Posts by solomon2day
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Former West Hazleton Police Chief Sentenced To Two Months’ Imprisonment For Civil Rights Violation
- By solomon2day
- On 08/10/2021
- In News
Press Release
WILKES-BARRE- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Brian Buglio, age 46, of Lattimer Mines, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States Magistrate Judge Joseph F. Saporito, Jr., to two months of imprisonment and a one-year term of supervised release that includes four months of home confinement.
According to Acting United States Bruce D. Brandler, Buglio, the former Chief of Police for the West Hazleton Police Department, pleaded guilty to a deprivation of civil rights, after he threatened a private citizen with felony criminal charges, in retaliation for social media posts created by the private citizen that were critical of Buglio and of the West Hazleton Police Department.
In pronouncing the sentence, Judge Saporito deemed Buglio’s actions an “abuse of power” when he threatened to use the criminal justice system to further his own personal interests. In addition to the term of imprisonment and supervised release, Judge Saporito also ordered Buglio to pay a $5,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Scranton Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Public Corruption Task Force, which consists of members of the Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, and federal agents from the FBI and Internal Revenue Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo prosecuted the case.
Source : FBI
Also read-Legalizing Crime and Criminality
-Landlords and Tenants Associations, Crime and Criminality
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Education by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke
- By solomon2day
- On 08/10/2021
- In Special Report
Without education, the whole world would have remained static in terms of civilization and development.
Unfortunately for human beings, we fail most of the time to act within the limits of the positive values for knowledge application. This is the reason for the destruction of what has been built over time.
Education, therefore, must be seen within the perspective of knowledge acquisition, wisdom for experience, and the power of a discerning mind to be able to be all-encompassing in taking the right decisions that would be accurate and precise at all times.
In the area of teaching education, the emphasis must be on the positive mindset to be able to bring out the best in the learners so that they would be positive change agents, on the issues of affecting or operating the system on the basis of justice and equity to meet up with the demands of human needs as an essential value of education if and only if we want peace, development alongside safety and security valves for the regulation and control at a sustainable level.
Education must be perceived as the process of facilitating learning or the acquisition of knowledge through skills on values, morals, beliefs, and habits.
Educational methods must include teaching, preaching, sermon, training, storytelling, discussion, critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, and directed research to manage today for a better tomorrow against all odds.
The educational domains must be explored to be able to achieve a functional education in the graduates.
Graduates must also possess the confidence, self-esteem, and positive mental attitude to be able to carry responsibilities independently to the point of engaging in the critical evaluation of issues to arrive at accurate decisions.
Furthermore, education must be adequately funded to achieve satisfactory results at all levels.
Above all, education is systematic development or training of the mind, capabilities, or character through a systematic instructional process. It is an essential tool to make every sub-system to be functional for the dynamics of the system.Also read-Legalizing Crime and Criminality
-Landlords and Tenants Associations, Crime and Criminality
-Law Enforcement: The Reactionary Approach
-Government Workers-A Subject of Debate
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Faith and Wisdom by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke
- By solomon2day
- On 28/09/2021
- In The People Talk
Three things stand out in the life of every man or woman-knowledge, wisdom, and the power of a discerning mind or the right inspiration from God for any faith to be able to stand the test time.However, faith is meaningless without hope, which is a function of just worship.
For it to be meaningful, they must exist and operate in an environment of love. Faith and wisdom, therefore, have a very high correlation coefficient.
The Holy Bible, James 1: 2-8 sermonizes on this: ''tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
2My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
3Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
4But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
5If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
6But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
7For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord.
8A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.''
Faith cannot stand, therefore, without a high sense of comprehension of the words of God to the level of ease of application that would suit the true-life situation. This cannot be sustainable except we decide to live exemplary lifestyles by been scripture compliant. The Holy Quran, therefore, warns us against losing the sense of appreciation through unwarranted waywardness and frivolities in living our lives because this will not show any sign of wisdom in us.
The Holy Quran 2: 269 refers, ''He granteth wisdom to whom He pleaseth ; and he or she to whom wisdom is granted receiveth indeed a benefit overflowing; but none will receive admonition.''
Let us, therefore, show gratitude and wisdom by making a revival of integrity into our cultural psyche, restoration of ethical practices in our educational system, and the reawakening of living by the scripture in our religious practice.
