A WEDDING GOWN, DO YOU MIND?

Just for your Saturday morning, this couple are stepping into a church to solemnize their marriage! It is called wedding! What a wedding gown indeed; and it was acceptable to the groom as well as the couples' family and they look happy? Are the couple somewhat inebriated or is appearance this time, deceptive? But what about those glasses of vodka they are clutching, afterall they are Russians? Do you have a differing opinion?

Icheoku asks, if you are planning a wedding, are you going to go conservative or be like this couple, appreciate that you only live life once? A food for your thought!

HISHAM TALAAT MUSTAFA, AN EGYPTIAN-BILLIONAIRE MURDERER!

He is an Egyptian billionaire real estate tycoon! He ordered a hit on his former paramour, a Lebanese pop singer! He was tried and convicted for her murder! His sentence, DEATH! The verdict is however subject to an immediate review by the religious Grand Mufti Ali Gomaa, who is expected to act by June 25, 2009. Icheoku says, for prosecuting this case to a logical conclusion, the Egyptian judiciary has proved itself to be above board and as not having a price-tag? Worthy of particular mention is the judge of the Bab Al-Khalq criminal court who rendered the verdict, Judge Mohamed El-Qenesowa, pictured here left.

In many other countries of the world, his money, influence and political connections would have purchased him extra legs to walk away from justice, a free man; assuming he is even prosecuted! In Nigeria for example, so many people have been murdered and in some cases by known high and powerful people; yet nobody has ever been held accountable for these crimes?

A member of the National Democratic Party which has held a vice-like grip on power in Egypt since the 1970s, Convict Hisham Talaat Mustafa, 50, was a member of parliament of the Egyptian upper house, the Shura? Mustafa, pictured here right, is reputed to be one one of Egypt's richest men, and as member of the Egyptian elite high and powerful, had ties to the son of Egyptian president, Gamal Mubarak? It was however, before the verdict, being speculated that but for the insistence of the authorities in Dubai-United Arab Emirates, that he be prosecuted for the murder that the murder charge would have been squashed because of the convict's connections. Whether the president will pull some strings or use his executive powers to commute or suspend the sentence will be determined in due course; but President Hosni Mubarak should know that the whole world is watching and waiting for justice to take its course in this case; and he must not constitute himself a clog in its wheels. Kudos to the Egyptian judge, who courageously rendered this verdict without fear or intimidation of the high and powerful?

Mustafa was found guilty of murder for hire:- he had paid £1.3 million ($2 million) to a hotel security guard and former policeman, Mohsen el-Sukkari, to kill the Lebanese star Suzanne Tamin, 31. Miss Tamin, pictured left, rose to fame in the Arab world, in 1996, after winning an Egyptian Pop Idol show, - the Studio al Fan talent show. Mustafa was caught talking about the killing on "state security eavesdropping tapes." Icheoku says this is one example where warrant-less wire-taping worked for some positive results? The question remains, were it in America, would such evidence withstand judicial test of muster - the legality of how it was obtained? This is akin to a case of beauty and the beast, and now the beauty have ended up in the belly of the beast; who shall in due course hang for his crimes against a beauty queen impresario? An eye for an eye, may be?

Miss Tamin, the victim was found severally stabbed with her throat slit in her high rise luxury Dubai-United Arab Emirate apartment in July 28, 2009. The twice-divorced Miss Tamin was having an affair with Mustafa, a married real estate entrepreneur? When she ended the relationship, she moved to London where she met and married her third husband, an Iraqi-born world kick-boxing champion, Riyadh Alazzawi? Mr Alazzawi alleged that he had received threats from Moustafa demanding he give her Tamin or be killed; also that Moustafa had offered Tamin $50 million to leave him, Alazzawi?

The knife-welding assailant, El-Sukkari, worked as head of security at the Four Seasons Hotel in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt which Moustafa built; and had travelled to Dubai last July to carry out the dastardly murder. His DNA was found on clothes inside the victim's apartment and he was captured entering the Dubai apartment complex on the day of the murder by an on-site security camera? The murder-weapon, a knife allegedly used in the killing was also recovered. There was also a footprint found on the crime-scene which matched a shoe recently bought using al-Sukkari's credit card? Eavesdropped telephone conversations between El-Sukkari and Mustafa, wherein Mustafa was telling El-Sukkari, pictured bottom right, to throw his former lover off her balcony was tendered in evidence and supplied whatever missing link left of their culpability? The case which commenced on october 18, 2008, arrived at a decision seven months later!

His lawyer, Samir al-Shishtawi, called the ruling "severe" and said he expected it would be overturned on appeal? Icheoku says, what a consolatory statement made by an over-priced lawyer, trying to pallicate his unsatisfied, convicted client! It is only corruption on a grand scale that could change the verdict of death, based on overwhelming evidence of the prosecution.

Whatever the review, Icheoku says with the adduced mountain of evidence, the only rational outcome of such a review that is possible, is to affirm the verdict and order the immediate carrying out of the sentence forthwith! There was a murder victim; the murderer has confessed; the murder-weapon was recovered; the security camera's captured image of the killer is riveting; the shoe foot-print; and the mother of all evidence - the telephone conversation admission! Conclusion, affirm and execute the sentence as any other "strange" decision will be interpreted for what it is, procured!

NIGER DELTA WAR, JONATHAN GOODLUCK SHOULD RESIGN NOW!

Icheoku commends the chairman of the Nigeria Federal Government's Vision 2020 Sub-Committee on the Niger Delta, Prince Tonye TJT Princewill for resigning his office, in protest, over the massacre of his people of the South-South Niger Delta by the Nigerian government! What a selfless patriot and a real leader this prince is, who will not stand and watch the government which he is a member of, wantonly massacring his people! Well done, Tonye!

Based on this courageous display of qualitative leadership by Prince Tonye TJT Princewill, Icheoku hereby call on the Vice President of Nigeria Jonathan Goodluck and all remaining members of President Umaru Yar'Adua's administration from the Niger Delta and the entire South-South, to resign immediately in tow, in solidarity, and to protest the ongoing 'genocide of oil' in their homeland. Duty calls and Vice President Jonathan Goodluck must so answer by resigning now! No amount of gold in Aso-Rock is worth selling-out your people by abandoning them in this their time of dire need! If your power cannot be used to the benefit of your people, then why seek and hold it?

