Blog

Nigeria began to face the challenges of physiological needs since 1973 when the government of the day resorted to importing rice and cassava to make up for the production seeming lapses as it began to affect our Gross Domestic Product and exporting index with regards to agricultural proceed need will essentially spread to all spheres of human need.
Our neglect of the agriculture sector, particularly, forestry, livestock, and farm produce as we diversified with 80 percent focus on oil brought in the era of urbanization, but minus rural integration.
Unfortunately, the urban cities were not well managed and there was a mass drift of the people from the villages to overpopulate the yet-to-be-standard urban cities, thereby causing overcrowding for emerging diseases to surface.
Merit considerations and the dignity of labor no longer exists, rather nepotism is the trend.

In a general term, Maslow's hierarchy of needs becomes difficult to operationalize in rearing children, natural nurturing of adolescents, and self-desire realization for the society to benefit from the ripple effect on our growth and development profile which is presently poor, making Nigeria become a mere talk shop rather than a place where we walk the talk. The foundation of Maslow's hierarchy of needs is physiological needs spreading over food, clothing, and shelter. The country's hides and skin industry has gone into extinction, same goes for the paper industry. Presently, the country imports toothpicks.
The refineries are non-functional, that is why the subsidy challenge persists. The education sector remains underfunded when compared with the benchmark  OF 26 percent specified by UNESCO.
This is trailed by a high rate of unemployment and insecurity. The re is also the issue of obsolete and deteriorated facilities.
Let the government work for the society to imbibe the message of the focus of several opinion leaders.

The root cause of many nations failing is due to various sharp practices of their people which their various governments failed to control.

It becomes a matter of serious concern when such dastardly acts get to a crescendo in the 21st century, creating a wide gap of regime between the elite culture of kleptocracy and the hurt dividend of poverty, even under a democratic political concept where justice ad equity is Germaine to the realization of peace, security, and sustainable development, in all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. Nepotism dominates the strategic process of employment to the detriment of merit, productivity, and profitability. It is worrisome to note that the religious sector is passive, even though it is crucial to the restoration of sanity in the polity. The question now is how far have we fared in learning to be disciplined and trustworthy from messages of experiences in history as well as from the scriptural texts upholding our religious beliefs.

From the biblical perspective, the story of Hanninas and Sapphira is enough for people to shun acts of corruption. Acts 5: 1-11 refers,'' But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost and to keep back part of the price of the land?

4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.

6 And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.

7 And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.

8 And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.

9 Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.

10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.

11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many, as heard these things.''

Similarly, the Holy Quran 5: 62-63 refers,'' Many of them dost thou see raising each other in sin and transgression and their eating of things forbidden. Evil, indeed, is the things they do.''

In the scheme of restoring sanity into our national life, our houses of God have been made mere puns in the hands of the dubious political environment, making the nations head towards the precipice.

The chaotic situation of several nations today, such as Nigeria, suits prophetic observations as contained above. This is why religious leaders and the Doctors of Law need to do the required, so as not to bear the brunt of all the misdemeanor and sacrileges been perpetrated by the people in their heights of ignorance.

''Why do not the Rabbis and the Doctors of Law forbid them from their habit of altering sinful words and eating things forbidden? Evil indeed is, let us all their works.''

As stakeholders, let us all stop sharp practices to promote the unity, peace, and development of our nation, Nigeria.

            Arrested at NY airport on criminal complaint

Seattle – A Nigerian citizen was arrested Friday evening at JFK Airport in New York on a criminal complaint charging him with wire fraud for his scheme to steal over $350,000 in unemployment benefits from the Washington State Employment Security Department, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.  Abidemi Rufai, aka Sandy Tang, 42, of Lekki, Nigeria, made his initial appearance Saturday May 15, 2021 in New York.  He is scheduled for a detention hearing Wednesday.  

“Since the first fraud reports to our office in April 2020, we have worked diligently with a federal law enforcement team to track down the criminals who stole funds designated for pandemic relief,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Gorman.  “This is the first, but will not be the last, significant arrest in our ongoing investigation of ESD fraud.”

The criminal complaint alleges that Rufai used the stolen identities of more than 100 Washington residents to file fraudulent claims with ESD for pandemic-related unemployment benefits.  Rufai also filed fraudulent unemployment claims with Hawaii, Wyoming, Massachusetts, Montana, New York, and Pennsylvania.  Rufai used variations of a single e-mail address in a manner intended to evade automatic detection by fraud systems.  By using this practice, Rufai made it appear that each claim was connected with a different email account. 