Avoid destructive tendencies and also shun all acts capable of destabilizing the nation. Exhibit wisdom as the pillar for driving faith.
Also read-Legalizing Crime and Criminality
-Landlords and Tenants Associations, Crime and Criminality
-Law Enforcement: The Reactionary Approach
-Government Workers-A Subject of Debate
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Drug Dealer Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison
- By solomon2day
- On 23/09/2021
- In News
PITTSBURGH, PA – Bobby Askew was sentenced to 27 months in prison for distributing fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine, including within 1,000 feet of a school in Butler, Pennsylvania, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Askew, age 39, formerlyof Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Judge Robert J. Colville. Judge Colville ordered that Askew serve six years of supervised release following his prison term.
In 2009, Askew was convicted of crack cocaine trafficking in Philadelphia. He was sentenced to 5 to 10 years in state prison. After being paroled from state prison, he relocated to Butler in Butler County and trafficked fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine as part of a Butler-based drug trafficking crew. Askew dealt these drugs on a regular basis between 2017 and 2020, including within 1,000 feet of multiple schools in Butler.
Assistant United States Attorneys Yvonne M. Saadi and Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
The Pennsylvania State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Butler County District Attorney’s Drug Task Force led the investigation leading to the conviction and sentence in this case.
Source-FBI
Also read-Legalizing Crime and Criminality
-Landlords and Tenants Associations, Crime and Criminality
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Between Wool and Crude Oil
- By solomon2day
- On 20/09/2021
- In Solomon's Column
Woolen manufacture was England’s most prominent industry in 1750,while crude oil has been Nigeria’s major income earner for several years.
Stakeholders in the wool industry were based in the West Riding of Yorkshire,here cloths of medium quality were made, In East Anglia, here coarser fustian were produced and in South west of England,where fine and good quality cloth was made.Woolen cloth was a major export product and as a result the industry was closely regulated.
Production was still in the hands of small masters in the West Riding and East Anglia.
The export price of cloth was fixed as far back as the 10th century,and extraordinary steps were taken to disallow the export of the raw wool.
As the market for woolen cloth expanded,the ownership of capital and the control of credit gained prominence.
The cottage workers were financially incapable of purchasing large quantity of raw materials neither could they afford to sell the finished product on creditor source for market outside their homes.This brought about a more advanced form of capitalism which eventually replaced the cottage industry.In Nigeria today,the main export is crude oil and Those-in-Charge,their agents, proxies and cronies dictate happenings in the oil industry with impunity.
Interestingly, oil bunkering and smuggling is the order of the day and their stock in trade.
In addition,those with the power and means own crude oil refining companies abroad. Crude oil exported abroad for refining,are brought back in refined form as Petroleum Motor Spirit(PMS) for sale to unsuspecting Nigerians.
The unimpressive state of the economy,is perhaps, a sad reflection of the domestic and foreign interests the present administration represents.
Also read-Legalizing Crime and Criminality
-Landlords and Tenants Associations, Crime and Criminality
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Land, Houses and a Compromised System
- By solomon2day
- On 14/09/2021
- In Solomon's Column
In 1801,1836 and 1854, the General Enclosure Acts were passed.
The General Enclosure Act of 1845 superseded the Parliamentary committee which examined Enclosure Bills by Enclosure Commissioners, who instead of sitting at Westminister, moved to the scene.
The Enclosure Commissioner presented their findings to Parliament in the form of GeneralBill for passage into law.
The Squire expanded his holdings and expanded to the land of ejected tenants, in addition to common land and waste, while the larger freeholders held on to their claims and increased their holdings.
But this, was, however, not the case for smaller freeholders.
An Enclosure Bill was not enough to drive a freeholder off the land because he had legal claims to his holding.
Aspects of the Enclosure which negatively affected the freeholder include: He had to pay his share of the expenses of the enclosure, which was an expensive process, varying from about 200 Pounds to nearly 500 Pounds. If unable to pay, then he had to sell off the plot of land awarded to him. If he survived, he had to pay for the hedges and fences which every owner was compelled to make round the new fields. If he could not do this, the land would be sold or mortgaged.