Ken Saro Wiwa was killed for oil and now what is left of the people of the Niger Delta are being killed-off, while Vice president Jonathan Goodluck is cozying up to the feudalistic mallams from the Sahara desert, in the name of being a loyal vice president? What manner of a man will be having a party while his house is ablaze but Jonathan Goodluck? Power is ephemeral and with what face will he return home to the Niger Delta area someday to explain why he stood akimbo while watching the northerners massacre his people? When has anybody killed off the Fulanis because they will not part with their cattle for a mere pittance? So why must it be the people of the Niger Delta South-South that must be forced to give up their oil because the oligarchs said so? Jonathan, your people are being annihilated, don't you get it?

Icheoku says, this ongoing carnage on "disposable" Nigerians must stop forthwith; otherwise let Nigerians review their continued existence as an entity? Enough of this bullshit from the north and by the north against a helpless peoples of the Niger Delta; whose only sin is that they are asking for a reasonable fair share of their own nature-endowed resources!

This is the time for all men in the Niger Delta to stand up and be counted as the northerners do not have any extra ball to be lording it over Nigeria, unchallenged? The Niger Delta/South-South governors should immediately protest the ongoing carnage in Abuja and threaten non-cooperation, if it does not cease immediately. Where are your souls Nigerians, that you should remain silent while fellow Nigerians are once again, being slaughtered or is Odi and Zaki-Ibiam not enough blood-shed already? The man died in him who keeps silent in the face of tyranny; are the men in Nigerians, all dead? Speak up, Icheoku commands you and end the onslaught in the Niger Delta now! Give to Niger Delta what is theirs and let them pay taxes on it to the federal government! It is the right thing to do! It is equitable! It is the practice all over the rational world and it is also commonsensical!

AMERICAN IDOL, KRIS ALLEN SHOCKER!

And the winner is, Kris Allen, the new 2009 American Idol! What a surprise that the cool and so good looking Kris won and to the utmost surprise of fans, book-keepers, speculators and followers; trumping an "assured" and confident Adam Lambert, to emerge victorious in the just concluded 2009 American Idol competition.

Even the 23-year-old from Conway, Arkansas was surprised himself that he won; and after recovering from the initial shock, in his own words, said "I'm sorry, I don't even know what to feel right now. This is crazy."

Allen's smooth vocals and boy-next-door image probably gave him the edge, after nearly 100 million viewer votes were cast, choosing him over the rocker Adam Lambert; a hitherto fans-favorite? Icheoku congratulates the Arkansas native on his victory and wish him a successful career run.

PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON, BACK AT HIS GAME?

Icheoku admonishes, "except she is your object of affection such as a spouse or paramour or some other special love interest, the butt of any woman is off the limits for any man's wandering hand, including that of President Bill Clinton"! A popular saying has it that fool me once, shame on you; but fool me twice shame on me! Also there is no lesson learnt in the second kick of the mull! So Bill Clinton, why tempt the devil by throwing the dog a red meat?

What are we saying? That former President Bill Clinton should maintain a very safe distance from any woman whatsoever, except if that woman is Hilary Clinton or Chelsea Clinton or his mother in-law Mrs Rodham, period! With Bill, not only must nothing be going on, it must also be seen beyond every shadow of doubt that nothing is going on! Put in another way, the very act, its appearance or semblance thereto are all disqualifiers, period! Any suspicion or doubtful overture is sufficient to find him 'guilty as charged'; and this picture above right is "offensive" enough.

The highly suggestive picture above left, shows President Bill Clinton touching the butt of Fran Drescher at the Life Ball charity event in Vienna over the last weekend? Icheoku says, what will Hilary think? Fran Drescher as you may recall is an Emmy Award and Golden Globe nominated American film and television actress, comedian, and activist. She is especially known for her television series "The Nanny".

After the Monica Lewinsky scandal that almost ruined his life (career and family), any reasonable man in his shoes, would have had a red-flag implant in his ear to warn him off, of any woman violating his territorial space. It does not matter who that woman is, except a Hilary approved-woman or one under her watchful presence and gaze! The public will not show mercy anymore, should another scandal break out and hence Bill must not give any rumour-mill, reason to even speculate. He must be on his guard, 24/7. We do not know the reaction of the Secretary of State over this picture, but Icheoku says, it sure does not look good for a recently sexually-rehabilitated man like Bill Clinton. He knows he is always "the usual suspect" and hence must be seen to be holier than even the pope and as celibate as an eunuch? We are talking about appearance here, Bill. Hopefully Hilary saw the picture for what it is, a harmless lending of hand on the butt? But why not on the shoulders, Mr. President?

In addition to all his good works of charity especially his AIDS/HIV activities, his new gig as United Nations special envoy on Haiti and being still married to the United States Secretary of States; Bill must discipline himself enough not to cause another scandal and rock the boat once again. Bill must discipline himself to allow Hilary Clinton to concentrate on the job she is currently doing for President Barack Obama's administration and the American people. It will be regrettable if speculations, fuelled by such photograph as this, causes her another hysteria and sleepless nights thinking about her husband's "lecherousness"?

Hilary must not be made to lose focus on the many prevalent world issues she is tirelessly finding solutions to. What a dynamic Secretary of State she has so far proved herself to be? We are proud of her work so far, including securing the release of Iranian detained journalist Saberi. Please, please Bill, you must, by all means necessary stay off the skirts; and save the world the agony of having a cause to look at another one of your pitiable pictures, as this one here right? As you well know, the mother of all sex-scandals aka the blue dress is still oozing fresh in memory; so put your hands in your pocket instead, assuming they are too heavy that they must rest on something, but definitely not on a butt somewhere in Vienna! Good cause or no good cause, you must first try to maintain Hilary's sanity as her plate is rather too full now, to worry about a possibly "horny, philandering" husband?

FUNERAL NOTICE OF CHIEF CHRISTAIN CHUKWUMA ONOH!

