27 NIGERIAN UNITED NATIONS PEACE KEEPING FORCE SOLDIERS, SENTENCED TO LIFE?

Mutiny as defined, is a conspiracy among members of a group of similarly-situated individuals, typically members of the military or the crew of any ship to openly oppose, change or overthrow an existing superior authority! Or to disobey an order which they are legally bound to obey? Or cause a revolt or rebellion against a constituted authority?

Icheoku asks, does demanding for ones' duly entitled payment rise to the level of a mutiny? The dictionary says NO! However, the authorities in Nigeria think otherwise and have sent away for life, 27 patriotic Nigerian soldiers, for an offence which they did not commit? The protesting soldiers did not oppose or change or overthrow any existing authority? They did not disobey any lawful orders but were merely demanding to be paid their earned income? Also the soldiers did not revolt or cause a rebellion against anybody, so where is the beef for which they have been severely punished? A coup de tat would qualify? A violent uprising would? A wilful unruly disobedience to a legal order would? A mayhem would? But a protest-demand for payment of earned entitlement does not, will not and should not qualify as a mutiny; if any, the authorities that precipitated the protest, by not paying or withholding earned emoluments, are the culpable party here. The underlying question should be, why were these soldiers not paid their earned entitlements? Eight hundred (800) soldiers worldwide participated in the United Nation's Peace Keeping Mission, NIBAT 15, in Liberia between August 2007 and April 2008; 773 of them were paid for the job done leaving 27 of them, who happened to be Nigerians, unpaid; and now their attempt to draw attention to their plight have led to their being pilloried?

If the soldiers protest was deemed unacceptable, may be the authorities should have done the right thing by paying them and hence muted the protest. But no, they withheld or refused to pay them, and these soldiers, family men and women who like any other Nigeria have needs and responsibilities, protested and their reward is a life sentence? What a damper and downer on a group of young men and women who want to do right by and for their country? Icheoku says, such a travesty should not be allowed to stand as a dismissal from service would have been a more appropriate punishment, if it is established that protesting for ones' earned income is now against Nigerian military code of ethics? But why should a disciplined body like the military fail and/or refuse to pay salaries of her staff or was it another case akin to the former Inspector General of Police Tafa Balogun; who used to put money meant for the salary of policemen and women into a high yielding interest account, to scheme off profit before "remembering" that everyone have needs and responsibilities? A judicial investigation is needed to unravel why these 27 Nigerian soldiers were not paid their entitlements when their counterparts from other parts of the world were duly and timely paid! This is the right and correct thing to do instead of merely addressing its symptoms with this harsh sentences!

The Brigadier- General Ishaya Bauka's military court martial's life sentences on these soldiers is rather too excessive and should not be allowed to stand. It lacks rational and once again puts Nigeria in the bull-eye of world mockery as a land where real culprits loom free while innocent patriotic soldiers are penalised for merely asking to be paid their lawfully earned income. If any person is liable in this case, it is the authorities who withheld money which belonged to someone else, the protesting soldiers. Icheoku calls on the appellate authorities to overrule this judgment and not allow it to stand as it lacks merit. We are emphatic that a peaceful protest, no matter how unsavory it may be to the authorities, does not rise up to a mutiny; for which these soldiers have been unlawfully sentenced to life imprisonment. These soldiers "merely blocked a road" for some hours and did not damage any property or injured or killed anyone, so why the harsh punishment?

Icheoku says their life sentence is an excessive, outrageous, cruel and unusual punishment; at worst these soldiers could have simply been dismissed for insubordination but certainly not sent to prison for life based on the adduced evidence. A protest-demand to be paid an earned income is not mutinous and should have not attracted such a stiff punishment as life imprisonment; there are so many other deterrents for the action of these "convicts" which at best constituted gross indiscipline but definitely not mutiny.

PRESDIENT BARACK OBAMA, CLOCKS 100!

President Barack Obama, your first one hundred days in office has been a beehive of activities, tackling both domestic and foreign problems facing our great country. For these, we are grateful and pray that the Almighty Lord will continue to protect that which He has painstakingly made possible.

From the economy to foreign relations to the Somalia pirates imbroglio and now the Mexican swine flu; anyone who said you have been idle must be thinking with "half his brain tied to his back".

Icheoku says, the journey so far has been good and we sure look forward to the rest of the journey with you, as you lead us to our eventual destination! Once again, congratulations Mr. President on your first 100 days in office!

ARLEN SPECTER, DEMOCRATIZED!

As the tent of the Republican Party continues its deathly shrink, one of the few republicans with a moderate viewpoint, with half his brain tied to the front, devoid of rabid extremism, the senator from Pennsylvania, has jumped ship! With his departure, the residue now left of the Republican Party is a fully 'Talibanized' amalgamation of very few die-hard good old boys and their mistresses; transforming the well accommodating Republican party of the old into a religious, bigoted, club of right-wingers whose breed are rapidly dying off? Icheoku asks, does the present day republican party still qualifies as a political party? The senator of 29 years from Philadelphia, Arlen Specter, 79, is now a democrat! Alleluia! Icheoku says, welcome to your natural political home, Senator!

Unfortunately the right-winger hacks, instead of a reality-check, are trying in vain to explain away the monumental loss which their party suffered today with this departure? Thankfully, the Democratic Party under the charismatic and dynamic leadership of President Barack Obama has become such a huge tent that there is space for Arlen Specter, as well as other fidgeting, intending 'departees'! Icheoku says, we shall not be surprised if Senator John McCain follows suit. In declaring his intent to cross-over, Senator Arlen Specter said, "Since my election in 1980, as part of the Reagan Big Tent, the Republican Party has moved far to the right. Last year, more than 200,000 Republicans in Pennsylvania changed their registration to become Democrats. I now find my political philosophy more in line with Democrats than Republicans." Welcoming the move, President Barack Obama, in a telephone call to Arlen Specter said, "We are thrilled to have you!"

Arlen Specter, like John McCain is a known maverick who votes mostly according to his conscience and not on party lines. He cast a deciding vote against the confirmation of Republican Party Judge Robert Bork for the Supreme court; voted "not proven, therefore not guilty" on the impeachment of Bill Clinton; voted for President Barack Obama stimulus package against his former party's objection and he is a rare pro-choice Republican? In the words of an observer, Arlen Specter did not make the switch early enough and surprisingly, Specter's growing doubts about the Republican Party took so long to percolate?

Icheoku says, if he survives this move and gets re-elected to the Senate, Senator Arlen Specter would have become a truly all round living survivor: he survived an open heart surgery, brain cancer and lymphoma! Adding a political survivor to the resume will make Arlen an the legendary cat with nine lives and Icheoku's Survivor Extraordinaire! Once again, welcome Arlen!

