debts of governments at all levels and the weak Naira on the economy.
This is compounded by the challenges the perpetual absence of credible and focused leadership will bring in its stride.
Indeed, the possibility of Nigeria translating its acclaimed potential to reality remains foggy, even as the government struggles to improve education and health systems to enhance human capital for development.
Assets Declaration
Transparency in asset declaration is crucial to good governance.
Political office holders at all levels ought to declare their assets before inauguration into office in a democracy.
Sadly, the treasury at all levels of government was looted clandestinely, under the guise of ''it is our common wealth''.

Monitor your Children and Wards-IGS Old Student to Oyo Parents and Guardians

By solomon2day
On 01/05/2023
In News

Edu Parents and Guaridans in Oyo state have been advised to monitor their children and wards.

This call was made during the weekend by an Old student of Ibadan Gramar School(IGS), Mr. Adebolu Okikiolu.

'' The buck stops on the parents and gaurdians. Charity begins at home , each family should nurture their children and wards in the ways of God. They should monitor their activities. In addition, the state government should provide all that is necessary to encourage smooth education. The bad eggs among the teachers should also be dismissed,'' Mr. Okikiolu stated.

Give Nigerians Palliatives to Cushion sufferings-Labor Leader

By solomon2day
On 29/04/2023
In News

Images 4 The government at all levels have been called upon to introduce palliatives that will cushion the effects of the sufferings and hardships currently being experienced by millions of Nigerians.
This call was made by the deputy chairperson of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria(ASCSN)Public Complaints Commission(PCC) unit, Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria, Mrs. Omotayo Adebanjo-Adesida.
''The Federal Government has tried to do harmonization of salaries, it. It will boost the morale of workers, but I think the government at all levels should introduce palliatives for workers and Nigerians in general, such as staff buses, low-cost housing and controlling the prices of goods and services in the market,m so that it will enable Nigerians on enjoy a good life.''
She maintained that workers in the country had every reason to celebrate workers' day, saying ''for the fact that we are alive, we have to thank God for the gift of life. In addition, because of the fact that some of us still have our jobs, we still have cause to thank God.''
In a related development, a former chairman of the Non-Academic Staff Union and Associated Institutions(NASU) in Oyo state, Comrade Fatoki Olusola-Cole also insisted that the major reason why workers have cause to celebrate was because of lfie, ''I wil say to far so good, we have every cause to celebrate not minding the hardships and diffuclities the workers have exprienced in the last eight years of the present administration. We thank God that we are surviving. This administration is wicked. All the promises made were not fulfilled. The national minimum wage is nothing to write home about, considering what the cost of living is presently.''
''We thank God for seeing another May day. A 40 per cent increase in the allowances of workers is nothing to write home about. 40 per cent has been implemented for some workers. We in university, research institutes, colleges of education and polytechnics were not included. Is it only the core civil service that constitutes federal workers? Do the core civil servants have another market they patronize? We no longer have hope in this government. The government has made life unbearable for Nigerians, Comrade Olusola-Cole stated.

The Disturbing Absence of Demographic Planning in Nigeria

By solomon2day
On 24/04/2023
In Solomon's Column

Pop 1 The first census in 1962 was cancelled as a result of allegations and counter allegations of over-counting in several geographical locations in the country.
The figures were rejected by the Eastern and Mid-Western regions based on their arguments that the figures for the Northern region were inflated.
The result was 29.8 million for the North, 10.3 million for the West, 12.4 million for the East and 2.5 million for the Mid-West.
Another census held in 1973, by General Yakubu Gowon-led military government fixed Nigeria's population at 79.758 million.
Controversy trailed the result and it was eventually cancelled by the Murtala Muhammed-led military government in 1975.
However, in 1988, the National Population Commission(NPC) was established, but failed to minimize the controversies revolving around the result of the census.
In 1991, the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida conducted yet another census. The NPC put the country's population at 89.9 million.
Nigerians kicked, insisting that the result did not represent the true figure of the country's population.
In 2006, the civilian administration of former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, conducted the most recent census and the result presently serves as the basis for political and economic projections in the country.
Sadly, it is doubtful if policy makers have been successful in pinpointing the population growth rate for long term planning.
Of worry, is the fact that uncertainty surrounds the actual figure of the new addition to the population and the available resources in the country.
Indeed, the absence of proper demographic planning is visible at the three tiers of government, even though the office holders emerged through the ballot box.

At the Tail End
The acts of omission and commission must have been well thought out, carefully planned and professionally executed, but at the tail end, The Powerful Today,seeing the handwriting on the wall, have resorted to apologies and pleas for forgiveness.

The feeling everywhere now, is that there has not been any government in place, at the center and in a specific numbe of states, all this while.

Rest on the Lord

By solomon2day
On 24/04/2023
In Special Report

In the time of distress, rest on the Lord, and He will restore peace to your soul.
PSALM 142
1(Maschil of David; A Prayer when he was in the cave.) I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication.

2 I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble.

3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.

4 I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.

5 I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.

6 Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.

7 Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.

Have an Eye for Good Things

By solomon2day
On 20/04/2023
In Special Report

Develop the habit of watching out for good things.
Always be on the look out for good attributes, and you are already on the way to cultivating a positive mindset.
This frame of mind will not only enhance your happiness and efficiency but that of several others.

Non-Indigenes Sympathize with BCOS on Fire Incident

By solomon2day
On 20/04/2023
In News

Untitled 1 Non Indigenes in Oyo state have sympathized with the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo state(BCOS) over the fire incident that occurred on Wednesday.