Late Chief Christain Chukwuma Onoh

(April 27, 1927 - May 4, 2009)

Aninefungwu Okaa-Omee 1 of Ngwo who joined his ancestors on April 27, 2009 will be laid to rest at his family's compound in Ngwo Enugu State, Nigeria on July 3, 2009!

Father of Enugu (Wawa) State is gone! A man of the people is no more! May his soul find rest in the bosom of our Lord, peace be unto him, Amen! Icheoku says, you shall be missed a great deal! Adieu, Mega Personality!

RSVP: The Onoh Family of Ngwo.

Fondly remembered by his people of Enugu State, Nigeria.

MICHAEL MARTIN, SWEPT AWAY BY A TIDAL WAVE OF CORRUPTION!

According to one commentator, the rumblings in the belly of the earth of British politics finally erupted and out spewed the speaker of the parliament! The first in about three (300) hundred years of uninterrupted political bliss of parliamentary speaker-ship in Britain? What a political earthquake, indeed?

The speaker of Britain's lower house, Michael Martin, 63, agreed to step down after lawmakers from all the major political parties demanded his resignation over an expenses' scandal ranging from claims for manure to pornographic films; that has tarnished the reputation of parliament. Parliament has been thus damaged by a series of reports in newspapers based on leaked information on how members milked the expenses system to supplement an annual salary of around 65,000 pounds ($100,700)?

Martin, a former metalworker, who rose through the ranks to become the "unwilling" speaker who was literally dragged to the chair of the speaker, faced intense pressure to resign from lawmakers who saw him now as an obstacle to reform; and facing a no-confidence motion already signed by 23 members of parliament (MPs) from all major parties, he threw in the towel. In his terse statement to the parliament, announcing his resignation, Martin said "In order that unity can be maintained, I have decided that I will relinquish the office of speaker on Sunday, June 21, 2009"! The last speaker in recorded history of Britain to be forced out from the post was John Trevor, who lost the confidence of the house in 1695 for taking a bribe. Prior to him, other previous speakers had their heads cut-off, for infra-digs affecting the esteem of the parliament. The Parliament will elect a new speaker, who could come from any of the major parties, by secret ballot on June 22, 2009; a day after Martin goes. His Glasgow North East constituency will conduct a bye election to fill his vacating seat.

The scandal has since forced an immediate change of policies in Parliament including imposition of stricter curbs on expenses, until an in-depth review and over-haul of the system is completed later this year? Henceforth, lawmakers would only be able to claim rent, mortgage interest and utility bills for their second homes in future, preventing them charging the taxpayer for items such as cleaning swimming pools or repairing tennis courts? The past four years of claims will be reviewed. Parliamentary officials will refuse any future claim they think is unreasonable and publish approved payments online. Icheoku says, what a necessary first active steps being taken to avoid a repeat occurrence, unlike the rogue-infested Nigerian house of representatives where a 2.6 billion Naira car-purchase scandal failed to even ruffle any feathers of its leadership nor induce some reformation of the scandal-inducing conditions?

It will be recalled that Martin now joins the growing number of causalities as a result of the unfolding scandal; a junior minister have already been forced to step down pending an inquiry, while two Labour lawmakers have been suspended and a senior adviser to a government minister has also been forced to quit. Also a Conservative member of parliament Douglas Hogg, who was sharply criticized over reports he claimed thousands of pounds in expenses for cleaning the moat around his second home, said on Tuesday he would step down before the next election. Icheoku says, this shows that corruption is not an exclusive preserve of African and other developing countries; but unlike in African and developing countries, their masses are never left high and dry but are provided with basic amenities of life, hence they rarely feel the impact; and not like the ravaged and pillaged Africans!

PAKISTAN'S ROMEO AND JULIET, TO DIE BY STONING?

When you think you have heard the last of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, here comes two love-struck birds who must not marry or have the fate of impending death await them. They chose the later and today, their days are numbered as they stow away from the stones and rocks of their would-be persecutors, Pakistanis preserving their "honor"? What a perversion that people whose hearts have melt together will not be allowed to enjoy the bliss of their found love? Icheoku says, it is a crime to fall in love in Pakistan except your family approves!

Pervez Chachar and wife Humera Kambo are seen in the picture above, sitting in a makeshift room in a police headquarters in Karachi; still enjoying whatever moments they may still have left on this earth; as fatwa is a subsisting decree which only runs its course when the accused's blood is spilled. Their respective families have decreed that they shall die for bringing dishonor to their families by falling in love with each other, rival tribes who have been at each other's throat will not allow love to heal old wounds? Icheoku asks, is there any similarities with Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet classical with this Pakistan's Pervez and Humera?

This is a case where the world should rise up to defend this two love birds; including giving them an asylum at a more civilized part of the world, if the Pakistani authorities cannot protect them. Icheoku asks, when has falling in love become a crime? The couple's intransigence for which they have been condemned to die by stoning, is falling in love and marrying each other without their families' approval? Until they are killed, the newlyweds who are from rival tribes in Pakistan, dare not venture out of their self-imposed prison - the police station, as they fear their families will hunt them down and kill them to preserve some families' honor? What a lunacy, in this 21st century and in a country that prides itself as a nuclear power? What honor are these people talking about, that is of such magnitude as to warrant spilling of the blood of innocence? Pakistanis, this is shameful; it gives you a bad name and should and must be stopped!

NIGERIA SHOULD ABOLISH QUOTA SYSTEM - an article by Chinedu Vincent Akuta.

The Federal Character principle which gave rise to quota system in Nigeria was established to solve the problems of inequality and marginalization as expressed by certain parts of Nigeria. Among other reasons for introducing the quota system were because of differences in the socio-economic development of different parts of Nigeria. Secondly there were disparities in the levels of educational developments in different parts of the country. Some sections of the country (North) were alleged to be educationally disadvantaged, while some regions (South) of the country were acclaimed to be educationally advantaged. Therefore the past leadership of Nigeria thought it wise to introduce quota system so as to bridge the gap.

