Solomon's Column

/> The gruesome murder of Bolanle Raheem by an Assistant Superintendent of Police(ASP) has been described as a reflection of the depraved mindset of those in government. This assertion was made by a former chairman of the Oyo state council of the Trade Union Congress(TUC), Comrade Andrew Emelieze. ''This kind of tragedy shows that those ruling Nigeria are heartless, wicked and do not value the lives of Nigerians. This is the kind of nightmare that Nigerians face daily at the hands of men and officers of the Nigeria Police Force. The police are doing the opposite of what they were recruited to do. Rather than protecting Nigerians, the police are on the streets, extorting, attacking and maiming innocent Nigerians. It is quite unfortunate, pathetic and very sorrowful that Mrs. Bolanle Raheem was killed in cold blood by a drunken police officer. We pray for the repose of her soul and also pray that God will give the family the fortitude to bear the great loss.''

Develop a mindset that can withstand unanticipated challenges in your personal and business life. Build the strength to be able to achieve balance and success when all is well, but also maintain a positive disposition during difficult times. Exploring opportunities and not the challenges assists you to achieve balance, regardless of the size or type of obstacle you are confronted with.

United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced December’s Grand Jury A and B indictments. The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence. Federal Grand Jury B, Dec. 19- 23, 2022 Anthony Abel-Flores; Jabier Bustos; Vanessa Garcia-Jimenez; Olivia Carrell. Drug Conspiracy; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises. Beginning in November 2022, Abel-Flores, 31; Bustos, 33; Garcia-Jimenez, 19; and Carrell, 27, of Jennings, allegedly took part in a methamphetamine conspiracy. As part of that conspiracy, Abel-Flores, Bustos, and Garcia-Jimenez are charged with possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Finally,

Nigerians are now very worried and are asking several questions over the present debt situation of the Federal and State governments. In recent years, the government at all levels have failed to exhibit a high sense of responsibility in managing borrowed funds. Are the incurred debts at a sustainable level? Nigerians wish to know. Obviously, the heavy indebtedness of a number of states is a reflection of the major reason why those in authority occupy public offices. Indeed, the lack of prudence in the management and utilization of borrowed funds and the disability of measures that will guarantee transparency are two major characteristics of debt management in the country. The country's debt profile is disturbing, while the capacity of the different levels of government to manage their debts is questionable. Most importantly, the domestic debt data of all the states ought to be made public for Nigerians to know the financial status of these states. This will go a long way to dete

Believers who sustain a very close fellowship with God have all it takes to neutralize the most oppressive darkness and adverse situations. 2 Samuel 22 : 1-7 Now it came to pass after the death of Saul, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, and David had abode two days in Ziklag; 2 It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head: and so it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance. 3 And David said unto him, From whence comest thou? And he said unto him, Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped. 4 And David said unto him, How went the matter? I pray thee, tell me. And he answered, That the people are fled from the battle, and many of the people also are fallen and dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also. 5 And David said unto the young man that told him, How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son be dead? 6 And the young man

The actual population of displaced Nigerians is still unknown. These bonafide citizens were displaced majorly by violent crimes and economic hardships. The suggestion is that the uncollected Permanent Voters Cards(PVC) belong to the displaced Nigerians. In this piece, the Founder, Spiritual head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu OlagokeJP warns that the unending insecurity, economic hardships and the large number of uncollected PVCs will impact negatively on the 202 general elections. Excerpts: Nigerians are apathetic to matters relating to the collection of their Permanent Voters Cards(PVC) to be able to be eligible to vote in the 2023 general elections because of the perceived disturbing state of the nation. For example, the high prices of consumables and essential commodities coupled with the prohibitive prices of petroleum products has made life unbearable for millions of Nigerians. The result is the hunger, poverty and high unemployment rate in the

Nigerians have been charged with keeping hope alive by praying ceaselessly for the present hardships and violent crimes weighing the country down to come to an end in the new year. This charge was given by Pastor Opeyemi Ajayi. ''Nigerians should continue to pray ceaselessly for an end to the present hardships and spate of killings, ritual killings, armed robberies, rape and other violent crimes in the new year. The challenges Nigerians are passing through today will soon be over. It is a matter of time and at the end of it all we shall have cause to rejoice and be happy. Niggerians should be optimistic that the new year will bring good tidings,'' Pastor Ajayi stated. Similarly, labor leaders in Nigeria have been castigated for keeping mute in the face of the hardships being experienced, particularly by workers and generally by Nigerians. This castigation was given by a former chairman of the Oyo state council of the Trade Union Congress(TUC), Comrade Andrew Emelieze.

