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U.S. lies speed up bankruptcy of its credibility

Published

3 years ago

March 4, 2023

By Zhong Sheng, People’s Daily
An American journalist recently made public a series of “Twitter Files” that exposed the U.S. government’s involvement in social media platforms and their deceptions in publicity.
As a matter of fact, the U.S. government has long been spreading fake information and weaving a net of rumors to manipulate public opinion, demonize other countries and maintain U.S. hegemony. It is completely a “lie maker.”
Fabricating and spreading fake information is a common practice of the U.S.
During the Cold War, the United States launched the Operation Mockingbird, which enlisted at least 400 journalists and 25 large organizations around the world to fabricate fake news and manipulate public opinion.
In 2003, only with a test tube of undetermined white powder, or what some describe as “washing powder,” the country accused Iraq of developing weapons of mass destruction and provoked the Iraq War. In 2016, it galvanizes Syria’s White Helmets into making fake videos and spreading misinformation in an attempt to smear the Syrian government. Besides, it resorted to a “presumption of guilt” against China when tracing the origins of COVID-19.
Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo admitted that “We lied, we cheated, we stole…It reminds you of the glory of the American experiment.”
Over the recent years, the U.S. has launched frequent public opinion and cognitive warfare to maintain its hegemony, taking fake information as a tool to oppress and contain other countries. It instigated color revolutions around the world, oppressed other countries’ enterprises in the name of so-called national security, and fabricated big lies about China’s Xinjiang such as “genocide” and “forced labor.”
The country has time and again whitewashed its subversion and infiltration efforts, bullying and robbery practices and trampling on lives, calling them “democratic progress,” “maintaining justice” and “safeguarding human rights.” This fully exposed the country’s hegemonic, domineering and bullying mentality.
Gordon Adams, professor emeritus with American University, noted that “concealment, deception and outright lies have characterized U.S. national security policy for decades.”
Framing other countries with fake information in cyberspace has become a weapon of the “New Cold War” of the U.S.
A study by Australia Institute, a Canberra-based think tank, identified 5,752 accounts that spread mis- and disinformation regarding the novel coronavirus in 2020, many of which were bot-like accounts that had connections to the U.S.
To spread fake information, the U.S. establish a rumor network by launching covert influence operations and other similar strategies.
According to the report “Unheard Voice: Evaluating five years of pro-Western covert influence operations”, which was jointly issued by the Stanford Internet Observatory and Graphika, a social media analytics firm, accounts used in covert influence operations created fake personas and posed as media outlets to disseminate news materials of low credibility, and smeared and attacked relevant countries in a targeted manner in at least seven languages, including Russian, Arabic and Urdu.
The fabrication and spreading of lies by the U.S. have led to a constant decline in trust in the country among the international community, including the American public.
According to a survey by Gallup and Knight Foundation, half of U.S. respondents disagree with the statement that national news organizations do not intend to mislead, misinform, or persuade the public.
Another survey conducted by U.S. News & World Report and Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania also indicated a 50 percent drop in the world’s trust in the U.S. from 2016, the largest decline in the world.
U.S. Senator Rand Paul said during a hearing last year that the American government is the world’s “greatest disseminator” of misinformation.
Fabricating and spreading lies would never expand U.S. influence, but only lead to the bankruptcy of the country’s credibility. The country should stop fooling the world and quit smearing other countries.

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Kwara: Ifelodun Travellers Transport System Revived

Published

8 hours ago

August 19, 2026

Our Reporter

As Council Signs MoU With P&A Contract Ltd

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Ifelodun local Government, under the leadership of Hadji Abdulrasheed Femi Yusuf, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with P & A Contract Limited for the construction of a modern motor park in Amoyo, as the Council moves to revive the Ifelodun Travellers transport system and improve transportation within the Local Government.

Speaking during the MoU signing ceremony at the Council s Contact Office in Amoyo, the Chairman explained that the decision to construct the motor park was driven by the need for Ifelodun Local Government to establish its own transport identity, intended to ease people’s transportation problem.

He recalled that residents travelling to and from Ifelodun had, over the years, relied on transport facilities at Offa Garage and Maraba in Ilorin, stressing the need to create a dedicated transport hub that would serve the people of the Local Government.

“At some point in the history of Ifelodun Local Government, we had Ifelodun Travellers, which does not exist anymore. I don’t think there is anything wrong with bringing that identity back to the limelight. Now, we want to add value to that identity,” the Chairman said.

He added that the Council was also working with relevant stakeholders to bring in 10 units of Korope buses, which would commence operations as soon as possible.

“We are working with the NURTW, Kwara State Chapter, for guidance and to ensure that the operation runs smoothly,” he added.

The Supervisory Councillor for Works and Infrastructure Development, Mrs. Kolo Rebecca, explained that the proposed park would feature several amenities, including a garage, warehouse, 100-unit shopping complex, parking spaces and general toilets.