The federal character principle was adopted during the 1977 Constitutional Drafting Committee. It became part of 1979 constitution of Nigeria. From this point in our nation’s history, the questions of merit or competitiveness among Nigerians were set aside in place of quota system. This system has hindered development and it defiles all logic. How can a nation make progress when their best cannot occupy their due positions because we are practising quota? We cannot move forward as a nation by putting round pegs in square holes. From the time of incorporating the quota system into the Nigerian law books till date, the federal government has used it as a policy instrument in recruiting people to all federal government establishments like the armed forces, police, ministries, federal government owned universities etc. Because it’s in our statute book, the various state governments and all local governments’ use the quota system in their various appointments etc. Merit, experience and hard work do not matter if quota system is in use especially when it comes to appointments. Its contrary to what Max Weber (1864-1920) said, that employees should be hired and promoted based on merit and expertise. We choose mediocre in place of merit. The use of quota system has brought about intense lobbying each time there is vacancy to be filled.

Thisday Newspapers of 25th April 2009 online version reported that President Yar’Adua has become “sick and tired” of high level lobbying from all corners for the replacement of Inspector General of Police who is due for retirement soon. This is the result of quota system, were merit can be set aside in filling a vacant position. Quota system means injustice as far as am concerned. Apologies to its beneficiaries. The mere existence of this charter in our law books means that the country has been established on the paths of injustice. This concept of quota system will certainly prevent the best from emerging in all circumstances. America was established on freedom, equality, human rights and democracy. They live by it and they also export it to the whole world. Quoting the former President of United States, late John F. Kennedy, “Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and success of liberty”. Because America is a free a society, the emergence of Barack Obama as the United States President became possible.

In the United Kingdom, there is the equal opportunities act. Based on this act, United Kingdom employers makes appointment on merit by a fair and open process. Employers treat applicants equally regardless of your ethnic background, origin, religious belief, gender, sexual orientation, disability etc. Since Nigeria started the federal character/quota system the country has retrogressed. I want to be proven wrong, but I believe that the spirit of federal character/quota system gave rise to the zoning formula adopted by most political parties, example PDP. This same zoning formula contributed immensely to the emergence of the former president Obasanjo. I will leave Nigerians to make their judgement on the administration of Obasanjo. My own assessment on them is that they performed very poor especially with conducting elections, power supply, road maintenance, health system, fighting corruption etc. The same zoning formula which is a brain child of federal character/quota system gave rise to the emergence of President Musa Yar'Adua?

It will be better for Nigeria to have credible leaders who will discharge their duties effectively from one section of the country, than what we are having today. Nigerians will benefit more if leaders who will deliver on dividends of democracy emerge from a particular state or region. Choosing leadership based on zoning is completely wrong. This concept of quota system has done more harm than good. Therefore this is the time to abolish quota system or quota system will abolish Nigeria. Quota system laid down the quest for the scramble and looting of our nations resources. People, groups, politicians, contractors etc lobby for positions all because quota system has replaced merit. When people, politicians, regions or states do not get positions they start shouting of marginalization. When they succeed, they loot because they feel it’s their turn. Patriotism and national interest do no longer exits in Nigeria due to this policy. Quota system encourages tribalism and division. This twin evil makes peace and love to be difficult in a country like Nigeria. Just recently, it was on the headlines that Nigerian Senate was boiling over the distribution of 60 billion Naira voted for constituency projects. Aggrieved Senators accused the Senate appropriation committee leadership of being discriminatory in the sharing of projects among the senatorial districts. This accusation of being discriminatory in sharing projects can also be attributed to quota system or federal character. This is despite the personal interest of our senators.

Quota system is like an evil which was left unchecked. This evil (quota) was tolerated and encouraged by the Nigerian leadership. Quoting Late Jawaharlal Nehru, first Prime Minister of India, “Evil unchecked grows; evil tolerated poisons the whole system”. Quota system has poisoned the entire Nigerian system. The aim of introducing quota system should have been achieved by now which is well over 30 years. Therefore I strongly advocate for its abolition. I use this medium to call on the President to start the process of abolishing this system. It has done more harm than good. Since we are clamoring for constitutional review, let’s remind ourselves on the need to remove this from the books. Greater part of our problems can be traced to this system. Hoping that the Nigerian authorities have taken note. May God bless Nigeria.

Chinedu Vincent Akuta is an activist and leader of “Support Option A4 Group” Leicester-UK!

AS OBAMA GOES TO GHANA, NIGERIANS BEMOAN LOSS OF STATUS!

It is no longer a secret that Nigeria, the once acclaimed giant of Africa has lost its premier status in the eyes of the world. Today, Nigeria has withered away in the eyes of the world and is no longer seen as the representative of Africa, among the comity of nations. Such is the perfidy that every sensible Nigerian should seriously be questioning how things got so out of control that Nigeria is now deemed a "pariah" nation? Icheoku says, it is time Nigeria started digging herself out of the molasses it is in now, where successive rudderless and inept leaderships have sunk it into. Icheoku's verdict, Nigeria is bogged down and sinking fast; and barring any meaningful intervention, may soon be completely finished!

The other day, Nigerian foreign affairs team led by Ojo Maduekwe and the Siemens bribe-taker Jubril Aminu were in Washington DC, lobbying the State Department for President Umaru Yar'Adua to meet and greet President Barack Obama? But they were given a cold shoulder, completely rebuffed; and in diplomatic lingo told that the president's tight itinerary will not accommodate such a visit now. Few months later, the G20 London world economic summit once again told Nigeria, that it is about time it put her acts together by ignoring her and not inviting her to the summit? Any hand-writing on the walls, yet? May be, it was such an incomprehensible hieroglyphics of a writing for the authorities in Abuja to decode? Abuja seems to be playing the possum and pretending like the cricket roasting in the fire, that it is just cooling off? How strange? Icheoku says, it sure does not look good that the hitherto giant of Africa, previously the first is now the last!

Once again the world waited to see if President Umaru Yar'Adua meant well when he promised that it is a new day in Nigeria, that rule of law and the will of the masses will henceforth guide elections in Nigeria? But lo and behold, Ekiti State's re-run election proved that the leopard, Nigeria, is not just yet ready to change its spots! That President Umaru Yar'Adua is either a conniving pretender or he is lost at the sea of Nigeria political labyrinth. The world verdict, it now seems is that Nigeria's problem is intractable and they should rather be ignored to see if such apathy will jolt them back to reality? That Halliburton's bribery recipients are still moving freely in Nigeria is without doubt? Also that a high government official implicated in the Siemens $12 million dollars bribery, Jubril Aminu is still heading the Nigerian senate foreign relation committee is instructive on the destructive nature of the powers in Nigeria; who do not care a hue about the damage their charade is causing Nigeria.