A number of the freeholders became tenant farmers, renting lands instead of farming their own.
Most were compelled by economic difficulties to do this, a few thought it profitable to sell their smallholding and rent a large acreage, where rationalized methods could be practiced more economically. Others who sold out abandoned the countryside and channeled the proceeds of the sale into industrial ventures.
The remaining left opted for none of the above alternatives and was compelled to work as laborers on the lands they had once owned or as ''lands'' in one of the new factories.
The foregoing in addition to the infringement of the rights of cottagers and squatters based on customs and the cutting short of the sources of livelihood of people who depended on the open-field village resulted in resistance and violence.
The ruling class rode roughshod of the peasants.
Laws at this period, favored the ruling class, while the living conditions of the farm laborers deteriorated rapidly.
Several died out of starvation and the draconian laws of this period. Game laws favored the ruling class and poaching was an offense with very inhuman punishment, even though the unemployed, agricultural laborers, miners, and ribbon weavers depended on poaching for survival.
Between 1799 and 1800, influenced by the Enclosure Act and industrialization, destitution had become a challenge of dangerous dimension.
Indeed, the Poor Law, the Law of Settlement, the Game Laws, and the Enclosure Laws, all contributed greatly to the impoverishment of the people who constituted the majority.
Public attention was attracted to the predicament of the poor by humanity and public interest.
In Nigeria, today, land and property owners have been and are still been dispossessed of their land and houses by Those-in-Charge, their agents, proxies, and fronts, with the desperate collaboration of a heavily compromised legal and law enforcement system.Also read-Legalizing Crime and Criminality
-Landlords and Tenants Associations, Crime and Criminality
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Uganda to Deploy Police Officers based on Performance in Training
- By solomon2day
- On 10/09/2021
- In News
The Uganda Police has declared that the deployment of senior police officers shall be determined by their performances in the ongoing anti-terrorism training program.
This disclosure was made by Police Public Relations Officer, The Uganda Police has declared that the deployment of senior police officers shall be determined by their performances in the ongoing anti-terrorism training program.
This disclosure was made by Police Public Relations Officer,The Uganda Police has declared that the deployment of senior police officers shall be determined by their performances in the ongoing anti-terrorism training program.
This disclosure was made by Police Public Relations Officer(PPRO), Mr. Fred Enanga.“It is not going to be automatic that everyone will go back to where he or she was. Their deployment is going to be based on their performance during training. This will be concluded by the end of two weeks,” the PPRO stated.
A total of 170 District/Division Police Commanders(DPC) on the completion of a three months refresher course last week were been sent on two weeks leave.
The late Deputy Inspector General of Police Lt Gen Paul Lokech had sent the commanders to Olilim Counter-Terrorism Police Training School in Katakwi district in May to equip them with new skills in observing human rights during their day-to-day operations, swifter response to emergencies and building community policing.
However, But before their departure, Lokech had ordered them to hand over their offices to Officers In-charge of the various stations, who, from the time were to serve as acting DPCs.
Some of the DPCs had already been replaced in the reshuffle issued out by Lokech two weeks before his death
. The decision to retrain DPCs was concluded during a meeting with DPCs and President Yoweri Museveni at Entebbe State House in April. Museveni reportedly raised a number of issues that rotated around chaotic scenes registered during political party primaries and general elections.The issues highlighted included lack of intelligence gathering techniques which saw some political groups successfully organize protests, failure to brief juniors on operation procedures which saw them shooting and injuring civilians during the election period while other DPCs were accused of hobnobbing with groups evicting people.
President Yoweri Museveni had earlier on ordered the Inspector General of Police Martin Okoth Ochola to draft new operation rules and ensure they are shared with each policeman. Ochola came up with 15 Standard Operating Procedures to address the gaps, and printed 50.000 copies of revised SOPs which were shared with every police officer.
Police commanders and their juniors were advised to ensure strict adherence to the SOPs in order to minimize operational mistakes and further enable police officers to enforce law and order, to the expectations of the public they serve.
Also read-Legalizing Crime and Criminality
-Landlords and Tenants Associations, Crime and Criminality
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Divine Intervention by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke
- By solomon2day
- On 09/09/2021
- In The People Talk
There are three major sources of inspiration which generally we confuse to be the same.