(Read Senator Arlen Specter's statement.)

SEBELIUS KATHLEEN, SWINE FLU SPEEDS UP CONFIRMATION?

Icheoku says the only good thing so far to come out from the Mexican swine flu is today's speedy confirmation for the Secretary of Health and Human Services, of Kansas governor, Kathleen Sebelius.

With 54 Democrats, 9 Republicans and 2 independents voting "YES" and 31 Republicans, as usual voting "NO", with "half their brains tied to their back" in deference to their master Rush Limbaugh, the nation now has a secretary to lead the effort at checkmating the Mexican swine flu? The roll call was 65-31 votes to confirm and thus the former governor of the state of Kansas was sworn in to head the department of Health and Human Services as its secretary. Icheoku says, congratulations to Kathleen Sebelius and wish her God's speed in midwifing President Barack Obama's health care reform to fruition.

It is noteworthy that the Republican extremists were only against her candidacy because she is a moderate who maintains a rational approach to women's right to choose?

Icheoku says, may be the right thing for these brand of republicans to do, is to move over to Pakistan's Swat Valley to live with their ilks among the Talibans; as the United States of America has so far moved irretrievably with progressive ideals, to continue to accommodate their very myopic life of ideologues!

SWINE FLU, ATTACK OF THE MICROBES!

With 149 already killed and about one thousand stricken, what exactly is swine flu? Swine influenza aka swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus. It causes high levels of illness and low death rates among pigs. Pigs infected with influenza virus have a runny nose, lethargy, cough and decreased appetite. The virus likely spreads from pig to pig through contact with infected mucous secretions. Swine flu is caused by any virus of the family orthomyxoviridae, that is wide spread among pigs(swine) populations.

Strains of swine flu virus also can be directly transmissible to humans. Most human infections occurred following direct contact with infected pigs? People who work with poultry and swine, especially people with intense exposures, are at higher risk of infection from these animals if the animals carry a strain that is also able to infect humans. Swine flu can also mutate into a form that allows it to pass from human to human such as the Mexican outbreak which is believed to have undergone this mutation? Influenza or flu is a continuously occurring event among animals, especially birds population.

However, there has been at least one documented case of human-to-human transmission of swine flu. In March and April 2009, over 1000 cases of suspected swine flu in humans were detected in Mexico and the Southwestern United States of California, Texas, New Mexico? The Mexican 2009 swine flu outbreak, of a new strain H1N1 influenza virus was first detected by in March 2009. As of April 26, 2009, Mexico City schools, universities, and all public events remained closed or suspended while other schools in the U.S. closed due to confirmed cases in students. On April 27, 2009, Mexican government officials announced a nationwide shut down of schools.

This never-before-seen strain of swine flu has turned killer in Mexico and is causing milder illness in the United States and elsewhere. While authorities say it's not time to panic, they are taking steps to stem the spread and also urging people to pay close attention to the latest health warnings. They urge people to take common-sense precautions including covering your coughs and sneezes, with a tissue that you throw away or by sneezing into your elbow rather than your hand. Washing ones hands frequently and if soap and water aren't available, with alcohol-based hand sanitizer or gels is also advised. As a precaution, people are advised to avoid close contact with someone who's sick and avoid crowded gatherings in places where swine flu is known to be spreading.

The good news however is that swine flu is sensitive to and treatable with the flu drugs oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza). Face mask is also advised to effectively cover a person's mouth and nose so that if a person is around someone who is infected, there is a decreased likelihood of transmission. It is said that the available scientific evidence does not support the general wearing of face-masks by those who are not ill, whilst going about their normal activities. Currently there is no vaccine for swine flu but vaccines are available to be given to pigs to prevent swine influenza. There is no vaccine to protect humans from swine flu. The seasonal influenza vaccine will likely help provide partial protection against swine H3N2, but not swine H1N1 viruses. Symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of common influenza and includes fever, cough, sore throat, lethargy, lack of appetite, while runny nose, nausea, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A few other patients have also reported diarrhea and vomiting.

People should avoid touching their mouth, nose or eyes with their hands unless they've washed their hands. If people do cough, they should either cough into a tissue and throw it in the garbage immediately, cough into their elbow, or, if they cough in their hand, they should wash their hands immediately. Generally, swine flu viruses spread through uncovered coughs and sneezes or by touching your mouth or nose with unwashed hands? Swine Flu is spread between humans through coughing or sneezing of infected people and touching something with the virus on it and then touching their own nose or mouth. Flu viruses can live on surfaces for several hours, like a doorknob just touched by someone who sneezed into his hand. The swine flu in humans is most contagious during the first five days of the illness although some people, most commonly children, can remain contagious for up to ten days. Swine flu cannot be spread by pork products, since the virus is not transmitted through food.

This particular Mexican swine flu has unusually been aggressive on healthy young adults, much like the deadly Spanish Flu of 1918, unlike most other influenza strains which devastate young children and elderly adults as well as others with weaker immune systems. Icheoku hopes medical sciences will once again rise up to the challenge and stop this swine flu inn order to save humanity from possible extinction assuming it takes a turn for the worst!

IBRAHIM BADAMOSI BABANGIDA (IBB), ATTACK OF THE GENERAL?

For crying out loud, it appears that disgruntled Nigerian gestapo-generals are suddenly conflicted with their conscience and are now speaking out? Icheoku asks them, what suddenly came over you and what have become of you lately? First it was Yakubu Gowon who lamented the disappointment by the political establishment who has caused the polity so much pain that they are fast losing faith in democracy? Now the evil genius himself, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida has added his hollering voice, barking about lack of medical services in the country? Icheoku says, when coup-plotting generals start to shout, their minions in uniforms may be getting their subliminal message that it is ok to strike; and President Umaru Yar'Adua must be wary of these midnight wolves as it portends danger?

As head of a government-kidnapping and hijacking military junta for eight years, Icheoku asks, what did Ibrahim Babangida do to develop medical facilities in Nigeria? Nothing! Nada! Zilch! Some years later after he was disgraced out of office by June 12th, he is now preaching against "convenient overseas' treatment" by some government officials? What a pathetic hypocritical scumbag, this fox of a military man is? He is not called the evil genius for nothing as his conniving and contriving double-faced Janus of a person becomes obviously manifest, each time he tries to take a faulty step towards his futile rehabilitation before the Nigerian people. That this gospel of anti-overseas treatment is coming from a son of a gun, who himself gave impetus to the practice; and having himself, just returned from one such overseas medical checkup and treatment in France is mind-boggling. This is a man whose penchant for staying alive to enjoy his looted money from Nigerian treasury is such that he is phobic of any pain no matter how mild; that he jets out to check it out? That he is now antagonising other government officials who compete with him with the practice he institutionalised is a cause of concern especially as to his mental health? If Icheoku remembers correctly, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, as then Robbin Hood of Nigerian government went to the America Hospital in France for radiculopathy surgery; wherein Domkat Bali, before he was humiliated out of office, came back from visiting him in his hospital bed to report that Babangida is doing ok?