Now the mother of all snubs and the first African-American president of America, Barack Obama goes on his first mother-land visit to Africa and it is not going to be to Nigeria? What a heck? How has the mighty Nigeria fallen? How has Nigeria become so decimated in the eyes of the world, that it is probably still being tolerated just for its cheap oil? This Obama's visit to Ghana is particularly "painful" to Nigerians because Ghana does not necessarily factor in Africa in the scheme of things:- not in military prowess, not in international peace-keeping effort, not in population, not in natural resources, not in manpower, not in over-all wealth or just name your paradigm. Were it South Africa it could be understandable! Were it Egypt, Nigerians will accept it; but to Ghana, it can only be interpreted as a move to make a statement to Nigeria, that enough is enough and it is about time they sat up or be forgotten!

Icheoku says, wait until the newly discovered oil in Ghana begins to make its way to the world market and the undertakers will come for a formal interment of what used to be the giant of Africa! Is it too late, probably not; but it is going to take a lot of introspective re-thinking by the authorities in Nigeria to understand that, what is going on in Nigeria is not merely an internal affairs of Nigeria as the whole world is watching. Nigeria needs to re-boot! Nigeria needs to press her re-set button for a new beginning! Nigeria needs to put her house in order! It is so shameful it hurts, the rot that is Nigeria today; that it does not factor in any longer in the analysis of Africa, nay the world!

Icheoku says, it is regrettable that Nigeria has now also lost to Ghana in Washington's permutations of her African interests? That Ghana is being accorded the privilege of hosting the first African visit of the first African-American president of America, Barack Obama in July, 2009 is too much of a slap in the face for the formerly known giant of Africa, Nigeria. It shows a failure of the foreign policy team of Nigeria and hence their resignation is the proper thing to do now. Icheoku therefore calls on Ojo Maduekwe and his team at the foreign affairs ministry to resign their office immediately.

Their failure to secure and/or garner President Barack Obama's first African visit for Nigeria smacks of an ineffective team which does not understand their job description properly and should hence be disbanded. Such a preferred visit to Ghana is an affront on Nigeria's standing in Africa and an insult on the prestige of Nigeria; it besmirches Nigeria and whoever allowed or permitted this to happen, either through commission or omission to effective international diplomacy should suffer a consequence as a result. Nothing short of their resignation from office should be acceptable to Nigerians, including President Umaru Yar'Adua; this is in addition to our call and continues call for President Umaru Yar'Adua to throw in the towel for not knowing what to do with the mandate which was handed to him by the cabals of Nigeria. Until such a day when Nigeria will get its acts right, Icheoku cries for thee, motherland Nigeria! Be that as it may, and in the spirit of African brotherhood, we felicitate with Ghana's President Atta Mills of Ghana on securing this historic visit; and wish him a successful first-hosting right of President Barack Obama of the United States of America in July 2009.

NIGERIAN FRAUDSTERS, NEED RE-BRANDING?

Dora Akunyili, now you have your job cut out for you, as these Nigerian alleged fraudsters could use some of your re-branding potion! They are very good candidates for your re-branding program? They are the reason why Nigeria has no moral value abroad and treated with utmost disdain as a very fraudulent country? Who gives Nigeria a bad name but such fellows as were arrested in New York just recently, for various credit-cards frauds?

This people and their likes are part of the reason why Nigeria needs re-branding? Icheoku says, an opportunity has never presented itself better for the anti-corruption crusade in Nigeria, than the present arraignment of these Nigerians for various acts of frauds in New York, United States of America. If convicted, EFCC must explore ways to re-try these people in Nigeria for their anti-Nigeria's image activities; and possibly confiscate their assets and properties which they have squirrelled up in Nigeria over the period of their expatriate escapades! Examples are painful but are very instructive!

What very "good" ambassadors of Nigeria these folks really are? Probably, they fell under pressure of trying to prove themselves to their people back home in Nigeria, that America is all this and that; that they have made it and now living the American dream? What an unfortunate nation that produces so much criminality that no sane person trusts any of them throughout the globe?

As always, Nigeria is once again "demanding" that United States of America government give them details about these 40 Nigerians. Icheoku asks, doesn't the Nigeria government know that freedom of information act is operational in America and that a little diligent search of publicly available records would reveal all there is to know about these suspects? Better still, they can engage an attorney to go to Borough of Queens, New York and demand to see what evidence they may have against these arrested Nigerians?

However, Nigeria have made so many broken promises to her citizens in the past and no one really looks forward to seeing anything come out of the present development in New York. The fact of the matter is that Nigerians need to change their ways; and until the world begins to see Nigeria as a safe place where the incidences of fraud and corruption no longer take the center stage, it is going to remain same old same old! Icheoku says, what is required now is a firm commitment by the authorities in Abuja especially EFCC to set example of their anti-corruption effort with this 40 Nigerians, who have rubbished whatever is left of the image of Nigeria. Enough should really be enough, and opportunity now knocks!

DEMJANJUK (IVAN THE TERRIBLE), NEVER TOO OLD FOR JUSTICE?

A wheel chair-confined octogenarian invalid and suspected Nazi war criminal, John Demjanjuk 89, was deported to Germany to face his past. He was boarded in a wheelchair onto a jet that flew him to Germany to be tried for his alleged role in the murders of Jews and others at a Nazi death camp during World War II. The deportation came on the heels of four days of the U.S. Supreme Court refusal to consider his request to block his deportation order and about 3 1/2 years after he was last ordered deported? Icheoku says, the long grinding wheel of justice has finally come screeching to a halt for Mr. Demjanjuk; an example of someone never being too old for justice?