Religious adherents believe in the supreme being, rather than through intermediaries to the almighty God.
Adherents, therefore, believe in their creator for divine guidance and direction.
The Holy Bible, Deuteronomy 6: 4-6, Mark 12: 29-30, and the Holy Quran 16: 51-52 declare God as authoritative and unquestionable with whom believers must not associate with any idols god or goddess, so as not to threaten His oneness in our beliefs.
Divine intervention has a universal concept on the issue of creation, sustenance, death, and resurrection of every human.
Conditionally, therefore, at micro and macro, finite and infinite dimensions of existence on earth and other members of the galaxies, divine intervention is a necessity to keep the peace regarded as intra, for the tranquility of the mind and inter for an interpersonal relationship of sociological importance.
Worshipping God fervently is not negotiable if an individual or a nation wants their activities to be divinely controlled and regulated.
The historical record of the Israelis is a classical example of how we can appreciate the meaning of divine intervention and the consequences associated with deviation from the stipulated righteous path laid down by God.
The Israelites were fortified against their enemies when they were on the right path of righteousness, but they were sold out to their enemies when they resorted to idol worship.
Another example is that of Elijah, who was highly fortified by God against King Ahab and Jezebel his wife as well as the false prophets of Baal. He singlehandedly with all authority declared that there would be no rain for three years and it was so.
In the same vein, the war of Badru with 313 inexperienced men win the war against 1,000 well-trained horsemen employed by the enemies to crush Islam under the Hooly Prophet Muhammad, although they nearly lost. When they went for the war of Uhud, in confrontation with supposedly poor enemies acts of deceit, apostasy, and disloyalty to the Prophet were prominent.
When nations, therefore, do things accordingly, they are better off in the achievement of peace and development, even though they may not profess God, God loves those who are orderly and living without cheating on others. This observation brings us to the fact that the degree of religiosity to measure the seriousness of the people on the issue of God and Godliness is never rated through population density or the number of houses of God but by the number of adherents who are scripture compliant.
Nations that profess religion without their people been scripture compliant will continue to be bereft of divine intervention because we cannot deceive God, Who believes in quality, standard, and merit.
In conclusion, divine intervention is God's interference or decisive role to correct a bad or worrisome situation. Spiritual security is what we need most to resolve all conflicts.Also read-Legalizing Crime and Criminality
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The Unwritten Policy
- By solomon2day
- On 06/09/2021
- In Solomon's Column
The value of land in England had political, social and economic undertones.Land was mandatory prerequisite for election into Parliament,while in the counties,was a requirement for the right to vote.
During this period,the landed class had political power and interestingly, Parliament was controlled by landowners.
Furthermore,in the local sphere, the Justice of Peace-the squire-was the most important personality.He was the largest landowner in the village.
As Magistrate and leader of the local society,he combined political and social power.
In addition,the owner of the land made profits by selling its produce or leasing the land for high rents to tenant farmers.
The foregoing resulted in the the emergence of wealthy traders,who bought land as investments which was converted as a means to political power and social ostentation.
The House of Commons, influenced by a few big landowners, sponsored bills which became laws.
These laws were against the wishes of a large number of small farmers.
Among these bills that were passed into law,was the Bill of Enclosure
The economically marginalized landowners had inadequate means toward off the desperation and determination of their more substantial neighbors to enclose the land.
In Nigeria today,land grabbing and dubious estate development by all available means is an unwritten policy by Those-in-Charge at all levels of Government.
Private properties have been annexed, structures demolished and alternative ones erected in a amazing time frame.
Indeed,looted funds and funds from doubtful and questionable sources are now channeled to land-grabbing and estate development.
Sadly, the deliberate compromise of the legal and security system,indeed,encouraged this unwritten policy,while violent crimes have trailed events in the land and property sector.