Eze(Dr.) Alex Anozie made this known in a chat with People

On behalf of myself, my company-Conac Optical NigerIa Limited and Nidgbo in Ibadan and Oyo state, I sympathize with the state government and the management and staff of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo state(BCOS) over the fire incident that occured yesterday, Wednesday 19th April, 2023.

We pray that such this will never happen again. And that God should give them the courage to embark on a very quick replacement of all damaged equipment and carry out all the necessary repairs and even modernize the establishment.
May I use this opportunity to encourage the electricity distribution companies to do everything possible to minimize these worrisome electricity surge-induced occurrences that have always exposed the public to great danger?
The fire services should also improve.

They are doing well, but they can still do better, by making sure they get to fire incidents very quickly.
Finally, we really thank God that no life was lost.

Eze(Dr.) Anozie is the Eze Ndigbo of Ibadan and Oyo state. He is also the chairman of the Association of Non-Indigenes in Oyo state

FBI Statement on Investigations

By solomon2day
On 20/04/2023
In News

Two Arrested for Operating Illegal Overseas Police Station of the Chinese Government

Defendants Are New York City Residents Who Allegedly Operated the Police Station in Lower Manhattan and Destroyed Evidence When Confronted by the FBI

A complaint was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn, New York, charging two defendants in connection with opening and operating an illegal overseas police station, located in lower Manhattan, New York, for a provincial branch of the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). “Harry” Lu Jianwang, 61, of the Bronx, and Chen Jinping, 59, of Manhattan, were arrested earlier this morning at their homes in New York City. Their initial appearances are scheduled this afternoon in Brooklyn before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ramon E. Reyes Jr.

As alleged in the complaint, Lu and Chen are charged with conspiring to act as agents of the PRC government as well as obstructing justice by destroying evidence of their communications with an MPS official. The defendants worked together to establish the first overseas police station in the United States on behalf of the Fuzhou branch of the MPS. The police station – which closed in the fall of 2022 after those operating it became aware of the FBI’s investigation – occupied a floor in an office building in Manhattan’s Chinatown. While acting under the direction and control of an MPS Official, Lu and Chen helped open and operate the clandestine police station. None of the participants in the scheme informed the U.S. government that they were helping the PRC government surreptitiously open and operate an illegal MPS police station on U.S. soil.

“The PRC, through its repressive security apparatus, established a secret physical presence in New York City to monitor and intimidate dissidents and those critical of its government,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “The PRC’s actions go far beyond the bounds of acceptable nation-state conduct. We will resolutely defend the freedoms of all those living in our country from the threat of authoritarian repression.”

“This prosecution reveals the Chinese government’s flagrant violation of our nation’s sovereignty by establishing a secret police station in the middle of New York City,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York. “As alleged, the defendants and their co-conspirators were tasked with doing the PRC’s bidding, including helping locate a Chinese dissident living in the United States, and obstructed our investigation by deleting their communications. Such a police station has no place here in New York City – or any American community.”

“It is simply outrageous that China’s Ministry of Public Security thinks it can get away with establishing a secret, illegal police station on U.S. soil to aid its efforts to export repression and subvert our rule of law,” said Acting Assistant Director Kurt Ronnow of the FBI Counterintelligence Division. “This case serves as a powerful reminder that the People’s Republic of China will stop at nothing to bend people to their will and silence messages they don’t want anyone to hear. The FBI is dedicated to protecting everyone in the United States against efforts to undermine our democratic freedoms, and we’ll hold any state actors – and those who help them – accountable for breaking our laws.”

Before helping to open the police station in early 2022, Lu had a longstanding relationship of trust with PRC law enforcement, including the MPS. Since 2015, and through the operation of the secret police station, Lu was tasked with carrying out various activities, including to assist the PRC government’s repressive activities on U.S. soil:

In 2015, during PRC President Xi Jinping’s visit to the United States, Lu participated in counterprotests in Washington, D.C,. against members of a religion that is forbidden under PRC law. A deputy director of the MPS awarded Lu a plaque for the work he performed on behalf of the PRC government.

In 2018, Lu was enlisted in efforts to cause a purported PRC fugitive to return to the PRC. The victim reported being repeatedly harassed to return to the PRC, including through threats of violence made to the victim and the victim’s family in the United States and in the PRC.

In 2022, the MPS Official sought Lu’s assistance in locating an individual living in California who is a pro-democracy activist. In turn, Lu enlisted the help of another coconspirator. Later, when confronted by the FBI about these conversations, Lu denied that they occurred.

In October 2022, the FBI conducted a judicially authorized search of the illegal police station. In connection with the search, FBI agents interviewed both Lu and Chen and seized their phones. In reviewing the contents of these phones, FBI agents observed that communications between Lu and Chen, on the one hand, and the MPS Official, on the other, appeared to have been deleted. In subsequent consensual interviews, Lu and Chen admitted to the FBI that they had deleted their communications with the MPS Official after learning about the ongoing FBI investigation, thus preventing the FBI from learning the full extent of the MPS’s directions for the overseas police station.

If convicted of conspiring to act as agents of the PRC, the defendants face a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The obstruction of justice charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

The FBI New York Field Office investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander A. Solomon and Antoinette N. Rangel for the Eastern District of New York, and Trial Attorney Scott A. Claffee of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

The FBI has created a website for victims to report efforts by foreign governments to stalk, intimidate, or assault people in the United States. If you believe that you are or have been a victim of transnational repression, please visit: www.fbi.gov/investigate/counterintelligence/transnational-repression.

The charges in the complaint are merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Source-FBI

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Two Arrested for Operating Illegal Overseas Police Station of the Chinese Government