This is a man who taught Nigerian government officials how to be callous, mean, base, to loot the treasury, kill people with parcel bomb, annul free and fair elections, wipe away oppositions, frequent overseas for medical treatment? Here he is now, preaching dearth of medical facilities in Nigeria? He sure truly lives up to his alias "Maradoner? Icheoku says, were this mallam to look in the mirror he would readily see that he was addressing himself instead? Ibrahim Babangida annulled the freest and fairest election ever conducted in Nigeria and such is his pariah-state now in Nigeria, except for his praise-singers, that what late MKO Abiola once said concerning him, "with a friend like IBB no one needs and enemy", has made him a denigrate person of Nigeria? Now, this self-acclaimed prince of Minna has opened his gap-toothy mouth to advocate the development of medical facilities in Nigeria which he never found necessary to do while in power for eight long years? A power he stole through the brigandage of a military coup de tat? What a despicable person, this mallam is and he finds a place where he is still allowed and recognised to speak; and on such a solemn occasion as Olikoye Ransome Kuti's memorial lecture? Icheoku asks, IBB when you had the opportunity, what did you do to provide and/or improve medical services in Nigeria and you had the money then due to the gulf war oil windfall?

The only reason people like this snivelling wicked man from Niger State still thrives is that Nigeria is not a civilized place otherwise he would have since been put away for all the atrocities associated with his regime? First was his treasonous forcible take over of government, then came the killing of Dele Giwa, Mamma Vasta, Gideon Orka and crew; followed by the looting of Nigeria treasury of $12.4 billion dollars; also for refusing to answer to a constituted authority of the Justice Oputa commission and lastly, for conspiring with Sani Abacha to take over government by not retiring him alongside, when he was pressured to hand over power to weakling Ernest Shonekan? On any of this count, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida would have been sent away for a long prison sentence if not to the execution stake; but no he is in Nigeria, a country where criminals reign supreme and now he is talking?

In his offensive statement, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida said, “If by now those who are highly placed to develop medical facilities in the country find it very convenient to go on medical examination overseas, then something is fundamentally wrong". To which Icheoku responds, Ibrahim Babangida wasm once highly placed as the head of a military junta in Nigeria, but failed to do something? Again, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida had opportunity to develop medical facilities in Nigeria but his wickedness blinded him and he also failed to do so? Further, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida personally, finds it very convenient to go on overseas medical checkup/treatment, and he just recently came back from one in France? It is obvious that Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida has now finally confirmed what the whole world has known all along, that something is fundamentally wrong with him; as no greater tragic-personality in Nigerian history exists, other than himself.

Our advise is that all these grumpy old retired Nigerian generals should let the polity be, as they have been traumatised enough by them and their inhuman actions when they had power. Please Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, Icheoku admonishes you to hush as you do not have the moral standing to address such issue as medical health services in Nigeria, since you ignored it when you had the opportunity and means/resources to do something about it. Nigerians are tired of you and your devilish ways and hence pray that you disappear, like we advised your brother in coup planning Yakubu Gowon, into the doldrums. Nigerians do not need any advise from their former nemesis whose liberties while in power was rather excessive and draconian? If this is an effort at your rehabilitation, IBB, then you are stuck as your consultants are doing a heck of a shoddy job. You cannot rewrite history and this your very attempt at lampooning "convenient overseas medical treatment by officials" is simply too ironic, coming from a pharisee like you. Away with IBB, the evil genius and his advise!

YOUR SUNDAY WITH PROPHET MKO TIBETAN!

Brethren in the Lord, the topic for today's interaction is JOY! Presently, on Main Street, High Street and Wall Street we see bitterness on the faces of everybody; the faces of people in the world is not very happy today and you ask why? Even the faces of young school leavers, married and unmarried directors, travellers and traders etc, has been overcome by sadness. Simply put, sadness has covered the entire world and you ask why?

According to the book of Genesis 1, after God created everything, he was happy with what he has created? God created happiness for himself by his creation and as you know, as mere soldiers, we are only passing through this place but once and nobody can create joy for you but yourself! Remember some people are on their sick bed, some people are in wheelchairs, some people have cancer, some people have just one month to live, many other people have received their death-date already and some people are even in prison, so why don't you create joy for yourself, why not be happy? Medical science has made it clear that it takes 72 nerves to frown and just 14 nerves to smile? So why not be happy with less tasking of your nerves? It really cast less to be happy. Nehemiah 8:10 tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength.

Religious people have a reputation, partly deserved and partly not deserved of being gloomy; but you would never guess how many times in the Bible, amazing joy was mentioned. Being in the right relationship with your God and your fellow man is a source of great joy. The person who knows where he or she stands with God can feel joy in all situations, for it is not dependent on other externals.

Joy in the Bible's view, is not the same as pleasure or amusement. It is more enduring, as it is not based solely on the pleasant sensations of the moment but also looking forward to eternity. The Bible could be called an "anti-sin" book. It is! Also we need to remember that it is a 'pro-joy book! His angel endures but a moment in his favour. Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning. You have turned my mourning into dancing, you have put off my sack-cloth and clothed me with gladness. Read Psalm 30:5 & 11; Psalm 33:21; Psalm 46:4; Psalm 63:5 and Romans14:17.

Until next Sunday when we meet again, ask yourself if all the worries in the world is enough to deny you your joy and happiness; remember no matter how bad your situation, there are so many people out there, you are better off? Now, rejoice and be glad and joyful! Keep God close to you, Amen!

GOLDEN GIRLS' BEA ARTHUR, DEAD AT 86!

Known by the moniker, Dorothy in the Television comedy, "The Golden Girls", Bea Arthur who played Dorothy, the daughter of Sophia Petrillo, late Estelle Getty, is dead. She was 86 years old and died of peacefully in her sleep at Los Angeles California, USA. She had cancer.

She was tall, baritone-voiced, witty, vivacious and matronly. Her use of "Ma" to address her mother, Sophia and the way she drags it out was quite endearing.

The Golden Girls,” created by Susan Harris aired as a series on NBC from 1985-92 and reruns till today. It focused on the lives of four previously married but divorced or widowed and aging women who shared a house in Miami. Three retirees - Arthur, Betty White and Rue McClanahan - and the mother of Arthur, Estelle Getty, lived together in the house.