State governments majorly borrow money to pay contractors and loans collected for the quick finance of workers' salaries and retirees' pensions. All these are offset when the states receive their monthly federal allocations. Indeed, most state governments obtained loans to finance their first choice priorities, road projects, in governance. Sadly, the wearing costs of these road projects are unknown, while their benefits remain speculations. Interestingly, Those-in-Authority continue to play god, instead of allowing the supreme being to play God and then they play the human element of the process. Regretably, the ''new generation leaders'' in the states have brought in their stride-for the young and old-criminality, fetishness and diabolism. The phrase, ''one of the safest states in Nigeria'' suggests a covert invitation to criminals as seen in some states of the federation. It is not a surprise that career officers and political appointees are

Prejudice, greed, selfishness and hate have all blindfolded the conscience of the young and old, to be able to differentiate between right and wrong. Romans 1 :27-32 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of deat

DES MOINES, IA – A federal grand jury in Des Moines returned an indictment on December 14, 2022, charging Adair Chief of Police Bradley Wendt with unlawfully obtaining and possessing machine guns. According to unsealed court documents, Wendt, age 46, exploited his position as the Adair Chief of Police to acquire 10 machine guns purportedly for the official duties and responsibilities of the Adair Police Department, but later resold several of those machine guns at a significant profit. Wendt also acquired 13 machine guns for his Denison-based gun store, BW Outfitters, through false statements to the ATF that the machine guns were being demonstrated for future potential purchase by the Adair Police Department. Wendt also exploited his position as the Chief of Police to obtain 10 machine guns for Williams Contracting LLC, a federal firearms licensee operated by his friend, Robert Williams, age 46, of Manning. Williams solicited false documentation from Wendt indicating the Adair Poli

When it comes to issues revolving around success, no time is too late. No time is too late to achieve greatness in any field of human endeavor. Your best years are not behind you, and the suitable day to start achieving them is today.

Trade unions in the formal and non-formal sectors in Oyo state have expressed divergent views on the unimpressive turn out of Nigerians in the collection of their Permanent Voters Cards(PVC) in the state. A sizable number insist that the frustrating and cumbersome process for the collection of PVCs has greatly discouraged thousands of Nigerians from collecting their PVCs. Others insist that the difficult process is deliberate for unknown reasons. Sadly, others opine that in the absence of good governance, they have no choice but to make do with handouts. In his view, the chairman of Day Old Chicks Association of Nigeria(DOCAN) in the state, Alhaji Tijani Mudashiru lamented that their votes in previous elections were yet to have an impact on the association, saying,''our members come from different homes and they have been voting for several years, but up till this moment, there has not been any government intervention. We do not have public toilets. The government has never th

When confronted with difficult and hard times, stiff challenges and major disappointments, identify and hold on to those who offer encouragement and hope, if at all, they are brothers, sisters or friends. Galatians 6 : 1-5 1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. 3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. 4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For every man shall bear his own burden.

In the process of developing new locations in many states, those-in-authority have displaced thousands of Nigerians. Indeed, the forced displacements include the dubious sale of several houses to conspirators, who pull down original buildings and erect something different on the land. The forgery of property and land documents is the trend. Sadly, this development has attracted in this wake, criminal elements, who have to a large extent damaged the reputation of the government. Interestingly, the law enforcement and justice system have been compromised to accommodate this evil; while the people now see those-in-authority'' as bad dreams. However, Nigerians are optimistic that the days of bad dreams would soon be over in the nearest time to come. Note- Free, fair and credible elections can only be achieved if Those-in-Authority are not products of flawed elections. The political parties' primaries that produced candidates for political offices in 2023 were manipulated,

The language used in the media in relation to people with disabilities, may be an indication of whether social change has or would occur. For example, media stories about graduates or students wit disabilities often focus on the sacrifices of family and caregivers, instead of the students and the challenges there faced getting an education. It is disheartening, therefore, that persons with disabilities are seldom covered in the media and when they are presented, they are typically damaging stereotyped and not properly epitomized. It is not uncommon to see persons with disabilities treated as objects of pity, charity or medical treatment that have overcome a tragic and disabling condition or conversely, presented as champions who have accomplished great feats, to inspire the non-disabled. The Editors, producers and programmers are influenced by their own thoughts of disability and what they trust will attract listeners. Equity and Equality challenges indeed! The media, therefor re e

The national leadership of the Ohaneze Ndigbo has been called upon to curtail the activities of those who have continued to downgrade personalities in Igboland. This call was made recently, by the Ezechukwujiegosioluebube nala Ibadan and Oyo state, Eze(Dr.) Alex Anozie at the Igbo day celebration in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria. ''Let me also appreciate the Ohaneze worldwide leadership, ably led by Professor George Obiozo and his dynamic team, for their selfless service they are doing to Ndigbo worldwide. May the good Lord bless and guide them always in all their efforts towards serving Ndigbo better. Please your administration should try to checkmate this rising wave of P.H.D-Pull Him Down Syndrome-which has rubbished the integrity of the Igbo race.'' Eze(Dr.) Anozie also commended the Federal Government for completing the second Niger bridge, saying, ''Let me thank the Federal Government for the completion of the second Niger bridge. I am so happy, that it w