Also read-Legalizing Crime and Criminality
-Landlords and Tenants Associations, Crime and Criminality
-Law Enforcement: The Reactionary Approach
-Government Workers-A Subject of Debate
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My Support for Government has gone beyond Politics and Self-Interest -Eze(Dr.)Anozie
- By solomon2day
- On 02/09/2021
- In The People Talk
A cross-section of Igbos in Oyo state have picked holes in the comments credited to the Ezendigbo of Ibadan and Oyo state, Eze(Dr. Alex Anozie. Eze(Dr.) Anozie had in an interview with a monthly local tabloid described the Oyo state Governor as a progressive-minded Governor and among other views including the appointment of Igbos into political offices by the present administration in Oyo state among related issues. In this interview with People, the Igbo leader insists that his support for the government goes beyond politics and self-centered interests.
Excerpts :
What is your reaction to the reservation expressed by a cross-section of Igbos in Oyo state on your comments revolving around the present administration in Oyo state?
My response to their reservations as the leader of my people in Ibadan and Oyo state is that any government that comes to power and was duly sworn in accordance with the law must get our support, particularly when that government is doing well.
We can also criticize and advise maturely when the government is not doing well. So when the All Progressives Congress(APC) was in government in the state, to be sincere to ourselves, they tried, they did not leave the state the way they met it, they improved on the previous government's performance. The Governor then, late Senator Abiola Ajimobi, may his soul rest in perfect peace, may have had his own fault as a human being, as it is only God that is perfect in everything He does. But he performed, so it is now the turn of the present government under Governor Seyi Makinde. The present administration came in democratically and was duly sworn in accordance with the law, so we must support them because we are law-abiding people living in the state.
When we identify that there are shortcomings, we will surely give mature advice, all for the benefit of the peace, progress, and development of our pacesetter state, Oyo state.
Whatever the number of years that God says the administration will spend in the office, we shall support it, the number of years as stipulated and allowed by the constitution, two terms. And when this administration finishes and another one comes in democratically and duly sworn in, we are going to support them again. You see, one thing with me is that I so much believe in due process. This is the only way that we can make progress for peace and harmony in the state. So anyone saying anything outside this that I have stated is on his own.Also read-Legalizing Crime and Criminality
-Landlords and Tenants Associations, Crime and Criminality
-Law Enforcement: The Reactionary Approach
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Only a Godly life brings Happiness by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke.
- By solomon2day
- On 31/08/2021
- In The People Talk
To be happy adherents, must follow all the essentials revolving around religion and morality. A Godly life could be equated to doing things according to the moral standard of every society which at a universal level could be translated to been scripture compliant.
The Holy Bible Ecclesiastes 2: 22-26 explains it all, ''22For what hath man of all his labor, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath labored under the sun?
23For all his days are sorrows, and his travail grief; yea, his heart taketh not rest in the night. This is also vanity.
24There is zip better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labor. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God
25For who can eat, or who else can hasten hereunto, more than I?
26For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.''
We should shun things that impoverish the body and soul.
Also read -Legalizing Crime and Criminality
This is purely the essence of attending religious houses to respect the authority of the almighty Allah for our just worship.
The Holy Quran 13: 28-29 refers, '' Those who believe and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allah: for without that in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction. For those who believe and walk righteousness, is every blessedness and beautiful place of final return.''
Let us also ponder on the '' Holy Quran 55: 26-29, ''All that is on earth will perish: but will abide forever that face thy Lord,-full of majesty, bounty, and honor. Then which of the favors of your Lord will ye deny? Of Him seeks its need, every creature in the heavens and on earth: every day a new splendor doth shine !
Let us pursue the cause of a Godly life for our happiness to know no bounds.
Also read-Landlords and Tenants Associations, Crime and Criminality
-Law Enforcement: The Reactionary Approach
-
Understanding the Word of God
- By solomon2day
- On 30/08/2021
- In Pictures
Job 38 : 4-74 “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. 5 Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? 6 On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone— 7 while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?
Also read- Law Enforcement: The Reactionary Approach
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Avoiding Succession Pitfalls
- By solomon2day
- On 30/08/2021
- In Solomon's Column
William the Conqueror and Henry 1 of England were leaders whose authorities were to a large extent personal and not in any way attributable to the dynamic structure of the Government.
Both of them had the extraordinary force of character with despotic tendencies.
Interestingly, when Stephen, a man of feeble traits, succeeded Henry, civil war broke out. This was as a result of a succession dispute, which snowballed into a confusion of an unimaginable dimension culminating in the termination of the royal court. After the demise of Henry 1, the Government drifted into anarchy.
