MICHAEL STEELE, CHANGE BUG STINGS GOP!

In response to the political wave "Steele" sweeping across America, in a dramatic move, the Republican Party, a party of "whites-only" threw every caution to the wind and "elected" a "nigger" as their party chairman? Really? Wonders shall never end and the Republican party is still smarting from a routing defeat last November 4th, 2008 by the trail-blazing Democratic party and President Barack Obama!

In order not to be outdone so much, the "elephants" magically sprung a blackman to head their party? Icheoku says, congratulations to both Michael Steele and the Republican party for this, yet another first! By this change of direction- election, Michael Steele now becomes the first African-American chairman of the Republican Party! He is to head and lead the Republican party for the next two years as its chairman. The newly minted chairman, was former Lieutenant Governor of the State of Maryland and also a former chairman of the Maryland Republican Party.

With these fighting words, "We're going to say to friend and foe alike: We want you to be a part of us, we want you to with be with us. And for those who wish to obstruct, get ready to get knocked over! This is the dawn of a new party moving in a new direction with strength and conviction"; the newly elected Republican Party chairman, was unmistaken as to the direction which he wants to set the ship of the Republican Party sailing. A new more inclusive party of all and not just a "white-only" country club party".

Michael Steele beat four other candidates, including former President George W. Bush's hand-picked candidate Mike Duncan, who acknowledged that it is obvious that winds of change are blowing through the land! Michale Steele won the election with 91 votes out of the 168 converged delegates, although only a majority of 85 votes was needed.

Once again, Icheoku says, Congratulations!

BLAGOJEVICH, GONE WITH THE WIND!

The notoriously windy politics of Chicago, Illinois has yet claimed another victim. His name, Rod Blagojevich, and now a historical former governor. Rod was convicted and removed from office by the State Senate, today, January 29, 2009 following his earlier impeachment by the State House of Assembly. Democratic Lieutenant Governor, Patrick Quinn, one of Blagojevich's critics, was promptly sworn in as governor; and he immediately stripped Blagojevich of all his security details, fully transforming him into a "complete ordinary citizen."

Blagojevich was convicted by a vote of 59-0 of abuse of power, which automatically ousted the second-term Democrat from office. The lawmakers also barred Blagojevich from ever holding any public office in the state again. According to one of the presiding senators, "Rod Blagojevich failed the test of character. He is beneath the dignity of the state of Illinois. He is no longer worthy to be our governor."

Blagojevich, the son of a Serbian immigrant steelworker was first elected governor in 2002, on a promise to clean up the state government; after its former Governor George Ryan, resigned and was convicted and presently serving a six-year prison term for graft. Now he has followed the path of his predecessor and may eventually join him in the big house when convicted! But Blagojevich is not the only State governor to be impeached and convicted in the United States of America. Seven other governors have suffered the same fate before now, the most recent being Arizona's Evan Mecham, who was driven out of office in 1988 for trying to thwart an investigation into a death threat allegedly made by an aide. However Blagojevich is the first to be so removed in Illinois.

Icheoku says, Rod Blagojevich is out in the cold and in a very lonely island! If the term, "man-alone" ever makes sense, Blagojevich now personifies that term! He has been deserted by friends and family; what a fate? Good luck Mr. Blago!

Now click:- barack obama's senate seat for sale

YOBE STATE GOVERNOR BITES THE DUST!

The governor of one of the Sharia states in northern Nigeria, Yobe State, Mamman Bello Ali is dead! Mamman B. Ali was 53. He died in a Miami-Florida USA hospital, of a yet to be conclusively determined cause but leukaemia, meningitis, liver-cirrhosis, colon-cancer, heart-attack, brain-aneurysm, and a host of other sundry diseases were respectively rumoured as the cause of death? Icheoku says, what killed the governor is irrelevant, since like every mortal he has answered his final call! All is vanity according to the preacher in Ecclesiastes 1:2! What he did or failed to do for the people of Yobe State will now become his final epitaph!

Like many other "leader/s" in Nigeria including President Umaru Yar'Adua, the ailment the late governor suffered from was a top secret and remained so till his death; leading to all the potpourri of speculations as to which of them finally claimed his life. Unfortunately, Nigerians including their leaders/officials keep their health-records very private, due to pride and cultural perception that being ill is a sign of weakness! It is instructive to note that Nigeria's current president Umaru Yar'Adua is presently wasting away from a yet to be officially acknowledged or confirmed illness!

Icheoku has no sympathy for the dead as they have been set free and since moved on! And for dead Nigerian officials, because they do not really care for the well-being of the people they govern! Imagine a sitting governor, dead in a foreign land's hospital, because medical facilities in his Yobe State and country, Nigeria is nearly non-existent! Mamman Ali was able to die in a foreign-land because he had the capacity and ability to seek medical treatment abroad; and you ask yourself, what about the several hundreds of Yobe people who die every day of commonly treatable diseases like malaria, diarrhea, common-cold, ordinary fever, river-blindness induced sickness, polio and such other primordial diseases, just because no medical facility exist for their treatment? The dead governor, like many of his counterparts in Nigeria, had the opportunity to build, equip and cause to be run a world-class hospital or medical facility in Damaturu, Yobe State; but he did not. Why, because he/they can readily hop on the next available flight out of Nigeria to any part of the world to receive a first class medical attention? This time, it was to Miami-Florida, United States of America but peradventure, his time was up!