For Further Information, Contact: Assistant U. S. Attorney Mark Conover (619) 546-6763  Honolulu, Hawaii – Edmond Abordo of Honolulu was arrested by the FBI today in connection with a federal grand jury indictment charging that he forged the signature of a federal judge in order to trick a woman into paying him thousands of dollars for bogus legal services. According to the indictment, Abordo used the forged signature and a federal court seal to create a phony court order, which he then used to prove to the victim that he’d pulled her Ewa Beach, Hawaii, home out of foreclosure. Abordo allegedly claimed to be a legal expert, which he was not. The case was initiated when the Clerk's Office of the District Court, District of Hawaii learned of the forged court order containing the signature and seal of U.S. Chief District Judge Derrick K. Watson. The FBI began investigating. The indictment alleges that Abordo first met the elderly victim in late 2017 and described himself to her

The Gubernatorial candidate of the National Rescue Movement(NRM)in Oyo state, Dr. Raymond Adegboyega has declared that the lingering fuel scarcity shows that Nigeria lacks responsive and responsible governments at all levels. Dr. Adegboyega made this declaration on Thursday in a chat in Ibadan, Nigeria. ''Different petrol stations are sold at different prices, some people are creating bottlenecks and benefitting from the scarcity. They have brought Nigerians hardships. We don't have responsive and responsible governments at all levels. If the government wants to increase the price of petrol, there is a way to do it. I foresee the government increasing the price of petrol. The government does not care. This may result in crises before the elections. It is a bad omen,'' he stated.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ) has called on the Federal Government to appoint the right people to the right places to ensure equality, justice and fairness. This call was made by the Chairman of the Oyo state council of their union, Comrade Ademola Babalola on Wednesday at the Star Development Initiative Media discussion with Journalists in Oyo state in commemoration of the International Day for People with Disabilities in Ibadan. ''Churches and Mosques must be accessible to persons living with disabilities, the NUJ is accessible to people living with disabilities. We should put round pegs in round holes. We in the NUJ are calling on the Federal Government to put the right people in the right places.'' Comrade Babalola was represented by the Vice chairman of the union, Comrade Seye Ojo. In her welcome address, the Chief Executive Officer of the initiative, Mrs. Grace Alezander disclosed that persons living without disabilities ought not to be pitied but treat

False doctrines start with the misinterpretation of the word of God by people. God gave us commandments to follow, but when we fail to follow them, there is a problem. We look for shortcuts to God, but there are no short cuts to God. You have to follow the teachings in the Bible. People are moving away from the teachings in the Bible as a result of false doctrines. The devil is at work when a believer does not follow Jesus Christ. Most people tell so many lies to cover single lies. That is the situation in Nigeria today. The church know the truth and the word of God, but so many refuse to follow the truth. So many have failed to live righteous lives. The trend now, is to brainwash and cajole people into slavery, through signs, wonders and miracles shown to them. This replaces the word of God they ought to have been taught. They cajole and brainwash people to part with all they have, through false doctrines.

The experiments guided by the creditors have resulted in devastating socio-economic instability in Nigeria. The situation has been made worse by the obsession of today's leaders with the politics of exclusion. This is glaring at all levels of government. Noticing that the failure in governance is now noticeable, the ''accidental'' leaders have resorted to the creation of an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, to bulldoze themselves back to political offices. Political office holders ought to quickly realize that failure is collective in politics and should take responsibility for posterity's sake. Fraud and deception have trailed the activities of a number of administrations at the state level, while several communities have a high concentration of illiteracy, ignorance and poverty. Indeed, the hidden fact is hinged on the strength of lies and falsehood that are the backbones of governance in the three tiers of government. Note- Olorunsogo, Molete/Oshodi/Fe

Trust in God not money, is the right thinking. Wealth and poverty revolve around problems, but in all circumstances trust in God. Eccelesiates 5 : 10-17 He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity. 11 When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes? 12 The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep. 13 There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt. 14 But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand. 15 As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand. 16 And this also is a sore evil, that in all points a

Explore the potential of listening to achieve success. You can generate sales through listening. When you have compassion, you will be able to listen. For you to unlock difficult situations, listen. Listening makes a difference in every interpersonal interaction.