The group portrayed the lives of older women as lively, uncertain, dramatic and passion-filled as those of college sorority sisters. They dealt with various serious life issues ranging from aging, gun control, gay rights to domestic violence. "The Golden Girls" was so riveting as Sophia told stories of her days as a young girl growing up in Sicily-Italy; how they pound their clothes on a rock in a stream to agitate the dirt; with her seeming bouts of dementia? Dorothy always stops her by saying, while making a face, "Ma"?

The twice married and divorced mother of two sons, Bea Arthur was born Bernice Frankel in New York City in 1922. Those who watched "The Golden Girls" know that a gifted actress has passed on and I count myself a fan. Icheoku says, adieu Dorothy as you join your TV mother Sophia in heaven!

A MAN AND HIS LAMBS!

Icheoku picture of the week shows a Pakistani man who is hitching a ride with his two sheep? Please notice the special relationship between both animals and their owner and how relaxed they are? Isn't that peace on earth, that both man and animals are getting along very well? Man's adventurism is unlimited, especially if that man lives in the Taliban controlled Swat Valley of northwestern Wazaristan, Pakistan? Until tomorrow, enjoy this ingenuity of a man and his animals' camaraderie! Now, you may click on the picture for a more detailed-pixelled outlook? Peace on earth!

GOWON, AWAY WITH DEMOCRACY?

Icheoku says, was Yakubu Gowon sending subliminal message to his primary constituency, the military or simply playing the role of a "prophet", when he said that democracy in Nigeria may soon lose its appeal? In the very own words of this Birom man, “Unfortunately, democracy may not take firm roots in an environment of debilitating and excruciating hunger and poverty, compounded by weak or non-existent basic infrastructure, social injustice and physical insecurity. ..... ........the continued presence of corruption, its attendant unemployment and poverty; social insecurity and uncoordinated governments’ policies and programmes, over the decades, would make government by the people lose its appeal".

To Yakubu Gowon, Icheoku says, the only military intervention that may be acceptable to Nigerians again, will be that intervention that will hold every past leaderships in Nigeria, including yourself, accountable! A pure Jerry Rawlings - type of military putsch that will purge the Nigerian society of all its canker-worms! Only such will suffice, otherwise Nigerians should say to Gowon, no deal! Thanks, but no, thanks!

Experience has shown that the problem with Nigeria leadership is not in their dress-code, 'khaki or agbada', but in the ineptitude of the ruling class as found both in the civilian and military wing of the leadership. They are both corrupt and uncaring! The bitterness left in the mouth of Nigerians by the trio of endemically corrupt gnomes Ibrahim Babangida, Sani Abacha and Olusegun Obasanjo military regimes, proved that the military is as light-fingered as their civilian counterparts? So Gowon was preaching to the choir to observe that there is corruption in the democratic government of today, as Nigerians hopelessly live it daily and the military is not sacred either? If Gowon's expectant military cannot take care of business properly and clean the Augean stable very well, Icheoku says, they should remain in their barracks and not disturb the relative freedom in the country now; more-so such adventurism is no longer popular but belongs in the last two decades with his ilks.

The Nigerian-Biafra civil war villain, who permitted and supervised the worst genocide in the history of mankind and who himself narrowly escaped the firing squad for his alleged role in the Benue-Plateau coup that killed Muritala Mohammed, is now pontificating holier than thou, when every present day Nigerian problem could be traced and squarely placed on his feet? Who is Gowon to now advocate a better government for Nigerians when he had the most promising opportunity to make Nigeria great but blew it? It was during Yakubu Gowon's puerile government that Nigeria became awashed with petrol-dollars during the oil crisis of 1973, which brought billions of dollars into Nigeria's coffers that Gowon was allegedly heard saying, 'there is too much money that he does not know what to do with it'? Icheoku says, if this son of Plateau State had any modicum of foresight whatsoever, he would have diversified and fully invested the Nigeria economy in such a way that it would today, rank among world's emergent economic powers; which would have earned her an invitation to the recent G20 world economic summit in London? Such massive investment and diversification would have also inoculated Nigeria from its oil-based monolithic economy, which swings alongside the pendulum of world oil prices? But no he did not do it and today, look who is talking?

Gowon is responsible for all the ills afflicting Nigeria today after he killed off so many Biafrans, the vanguards and arrow-heads of Nigeria's then emerging developmental economy and later asphyxiated the surviving ones, when he could not find the liver to implement his three "Rs" of reconstruction, rehabilitation and reconciliation? As if these wicked actions and failed policies of his were not enough to secure him a place in hell, Gowon went ahead and implemented his twenty (20) pounds only, monetary policy, as accrual to every Biafra irrespective of how much that fellow had in the bank, prior to his armed hostilities against a people just fighting for their existential survival? It is instructive also to note that it was within this total eclipse of Biafrans, that Yakubu Gowon carried out his indigenization experiment which is the precursor of today's lack of appetite for foreigners continued investment in Nigeria? Yakubu Gowon is such a despicable fellow that Icheoku wishes he falls off the face of this earth and disappear completely from sight, instead of forcibly reminding people what he represented and still represents till today - a bloody despot!

So what if the nation’s democracy caves in, as desires by Yakubu Gowon? Icheoku says, it will not be the first time nor will it be the last time; so why increase the pressure on the charge of the polity by stating what every right thinking Joe-Nigeria knows is a question of time? Each successive Nigerian governments have been corrupt except for the Buhari-Idiagbon regime, whose short lifespan helped a great deal as the 53 suitcases scandal proved? Tafawa Balewa was corrupt? Gowon was corrupt, maniacal and genocidal? Obasanjo first coming was the same? Shehu Shagari and Umaru Dikko were no exception? Same goes for Ibrahim Babangida? Ernset Shonekan was a titular head devoid of real power so he could not have helped himself with the nation's treasury, even if he wanted? Sani Abacha's loot in Switzerland has not been accounted for till date? Abdulsalam was smart to hand over the hot-potato called Nigeria to Obasanjo so soon after he took over, but was later compensated with 16 billion Naira power contract which has neither been executed nor accounted for? Obasanjo's second coming became the mother of all corrupt governments in Nigeria and the last has not been heard of the bawdily of that infamous government. So Gowon, what say you now? Corruption with its attendant unemployment, poverty, social insecurity and uncoordinated government policies and programmes are a fact of life in Nigeria which Nigerians have almost come to accept as a given; so this disgusting human specimen, Yakubu Gowon was not saying anything new and should have shut up? May be he needs some contracts from the government of President Umaru Yar'Adua?