We are not as cold or unfeeling as any lay-reading of this piece might imply, no, but the foolery of many Nigerian officials in not setting their priorities right, sometimes, bleeds our hearts. Icheoku asks, why would these officials, who habitually travel overseas to seek medical attention, not be patriotic enough to deem it fit and necessary to build and equip such centers of medical excellence in Nigeria? Some of them even by their actions and utterances act as if they will live forever; but this governor is now gone and so will each and every one of these despondent Nigerian leaders/officials, who cannot do right by and for Nigerians through a selfless service to their fatherland. Anyway, may the bereaved family and the people of Yobe State bear the loss with fortitude!

ERVIN LUPOE, A LOS ANGELES WHACK-O?

Icheoku says, only a monster could look straight into the beautiful eyes of these innocent children and cause harm to them. That is exactly what Mr. Ervin Antonio Lupoe of Wilmington, Los Angeles area of California, United States of America is! The heartless vampire who fatally shot his wife Ana Lupoe and five of their children, above right, including Brittney, 8 (middle), twin-girls Jasmine and Jassely, 5 (rear) and twin-boys Benjamin and Christian, 2.4 (front).

The monster from hell, admitted from the land beyond of his culpability - he had faxed a note to a television station claiming that he and his wife had just been fired from their hospital jobs and together planned the killings as an escape for the whole family? Part of the left note read "Why leave our children in someone else's hands?" Icheoku says, this cuckoo is an embodiment of a warped, selfish and egotistic maniac who cowardly wasted his family because he could not stand the thought of them in another person's caring love? If only he had taken just his life, the whole world will understand that he is an ordinary whimp who could not brave the wilderness, but for the heinous mass murder of his family, his place in hell is the core of the burning furnace!

The family picture left shows the dead family Ervin, Ana and their five children. It was the fifth mass death of a Southern California family by murder or suicide within one year; most of them induced by tough economic times! Icheoku says, doing something so horrific and drastic as this, shouldn't be an option; no matter what?

The region has been shook by several recent mass murders. On Dec. 24, a man dressed up as Santa Claus invaded a Christmas Eve party and killed his ex-wife and eight of her relatives. The man later killed himself. In October, an unemployed financial manager despairing over extreme money problems shot and killed his wife, three children, mother-in-law and himself in their home in the Porter Ranch area of the San Fernando Valley. In June, five members of a Turkish-American family, clad in black, were found dead in an upscale home in San Clemente.

Now watch U.S. Video: Man upset over job kills wife, 5 kids, himself AP

NIGERIAN UMARU YAR'ADUA, YOUR ODDS IS BETTER WITH UCSF!

Icheoku writes this open letter to Nigeria's President Umaru Yar'Adua who is critically ill of "renal failure" and hopes it gets to him sooner than later. Our sources tell us that you are making plans to travel to Ohio for a possible transplant and we ask, have your handlers shopped for the top hospital in the world of transplant?

With all the oil money Nigeria has, why settle for just "something" when you can afford to buy the best? Icheoku advises you to proceed immediately to the world center of transplant surgeries at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) at 505 Parnassus Avenue and reclaim your health, if possible.

We do not like your administration but at least you can be kept alive to retire from office, hence our decision to open this window of opportunity. Let your handlers do their job and you will be convinced that your odds at survival is highest, with this one of ten topmost centers of medical excellence in the entire United States of America, with particular niche in organ transplant. UCSF is organ transplant-reputed and if in doubt ask your Saudi Arabia friends! Please do not play chicken with this your kidney transplant!

You may also see our previous commentary on your state of health advising on this hospital, UCSF by clicking this link: - a cat with nine lives .

SOUTH AFRICA, UNRAVELLING?

South African former freedom fighter, political prisoner of conscience turned president Dr. Nelson Mandela owes the people of South Africa and that sub region one more lasting service; - to harmonize the warring factions of his African National Congress (ANC) before it is too late! If the simmering bickering is not urgently addressed and the revered statesman makes his exit, the unfolding whirlwind in South Africa's political landscape might blow away what he spent 27 years of his youth, in Robin Island prison, to achieve.

Regrettably, ego, greed and selfishness has pitched two former comrades, former president Thabo Mbeki and president in the waiting Jacob Zuma against each other and so have their flocks. This is a bunch who hitherto were brothers in arms fighting against the former repressive apartheid racist government of Botha's South Africa. Icheoku says no matter what it takes, the current rift between Mbeki and Zuma needs to be resolved urgently to starve off what might be the catalyst to permanently unravel black South African leadership!

Today there is a faction within the ANC and who knows what tomorrow might beget of these factions - may be a shooting war amongst brothers for no reason whatsoever other than the selfishness of their leadership? This is where Nelson Mandela must come in as a respectable African world leader to mediate a truce or final resolution of this emerging conflict. As a regional power-house, Africa cannot afford to have a South Africa that is disintegrated or not fully galvanised to continue to provide the leadership in that region. The white minority may be amused at what is unfolding between this former comrades and will cease on any given opportunity to reassert themselves. Icheoku says, this is the gleam future that awaits South Africa should the current imbroglio between Mbeki and Zuma be allowed to fester on and metastasize.