Rufai caused the fraud proceeds to be paid out to online payment accounts such as ‘Green Dot’ accounts, or wired to bank accounts controlled by “money mules.”  Some of the proceeds were then mailed to the Jamaica, New York address of Rufai’s relative.  Law enforcement determined more than $288,000 was deposited into an American bank account controlled by Rufai between March and August 2020.

“Greed is a powerful motivator.  Unfortunately, the greed alleged to this defendant affects all taxpayers,” said Donald Voiret, Special Agent in Charge FBI Seattle. “The FBI and our partners will not stand idly by while individuals attempt to defraud programs meant to assist American workers and families suffering the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic.”  

Wire fraud is punishable by up to thirty years in prison when it relates to benefits paid in connection with a presidentially-declared disaster or emergency, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

The charges contained in the complaint are only allegations.  A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

This case was investigated by the FBI, with assistance from the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG).  The fraud on ESD is being investigated cooperatively by the FBI, DOL-OIG, Social Security Office of Inspector General, U.S. Secret Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations.  The Washington Employment Security Department is cooperating in the investigation.

The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Seth Wilkinson, Cindy Chang, and Benjamin Diggs of the Western District of Washington, and Trial Attorney Jane Lee of DOJ’s Cyber Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS).

By May 29, 2021, the number of Those-in-Charge at both the Federal and State levels of Government shall be six years on the saddle, while others shall clock two years in their seats.
Interestingly, it is evident that the ruling class is yet to take positive steps to build a country hinged on equity, justice, and the fear of God.
Indeed, common sights in major cities in Nigeria include students, pupils, and those in the out-of-school category, hawking ''pure water'', kerosene, pepper/tomatoes, soap/detergents, and several other edibles, while the song on the mouths of everyone is titled,'' future leaders''.
The places to impart knowledge-Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary-are now breeding grounds for cultists, armed robbers, rapists, ritualists among others in the school uniforms for those in the Primary and Secondary schools.
The limitless strength of the devalued Naira has ensured that cronies of the government at all levels control the decision-making bodies of most trade unions in a bid to allow their paymasters to have their ways.
Not surprisingly, the singular factor that counts, presently, in the country's political culture is CASH. 
The individuals who are opportune to have it in abundance treat others in the population with total contempt.
Those in-Charge, long before now spend their entire tenures, seeking to control the government and the political party structure, forgetting that the political party is not for a single individual.
However, the trend is for the party executive to run to a single individual whenever money is needed to run the party secretariat.
The implication that the dispensing point has the party in his pocket while the majority of the party members remain aggrieved and now grumble loudly for people to hear.
In Oyo State, Nigerians are not surprised that there are visible perforations of the walls of the St. Annes School fence that separates the Girls' school from the Olorunsogo, Molete community, and unregulated entry into the school through the perforations since Those-in-Charge prefer the reactionary approach to governance.
Similarly, hoodlums in the community have converted an abandoned building on the same street as the Redeemed Christian Church of God(RCCG) Potters House to a launchpad for crime and criminality, in connivance with the residents particularly those who reside in No. 5 and 8 Kehinde Aderibigbe street.

A State Governor who swore an oath to uphold the contents of the 1999 amended constitution and also secretly backs calls for secession by self-determination groups is unfit to occupy such a seat.
This assertion was made on Sunday by a Radio analyst, Dr. Praise Akinwande, during a program monitored in Ibadan, Nigeria.
''Any Governor who has sworn to an oath to uphold the contents of the 1999 amended constitution and is now backing the calls for secession is unfit for the office he occupies'', Dr. Akinwande stated.

A State Governor who swore an oath to uphold the contents of the 1999 amended constitution and also secretly backs calls for secession by self-determination groups is unfit to occupy such a seat.
This assertion was made on Sunday by a Radio analyst, Dr. Praise Akinwande, during a program monitored in Ibadan, Nigeria.
''Any Governor who has sworn to an oath to uphold the contents of the 1999 amended constitution and is now backing the calls for secession is unfit for the office he occupies'', Dr. Akinwande stated.

A former Federal House of Representatives member from Oyo state Hon. Mulikat Akande Adeola has apologized to her supporters for innocently directing them to vote for the incumbent Governor of the State in the 2019 gubernatorial elections.
Hon. Akande Adeola tendered the apology, on Saturday, during a live interview program monitored in Ibadan, Nigeria
''I apologize to my supporters for innocently directing them to vote for Engr. Seyi Makinde in the 2019 gubernatorial elections in Oyo state. I am sorry, we were used and dumped and we worked for the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP). I contested for the Oyo North Senatorial district seat, but because they worked against me, I did not win. They now want to bring down my structures. I am a devout Muslim and I worship God, their actions shall have conequences. I joined the PDP in 1998 in Lagos,'' Hon. Akande Adeola stated.