During remarks at the 2022 White House Tribal Nations Summit today, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced that the FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) signed an agreement to establish guidelines to provide for the effective and efficient administration of criminal investigations in Indian Country. This is the first update since the early 1990s to a memorandum of understanding between the agencies. The announcement is being discussed during a panel featuring Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta at the Summit. The Summit provides an opportunity for Administration and Tribal leaders from the 574 federally recognized Tribes to discuss ways the federal government can invest in and strengthen nation-to-nation relationships as well as ensure that progress in Indian Country endures for years to come. “This agreement is a crucial step to advancing public safety for American Indian and Alaska Native communities,” said Associate Attorn

The lingering fuel scarcity in Nigeria has brought about untold hardships on Nigerians. This assertion was made by the chairman of the National Union of Allied Health Professionals(NUAHP), Oyo state council, who doubles as the chairman of the University College Hospital(UCH) branch of the union, Comrade Oladayo Olabampe. ''Our leaders have brought untold hardships on us. People are suffering. We Nigerians are known to be rugged people and whatever our leaders throw at us, we find a way of maneuvering and coping. So we are coping. The filling stations are selling the Petroleum Motor Spirit(PMS) at very high prices and there are also those selling kegs along the road, the black market, for those who can afford them. People spend as long as a whole day in petrol stations just to get fuel. We should not forget about those who don't have cars and rely on public transport. The transport fares have gone up beyond their reach.'' ''Nigerians are paying because th

Seek the mercy, grace nd wisdom of God to achieve your spiritual potential and triumph in all spheres of human endeavor. Matthew 7 : 7-11 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? 10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

Equity, Justice and Fairness currently remains perpetually in the refuse bins of many offices, just as injustice has occupied space in most states of Nigeria. Sadly, the activities of those in the Judiciary have further aggravated the worrisome situation, while millions of Nigerians continue their lamentations for those who care to listen to their plight. Interestingly, those-in-authority who facilitated the pitiful state of justice delivery are now vigorously promoting alternative dispute resolution in the states to disguise their evil deeds. Indeed, the evil that men have done and shall do now will live with them in their twilight days. Note-For the credibility, transparency and reliability of the judiciary to be preserved and remain unblemished, responsible and focused career officers ought not to abandon their duty posts for trips into controversy.

The Oyo state government recently announced the derecognition of 50 secondary schools in the state for examination malpractices. 26 of the schools are government owned while 24 are privately owned. The Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke in this piece expresses his views on the development. Excerpt: Examination calls for a process of strict invigilation and supervision underlined by the highest level of discipline to protect the integrity of the alumni of every school. The desire of parents to have their children in a choice of professions and universities, the pressure on children to pursue courses in which they have no aptitude, pressure on teachers who want to gain favor, overcrowded sitting arrangements, parental upbringing, peer group effects, mushroom schools promising good results among others all contribute to examination malpractices. These fundamental causative factors need to be addressed properly by stakeholders-p

NEWARK, N.J. – A Union County man who previously served as a staff member in the New Jersey Senate today admitted his role in a conspiracy to falsely inflate the invoices that a political consultant submitted to various campaigns, political action committees, and IRS 501(c)(4) organizations, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Antonio Teixeira, 43, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John Michael Vazquez to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of tax evasion. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: From 2014 to 2018, Teixeira conspired with Sean Caddle, and Caddle’s political consulting firms, to defraud various campaigns, political action committees, and 501(c)(4) organizations of $107,800. Teixeira then failed to report this illicit income on tax forms that he filed with the IRS during those same years. Caddle was hired by a former New Jersey state s

The government at all levels in Nigeria has been called upon to empower relevant stakeholders in the environment sector as a step toward ending open defecation in the country. This call was made on Friday by the Founder, Spiritual head, and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke in an address titled ''SAY NO TO OPEN DEFECATION at the commissioning of the comfort house for the Shafudeeen national headquarters' mosque, Shafautedo, Apata-Omi-Adio road, Ibadan Nigeria. ''This calls for government empowerment of stakeholders-Town Planning Authority(Urban and Regional planning)as well as the Sanitary Inspectors to enforce people's compliance in every built scheme with effective sensitization on the essence of hygiene protocol to keep every place clean to avoid breakout of diseases and add value to the necessary beautification effect of the environment for healthy living. Comfort House is an essential utility for the home and public place

Nigerians have called upon the leaders of the Labor Party in Nigeria to decentralize the campaign structure of the party as the 2023 general elections approach to avoid infighting and altercations. This call was made on Wednesday by the worried and concerned members, supporters and loyalists of the presidential candidate of the Labor Party, moments before the campaign team arrived at the Lekan Salami stadium, Adamasimgba, Ibadan, Nigeria. ''Mr. Peter Obi, his running mate-Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed and other leaders should ensure that the campaign structure of the Labor Party is decentralized and that every Nigerian is carried along in the course of the campaigns across the Federal Republic of Nigeria to avoid infighting, wranglings and altercations; the campaigns should be taken seriously and should be deviod of self-centered thoughts and attitude'', they stated. In another development, the Ex-Officio of the Oyo state Council of the Trade Union Congress(TUC), who is als