The other day a prominent member of South Africa's governing ANC Mbongeleni Zondi, 39, a staunch supporter of Jacob Zuma was gunned down in Umlazi, Durban. Mr. Zondi was great-grandson of Zulu chief Bambatha, known for leading a guerrilla campaign against British colonialists in 1906. According to ANC, Mr. Zondi was "brutally assassinated"! Icheoku says, what if the ANC decides to avenge the death or retaliate for the murder of their Zondi Mbongeleni? What if ANC's reprisal attack/s leads to an all out warfare between the ANC factions like obtains in today's Iraq, Afghanistan or in a turf-war like manner of the Mafia? When added to the already high crimes encumbering South Africa, such a street warfare between former ANC members will spell doom for South Africa. This is one reason why the living father of South Africa must intervene now as a matter of utmost state urgency. Comrades killing each other is a tragedy of the unfolding political madness in South Africa which might conflagrate the entire country barring a sudden decisive intervention by a commanding figure like Nelson Mandela.

Admitted that in a democracy, people of like minds are allowed to unite around a common cause in the form of a political party of their choice to push their agenda but the Mosioua Lekota's Congress of the People (Cope), formed after the ousting of former president Thabo Mbeki, will only succeed in splitting the ANC amongst old friendship lines. Icheoku says this is not good for South Africa's future and demands an immediate intervention to stop these former friends and comrades at arms from soon becoming foes at each others throats, fighting for power. South Africa must not be allowed to go the way of other African countries; what is at stake is too much and all hands must be on deck to forestall such implosion.

OBASANJO-ATIKU, AN OMINOUS HONEYMOON?

It certainly does not bode well for Nigeria to see these two discredited men warming up to themselves this passionately? Like a love-struck couple, they have been at it since their infamous meeting at Otta few weeks ago. It has been a frenzy of "boy meet girl" meetings all over the country with "smooching" pictures, methodically released to the gullible Nigerian audience as a testimony of the new rapprochement of two bitter enemies? This is the third time within the last two weeks, that both men have been captured by cameras, professing their undying "love" for one another and you say to yourself, really?

The newly found love-affair, between Olusegun Obasanjo and Abubakar Atiku is an ominous sign that Nigeria is in real danger, once again. It portends calamity for Nigeria! That Nigeria's well being is at stake is obvious when these two former sworn enemies embark on a wild-romance as once again captured in this photograph, taken in Katsina recently. Icheoku says, these two power-hungry lunatics must be stopped forthwith and by all means necessary, if Nigeria is to survive their shenanigans.

Nigerians, ask yourself, what could bring these two foes back to this close "kissing" proximity, if not their selfish evil scheme for another power-grab; after they almost drove Nigeria aground between 1999 and 2006? Nigerians, are you going to let these two evil-men have their way once again? Remember the popular aphorism, fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me, so Nigerians, will you be fooled once again by these two urchins? Icheoku says, guard your loins Nigerians and be prepared to stop these two men cold in their tracks, otherwise, forever mortgage your freedom of conscience!

BARACK OBAMA, A LEADER-PRESIDENT OF AMERICA!

To our numerous visitors, this concludes our nearly year-long passionate coverage of the phenom, President Barack Hussein Obama!

From his early start delivering the keynote address in Boston 2004, to the democratic primaries, to his presidential campaign and eventual ascent to the citadel of power, Icheoku has devoted valued time covering the exploits of this emergent leader-president of America.

Now that he has been sworn in as the 44th President of the most powerful nation on earth and settled in for the long haul, Icheoku will now pivot away to let BO do his thing! Baring any major development, it is ciao, bye-bye for now, of our unceasing coverage of the now Mr. President!

OLUSEGUN OBASANJO'S INCEST, SON DIVORCES WIFE!

The marriage between Mr. Gbenga Obasanjo, son of former Nigeria President Olusegun Obasanjo and his estranged wife, Mojisola Obasanjo, Nee Onabanjo, daughter of Otunba Alex Onabanjo has been dissolved! The ground for the dissolution was that "the marriage has irretrievably broken down and is irredeemable, principally due to the continuing intimate sexual relationship between the former Nigerian despotic ruler, Olusegun Obasanjo and his son's wife Mojisola, his otherwise daughter in-law? And this was the same man that ruled Nigeria for over eight years? What a country, populated by men with no soul?

In the petition for dissolution of marriage filed in 2006 by Gbenga Obasanjo, two paragraphs of the deposed affidavit in support, stood out with desperate cry for help. Paragraph 10 deposed that he, Gbenga knows for a fact that the respondent, his wife, committed adultery with and had an intimate, sexual relationship with his own father, General Olusegun Obasanjo? And paragraph 8, to the effect that the respondent, his wife, confided in him severally while they were still living together, that she had been sexually abused and defiled by her own biological father, Otunba Alex Onabanjo on several occasions? Please Icheoku says, take note of the two qualifying statements of authority herein viz "knows for a fact" which presupposes percipience and no second-guessing? The other statement is that his "wife confided in him severally". With such a powered statement made at the pain of perjury, Icheoku concludes that Gbenga Obasanjo was the real victim here, of two powerful men's ritualistic obsession with their daughter's birth canal?