In summation, Icheoku says, as a coupist military junta himself, Yakubu Gowon did not achieve much for the upliftments and development of Nigeria during his time in power; except that he caused millions of Biafrans to perish in the worst genocide of recorded history! Biafrans, a people who were and still remains the only reason for Nigeria's survival and whose enterprising spirit is so stellar that it is unmatchable? A superlative people, Biafra, whose industry provides the single most commanding force dejure driving Nigeria, despite the tight-strait they are forced to operate in by each successive repressive and very antagonistic governments in Nigeria? Icheoku therefore demands of Gowon to hush and put up, as corruption is not only the preserve of civilian governments to warrant a coup as he impliedly advocates now? Alternatively he should stop disturbing the general psyche of Nigerians with his outbursts and from a guy who could not even win his primary constituency during Babangida's option A4?

INDIA ELECTIONS, A CASE STUDY FOR MAURICE IWU'S INEC?

As the biggest democracy in the world continues with their one month-long general election, Icheoku says Nigeria's Maurice Iwu should pay special attention to understand how India gets it right? With 714 million registered voters going to the polls through a one month period, Icheoku says the electoral body that could pull such a feat is worth understudying? We therefore call on Nigeria's "Independent" Electoral Commission to send some delegation to India to study how the biggest democracy in the world could successfully organise such gargantuan elections without much shenanigans? It is also instructive that for the past 60 years, the Indians have been playing this their yeoman's electioneering feat, without much hitches or as many court challenges of the results, as the 2007 Maurice Iwu's fraud in Nigeria? This by itself is a feat which very electoral body in the world, including Nigeria's INEC is encouraged to see what the Indians are doing right and emulate their example.

As rural as India is, with a widely varying geographic and climatic zones which has somewhat being described as constituting a hellish logistical nightmare; Indians still conduct free and fair elections throughout their vast territory and adjoining islands, from the snow-covered mountains in the Himalayas, to the deserts of the Rajasthan and in sparsely populated islands in the Indian Ocean. India's electoral map is one heck of a maze that it takes an entire one month to conduct elections, in parchments of constituencies? Elections in India is such a huge undertaking that it is conducted in five phases, with voting on April 16, 22, 23, and 30, then May 7 and 13; with the results announced a few days later on May 16, 2009. The undertaking involves 1000 political parties, 800,000 polling stations, 543 constituencies, 1.1 million electronic voting machines manned by four million election officers and six million security details to solely monitor the elections? Icheoku says what a mammoth exercise in electing a leadership?

And this is a country with so many poor people and acute illiteracy among its population, that over 700 million of them still live below poverty line, on less than $2 per day and without basic education? Yet they can organize elections for 700 million of their registered voters! But Nigeria with less than 40 million registered voters cannot organise an election that is free and fair; but qualifies as a "selection of a band of thieves by a band of menacing thugs and their cabals", who subsequently loot the nation's coffers dry? Until there is a re-thinking by the sack of manure in Nigeria high-ups, and with surgical intervention in INEC, it is going to remain same old same old and Nigeria as always, will be worse for it! Inept leadership produced by a fraught electioneering system. Icheoku says, Maurice Iwu's INEC could use some of this Indian magic which has been on display since 1947 and cause it to rub off and change things in Nigeria? One other thing worth emulating from the Indian election, is the practice where each registered voter's picture as well as their identity card are included in the electoral rolls? With this in place, how can there be ghost voters or electoral fraud as obtains in Nigeria?

Pictured right is chief election commissioner of India, Shri. N. Gopalaswami, 62, appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister, who is steering this ocean-liner of an election? He is reputed to be no nonsense, very loyal, honest and dynamic person! Story has it that as one time municipal commissioner of Surat, his party's leader had approached him with

a bribe of 5,000 Rupees but he reported him to the chief minister and had police arrest him for attempt to bribe a government official? Tell that to Maurice Iwu of Nigeria and he will say your head is not correct?

Established in 1950 as a permanent constitutional body, the commission initially had only a Chief Election Commissioner but now has three officials including a Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners. They reach decisions by a majority vote of 2 to 3. The President appoints Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners. They have tenure of six years or up to the age of 65 years, whichever comes first. They enjoy the same status and receive salary and perks as available to Judges of the Supreme Court of India. The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from office only through impeachment by Parliament. At the state level, the election work is supervised, subject to overall superintendence, direction and control of the Commission, by the Chief Electoral Officer of the State, who is appointed by the Commission from amongst senior civil servants proposed by the concerned state government. The Secretariat of the Commission has an independent budget. Among its duties, India's Election Commission ensures a level playing field for the 1000 political parties. Now it will be easier for Nigeria to model her electoral reform with what works, the Indian example! With India's 1000 political parties as a backdrop, the attempt by the leadership in Nigeria to clobber the whole polity into the PDP should be condemned as an affront to freedom of association?

In India, the opinion of the election commissioner binds the president unlike Nigeria, where the president dictates to him who "wins" which seat? Also the judiciary does not intervene in the actual conduct of the polls. Once the polls are completed and result declared, the Commission cannot review any result on its own. As regards to legal challenges involving the office of the president, such can only be filed before the Supreme Court? India's 35 constituent States and Union Territories are grouped into election blocks for convenience of management. Admitted that INEC allegedly visited India in the past to see how they execute this humongous task, but who knows if it was not just a means to share some estacodes? The conduct of India's election has been described by some observers as the largest single event in the world? Simply stated, the India's model of staggered election will work miracle in Nigeria; and Icheoku says, if India can do it why not Nigeria?

DAVID KELLERMANN OF FREDDIE MAC, YEILDS?

Was he pushed or did he jump? The global economic downturn claims yet another victim? David Kellermann, 41, the acting chief financial officer of United States of America mortgage company Freddie Mac was found dead today in the basement of his house in Washington DC area? Icheoku asks, did David take his life or was he pushed off the cliff by the global financial meltdown and why; after-all it is not only Freddie Mac that is going through the hurricane of problems?

The Police ruled out foul play, explaining that David, whose body was found dangling from a rope by his wife in their house basement, probably took his own life? This is similar to the explanation given when the late DC Madam was found dead in Florida recently, after being under boiler-plate pressure from her Washington DC patrons? Who knows what pressurized David to "take" his life?

According to David's former company's statement, "Freddie Mac knows of no connections between this terrible personal tragedy and the ongoing regulatory inquiries discussed in our SEC filings." Icheoku says, could Freddie Mac have spoken too early; otherwise why would such a high ranking official suddenly take his life, if not for some very damaging reason which he could not live with or bear anymore?

Either way, suicide is a means of an end for cowards and with due respect for the grieving family, Icheoku admonishes, David should not have just chickened out? He should have fought whatever troubles he was going through like a man and a soldier, just like many Americans and the peoples of the world are presently doing or tying to do. Suicide is cowardice and a self-centered exit option for many of his types. Why did he not get help or take a vacation or do something fun instead of choking off his oxygen supply and possibly breaking off his neck in the process? To the grieving Kellermann family, please accept our condolence; but to David, the Almighty God does not condone any taking of a life and it does not matter if it was a suicide! Hopefully David left a note to let the world into his private pains that drove him to commit such a heinous crime!