She said the facilities were designed to boost economic activities, improve the image of the Local Government and provide a more convenient transportation system for residents.

According to her, the initiative is also in line with the efforts of the Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to take governance and development directly to the grassroots.

The contractor, Mallam Jimoh Toheeb Abolore, assured the Local Government of the prompt execution of the project, promising that the construction would meet the required standards and contribute positively to the image and development of Ifelodun Local Government.

Those in attendance included the Vice Chairman, Hon. Nike Ajibola; Secretary to the Local Government, Dr. Kamil Akorede; DPM, Mallam Ayinde Salman; LGT, Mallam Usman Waheed; Chief of Staff to the Chairman, Chief Ademola Zubair; Head of Works, Engr. Awodi Muhammad; Land officer, Tola Kadir and other Special Assistants.

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Lawyer Demands Release of Detained Kano Blogger, Maryam Shehu

Published

1 day ago

August 18, 2026

Our Reporter

By Hassan Agboola

A lawyer and human rights activist, Hamza Nuhu Dantani, has called for the immediate release of Kano-based blogger, Maryam Shehu, who he said has been in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for almost 30 days.

Dantani, in a statement on Monday, said the prolonged detention of Shehu was becoming difficult to reconcile with the rule of law and provisions of the 1999 Constitution, particularly her fundamental right to personal liberty.
He questioned why Shehu should remain in detention for nearly 30 days, particularly over an offence he described as ordinarily bailable.

“How on earth can a person be detained for almost 30 days and counting, particularly in relation to an offence that is ordinarily bailable, without meaningful consideration of her liberty and constitutional rights?” he asked.
Dantani said the EFCC’s powers to investigate did not give the commission the right to detain a suspect indefinitely, punish her before trial or disregard her fundamental rights.

He also criticised the alleged practice of photographing persons in EFCC custody and publishing their images online while they remain presumed innocent.
Citing Section 36(5) of the Constitution, Dantani said the law guarantees the presumption of innocence until a suspect is proven guilty by a competent court.

He warned that publicly portraying suspects as criminals before trial could amount to subjecting them to public punishment and humiliation.
“The EFCC is a law-enforcement institution. It must therefore be the first institution to demonstrate obedience to law. It cannot demand respect for law from citizens while appearing to disregard constitutional safeguards itself,” he said.

Dantani urged the commission to either charge Shehu before a competent court if it has credible evidence against her or release her immediately
.
“We call on EFCC to respect the Constitution, respect presumption of innocence and respect fundamental right to personal liberty. Investigation is not conviction. Detention is not punishment. And an allegation is not guilt,” he said.

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Cristiano Ronaldo’s Comment on Lionel Messi’s Tribute to His Dad Becomes Most-Liked Instagram Comment

Published

1 day ago

August 18, 2026

Our Reporter

By Fabian Apechihin

Cristiano Ronaldo’s heartfelt message to Lionel Messi following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, has reportedly become the most-liked comment in Instagram history.

Jorge Messi died on August 7 in Rosario, Argentina, aged 68. Five days later, Messi paid tribute to his late father in an emotional Instagram post featuring a photo of the pair.

In the post, Messi wrote, “Te amo, pa” — meaning “I love you, Dad” — alongside a lengthy tribute reflecting on his father’s influence and the pain of losing him.

Among the many reactions from fans, celebrities and fellow footballers was a message from Ronaldo.

“Un abrazo enorme para ti y los tuyos en estos duros momentos, Leo. Mucha fuerza,” Ronaldo wrote, which translates to: “A huge hug to you and yours in these tough times, Leo. Much strength.”

Ronaldo’s comment reportedly attracted more than 6.86 million likes and over 86,000 comments, making it the most-liked comment on Instagram.

The previous record was also held by Ronaldo, whose comment on Kylian Mbappé’s announcement of his move to Real Madrid reportedly received more than five million likes.

Other football stars also expressed their condolences to Messi. Neymar Jr.’s message, translated as “Much strength for you and your family. Big hug,” reportedly received more than 1.6 million likes, while David Beckham’s comment expressing support for Messi and his family attracted more than 300,000 likes.

In his tribute, Messi described his father’s death as difficult to comprehend, saying he struggled to accept that he would no longer see or speak with him.

Messi also recalled how his father had encouraged him to play at the 2026 World Cup despite his deteriorating health. He said his father had hoped to watch him compete and had planned to travel if his condition improved.

According to Messi, he had promised his father that Argentina would reach the final so he could be there. Although Argentina reached the final, his father was unable to attend.

Reflecting on the loss, Messi said he had wanted to win the tournament and bring the trophy to his father but ultimately struggled physically during the competition.

The emotional tribute highlighted the close bond between Messi and his father and the profound impact of his loss on the football superstar.