Icheoku says, a divorce is more than appropriate in the circumstance; while sympathising with the whore-of-a-wife whom Gbenga had married. Regrettably, there appears to be something magical and "voodoo`ish" about Mojisola's private-part for her own biological father and marital father in-law to be taking turns therein? But to whom did she complain or was it a case of fear of not being believed? Were Nigeria to be a decent society, may be both fathers of Mojisola would have been arrested and prosecuted for some sexual proclivity offences. Until that day, such a discredited man of power like Olusegun Obasanjo shall have his excesses curtailed in Nigeria, nothing will ever take flight therein. And such a low-life man of very ebbing morality was allowed to run amok in Nigeria for eight years and just very recently? It is regrettable that a son was forced to dissolve a once happy marriage because of the libidinous nature of his own father, who could not discriminate from his own daughter in-law's "pink receptacle"?

GHANA, JOHN KUFOUR'S GIFT, WELL DESERVED!

Icheoku have keenly followed the storm generated by the "gifts" of six cars and two houses allegedly given to John Agyekum Kufour, the former president of Ghana and concludes that the raging whirlwind is uncalled for. Our reason for taking this position, despite our established aversion to untoward gratifications, is that those enumerated gifts were quite "a token" considering the sit-tight dispositions of African leaders with the attendant legendary mass looting of the treasury! Both of these vices, your respectable John Kufour shunned.

The only rational approach to understanding the cursed African leader's unwillingness to ever cede power is to find out why they so clutch to power till their last breath? Icheoku concludes, it is because of the "security of the stomach" and self-preservation of a perceived status, period! So for the one of a kind among the many African leaders, John Kufour, what is the worth of these gifts when juxtaposed to the alternative? Therefore a gift of about $400,000.00, two houses and six cars to a former Africa leader who could have chosen to sit tight and milk Ghana until her well runs dry is not too much? Ghanaians should always remember that former President John Kufour gracefully stepped down for the incumbent to step in without preconditions?

Icheoku says the gift is trifle and should be supported by all men and women of good will in Ghana. Former President John Kufour deserves all that could be given to him for displaying such an uncanny valour and statesmanship of a free power-transfer, which is very uncommon with many African leaders. Such a gesture will also encourage future leadership to yield power, fully aware that they will be properly taken care of by the incoming government; and by extension it might be a role-model for other African countries to institute welfare packages for their outgoing leadership. This might also reduce the penchant and disposition of African leaders to provide for themselves while still in power and hence abate corruption.

Icheoku's only reservation with the gifts is that the five cars would have been spread over a period of time, like one car every three years till the end of his natural life. Commonly, pensions are paid all over the world to public servants in appreciation for their selfless service; except in Nigeria where such public servants pay themselves upfront, while still in office, with massive looting of the public treasury. The people of Ghana can afford to buy six cars and build or buy two houses for their former honorable president, John Kufour. Peradventure, were John Kufour as corrupt as Nigeria's Olusegun Obasanjo he would not need these gifts, as he would have built several mansions and even bought himself a private jet while still in office; but instead he left office a gentleman. Ghanaians, Icheoku says the two houses, one in a choice area of your capital city Accra and another in his country-home are very well-deserved gifts for the decent John Kufour, case closed!

It is rather ridiculous for some Ghanaians to be "shocked" at this "pittance", considering the priceless pride John Kufour brought to Ghana by conducting a free and fair election that even saw the opposition attain the presidency. He could have perpetuated himself in power, rigged the election or better still clamped every dissenter into detention or sent state assassins after them to take care of business. He however decided otherwise, insisting that Ghana was greater than anyone man including himself and voluntarily relinquished power. If Ghanaians are in doubt of what an average African-leader monster is capable of unleashing on his people, they should ask Bola Ige and his co-victims of the ravenous machinations of Nigeria's megalomaniac, Olusegun Obasanjo? Better still, a look at Zimbabwe will suffice!

Icheoku says, there is nothing "embarrassing" about this well deserved and well earned retirement-package to honor a patriotic John Kufour or would Ghanaians have preferred that John Kufour had looted their treasury himself before leaving office? If, according to one Ghanaian commentator, they have "water problems, light problems, job problems, road problems etc" Icheoku says, find out from Nigerians how they have lived a life of abject want of practically everything, since their independence, despite their oil wealth?

SOMALIA PIRATES, THIS HAPPY?

These happy go-lucky fellas must be happy at something very nice? One would have expected them to be very sad, with sullen face, in that they are docked in a Somalia court, for their piracy activities off the coast of Somalia, but instead they are very excited. Of what?

Icheoku is very surprised that this trio, accused pirates sitting inside the dock of a Somalia court-room, are rather sharing banters of their exploits instead of bemoaning the fate which possibly awaits them. But Somalia being the failed Islamic state it is, will not let anything happen to these arrested "expatriates" Somalia pirates, who now constitute part of the source of the country's foreign exchange earning capability; since the man with the cash is always the man with the authority. Icheoku regrets that they were not ease-dropped on to really ascertain what they were so happy about. What a way of life for these three Robin Hoods of Somalia?

ATIKU, A MAN WITHOUT A CORE?

One of the cardinal philosophies of Politics 101 is that there is no permanent enemy or permanent friend in politics, only permanent interest bonds politicians together; the reason some people have tagged politicians as whores and prostitutes. "Shame on you; Shame on you, Barack Obama, shame on you" was the notorious Hilary Clinton's campaign war-cry, but today she is the Secretary of State for President Barack Obama's presidency? Icheoku asks, with the preceding in mind, what then is the beef with Abubakar Atiku's recent visit with the Otta medicine man, Aremu Olusegun Obasanjo? They are both politicians and politicians are very unpredictable people, as foes today can become pals tomorrow and vice versa, so Atiku and Obasanjo met, so what?