PHILIP MARKOFF, CRAIGLIST KILLER, A FUTURE DOCTOR TURNED KILLER?

Luckily for mankind, he showed the dark-stuff he is made of early enough, before the state of Massachusetts could license him, wherein he would have "legally" carried out his perversion under the guise of "lost" patients? His name, Philip Markoff and he killed a masseuse, Julissa Brisman of New York? A 2007 graduate of State University of New York at Albany, Philip was just 23 years old and already in medical school, second year at Boston University?

Ironically, before his dark-side took over his senses and motors, Philip was planning a wedding this summer to his fiancee, whom he was with when the police arrested him? Icheoku says what an irony of life that a young man planning to marry a young woman, turned out to be a killer of another young woman?

His dark-side reveals a serial criminal who targeted women who were offering erotic services through Craigslist; this is how he became known as "The Craigslist Killer"! One of these women, he has now been accused of killing and also suspected of robbing and tying up another? According to the District Attorney, "This was a brutal, vicious crime — savage, and it shows Philip Markoff is a man who is willing to take advantage of women, to hurt them, to beat them, to rob them, he probably thought he was going to get away with it. He thought he was too smart for us."

Philip Markoff was charged with murder, kidnapping and armed robbery in the killing of Julissa Brisman, 26, of New York City, who was found dead April 14, 2009 in a Boston hotel; after being bashed in the head and shot three times at close range, including once through the heart? A semiautomatic gun, duct tape and other restraints were recovered as evidence from his apartment which he shared with his fiancee in Quincy, about 10 miles south of Boston?

It would appear that Philip is from a well-heeled off family; his grandfather is a lawyer and he went straight to medical school from university? According to one shocked neighbour, "He was smart. He carried himself well. He was clean, a good-looking guy, he seemed like the type that would have it all. It doesn't make sense." Icheoku says, William Shakespeare is once again right on the money, as Philip Markoff has once again, proved that there is no reading of the mind's construction by the face! A caveat however, provided he did it! Is that understood?

RABIATU, MARRIAGE NOTICE!

You are invited to the Solemnization of Holy Matrimony between Rabi'atu Abubakar and Ransome Egunjobi on their very special day. Please stop by and share our joyful day with us.

Event date:May 16, 2009
Time: 10:00 am CST Prompt
Location: Deeper Life Bible Church
Phone: 713-298-4643
Address:
8405 Brook Wulf Drive
City: Houston , TX 77072

Reception follows immediately after the wedding
Location: Double Crown Reception Center
Phone: 281-568-5001; 281-703-0007
Address: 13900 Beechnut Street, Suite C
City: Houston, TX 77083

Registries:
We are registered at Bed Bath & Beyond
Registry #:4711730
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/regHome.asp?order_num=-1&

Dillards
Registry #: 123412660
http://www.dillards.com/wishlist/WLMasterServlet?intent=REGHOME

We hope to see you at this great event!

Signed:RabiRans

TURAKI, REJECTED BY OTHER HOSPITALS, FLOWN TO SINGAPORE?

It appears the world is now seriously asking Nigeria to get its acts together and sit up? First they rebuffed Nigeria at the G20 world's economic summit in London by not inviting her. Now it appears they have also refused to take in for treatment in their hospitals, a Nigerian official, Saminu Turaki; who has, despite President Umaru Yar'Adu's preference for a German hospital, been flown to a South East Asia hospital in far away Singapore?

Who knows if he is going to make it or be brought back as a cargo like the others? Either way Icheoku says it does not augur well for a country to be hospital-shopping each time one of her officials has a medical need while refusing to do something to fix her comatose medical system. Saminu Turaki belong to the inept leadership in Nigeria which could not build even one center of medical excellence and are perpetually begging hospitals around the world to take them in, each time they have a need either by sickness or as in this case, involved in an accident? What a shameless bunch of fringed leadership who do not mean well for Nigeria and still hold her in a death vice-grip?

The former Jigawa State Governor and serving Nigerian Senator, Saminu Turaki, was involved in an auto-accident two Saturdays ago, en-route Abuja from Birnin-Kebbi, and was receiving treatment at the Intensive Care Unit of the Nigeria National Hospital, Abuja before his condition necessitated being flown abroad? Saminu Turaki sustained fractures on his right arm and on his skull during the vehicle roll-over accident. Icheoku ponders, what happens to a similarly situated average Nigeria-Joe who does not benefit from such privileged state sponsored air-ambulance trip to a foreign hospital? If only the leadership in Nigeria could be more fore-sighted and do good for and by Nigerians instead of nauseatingly and shamelessly beginning for hospital beds overseas, every time and all the time!

EBENEZER BABATOPE, SHAMELESSLY SYCOPHANTIC?

Who doesn't know this Yoruba Awosit, recently turned political carpet-beggar, whose convictions are now predicated and determined solely by his stomach? He has thrown caution to the wind and now dwells among the dregs of Nigerian political jobbers who engage in all manner of decrepitude things just to remain "relevant"? He served in the infamous midget of Kano, Sani Abacha's government; he praise-sang the evil of Otta, Olusegun Obasanjo, throughout his days in office and still continuing today despite the fact that Obasanjo was his former nemesis? Now his current self-assumed assignment, is eulogising the weakling of Katsina, Umaru Yar'Adua? His mantra, "provided there is something in it for me"?

By way of introduction, please meet the "egunje" master extra-ordinaire, Ebenezer Babatope alias Ebino Topsy! Once again he is on top of his game, having assumed the uneviable position of an unrepentant genuflecting and swivelling centipede for the present lacklustre President Umaru Yar'Adua's government? Why any of this "leaders" of Nigeria does not see through the veil of this scoundrel and still takes him serious, baffles Icheoku greatly. We therefore call on President Umaru Yar'Adua to be wary of this strange fellow's camaraderie? It does not look good and cannot and ain't good!

Our attention was drawn to a recent interview wherein Ebenezer Babatope attributed the recent Nigeria's smacking by the G20 to a colonial-imperialistic tendencies of the western world? Icheoku says, what a statement in buffoonery, since other hitherto similarly colonized countries were invited to the summit bereft of Nigeria? Icheoku asks Ebenezer Babatope to explain if India, Brazil, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Argentina, Thailand etc are part of his delusional colonial cum imperialistic axis of evil, that conspired to dis-invite his Nigeria to the gathering of the world's finest? The truth of the matter is that Nigeria is so cursed to have people like this despicable son of Osun State in its leadership positions, which explains why everything has been in comatose ever since and now requiring re-branding?