However, the Royal court was restored and extended by Henry 11.
Henry 11 was the son of Geoffery Plantagenet, Count of Anjou, and Eleanor of Aquitaine.
His personality impressed those of his time, while his friends and enemies were of the consensus that he was a man of ways, means, and passions beyond the imagination of average men.
Henry 11 had an eye for details of law and administration and indeed relished legal argument even as he sat in judgment with delight.
Personalities with similar behavioral attributes abound in the countries of Africa today, Nigeria inclusive.
The unabating crimes-killings, kidnappings(for ritual purposes inclusive), and armed robbery by criminals, in addition to the sustained underdevelopment, are all pointers to the fact that the leadership has veered off the road as the country makes preparations for the diamond jubilee celebrations.
It is now the duty of the people to identify such personalities and ensure all is done to avoid the pitfalls of the Norma period. -
Good Parenting by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke
- By solomon2day
- On 24/08/2021
- In Special Report
Parental responsibility is in good child-rearing nature nurturing of the youth in their adolescent stage of life as well as all-encompassing empowerment for the young adults in been well educated into professional achievement and happy marriage.However, the Holy Bible is specific in Proverbs 31 : 3-5, ''3 Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:
5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.''
In the same vein, parental responsibility in showing role model virtue for children to be rightly empowered into good citizenry-social and spiritual.
The Holy Quran 31: 17-19 is a good point of reference for a universal guide.
''O my son! Establish regular prayer, enjoy what is just and forbid what is wrong: And bear with patient constancy whatever betide thee; for this is the firmness of purpose in the conduct of affairs and swells not thy cheek for pride at men, nor walk in insolence through the earth: For Allah loveth not any arrogant boaster and be moderate in thy pace and lower thy voice, for the harshest of sands, without doubt, is the gain of the ass.''
The behavioral aspects of our lives, with body language inclusive, must not comply with the quality standard of the culture in which we are born and live, it must equally be in alignment and conformity with our chosen religious creed. The overall goal is for the child to develop into a reliable and dependable status of maturity, hence, the Holy Bible Proverbs 31: 8-9 includes as part of the responsibility as parents the following wise sayings which we must work on to live a fulfilled life.
''8 Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.
9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously and plead the cause of the poor and needy.''
Let us remember that the man would die in that person who keeps mute in the face of tyranny. Several rulers in the world play Nero the Emperor who ruled during his time through oppressive means to impoverish the land and the people while using the resources of the land to build personal castles around himself with blatant impunity.
Only children who are thoroughly bred and well reared can play significant roles in the scheme of community service and nation-building. Let this be the challenge and focus on which we need to walk the talk.
Also read-Legalizing Crime and Criminality
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Former Mayor of Adelanto Arrested on Wire Fraud and Bribery Charges Alleging Illicit Payments for Support of Commercial Marijuana Activity
- By solomon2day
- On 17/08/2021
- In Special Report
Press Release Friday, August 13, 2021RIVERSIDE, California – The former mayor of Adelanto was arrested today by special agents of the FBI on a federal grand jury indictment alleging he accepted more than $57,000 in bribes and kickbacks in exchange for approving ordinances authorizing various types of commercial marijuana activity within the city, and ensuring his co-schemers obtained city licenses or permits authorizing certain commercial marijuana activities.
Richard Allen Kerr, 64, of Adelanto, was taken into federal custody without incident this morning. He is charged with seven counts of honest services wire fraud and two counts of bribery.
Kerr, who served as Adelanto’s mayor from 2014 to 2018, is expected to make his initial appearance this afternoon in United States District Court in Riverside.
According to the indictment returned on August 11, as part of his official duties, Kerr voted on ordinances governing zoning regulations in the city and served on Adelanto’s Cannabis Dispensary Permit Committee, which determined the number of dispensary permits that would be issued and which applicants would receive them.
As mayor, Kerr supported marijuana legalization, voted in favor of an ordinance authorizing marijuana cultivation in the city, voted in favor of an ordinance authorizing the operation of medical marijuana dispensaries, and voted to authorize the distribution, transportation, and testing of medical marijuana, among other commercial marijuana activities. At the same time, Kerr secretly used his official position to enrich himself and his co-schemers bypassing these same ordinances, according to the indictment.