Could Obasanjo have read Abubakar Atiku correctly as a man without conviction or whose only meaning is self preservation - the reason cited for not letting him become Nigeria's president? How could this man from Adamawa have betrayed the trust of so many Nigerians who have come to identify with him as a real democrat, by visiting his nemesis, Aremu Obasanjo? How could Atiku swallow back his spittle after all he was forced to endure under Olusegun Obasanjo's presidency, including the near-decimation of his business empire? Only a mind-reader can fathom the sudden somersault of Atiku and regrettably, Icheoku is not one. We can only try to analyse what happened with a view to placing some handle thereto.

Shamelessly, Atiku tried to explain away the visit as "his new year visit to his former boss", to which Icheoku retorts, did Atiku make such similar visit to his former boss, last January 2008 or was there something very special about this particular January 2009 to warrant his sudden about-turn? Also, if there was nothing "personal about their disagreement", according to Obasanjo, Icheoku says, there could be nothing more personal than a selfish ambition for a third term and a crazed-out presidential ambition. Atiku's pretension of opposition to Obasanjo's depraved third term ambition, was as personal as it can get and Obasanjo, being the unforgiving despot he is, will still find a way to take his pound of flesh from Atiku, someday, somehow!

The motive behind this sudden dance of death between Obasanjo and Atiku is irrelevant as both men are not credible and will not even tell each other the simple truth. Icheoku calls on Nigerians to just be on guard to make sure that none of these two munchkins ever find their way back in Aso Rock, no matter the subterfuge. Their sudden-found love can go on blissfully forever, so long as they stay out of power in Nigeria. Whether Atiku slaves it back to PDP or not should not even concern Nigerians since they already know this former customs' officer and a former vice president as a self-preservation charlatan. However after Atiku's once describing Obasanjo as corrupt and an enemy of democracy Icheoku will like to see how he is now forced to retract his very own words and applaud Olusegun Obasanjo's latest immaculate transformation into an "upright friend of democracy?"

Icheoku says that the Atiku camp was very preposterous in citing the example of Nelson Mandela who spent 27 years in prison and went on to work as South African President with his former foes without bitterness and in a spirit of forgiveness with their Atiku's visit to Obasanjo. How long has Atiku been out in the cold? How long was Atiku behind bars? To make such a rancid comparison is to whittle down the Utopian heights which Nelson Mandel occupies in the world. Also, citing America's President Barack Obama and Senator John McCain's meeting is not analogous with Atiku's meeting with Obasanjo as neither men presently won any elections or contested any between themselves. Were it Umaru Yar'Adua that Atiku met, may be such comparison would have basis both in fact and reality. This Atiku camp must be populated by unthinking mallams who could not distinguish between two polar opposites. What a parallel comparisons?

The good news however, is that both camps are so soon after the ill-advised visit, throwing bricks of one denial after another; with an aide to Obasanjo saying that the meeting was preparatory to Atiku's eventual return back to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to re-launch his political career for 2011; while Atiku's camp is denying the allegation as unfounded saying that "the meeting a mere rapprochement between the two men who have now decided to bury the hatchet and focus their attention, redirect their energies and harness their collective experiences for the benefit of the country?" To all these abracadabra, Icheoku says, tell that to the marines! Whether Atiku is a sell-out or not depends on who is talking as Icheoku would like to ask, to whom did he sell out and what did he sell? The real opposition deal whom Nigerians should be concerned about is that opposition that won five states in the last elections, Muhammad Buhari and not Atiku who could not even win his state, Adamawa. Were it not for Bola Tinubu, may be AC would have come out of the election worse than Pat Utomi's party. Now the evil man of Otta is even alleging that it was Atiku who "begged" for the meeting, what a dumb political move by Atiku?

One commentator said that "it was this type of meeting between Atiku and Obasanjo in the latter’s home in Ota in 1998 that eventually culminated in the worst presidency Nigeria ever had. Their presidency and vice presidency held Nigeria in thrall for eight years, during which no day passed without one political turmoil or the other brewing and erupting in one corner of the country or the other." One other commentator described the meeting of the two political gladiators of Nigerian politics as a big irony after what they had said and done to each other these past years. The meeting shows that the two men lack principle, that they are both selfish and are both evil men, While another commentator was quoted as saying "I am truly spooked by this reconciliatory move because experience has shown that when Obasanjo and Atiku are friends, next to nothing good comes of it for Nigeria."

In conclusion, Icheoku says, the victor here is Olusegun Obasanjo who ate his cake with Atiku and had it back. Obasanjo successfully out-foxed Atiku by luring him to Otta and later exposing an otherwise "private visit" to an ambush of a battery of photographers, just to ridicule Atiku? Obasanjo ignored and sidelined Atiku during the greater half of his presidency, stopped him cold when he tried to run for the party's presidential candidacy and eventually drove him entirely out of the PDP. Now Atiku has been forced to crawl on his all fours back to Otta to beg for forgiveness of sins from Olusegun Obasanjo. Admitted, it is only 'interest' that binds politicians together, but Icheoku will like to ask, what interest now binds these forsworn duo? Icheoku says, Nigerians should be wary of this romance of two fathom menaces; and now that they have been placed on a red alert, the fault will be theirs should these two evil salamanders ever weasel their way back to Aso Rock, either directly or indirectly? Guard your loins Nigerians, for the fight ahead will be rough and tough!