Born in Ukraine, Demjanjuk is wanted on a Munich arrest warrant that accuses him of 29,000 counts of accessory to murder as a guard at the Sobibor death camp in Nazi-occupied Poland. Demjanjuk denies the Germany's accusations, saying he was held by the Germans as a Soviet prisoner of war and was never a camp guard? But Rabbi Marvin Hier, a founder of the Los Angeles-based Simon Wiesenthal Center which tracks holocaust perpetrators, said Demjanjuk deserves to be punished and his will probably be the last trial of someone accused of Nazi war crimes? According to him, "His work at the Sobibor death camp was to push men, women and children into the gas chamber. He had no mercy, no pity and no remorse for the families whose lives he was destroying." Icheoku says, could this be a case of vendetta, an eye for an eye according to the venerate law of Moses?

The case dates to 1977 when the United States Justice Department moved to revoke Demjanjuk's U.S. citizenship, based on information that he hid his past as a Nazi death camp guard. Demjanjuk was previously tried in Israel in 1988, accused of being the notorious "Ivan the Terrible" at the Treblinka death camp in Poland. He was found guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity, a conviction which was later overturned by the Israeli Supreme Court. A U.S. judge however revoked his citizenship in 2002 based on U.S. Justice Department evidence showing he concealed his service at Sobibor and other Nazi-run death and forced-labor camps. An immigration judge ruled in 2005 that he could be deported to Germany, Poland or Ukraine; following which, Munich prosecutors issued an arrest warrant for him in March. Appeals followed until the Supreme court agreed with the deportation order.

Icheoku says, based on humanitarian grounds and empathy for his very advanced age of 89 years, Mr. Demjanjuk would have been spared deportation for whatever intransigence he may or may not have committed. The alleged Nazi-war criminal has very little time left here on earth and should have been allowed to live out whatever is left of his miserable life in his Seven Hills, Cleveland, Ohio, United States home. Sending him to Germany is being sent to a "foreign" country, accused of long gone crimes? What is done is done, and forgiveness is human. His now being dislocated from his equally aged wife of many years and the rest of his family is avoidable and could have been avoided. The man is just too old now to even feel the weight of whatever justice that might be meted to him as a result of his past alleged criminal activities. Instead, let his conscience deal with him and let God be the final arbiter.

REMBERT WEAKLAND, A CATHOLIC ARCHBISHOP AND A GAY MAN!

A Roman Catholic Archbishop and former head of the Milwaukee archdiocese, Archbishop Rembert Weakland, 82, is a gay man! He finally came out of the closet to admit his preference for men and proclaim his disdain for the Roman Catholic church's canon of chastity and celibacy? Icheoku asks, is it not about time the catholic church modernises and allow her priests and bishops to become real humans? Sex is a universal language and a biological function, so why 'exclude' these men in white robes?

In his upcoming memoir, "A Pilgrim in a Pilgrim Church: Memoirs of a Catholic Archbishop," the gay archbishop purportedly said, I am gay and so what?

It will be recalled that the gay archbishop who has been in charge of the diocese since 1977 was forced out of office after he bribed his victim, Paul Marcoux, (pictured here right), a former Marquette University theology student, with $450,000 to keep him quiet from outing their sexual relationship? The archbishop allegedly, regularly penned love letters to his male object of affection, usually ending it with "I love you"!

Icheoku says, there must be something in a name as Archbishop Weakland was found to be very weak; and unable to withstand temptation of the male butt? The archbishop also encouraged and abetted his priests who were similarly situated as him in their gay-dom and recycled them through the dioceses, instead of summarily punishing or defrocking them for their various sexual molestations and assaults? The archbishop was, simply stated, being his brothers in sodomy keeper? Homosexuality among Catholics priesthood has become so rampant that it could qualify now as a predominantly gay vocation, with an estimated 25 percent to 50 percent of them, gay? Regrettably though, many of them are still officiating and refusing to come out of the closet to declare their freedom of choice and sexuality. Icheoku says, reverends, why die in silence?

Icheoku says, this archbishop is a pharisee and full of sins:- of carnal knowledge, sodomy, bribery, concealment and lying? Icheoku asks, what would Jesus Christ say or do about this his disgraced ambassador Weakland? May be, only a well deserved seat in hot hell, will suffice for and atone for his atrocities; and being the general overseer of God's children, parishioners of his diocese, made his case worse. Weakland not only covered-up his sexual perversion, but colluded to conceal his priests' criminal sexual misbehavior, including child molestations.

It is noteworthy too that Weakland, a Benedictine monk, once served in Rome as leader of the International Benedictine Confederation and also worked on a liturgy commission for the Second Vatican Council, which made reforms in the 1960s meant to modernize the church? Disgraced out of office, the archbishop now lives in a retirement community near the Milwaukee archdiocese and plans to later move to St. Mary's Abbey in Morristown, New Jersey, this summer. Icheoku says, the solution is for the catholic church to let humans be humans, irrespective of the cloak they adorn!

SGT. JOHN M. RUSSEL, A MURDEROUS AMERICAN SOLDIER!

He lost it and dead lay five of his colleagues, all American soldiers, killed by one of their own in Camp Liberty, Baghdad Iraq? The murderer of Camp Liberty, Army Sgt. John M. Russell, 44, of Sherman, Texas, United States of America, is pictured here right! Sgt. Russell grew up in rural Grayson County and graduated from high school in 1985. He entered the Army National Guard in 1988 and served until going on active duty in 1994. His 54th Engineering Battalion is based in Bamberg, Germany where he lives with his wife.

This senseless shooting occurred just few weeks to the end of Russel's third tour of duty in Iraq; as the 54th's 15-month deployment which began in May 2008 is due to end in August 2009. Russel, an electronics technician (communications specialist) with the army, is a veteran of some sort, having served in Bosnia and Kosovo before his Iraqi deployments.

According to the story, Russell who had been referred to counseling by his commander because of some "unspecified words and actions"; and whose weapon was ordered taken away, had gone to the stress center as ordered, preparatory to his transition out of active duty. As he was leaving the clinic, he "became hostile and an altercation broke out." He was then escorted back to his quarters by another soldier. A couple of hours later, Russell seized a weapon from his escort, "commandeered" a vehicle and drove back to the clinic? A soldier from Russell's quarters called military police, but they were unable to stop him in time before the he opened fire, killing two (medical doctors) officers from the 55th Medical Company (staff of the Stress clinic - one from the Army and the other from the Navy); as well as three other enlisted soldiers who were visiting the clinic at the time of the incident. Russell has been charged with five counts of murder of these soldiers and one count of aggravated assault for the struggle for the offensive weapon in the vehicle from his escort.