In his unarticulated delusional assessment of the G20 cold-shoulders to Nigeria, Ebino said, "As for the G20 Summit, we should not allow the imperialist world to control us with its own method of approaching matters. Their views on Yar’Adua and Nigeria smirks of world imperialism. So, lets forget G20. Eventually when they decide that Nigeria or any country in Africa should be part of G20, its’s their problem". And one wonders if this is the position of the thieving PDP government of Nigeria on why Nigeria was shunned by the world at London G20 economic summit? What a summation and you are forced to wonder, is such mind that could cough up such a weird explanation or reason capable of providing the desired leadership that will propel Nigeria forward? How can any sane man read the humiliating message to Nigeria, to get her act together, as an imperialist act when nations which started with Nigeria as prospective world powers have since left Nigeria in the dust due to lackadasical rudderless leadership, provided by the likes of this diarrhea-mouth Ebenezer Babatope? Their ilks have succeeded in obstinately holding Nigeria hostage since her coming into being in 1960 and have little to nothing to show for their adventurism? Instead of reading the fine-lines and subliminal message encapsulated in the non-invite, this political harlot is trying in vain to rationalize an indefensible report-card handed to Nigeria; which reads that the world is getting tired of waiting for the child-Nigeria to crawl, talkless of walk or run or even sprint? Who in the world has not left Nigeria behind? India? Brazil? South Korea? Thailand? And even South Africa which Nigeria helped to transition from apartheid to majority rule? This man, Ebenezer Babtope is unabashedly shameless and the family that he goes back to every day, after doing his dirty job for his masters, must be overwhelmed with revulsion at the denigrate who they call their family head? Only the truth shall save this morphed imbecile!

Ebenezer Babatope who was once a proven social defender from his days at University of Lagos before he was kicked out by the first military government of Olusegun Obasanjo over the "Ali Must Go" affair; to his time as National Director of Organization of the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN, under the leadership of Papa Obafemi Awolowo; is now cavorting with the north as a member of Board of Trustees of the much despised Peoples Democratic Party just for mere sustenance? (Note that we said Obasanjo's first military government because his second coming was nothing different, both in autocracy and ruthlessness). How is the mighty Ebino fallen so low and become destitutional, that it forces the question, what would Awolowo do or say about this turn-coat who has traded everything Obafemi Awolowo stood for, for a piece of the proverbial porridge from the pot of the PDP? Ebenezer Babatope once quoted Awolowo telling him as saying to him "any day you find me asking you how are you running your department, don’t wait for me to follow it up with asking for your resignation." To this Icheoku retorts, your remaining admirers and the entire Yoruba race, on behalf of Pa Awolowo, are asking Ebino what has come over him and expect his long overdue resignation from the PDP? In the alternative he should talk only when necessary and like a man whose faculties are still in tact!

Ebenezer Babatope's assertion that Papa Awolowo would not have frowned at his joining the PDP is evidence that the circuit in this man's brain is either misfiring for age-related infirmities or he was not really an accomplished ardent understudy of the late Yoruba sagely avatar as he erroneuosly believes? Admitted he later qualified his statement, acknowledging being in the wrong party, when he followed it up with "and in any case, my joining the PDP was based on protest which the leaders of Awo Organisation know about!" Whether this addedum makes him a conniving schemer of the highest kind, who will fox his way through any thing is anybody's guess? On his further claim that, were Awolowo to be alive today that he would be in the PDP was equally debunked by a commentator as a hallucinatory ranting of a confused man, stating that Obasanjo would never be qualified to lead a party wherein Awolowo belong? Icheoku concurs that the deity of Otta was once apositely described by Godwin Daboh as only good enough for his village headship? That Olusegun Obasanjo is still leading the PDP after all the trouble he put Nigeria and the PDP through, is simply an aberration, tolerated by unconcionable and voiceless party faithfuls who like sheep are being flocked according to the shepard's whims. Their orders is "never ask why should you jump, simply ask how high and salute!"

In the same offensive interview, Ebenezer was asked about Olusegun Obasanjo remaining as the life chairman of PDP Board of Trustees? To which he responded that there is no life chairman of BOT of the party at any time and nobody is being elected this time - meaning their upcoming convention? Surprise, surprise? Which now begs the question, has the monster of Otta once again out-foxed the sick man of Katsina? Has the master tactician, military mechanic deployed his experience from the military to draw Yar'Adua into a fox-hole for close combat hostilities? Icheoku says, President Umaru Yar'Adua retains Obasanjo as the BOT chairman at his own risk as Obasanjo never forgives nor forgets and will surely out manoeuvre Yar'Adua at the appropriate time. With the recent mending of fence between Obasanjo and Atiku as a hindsight, President Umaru Yar'Adua has another thing coming if he allows Obasanjo to stick around in such a powerful position as the PDP's BOT chairman. It will be the height of political naivety ever displayed by the Katsina native, to allow a conniving devil-maycare Olusegun Obasanjo to be around to determine who goes to Aso Rock in 2011? Talk of a weakling president, a Shehu Shagari without an Umaru Dikko? Anyway back to the denigrate son of Osun, Ebenezer Babatope!

The once columnist, director of party organization, senator, minister of transportation has been acting and talking strangely of late that a date with a psychiatrist may not be out of the ordinary. One commentator was so moved by the camelionic display of the Ebino Topsvy, that he was forced to observe concerning Ebenezer Babatope, "he once wrote derisively about Bola Ige and has joined camps with the men who he used to verbally attack as dangerous to the good of Nigeria"? Any you ask yourself what has come over this man? Another commentator wrote, "The crudity, brutality and despotism of the military have often been reflected or demonstrated by retired General Obasanjo and his party? It is a big ‘mis-message’ that Babatope who once suffered military brutality in the hands of Obasanjo chose to ignore the truth by clinging to the People’s Democratic Party by all means just for whatever crumbs can fall off the table". Sumarising, he noted, Ebino is not doing what he used to do for the right group with credibility but is now working for the wrong group with no credibility; adding, he served in the inglorious regime of Abacha and rightly or wrongly refused to get out of the junta even when Yoruba leaders of thought directed him to? Icheoku says, greed may as well be this man's middle name? Not to be outdone in performing "autopsy" on this man, another commentator quipped, "Ebino Topsy has assumed the role of a laundry master, strenuously struggling to whitewash and then decorate certified vermin with a veneer of credibility. He has become an unrelenting mouthpiece for those who have long demonstrated their immutable commitment to exploitative rule" .

Icheoku summarizes, a man who has descended to such a lowly ridicule by his kiths and kins, former comrades, friends and admirers would in a civilzed society, where honor is valued, put a bullet to his temple or take a hike in an evil forest never to look back! No, Ebenezer Babatope is a Yoruba-Nigerian and as far as he is concerned, candour and dignity can take a back-burner as the sucre is one heck of a sweet thing to forgo? Ebenezer Babatope is an unrepetantant sycophant who should be really ashamed of descrating Obafemi Awolowo's long established principled stance by genuflecting to those vermins who Awolowo spent his entire life trying to educate? Ebenezer Babatope is not a good ambassador of the late sage and the sage's effort at educating him on political sagacity and dexterity was merely wasted!