CNN LARRY KING, SON WANTS TO BE BLACK!

President Barack H. Obama has started delivering some dividend on patching up race relationship in America? Things are now getting so honky-dory between white and black races that a little eight (8) year old white boy now wishes he is black? Really and Icheoku will like to remind this enthused white-boy that being black is a big burden in America, our new president success, notwithstanding. However we understand the little Larry King's happiness with President Barack Obama's success.

According to CNN Larry King of Larry King Live, his youngest offspring, Cannon King 8, wants to be black! Young Cannon, like many other Americans is love-struck with President Barack Obama's mesmerising charisma; and as always, success has many kindred. We shall however wait to see if this 'desire to be black' still subsists when this minor turns majority and then we can seriously consider how to assist him achieve his dreams. Like the saying goes, where there is a will there is always a way - either through dye or some other form of skin pigmentation? Got it little Cannon 'Larry' King?

THE BOY WHO BECAME PRESIDENT!

Icheoku is happy to share with you the picture of the little happy boy who became President Barack Hussein Obama, the 44th, on Tuesday January 20, 2009!

May God Almighty protect and guide his actions, as he try to pilot America out of the woods of the many problems bedevilling us, in Jesus name we pray, AMEN! God bless America!

THE INAUGURATION, ICHEOKU REVIEWS!

The inauguration of President Barack Hussein Obama has come and gone; all that is now left is but the shouting! Icheoku is particularly happy that the event went smoothly without any major incident whatsoever; such that not even a single arrest was made by the security agencies for any disorderly behavior. Congratulations to all the people that successfully put together such a party of over one million people. Icheoku's gratitude goes to the Senator Diane Feinstein led Inauguration planning committee; the various security agencies, especially the Secret Service; the American people and mother-nature for holding the sky while it lasted. Mr. President, the party is now over and let the work begin! Icheoku wishes you all the best as you try to place a handle on our numerous problems, both foreign and domestic.

The only thing Icheoku is not satisfied with were the outfits of our First Lady, Michelle Obama - both of them. The olive-green/golden day-outfit is too conservative, old-fashioned and very granny-looking and our First Lady is not a grandmother? We elected youthful President Barack H. Obama because we are tired of the old white-haired dudes and their ladies who hitherto occupied our White House. Now we expect some modernity around the White House and this includes the clothes our first couple wears. President Barack Hussein Obama looked very dandy and every bit presidential that he nearly outshone our First Lady. Our First lady is well endowed, figure-wise, and should continue to flaunt this her priceless gift by fittingly dressing up as she used to. Our First lady should not listen to some adviser/s who now preach "lady-like" outfits as it was not such constituency that put her and President Barack Obama in the White House. So, strictly speaking, no pandering!

Clothes highlighting her shapely figure should be her choice-outfits and not those drab-looking gowns that mask her God given gift. A beautiful and elegant lady as our First Lady should radiate in her outfits freely and not appear bogged down in them. Icheoku does not like her day outfit - the color, the fabric, the cut, the design as well as the neck chain holding the jacket. The argument that the fabric was chosen because of the cold weather is a 'bs' as thermal wears together with a woollen overcoat would have solved the problem. Everything about our First Lady's day outfit calls for a Fashion Police intervention, period! Icheoku is particularly peeved because we do not believe earnestly that Michelle chose this outfit, for her prime-time, herself, as she has come to be known as a lady with a good sense of fashion! It looked so ancient and archaic!

On her evening outfit, Icheoku finds the draping overflowing gown too "wedding`ish" looking; the reason why Mr. President stepped on it accidentally. Such a gown requires a bridesmaid to gather the train hence its inappropriateness for an evening ball. Also the white or cream color is too "uncolorful" (bland) for such an important evening of elaborateness. It also hid the shoes Michelle was wearing and appeared too weighty that the effervescent-Michelle was missing that evening. We want our Michelle back and this connotes letting Michelle be Michelle!

We shall forgive this lapse of judgment and pray that it does not happen again. Our First Lady should be mindful of the youths who made her husband's White House possible and should not turn us off by dressing so very yesterday. This is 2009 and we deserve our First Lady dressing hype.

However all sins of bad fashion are forgiven, we love the Obamas! But please help us to help you, fire the fashion manager who put you in those inauguration "drags"! When in doubt, think Sarkozy's wife before stepping into any outfit in the future as France cannot be seen to trump America. Once again, Congratulations Mr President and the First Lady! May God protect your presidency; God bless America!

PRESIDENT BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA, IT IS NOW OFFICIAL!

Today January 20th, 2009 is the inauguration day of the 44th

President of the United States of America, Barack Hussein Obama! Icheoku says, thank you America for being very reasonable with your votes last November 4th, 2008; as you voted with your head and not the other end. We believe that all our valued votes will be justified in the sacred trust mandate which we overwhelmingly gave to President Barack Obama.

To our 44th President, Icheoku says, Congratulation on your historic date with destiny, which catapulted you into the White House as the first ever minority to occupy the America seat of power. It was historic as it was miraculous. Your performance during the electioneering campaign was spectacular and you were handsomely rewarded; now is time for you to prove the nay-sayers wrong and show to the enthusiastic voters that they voted right. Also the whole world is waiting for America' rebirth and with your soon to be confirmed Secretary of State Senator Hillary Clinton, you must make haste to tell the world that we are back!