Kerr allegedly also drafted zones for commercial marijuana activities to include locations used by his co-schemers, and he ensured they obtained the licenses and permits they sought – in exchange for bribes, kickbacks, and gifts.
Kerr’s alleged co-schemers were a lawyer who specialized in plaintiffs’ tort litigation – identified in the indictment as “Person A” – and two individuals – labeled “Person C and “Person D” – who had business interests in the city, including those involving marijuana cultivation.
The bribes and kickbacks were disguised by Kerr and his co-schemers as gifts, donations to a charitable fund, donations to Kerr’s election campaign, or advance payments for the proceeds of planned litigation associated with a motorcycle accident.
In exchange for the bribes and kickbacks, Kerr provided favorable official action on behalf of the city to Person A, Person C, and other co-schemers with business interests in the city by authorizing various types of commercial marijuana activities, ensuring his supporters obtained the licenses or permits they sought and interfering with enforcement activities by city officials.
For example, on November 29, 2016, the Adelanto City Council held a public discussion related to an ordinance, including a discussion of “overlay zones” within which medical marijuana dispensaries would be located. The initial proposal included two zones, neither of which included a former restaurant – purchased two months earlier by Person A and his spouse.
During the discussion, Kerr requested a change in the boundaries of the second overlay zone, which expanded the zone to include Person A’s business. The plans for the business initially called for the building to be an attorney’s office, although they included items such as “elongated sales counters,” a “dispensing room,” “cashier,” and “security room,” the indictment alleges.
On December 5, 2016, Kerr deposited a $5,000 check – dated November 29, 2016 – from Person A’s real estate trust account into his bank account, and the check’s memorandum line read, “ADV XMAS FUND.”
In May 2017, Kerr voted twice in favor of a city ordinance that included Person A’s business in the marijuana dispensary overlay zone. In February, June, and August of 2017, Kerr deposited three $10,000 checks from Person A’s law firm, with the memorandum lines of each check stating, “ADVANCE.”
In total, Kerr accepted at least $57,500 in bribes and kickbacks from Person A, Person C, and other co-schemers.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted of all charges, Kerr would face a statutory maximum sentence of 160 years in federal prison.
The FBI investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Sean D. Peterson of the Riverside Branch Office is prosecuting this case
Source: FBI
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Reinstate Suspended President and others within 21 days or........-Concerned ASCSN members to its Leadership
- By solomon2day
- On 17/08/2021
- In News
Concerned members of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria(ASCSN) have threatened to picket the association's national secretariat if its suspended President and other sacked workers are not reinstated within 21 days.
This threat was handed down by the spokesman of the concerned members, Comrade Andrew Emelieze.
''We give the union and its secretariat a twenty-one-day ultimatum to settle all disputes surrounding the suspension of the President, Comrade Bola Audu as endorsed by the congress and reinstate him, and also reinstate the recently sacked union staff and halt further termination of employment in the union secretariat; else the congress shall be compelled to picket the national secretariat of ASCSN in Lagos and Abuja.''
''We also call on all members of ASCSN to stand up for the truth, September 29, 2021, the Secretary-General MUST GO or we should get ready to compel him to vacate through protest on or before September 29.' 2021. The Congress appeals to the Secretary-General not to plunge the union into further crisis before he retires.''
''Comrades, the expectation of members was that our union should stand by her President to the end until he was proven guilty by a competent court. The reverse is the case as the central working committee has been sponsored to discuss and approve his suspension while he was wrongly detained for fourteen days by NAPTIP. The President was never visited in detention by any ASCSN official neither did they make moves to ensure his welfare in detention nor allowed him a fair hearing before he was horribly suspended while still in detention. What the Secretary-General cannot forget is that the immediate past ASCSN President had a similar case but was never betrayed by ASCSN.
'' Comrades, as real owners of the union, we must ask why is the Secretary-General sacking workers to the extent that he will sack close to twenty staff in a month while he himself is seeking to work for more years after retirement? Why is Lawal refusing to retire from ASCSN? And why is he so desperate to continue to perpetuate himself in ASCSN?