It will be recalled that at the beginning of the Iraqi invasion, another soldier, Lt. Willie Davis had killed a United States army officer when he threw a grenade into a platoon's occupied tent in Kuwait, preparatory to the invasion.

Icheoku says it is commendable that the military has already launched a criminal investigation into the attack? The investigation should look into whether there was a dereliction of duty by anyone which led to the deaths of these five patriotic Americans? Also why was Russel not stopped by all means necessary, even if by deadly force knowing his history and the reason why he was asked to go to counselling? How many minutes passed between the wrestling of weapon and commandeering of vehicle and the murders? What role did the escort play or was he part of the conspiracy, otherwise what effort did he make to alert other soldiers within the vicinity or even telephone the clinic about the developing story? There was an altercation, he was asked to escort Russel back to his quarters, his weapon was taken away by an aggressive Russel, so what did he do or failed to do? Hopefully, the investigation will unravel why this murderer was able to kill five Americans that easily and within a military camp; without being stopped and by all means necessary. While we await the outcome of the investigation, our condolences goes out to the families of the deceased soldiers as well as their military colleagues and military family. Icheoku says, what a despotic shameful act by Sgt John M. Russel?

AMINU WALI, A 'LOW-LIFE' POLITICAL JOBBER?

Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of China, Aminu Bashir Wali, recently said that President Umaru Yar’Adua is the most honest leader Nigeria has ever produced? According to this Yar'Adua town-crier, "in the history of Nigeria, the country had never had a president who openly showed and not only that but practically displayed that he is an incorruptible and honest leader like Yar’Adua, because he never believed in doing anything that would harm the interest of the nation"?

Icheoku asks, did this man try but failed to bribe Umaru Yar'Adua or how did he come to such an emphatic conclusion without any personal experience or knowledge of President Umaru Yar'Adua's infallibility or incorruptibility? Also where has Umaru Yar'Adua manifested his honesty to such a degree or level that he has surpassed all his predecessors in that department? Was it in his promise of power emergency, six months after he is sworn; which is now two years down the road unfulfilled? Talk about honesty! What about his rule of law mantra which his Attorney General Michael Aadoonkaa has perverted? What about his promised election reform when he has failed to implement Justice Uwais recommendations? What about hamstringing EFCC in ferociously going after past corrupt governors? This mallam Wali must be under some influence of something else; as this is definitely not an objective assessment of a government, whose performance so far, is nostalgically invoking the memories of Olusegun Obasanjo's government?

In his own words, Aminu Wali said, "Yar’Adua is the most incorruptible, most honest leader that ascended the leadership of Nigeria, that is why today the nation is having rule of law and due process and he ensure budget discipline and prudent management of the Nigerian resource, by putting the nation on a sound track of transparency and prudent management". By necessary implication, what Aminu Wali is telling the whole listening world is that all previous leaders of Nigeria have been very corrupt and dishonest, including his kinsman, midget Sani Abacha as well as the last president Olusgeun Obasanjo? Why did he not speak up then to alert the world about these past leaders penchant for corruption and dishonesty? What was his parameter for this assessment and were Yar'Adua to recall him today, will his position still remain the same? This man is pathetically shameless and is more deserving of the position of a spokesman to President Umaru Yar'Adua than a Nigerian ambassador to China or anywhere else!

Continuing, Aminu Wali said, that since the past eight years of democratic governance in Nigeria, the country has witnessed unprecedented development? Icheoku says, Aminu Wali, please the show us the evidence? However, Wali had pointed to the provision of GSM (cell-phones) and freedom of speech and associations as his indicators; and you begin to wonder why Nigeria has stagnated ever since her independence from Britain since 1960? It is because of ambition-less mallams like Wali Aminu who have stubbornly held unto governance and been in charge of affairs ever since. Who shall it be told that in the hierarchy of developmental projects, that it is only 'GSM and freedom of speech' that qualifies for "unprecedented development"? Where in his ladder of importance does power, transport, health and even basic water and food supplies fit in?

The problem with these Nigerian political jobbers is that they will readily say and do anything just to remain relevance to each successive government in power including the slow-man, Umaru Yar'Adua's government. Where is this mallam's candour for truth or does he easily sleep at nights with such a guilty conscience of having told known lies? Which sane person, watching the last ten years of "democrazy" in Nigeria, particularly the last two years of a near-stalled governance of President Umaru Yar'Adua, will not see through the fog of lies of this mallam from Kano State, Nigeria? Icheoku asks, in which department of Nigeria's life has the political establishment performed so brilliantly well, that it rises up to Aminu Wali's assessed "unprecedented development"? Our conclusion is that it is only in the warped mind of this mallam, who in an attempt to keep his lifeline job, must sing the praise of his employers, the Umaru Yar'Adua's government. Shamelessly, he is in China lying about how President Umaru Yar'Adua is the best thing to ever happen to Nigeria? Icheoku says, just the facts mallam! And regrettably, the reality on the ground does not support his hopeless claim that at last, Nigerians have found the messiah in his President Umaru Yar'Adua!

BOB MARLEY, A TRIBUTE TO THE SUPERSTAR REGGAE AMBASSADOR!

On this 28th anniversary of the death of world-famous reggae maestro, Robert Nesta Marley aka Bob Marley, Icheoku remembers the legend who engraved reggae into world conscientiousness? Bob Marley was born on February 6, 1945 in Nine Mile, Saint Ann Parish, Jamaica to father Norval Sinclair Marley and mother Cedella Booker. He lived long enough to become the greatest reggae artist ever known to the world; he died of cancer on May 11, 1981 in Miami Florida United States of America! Officially he was married to one wife, Rita Marley but was reputed to be a great womanizer and had several children outside wedlock! Bob Marley was survived by his 13 children: three with his wife Rita Marley, two adopted from Rita's previous relationships, and the remaining eight with separate women.