Being the first minority president of America, many people are expecting you to fail just to say "I told you so!" Will you let them beat their chests in triumph? Icheoku says "we don't think so"! We have keenly followed you since your introduction to America by Senator John Kerry in Boston 2004; throughout the Democratic party's primaries and the presidential campaign proper, our eyes were fixated on you. We were encouraged by the way you frontally shot down Reverend Jeremiah Wright's and such other controversies and with dignified grace. We were encouraged also by the way you carried yourself throughout the period under reference, even when you were down and when you were up. Also we are satisfied with the cabinet you have so far put together, admitted we would have preferred a less of the Clintons in it, but we are trusting that your judgment once again, is a right one. So if you preside with the same dexterity you have so far displayed, Icheoku says, your presidency will be one heck of a presidency! Govern, you must, from day one as anything short of it, will be unacceptable to us, the American people! As you already know, there is no second chance for minorities in America, so be our trail-brazing accomplisher!

You must also know that temptations will be abundant, some of them simply to discredit you. They will come in all sizes, all manners, all shapes and all forms, from every direction and subtleties; BUT we shall not accept any excuses from you for succumbing, because you have been warned! Women, drugs, money, favors, bribe, blackmail, etc will all be used to bait you. If in doubt, ask Marion Barry the former Washington DC mayor who was nabbed in a drug-sting operation. If in doubt, ask Governor Blagojevich of your home State of Illinois of his trying to sell your former senate seat! If in doubt, ask Bill Clinton about Monica's blue dress! If in doubt, by clairvoyance ask Richard Nixon about Watergate! If in doubt, by the same means, ask Ronald Reagan about Iran-Contra gate scandal! And the list goes on and on, ad infinitum!

Our consolation is that you have in Michelle a very strong wife and a friend and we pray you keep her closer during your presidency. You cannot afford to fail us as failure is not an option in your presidency. It is totally unimaginable and will not be acceptable to the millions of us, fans and supporters of Barack Obama! Now that we have come out at your urging, our greatest fear is to be forced to recoil back in our shells due to disappointment, so you must provide us with an enduring leadership we can all be proud of. Lead, you must. Your contract with America is fully bonded with an implied undertaking by you to perform, period!

What today means, as well as Americans' and the world's expectation of you cannot be over-emphasised. But at this juncture, Icheoku must pause to thank the following people for their effort at helping you make this day, possible. First is Senator John Kerry for introducing you to America at Boston 2004; your now Vice President Joe Biden for giving that singular testimonial about your character and candor; our Lady Queen of Talk-show Oprah Winfrey for mentioning you on Larry King Live as her preferred candidate of choice to run for the office coupled with her unbridled support throughout your campaign; your lovely wife our First Lady Michelle Obama for her unquenchable support; your campaign’s chief strategist David Axelrod and campaign manager David Plough for the yeo-man's job they did, sailing you through the shark-infested waters of American politics into the White House - both of them were superlative; your soon to be confirmed Secretary of State Hilary Clinton for ironically toughing you up for the success which you achieved. She was your crucible and out of it, you came out the stronger, more solid, battle-tested Barack Obama; and lastly the American people whose audacity to look through the veil of your color to see that you are what the doctor prescribed for America at this time, brought about the reason d'etre of today's celebration! Icheoku says thank you! thank you! thank you! to all of you and adds that B.O.was also a good saleable product!

However, like many people around the world, Icheoku is particularly concerned about your safety, but we take solace in the word of the Lord as ensconced in the book of Psalm 127:1 - that he watches over you! It is the Lord's to protect his loved ones! Icheoku firmly believes that there is a divine hand in what you have accomplished today, all things considered! We pray that HE, the good Lord, will envelope your presidency with his armoured protection. Also we have confidence in our Secret Service who have been protecting our presidents as well as visiting foreign dignitaries all these years and we expect the same for you. Icheoku prays that you will successfully complete your term/s in office to enable you deliver on your campaign promises. You are here to take us to the next level, President Barack Hussein Obama and we cannot wait much longer for your deliverance!

To a leader-president of America, Icheoku says, God's speed! President Barack Hussein Obama, the work ahead is laden but succeed, you shall! Every man and woman of goodwill should please, attend a party today to mark a very important milestone in American history - a black-man is the PRESIDENT! Hail to the chief! Long live the Obamas and may the Almighty God protect your presidency in Jesus name, Amen! God bless America!

JANUARY 20TH, 2009!

ALL HAIL THE 44TH!

BALTAZAR CASTRO, PASSES ON!

Late Baltazar Castro

(1939 - 2009)

The Castro family of Oakland California, from Pasig-Rizal, Philippines announces with sad heart the passing away of their beloved patriarch, Late Mr. Baltazar Castro. Baltazar was just 70 years old and was a husband, father, brother and uncle.

Born on January 6th, 1939 in the Philippines, Mr. Castro migrated to the United States with his family several years ago. Until his death, Baltazar was the owner/operator of Oriental Lucky Mart Groceries, Clay Street Oakland California. Baltazar died on January 9th, 2009 following complications from a brain aneurysm at Alta Bates hospital, Berkeley, California. His funeral service was conducted at Chapel of Chimes, Piedmont California after a funeral mass at St Elizabeth's Parish Church, Fruitvale-Oakland, California.