Monday, May 3rd
The last 10 days of the Ramadan fast are regarded as the pathway to Janat or paradise. The period, for all Muslims, demands a sober reflection from all adherents on if they have been able to target the goal of the fear of God as expected of the almighty Allah for one to be wholesome with fruitful labor worthy of harvesting.
Let us, therefore, enter this last voyage in the Ramadan fats with the statement of the objective of the retreat or Itikaf(Holy Quran 18: 10)
''Behold the youths betook themselves to the Cafe: They said,'' Our Lord! Bestow on us mercy  from thyself and dispose of our affair for us in the right way !'' Ramadan Mubarak.
   Tuesday, May 4th
Be reminded that Allah hath made clear His signs to men in this month of Ramadan that we may learn self-restraint. For example, the Holy Quran 2: 187 talked about the limit set by Allah during Itikaf or retreat period that we must not approach or associate with our wives while we are in the retreat in the mosque. The use of vulgar language is equally prohibited. For example, in the Holy Quran 29: 45, we are admonished to recite what is sent of the book by inspiration to the Holy Prophet Muhammad, that is the Holy Quran and  ''establish regular Prayer: For example, For prayer must restrain from shameful and evil deeds; and remembrance of Allah is the greatest thing in life without a doubt. And Allah knows the deeds that you do(ever monitoring). Follow this strictly during the Itikaf period. Ramadan Mubarak.

Wednesday, May 5th
Be reminded of the fact that the essence of your participation in the Ramadan fast is to reform you into a state of piety for you to be able to live exemplary lifestyles. Be reminded also,  God wants you to complete the prescribed period and to glorify Him, in that He has guided you: and perchance ye shall be grateful. (Holy Quran 2: 185). A complete assignment diligently and thoroughly done by every adherent shall be fully rewarded. Avoid games of deceit or unwarranted shortcut practices. Ramadan Mubarak.
Thursday, May 6th
Be reminded that fasting is for a  fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill or on a fatigue-driven journey, the prescribed number should be made up from this later. For those who can afford atonement for this is a Ransome, the feeding of one that is indigent, but that he will give more of his own free will,- it is better for him. However, the best option that is better for you is to observe the prescribed 29 or 30 days as an annual event. The Almighty Allah will make us hale and hearty to be able to observe the Ramadan fast as an act of Ibaadah. Ramadan Mubarak.
Friday, May 7th
The glorious with joy that you are a Muslim and an active participant in the class sessions of the Ramadan fast period, be equally reminded that Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put you in difficulties. Surgical operations are not for the purpose of afflicting patients, but to relive and heal them.
In this wise, make use of the Ramadan period to arrest and tame the wildness of the evening times and judiciously use the Holy Quran as your guide for socio-spiritual maturation in body preservation from sins and soul purification from devilish thought processes. Avoid occultism, wizardry, witchcraft, and sorcery, but uphold the concept of holiness for Allah the Almighty God.

Labor Leaders in Nigeria no longer address issues confronting workers but prefer to behave like politicians.
This assertion was made by an Ex-Officio of the Oyo State Council of the Trade Union Congress(TUC), who is also a former chairman of the union, Comrade Andrew Emelieze.
''Labor leaders are no longer addressing issues confronting workers, rather labor leaders have shown that they are no different from politicians who use diversionary tactics to blindfold the people of today's realities. Labor leaders now use Mayday to deceive workers, this is so because Mayday has been turned into a mere jamboree. Except the workers correct the current situation, the present crop of labor leaders in the country are leading workers astray,'' Comrade Emelieze warned.

It is stale news that a considerable number of companies have divested from Nigeria.
Their relocation revolved around challenges of energy,  infrastructure, and insecurity which has rendered business operations in the country prostate.
It is regrettable that Those-in-Charge has woefully failed to retain the confidence of investors by sustaining crucial industry support requirements viz electricity, good roads, and security.
Interestingly while the multinationals and a number of indigenous companies have taken refuge in Ghana and other countries, the Chinese, Indians, Lebanese, and Koreans have filled the gap and taken a firm grip of the economy. This set of investors have a reputation for exploitation, casualization, and the payment of stipends as wages to helpless workers.
In a number of instances, the workers are subjected to long hours of work without leave or holidays. Sadly, Those-in Charge has endorsed the country as a safe haven for this particular set of investors, who have over the years undermined the efforts of the law enforcement and security agencies.
 It is not surprising the Debt Management Office(DMO) has disclosed that Nigeria is indebted to China to the tune of $3.7 Billion.
Curiously, the ambition and other selfish reasons of some helmsmen in the states which has almost brought Nigeria to its knees are the major stimuli for their intentions to conduct Local Government elections in these perilous times.