YOUR SUNDAY WITH PROPHET MKO TIBETAN!

Brethren in Christ the sermon for today is TIME:- According to Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, there is time for everything under heaven; a time to be born ..................!

When you look at the life of Zechariah in Luke 1:18-20, he has been in the temple for several years worshiping the Lord with fasting and prayers; but he did not boast that he is a prayer warrior? However when it was the time scheduled by God, his petition was answered as God sent angel Gabriel to deliver him. Brethren let us try and keep to time; the white people do not have any special God for themselves alone but they respect time, they honour time and they keep to time! But the reverse is the case with our black people, whose attitude to time leaves so much to be desired; and the resulting inability to get anything or much accomplished timely, is there for all of us to see.

When you look at the life of the Israelites particularly how they walked into slavery in Egypt, Genesis 15:12-16 tells us that it was a time which has already been preset by God for them to be enslaved. And when it came time for their release, at an appointed time, God raised Moses for that purpose so that they could be delivered. See generally Exodus 2; 3; 4 and 12. All these are what the Bible tells us, and if you know you talk recklessly or you are too proud of yourself, it is not too late for you to change your ways as the Lord can still work on you and with you. Read 1 Peter 5:3-7; Genesis 5:16-32 Galatians 3:1-3; 1Samuel 14:14; Psalm 49; Isaiah 38; 39.

When you look around you today you will see the way people acquire wealth like they can buy death over and live forever; but they forgot that death is inevitable and that they will drop all they have one day and depart from this earth. If you must be once reminded, all mortals are on transit on this earth and we will surely die one day at their appointed time!

Therefore, brethren in Christ before we round up today, adjust yourself in order that you may stop boasting of things of this world or your worldly possessions. Some will say they are prayer warriors, some will say they are serving God; but you cannot serve God by simply calling yourself a Pastor as everybody under heaven is a Pastor. You can only praise God according to his dictates in Psalm 100. He even confirmed it in the book of Psalm127 when he said, except thy Lord build a house ............! Brethren be nice to your neighbour; be good to them and use everyday as if it is your last day on earth, because delay is dangerous.

Once again be judicious with your time and do the things that is pleasing before God with it. Until next Sunday when we shall get together again to see what the Lord reveals to us, stay well and may the Almighty God bless your household, Amen!

ROXANA SABERI, EVIDENCE OF IRAN'S UNCLENCHING FIST?

A recalcitrant Iran dealt the world and United States of America a blow with the incarceration of the Iranian-American journalist Roxana Saberi. When the whole world is warming up to the new administration in Washington with a view to starting afresh, Iran is walking away into the cold? Icheoku says, this is not the kind of overture a willing peace partner exhibits.

Why should the Iranian regime continue to present a clenched fist when a hand of fellowship has been extended to it by Washington? Even Venezuela's Hugo Chavez understands that it is a new day and things are no longer what they use to be! With the firm handshake between President Barack Obama and Hugo Chavez, one would have expected the Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's regime in Tehran to act in this case, in a way suggestive of a regime desirous to press the reset button with the United States? But no, they jailed a reporter for allegedly spying, after a trial in camera?

Icheoku says, admitted it is hard to teach an old dog a new trick but the henchmen in Tehran should understand that those who make peaceful change impossible make violent change inevitable. They ought to know that the hand of friendship extended by America will not hang out there in perpetuity, should they refuse and not take it now. There is always a span of life for everything as President Barack Obama might not forever retain the support and goodwill of the American people to continue to woo an unwilling suitor? Iranians, show President Obama that there is reason to hope and try, otherwise the America patient might run out and pretty soon too? The Iranians should be very much aware that, should the inevitable occurs and their obstinacy results in a show-down, that they cannot win the ensuing antagonism or confrontation.

Icheoku says, the proper thing for Iran to do in the spirit of the new quest for friendship with Washington, is not to convict Miss Saberi behind closed doors as the apparent lack of transparency defeats whatever evidence of culpability that may exist. Justice they say, must not only be done but must be seen to be done; and such was not the case under the present advisement. Because of the bamboozled nature of the trial, any resulting sentence should not have been as harsh as eight long years for a young Iranian woman whose future has been greatly compromised by this sentence, assuming she serves it in full. Other alternatives exists for the Iranians which they would have exercised, such as deport Miss Saberi back to the United States, declare Miss Saberi a persona-non-grata in Iran, revoke her Iranian passport, denude her of her Iranian citizenship or to clear all the cloud of illegitimacy hanging over this conviction, conduct her trial in the open so that the world can appreciate the degree of her "covet operations" in Iran? But to simply rail-road her into prison on a trumped-up charge of espionage smacks of a regime which is not prepared to change its repressive ways; or for lack of a better word, smarting for confrontation? As a wise counsel posits, the Iranian regime should beware of what they wish for as they might eventually get it?

Roxana Saberi, 31, who shares dual American and Iranian citizenship (daughter of an Iranian father and a Japanese mother), has been studying for her third masters degree and working in Iran for the past six years. The also former Miss North Dakota and a top 10 finalists in Miss America 1998 was arrested in January 2009 for allegedly spying for her naturalised country, the United States of America? Now the Iranians have jailed their daughter for eight long years after convicting her for espionage, in a trial held behind closed doors by Iran's Branch 28 of the Revolutionary Court? A trial that could at most, be characterised as a kangaroo trial? It is regrettable that whatever evidence of the alleged espionage was not made public for veracity, despite a possible claim of state security and secrecy? Such was the secrecy of Roxana Saberi's trial that not even her father was allowed to attend his daughter's trial? And this is justice?

Iranians shifting of the goal-post from the initial accusation of buying alcohol and later of working as a journalist without a valid press card to the final whammy of spying, shows a regime fishing for a reason and desirous of making a confrontational statement? Icheoku says, such attitudinal idiosyncrasy of the Iranian government is unwholesome and simply reflective of a warped doomsday-harbinger, that is both daft and dumb! Iranians should understand that friendship requires sacrifice in the spirit of give and take, geared towards meeting of the minds which their current action does not buttress. It is with this background that Icheoku calls on Iranian government to use this God given opportunity to soften its image and release Roxana Saberi forthwith. The Iranians can ask Miss Saberi to leave Iran if they feel so impassioned, but to imprison this woman for eight long gruelling years, with no apparent convincing evidence of her complicity in an espionage, is not a cordial move especially at this time of a thawing of relations between Tehran and Washington!