Baltazar Castro was survived by his wife of many years Adelaida Dimanlig Castro, and children Evangeline, Marie, Leilani and Nina. Icheoku says, Baltazar will be fondly missed by all that knew him.

Signed:

Nigerian Community of Bay Area, California

24 HOURS MORE!

JUST ONE MORE DAY TO HISTORY!

MARTIN LUTHER KING, HIS BIRTHDAY!

He foretold what we are celebrating tomorrow in 1963. Today, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King is alive and fulfilled, as his birthday this year 2009 coincides with the inauguration of an American President who is black!

This is what he foresaw about four decades ago in his "I have a dream" speech. Now, travel down memory-lane and refresh yourself of that his memorable 1963 self-fulfilling "prophesy", click the link Remember the 'Dream'.

Martin Luther King birthday was born on January 15th, 1929 but his birthday is always observed on the third Monday in January. It was first observed in 1986 following its 1983 signing into law by President Ronald Reagan. The holiday celebrates the life and legacy of a man who brought hope and healing to America; a man who braved threats, jails and beatings and who ultimately paid the highest price to make democracy a reality for all Americans. In short, it celebrates the prophet who foretold the inaugurations tomorrow of President-elect Barack Obama. Icheoku says, happy birthday, King!

Watch the Full 16-min video of Martin Luther King's famous I Have a Dream Speach

PRESIDENT-ELECT BARACK OBAMA, SOON TO BE NEW DIGS!

His new home is a 132 rooms, 32 bathrooms, 6 levels, 18 acre property known as the White House - the official residence of the President of the United States of America. It is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C. Formerly known as the "President's House", and first occupied by President and Mrs. John Adams, President Theodore Roosevelt changed its name to "The White House." The White House has many important rooms including the Blue Room, the Red Room, the the Oval Office and the East Room.

His new ride, a custom made Cadillac bullet-proof and air-tight seal-able limousine, for number 44!

The General Motors custom armored Cadillac limousine doors are about 8 inches thick. The vehicle’s armor is reportedly 5 inches thick and it has tall run flat tires, thick bulletproof glass, and an entirely sealed-off interior to prevent a chemical attack from permeating the cabin. The limousine weighs about 10,000 pounds. Inside the limousine is a hand-stitched leather encasing the armed passenger vehicle on the planet.

His chopper, a Marine One!
Marine One is the call sign of any United States Marine Corps aircraft carrying the President of the United States; usually operated by the HMX-1 "Nighthawks" squadron. The first use of helicopters for presidential transport was in 1957 by Dwight D. Eisenhower. Marine One is sometimes the preferred alternative to motorcades, due to expenses and logistics; and the controlled environment of a helicopter transport adds greatly to the safety of the president.

More than 800 Marines supervise the operation of the Marine One fleet, which is based in Quantico, Virginia, but is more often seen in action on the South Lawn of the White House or at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. Wherever Marine One flies, it is met on the ground by at least one Marine in full dress uniform (most often two with one acting as an armed guard). For security purposes, Marine One always flies in groups of identical helicopters, sometimes as many as five. One helicopter carries the president, while the others serve as decoys for would-be assassins on the ground. Upon take-off these helicopters begin to shift in formation (sometimes referred to as a presidential shell game) regularly to keep the location of the president secure. Television broadcasters are prohibited from airing live footage of Marine One while it is in the air over the White House. Also, Marine One reportedly is equipped with standard military anti-missile countermeasures such as flares to counter heat-seeking missiles and chaff to counter radar-guided missiles. For added security of Marine One, every member of HMX-1 is required to pass a Yankee White background check before touching any of the helicopters used for presidential travel. Marine One is always transported (as is the president's limousine) wherever the president travels, both within the United States as well as overseas. The helicopters in the fleet will soon be replaced at an average of $400 million per helicopter.

His aircraft, a Boeing 747 called Air-Force One - a Boeing 747-200B that has been modified to meet presidential requirements. The aircraft is known by the radio call sign Air Force One, when the president is aboard.
In 1962, Boeing introduced U.S. presidents to modern jet transportation with the introduction of the Boeing model 707-320B. In all, seven presidents were served by the 707-320B.
Today, the chief executive flies aboard a specially configured 747-200B, the newest and largest presidential airplane. Its capabilities include longer range for presidential travel, aerial refueling, self-sufficiency at airports around the world. Air-Force One also known as the "Flying Oval Office" has 4,000 square feet of interior floor space; which provides accommodations for a conference/dining room, living quarters for the president and the first lady, an office area for senior staff members, another office that converts into a medical facility when necessary, work and rest areas for the presidential staff, media representatives and Air Force crews, two galleys that can provide 100 meals at one sitting, multi-frequency radios for air-to-air, air-to-ground and satellite communications. Today's Air Force One is equipped with both secure and unsecured phone and computer communications systems, enabling the president to perform duties while in the air in the event of an attack on the United States as shown on September 11, 2001.

His personal staff, number in the thousands with Rahm Emanuel as the Chief of Staff!

And we are talking about the American soon to be inaugurated President, 44th, Barack Obama. As for the costs of providing and maintaining these state of the art comforts, please do not ask Icheoku! An American President deserves all that he can get to enable him carry out his onerous task, presiding over America and by extension, the entire world. Welcome to the new life that awaits, President-elect Barack Obama starting on Tuesday, January 20, 2009!