Bob Marley had a stellar musical career culminating in the release of over 100 songs and more than twenty albums before he was diagnosed with cancer in July 1977. Following an ulcerating wound he sustained on his right hallux or big toe, while playing soccer (football), Bob Marley was found to have a malignant melanoma. His big toe was to be amputated to save his life but being a Rastafarian, Bob Marley refused because Rastafarians belief that the body must be "whole" to see Jah! He also cited worries that the operation would affect his dancing? In his own words, "Rastafarian, I don't allow a man to be dismantled". The cancer later metastasized to his brain, lungs, liver and stomach.

Bob Marley played his final concert at the Stanley Theater Pittsburgh Pennsylvania on September 23, 1980 and immediately flew to Germany to seek treatment from a cancer specialist, Josef Issels. It was however too late as the cancer had already progressed to the terminal stage; and he was en-route Jamaica to be with his family for his final moments on earth, when his medical condition forced an emergency landing of the plane carrying him in Miami Florida, USA. Bob Marley subsequently died at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital in Miami Florida on the morning of May 11, 1981 at the age of 36. His body was flown back to Jamaica and after a state funeral, was laid in a crypt near his birthplace with his Gibson Les Paul guitar, a soccer ball, a Cannabis bud, a ring that he wore every day that was given to him by the Prince Asfa Wossen of Ethiopia and a Bible. According to sources close to his bedside, his final words to his son Ziggy were "Money can't buy life." Icheoku says, if only the men and women of power of this world know, especially the rat-pack Nigerian leaders, so called, who do not care a whiff about the ordinary Joe-Nigerians they are supposedly leading, while crazily looting the treasury dry? Midget Sani Abacha readily comes to mind!

Among some of his world recognitions were the City of New York renamed portion of Church Avenue from Remsen Avenue to East 98th Street in the East Flatbush Section of Brooklyn to Bob Marley Boulevard. Bob Marley also received a star at Hollywood Walk of Fame, where stars receive stars on the sidewalks at the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street in Los Angeles California, USA!

Icheoku says, our all time Bob Marley's favorite song is "Could you be loved", so what is yours? To Bob Marley, Icheoku says, your fans are steadily growing both in numbers and regions; and as a reggae enthusiast myself, "Irie say, sleep on Marley until dat day when Jah shall call up all his children, home for rendering of account". Icheoku hopes King Selassie is ok and that heavens, at least allows medical marijuana use? Bob, is there ganja up in the skies, man? Smoke on Bob! What a legend you were that took reggae to olympian heights! We miss you much!

FULANI DEPORTATION, IS NIGERIA REALLY ONE COUNTRY?

It is ridiculous, it is total absurdity, it is the stuff folklore is made of, it is laughable, it is inexplicable and totally unacceptable that Nigerians are being deported from Nigeria by fellow Nigerians? Whatever happened to the constitutional right of a citizen to unfettered access to every nook and cranny of his choice in his own country? Where is the official boundary line for a citizen in his/her own country?

What an arrant nonsense that these Biroms of Plateau State are forcibly removing and shipping away, fellow Nigerians of Fulani ethnicity, from their state territories? Icheoku says, it is as convoluted as it is provocative that this is happening in 21st century Nigeria; with some Nigerians being forcibly told by some other Nigerians that they are not Nigerian enough to live in and call some parts of Nigeria home!

One wonders what then is the use of the entity called Nigeria when some Nigerians therein, cannot freely exercise their rights of citizenship fully, through habitation of any place they choose, within Nigeria's territorial space? Why still continue to maintain that albatross where membership of it are strictly restricted to the area where each comes from? Today it is Plateau State declaring Nigerian Fulanis person non grata in their state; who knows whose turn it shall be tomorrow? What happens were the Fulanis to become so infuriated and decide to retaliate, by forcing the hands of their governors to deport other Nigerians, especially the Biroms of Plateau State living in their midst? Icheoku says, this will be the unravelling of the fragile bond holding Nigeria together, so the authorities must therefore act decisively to reverse this thoughtless and senseless action of the Plateau State government before it heralds the end of Nigeria as we know it.

The headline, "Plateau deports 20,000 Fulani – FULDAN chairman" is what every right thinking Nigerian should be really ashamed of; otherwise how do you explain that citizens of a country are drastically limited as to where they can call home in their own supposed country? According to the reports, the National Chairman of the Fulde (Fulani) Development Association of Nigeria (FULDAN), Malam Ahmad Usman Bello, said that about 20,000 Fulanis have been deported from Plateau State to some states in the North-West.

This sinister action of Plateau State government amplifies and mirrors what the late coupist, Gideon Orkar, attempted to do during his failed coup against Ibrahim Babangida regime; when in a similar vein, he announced that five northern states have been excised from Nigeria? Icheoku asks, do these Middle-Belters of Benue-Plateau region really mean well for Nigeria? Do they know that they are undermining the structural integrity of Nigeria by their actions and utterances? Their being neither north nor south, compounds the matter as they are not even capable of an independent existence, assuming they are let go or allowed to go? But they have now become the real problem and troubled child of Nigeria who must be check-mated before they force Nigeria down the drain-pipe into the sewer.

Icheoku is not particularly a fan of the 'one-Nigeria', as is currently being run aground; but until a national sovereign conference resolves some of the vexing issues in Nigeria, let no one take matters into their hand to decree some artificial "international boundary lines" within the same country! Until the parameters for Nigerians continued co-existence or otherwise is clearly spelt out, let every Nigerian have the inalienable citizenship right to thrive, unencumbered, in any town or village or locality or state or region of his/her choice without let or hindrance.

It is on this premise therefore that Icheoku condemns and unequivocally too, the mindless and thoughtless deportation of some Nigerians by fellow Nigerians and from Nigeria? To where then, one may ask? Icheoku responds, to their own section of the country? And someone still calls this 'one-Nigeria'? In the year 2009, this cannot be happening after 49 years of independence and a tolerated co-existence of the peoples of Nigeria; and therefore should and must be stopped. Plateau State did not act right, their action is abhorable and shameful and militates against the fabric of the Nigerian State! Such deportation must not be allowed to stand, if the Nigeria State is to be sustained and therefore must be reversed and forcibly, if need be.