Why has he turned himself to the BOSS and manipulating us all? The SG is a paid secretary of the union and why has he hijacked the union?'' Comrade Emelieze concluded.Also, read-Legalizing Crime and Criminality
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Exemplary Lifestyles and Divine Blessings by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke
- By solomon2day
- On 17/08/2021
- In The People Talk
Of all the creations of Allah, the almighty, only human beings exhibit poor characteristics of disobedience and acts of ungratefulness.This is why the Holy Quran 61: 1-4 reports us to ourselves, to effect positive change towards His rules and regulations to be able to stop all acts that make us look like rebellious entities.
''Whatever is in the heavens and on the earth declares the praises and glory of Allah: for He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise. O ey who believe! Why say ye that which ye do not? Grievously is it in the sight of Allah that ye say that which ye do not? TrulY Allah loves those who fight in His cause in battle array as if they were solid cemented structure.''
By the above, the design and the desire of God for us are that we do things through a positive mindset and characteristic accuracy and precision in all our transactions.
Also, the Holy Bible states in Proverbs 30: 24-28 ''24There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise:
25The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;
26The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;
27The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands;
28The spider taketh hold with her hands and is in kings' palaces.''
The question now is who =gave them the wisdom and why were they given the power of the discerning mind to be able to perform wonderfully the feat that is difficult for human beings to accomplish and with relative ease.
People, therefore need to follow these exemplary lifestyles of living within the divine codes of God's stipulations.
Proverbs 30: 29-33, shows us the dividend of been scripture compliant.
''29 There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going:30 A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;
31A greyhound; he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up.
32If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.
33Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.''
Overstepping the bounds of God is a ruinous path that will ever disturb the peace of the environment to probably lead to self-destruction. Doing things according to laid down ethical principles always leads to a successful voyage that would be crowned with the cream of divine grace that would be profitable to the body system, all and sundry.
Are we not called onto this earth for a purpose? Are we not sent to schools by our parents for a purpose to add value to the system that produced us? Are we not offered employment, appointed into positions of power for the purpose of ensuring that others are rightly empowered and the transformation of the environment through assured justice, peace, and sustainable development?
Why then are we deviating from the path of scripture compliance, the glory of ethics, discipline, scripture compliance, and doing things according to the dictates of the rule of law? We are not only shortchanging ourselves by depleting the resources, rather than adding value to the system?
We should resolve to change our ways for the better to receive the grace and blessings of God.
Also read-Legalizing Crime and Criminality
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Illinois Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Sending Threatening Communication Through Social Media
- By solomon2day
- On 11/08/2021
- In Special Report
Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – An Illinois man was sentenced today to 10 months in federal prison for sending a threatening message through social media to a West Virginia law enforcement officer.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Rodney Hanson, 37, sent a threatening Facebook message on January 8, 2019, to a law enforcement officer in Putnam County after a police involved shooting. Hanson pleaded guilty in May 2021 to transmitting an interstate threatening communication.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentenced. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Keefe handled the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:20-cr-00169.
Source : FBI
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Law Enforcement: The Reactionary Approach
- By solomon2day
- On 09/08/2021
- In Solomon's Column
Impunity in cities, towns, and villages across Nigeria revolves around the fact that that responsible for law enforcement has been heavily compromised.
Perhaps, this is the price to be paid to achieve self-centered goals with the coercive powers of Those-in-Charge in a depressed economy.
The obsessive lure of power seems too attractive for those involved to be committed to democracy. An unspecified number of citizens are now used as proxies.
The Nigerian society is now that of guns, terrorism, kidnappings, killings(for ritual purposes inclusive), contempt for the rule of law, and other violent crimes.
The reactionary approach to law enforcement and insecurity has resulted in the massive traumatization of the psyche of Nigerians; considering the increasing rate of abductions and killings in the land.
In saner climes, the structure of the national security system was fumigated, overhauled, and remodeled. This singular action ensured the exit of those lacking in integrity and credibility.
Sadly, today, state actors are not working towards leaving behind enduring legacies, instead, their energy dissipation points to monetary inducement for erstwhile credible commentators in a desperate bid to cover up the rot in the midst of non-performance. -
Forgiveness of Sins
- By solomon2day
- On 05/08/2021
- In Pictures
Ephesians 1: 7 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace
