PRESIDENT UMARU YAR'ADUA'S LEFT HAND?

Please click on this photograph of Nigeria's President Umaru Yar'Adua and pay particular attention to his left hand; the one adjusting his (parachute) babaringa. Now what do you see? A sign of a gravely ailing and lonely man whose days may be numbered?

Icheoku appreciates his stoicism while dealing with this mortal challenge and the defiance he is putting up to whatever is ailing him. Our only concern is that as President, he owes it to the people of Nigeria, whose president he is, to explain to them the nature of his affliction. That way, any Nigerian pouring supplications to God on his behalf, will have something to really mention to God!

Be that as it may, while wishing the president well, Icheoku says, President Umaru Yar'Adua should come clean and level with Nigerians on his ailment. A sick man's mind is always divided and cannot function properly in discharging the duties of his office. The president, it appears, spends most of his time contemplating on his next line of medical treatment and/or option; and have less time to do his job. Not even his much touted power emergency have been declared, two years down the road and the epileptic power situation in Nigeria has taken a turn for the worse?

Is any Nigerian still wondering why President Umaru Yar'Adua has not achieved anything; not even a single thing is attributable to his two years in office? Have you clicked?

POPE BENEDICT XVI, A RADICAL OR A FEARLESS REFORMER?

The Bishop of Rome and the Pope of the entire world Catholic church, Pope Benedict XVI is a man who means so many things to so many different people, depending on who you ask. To Icheoku, he is a man who braves the odds to speak his mind!

When he delivered a speech in September 2006 in Germany quoting the Byzantine Emperor Manuel II Paleologus who had said that the Islamic religion is intrinsically violent, hell was let loose throughout the Muslim world? In the pope's own words, "He said, and I quote, 'Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." He was pressured to explain his statement and he threw additional light thereto. But for an apology, those protesters did not get any from the pope?

Again, the pope readmitted a hitherto ex-communicated bishop of the church, Bishop Richard Williamson who debunked the claim that six (6) million Jews were killed during the holocaust. According to the bishop, such a tale is a baloney as only less than 300,000 Jews were killed in the holocaust. In the bishop's own words, "I believe there were no gas chambers... I think that two to three hundred thousand Jews perished in Nazi concentration camps but none of them by gas chambers." The holocaust-denying bishop maintained that the claim of gas chambers was a ruse as the existence of gas chamber in the then Germany, is yet to be conclusively determined. The Jews were hellish mad and demanded a retraction. But what did the bishop of Rome do, he deftly managed the crisis and Icheoku did not remember him, or the said bishop claiming a mistake or apologising for the incident. However, the Jewish power-bloc pressured the Argentine government to refuse the renewal the bishop's work authorisation and he has since returned to his native England.

Instead of apologising for a statement founded on his deep-rooted conviction, Bishop Williamson wrote, "Amidst this tremendous media storm stirred up by imprudent remarks of mine on Swedish television, I beg of you to accept, ........., my sincere regrets for having caused to yourself and to the Holy Father so much unnecessary distress and problems." In response, Papal spokesman the Rev. Federico Lombardi said he had "nothing to say about this letter; everyone can evaluate it as they see fit." The Vatican has asked nothing of Monsignor Williamson, who is not an 'ordinary bishop' of the Catholic Church."

Mr Williamson for the records, was a member of the Society of St Pius X, which was founded by Archbishop Lefebvre in 1970 as a protest against the Second Vatican Council's reforms on religious freedom and pluralism. The late Archbishop Lefebvre made him a bishop in unsanctioned consecration in Switzerland in 1988, prompting the his immediate excommunication from the Catholic church with four others by the late Pope John Paul II. Upon lifting his excommunication, the Vatican asked him to recognise the authority of the Pope and the Second Vatican Council? Equally of note, is that the pope, as a German kid, allegedly was fond of Hitler and hung out at Hitler's youth rally? But he however grew up loving Jesus and ultimately joined a monastery; becoming a priest, a bishop, a cardinal and now the Pope! His lifting of an excommunication placed on a holocaust-denying bishop made one commentator to scream, "Don’t you love it when life deduces logic for you"?

Icheoku says, this is not the first time the actual number of Jews that died in the holocaust has made the front page. Iranian Ahmadinejad once questioned the veracity of the claim that six (6) million Jews were killed during the holocaust? The accuracy of the figure has been a discourse of many academic communities who continuously question how that record was kept by the Jews? However, Icheoku says, whether or not six million Jews were gassed or an accurate record was kept of the killed Jews is immaterial. The accuracy of the numbers should not matter at all, since one Jew is even too many to just kill for no apparent reason? The holocaust, like slavery, like the crusaders, like the inquisition, like every aboriginal depopulation and genocides around the world is a horrible experience which haunts the affected people, and should not be used as a wedge issue by anyone.

Once again, on his pastoral visit to African Cameroon, the pope has stirred the hornet nest of the billion dollar contraceptives (condom) industry. According to the pope, "HIV/Aids was "a tragedy that cannot be overcome by money alone, that cannot be overcome through the distribution of condoms, which can even increase the problem". All the party with interest are firing on all cylinders on what the pope said; Icheoku remembers that Thabo Mbeki of South Africa was similarly harangued when he questioned the veracity of HIV/AIDS, stating that food could be a better panacea than all the condoms and anti-viral medications? Icheoku adds, condoms break and a hungry man will fall victim to even common malaria and without food, he cannot build enough immunity to fight off whatever ailment that may be afflicting him?

Anyway, love him or hate him, the Pope is a man of strong conviction who speaks his mind without let or hindrance; and for this his manly-personality, Icheoku admires the man of God dearly. In a politically-correct world where many people do not really say what they are thinking for fear of the possible fall-out, this pope stands out as an exception. Such men as this pope, with strong character is what the world really needs in order to move forward towards solving many essentials of the day. The pope is not officially a politician and should not be expected to live his life like one, in hushed musings; he is not standing for any re-election nor campaigned for one in the first place, he was a Divinely chosen one to lead the Catholic church. Icheoku therefore, asks the people and other leaders with interest of this world, to stop holding Pope Benedict XVI responsible for all his statements, or with the same standard as they would a politician. The Pope is what the world needs; and only our support and prayers will suffice; but not setting unattainable standards. To the Pope, Icheoku says, speak on; as your over one billion followers are listening as well as other millions of non-indoctrinated admirers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6C9BuXe2RM

KAYODE OGUNDAMISI & NFL, KUDOS TO YOU!

Icheoku extends our warm congratulations to the Nigeria Liberty Forum (NFL) and its coordinator Kayode Ogundamisi, on what it pulled off at the London School of Economics, protesting the devil-incarnate, Aremu Babalawo Olusegun Obasanjo!

We at Icheoku.com feel highly elated that for once, Nigerians are beginning to take their criminal leadership to task, demanding that they answer for their misdeeds while in office. The paradigm for measuring the success of this protest was not in the number of protesters that turned-out, but that some people were brave enough to confront an African evil, Olusegun Obasanjo. Olusegun Obasanjo has been de-plumed by the NFL and he can no longer pretend that all is well with him before Nigerians. For this brave first-step, Icheoku says, thank you NFL for a job well done; and particularly to our Kayo, you are the real deal! You are the man! You refused to die in the face of tyranny by speaking out! You are the stuff, legends are made of! Unbeknownst to you, by your thoughtful action, you have become a Nigerian of renown and so many will be wishing they were as brave and as foresighted.

By your action, you have unmasked the masquerade, Olusegun Obasanjo who has now officially joined the horrible men and women of this world, whose sight or visit anywhere attracts odium and ridicule. Surely, there will be other copy-cat demonstrations and protests to follow, whenever and wherever the deity of Otta rears his ugly head, henceforth. It is about time these murderous imbeciles of Africa are shown and placed in their proper places; and fortunately your NFL has shone the light with your protest in London on March 18, 2009. It was an event whose time has since come, and thanks to the trail-blazing initiative of your NFL, the whole world is now abuzz that Olusegun Obasanjo's misdeeds is finally and gradually catching up with him. Olusegun Obasanjo deserves the noose and in an Iraqi society, that would have been his ultimate welcome/send-off gift; those tomatoes and eggs that he was pelted with, were rather too precious to waste on such an incestuous vagabond. That he was also booed is an indication of the very bleak future that awaits him. For once, your commendable action denied Olusegun Obasanjo his usual arrogant, grandeur, pomp and pageantry appearances; as he was instead, smuggled into the venue, like a common criminal being protected from his victim's family, through a pantry? This humbling entrance was in itself also a huge success as it greatly perforated his larger than life ethereal ego.

In the coordinator's very own words, "The NLF considers it a public duty to stop people like Obasanjo from representing Africa anywhere, because he represents the same failed face of Africa. We cannot afford different versions of Mobutu Sese Seko, Idi Amin, Emperor Bokassa, Conteh, Marcias Nguema, and their ilk representing us. Obasanjo has the traits of the worst tyrants in Africa, but he seems to have the international community under his spell. They overlook his indiscretions and scandalous crimes, and shower him with credibility when he should be cooling his heels in jail or hiding away in one remote corner of the world, far, far from decent people! Obasanjo is a monster, not a statesman"!

Icheoku agrees with the above summation and adds, Olusegun Obasanjo does not only have the traits of a tyrant but is the worst tyrant to have ever walked the African soil freely. Peradventure, his nemesis will soon catch up with him, like the other bygone tyrants of Africa!

NATASHA RICHARDSON, WHAT AN EARLY SUN-SET?

She went on a ski-vacation and that was it, the usher of her final exit from this world. Natasha Richardson, that is and at a very young age, a mere 45 years mortal sojourn on this earth?

Natasha, had sustained a head injury, following a fall at a ski-slope, while taking private ski lesson at the luxury Mont Tremblant Ski Resort in Quebec, Canada. It would appear that her injury was delayed as she felt fine initially, only to lapse later. She was rushed to a hospital in Montreal before being flown back to New York for further care. However she did not survive her injury as she passed away at Lenox Hill Hospital on Manhattan's Upper East Side about 5 p.m. Wednesday March 18, 2009.

Natasha was was born in London in 1963, to actress Vanessa Redgrave and director Tony Richardson. Natasha studied at London's Central School of Speech and Drama; where she learnt her ropes as a screen personality. Her life on the screen started at a very tender age of just 4 years with her appearance as a flower girl in "The Charge of the Light Brigade".

Some of Natasha's screen and theater career credits include, Patty Hearst, Cabaret, The Handmaid's Tale, A Streetcar Named Desire, The Comfort of Strangers, Nell, Widow's Peak, The Parent Trap, Wild Child, Evening and Asylum, On the Razzle, Charley's Aunt and The Seagull.

Although no official cause of death has yet been disclosed, Icheoku believes that massive trauma to the brain brought about her demise.

Natasha, a naturalised American was survived by her husband of 18 years, fellow actor Liam Neeson, sons Michael and Daniel, sister Joely and her mother, actress Vanessa Redgrave. Her father Anthony Richardson, though divorced from her mother, had predeceased her since 1991?

One of Icheoku's most favorite Natasha's known statement, says, "We've all been through it in one way or another and so we've had to be strong. Also we embrace life. We are not cynical about life."

Formerly married to producer Robert Fox, the dazzling beauty Natasha Richardson, is seen here left in a photograph with her now, widower, Irish Liam Neeson. Icheoku says, you've gone to be with the angels and may the good Lord give your bereaving family the fortitude to bear your loss.

Adieu Tasha!

NIGERIA, A FEDERATION OR A UNITARY STATE?

The other day it was Plateau State that President Umaru Yar'Adua ordered not to swear in her elected local government officials. This time it is Ondo State that is being over-ruled when its dissolved council was asked to re-constitute on direct orders from Abuja? Icheoku asks, is Nigeria now in a unitary system of government or is it still practising elected democracy by federating states?

It is abhorable that Abuja does not seem to get it, that there are three tiers of government both at the center as well as in the 36 respective states. Further, each of these are independent of one another and cannot be dictated to by any of them, including the one at the center in Abuja. Under the military dispensation, it is alright for the head of the junta at Abuja to tele-guide his appointed minions in their respective states; but a new sheriff is in town as the governor of Ondo State was not brought into office on the mercy of President Umaru Yar'Adua. The governor won an election on his own merit, having been adjudged as the superior candidate by the the people of Ondo State who chose him to represent them and carry out their will. In an elected democracy, where leaders are elected by the populace, it is an aberration for an elected president to order an equally elected governor around? Icheoku calls on the Olusegun Mimiko led government of Ondo State to take a cue from Plateau State and resist Umaru Yar'Adua'a current attempt to subvert and undermine democracy in Ondo State. Mimiko should not take orders from Abuja as both him and President Umaru Yar'Adua enjoy equal grundnorm, deriving directly from their respective electorates. It is therefore inconceivable that this mallam, King of kings in Abuja, is following the template of discredited past military administrations in Nigeria, in thinking that he has omnibus powers over the states. Icheoku says, we don't think so. Our advise to the governor of Ondo State, is to go to court to contest the constitutional validity of his over-ruled order, sacking the local government officials of his state. Whether he has the authority to do so should be the prayer before such a constitutional court and let other things fall as they may.

Icheoku is not an apostle of excessive powers being concentrated in anyone "demi-god" and for President Umaru Yar'Adua to now think that he could tele-guide whatever happens in every part of the federation, is another example of what is wrong with the Abuja sicko? Nigeria is no longer under a military unitary rule so President Umaru Yar'Adua should get that fact right into his head. Olusegun Obasanjo got away with such barrack-mentality of a central command, and declared states of emergency all over the place; sending his army to commit genocides in Odi and Zaki Ibiam without the Bayelsa and Benue States asking for such his intervention, in what is purely their internal state matter. Umaru Yar'Adua must and should be stopped from following in the foot-steps of the discredited Otta idol, Olusegun Obasanjo. Icheoku wonders who the legal adviser of President Umaru Yar'Adua is or does that portfolio fall under Turai's too? It was Plateau yesterday, today it is Ondo, and who knows whose turn it shall be tomorrow to become the next guinea-pig state for thwarting and suppressing constitutional democracy in Nigeria?

How can an elected executive of a state be over-ruled by another executive of another state (though bigger state, Nigeria)? Icheoku says, such suggests that Nigeria is not a truly federating states but still yoked to a unitary form of government; with Abuja still micro-managing the entire geographical entity called Nigeria. It is a tragedy which must not be allowed to see the light of the day. Also, that the federally controlled police is being used to perpetuate this unconstitutional anarchy is a reason to re-visit the need for the states to control their own police and use it to secure their mandate whenever threatened by such an over-reaching act of the central government in Abuja. President Umaru Yar'Adua is asking for trouble by forcibly subjugating the government of Governor Olusegun Mimiko led Ondo State. Icheoku says, peradventure, Umaru is not a student of history, otherwise he would have advised himself of the consequences of the Shehu Shagari's NPN attempted perversion of the electoral will of the Ondo people during the 1983 Omoboriowo aborted imposition.

May be this latest face-off is a PDP's ploy to take through the back door what the electorates of Ondo State, as affirmed by the court, denied them? Better still, President Umaru Yar'Adua should have awaited for the outcome of the court action, instituted by the sacked council men and women against Governor Olusegun Mimiko for their sack, before stepping into the fray. Icheoku says, Ondo State belongs to the Ondo people and they should be allowed to internally resolve whatever differences they may have in an Ondo fashion. For Abuja to just jump into such a family dispute, uninvited, is a fragrant abuse of powers of the central government and should be resisted by all men and women of goodwill in Nigeria. Whether the former Ondo State PDP governor Olusegun Agagu was right to conduct the local government election in the state in total disregard to a subsisting court order restraining him otherwise; whether the current Governor of the state, Olusegun Mimiko, was right to dissolved the "illegitimate" councils; and whether any constitutional provision was violated in any way, is a question for court's determination. Since the parties are already sui-juris, the meddlesome interloping of Abuja was uncalled for and can only be interpreted one way only, POLITICS!

Icheoku says, the present political manipulation by President Umaru Yar'Adua's led PDP government to weaken and undermine the newly restored government of Olusegun Mimiko, should not be allowed to succeed. It should and must be resisted by all, and using every means necessary is a good enough option! Ondo people, do not let President Umaru Yar'Adua treat your governor like a paid prostitute!

IRISH, HAPPY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY!

To the Irish, Icheoku wishes you a very very merry Saint Paddy's day.

The green is nice, the shamrock rocks, the corn-beef is smoking hot and so is the cabbage. When you wash them all down with some Guinness, then let the party begin. But who parties like the Irish, no person known to Icheoku.

We rejoice with you as you enjoy your festivities, commemorating your favourite patron, Saint Patrick! Once again, Happy Saint Patrick's day!

PLACENTA EATING, A MODERN DAY CANNIBALISM?

Even in the world of weirdos, placentophagia will stand out as one of the most bizarre practices ever embarked upon by human-beings!Icheoku wonders, whether the stretch of the human taste-bud will ever end? That humanity can eat the after-birth from a newly delivered woman, sounds too strange to be true but investigation reveals that such practice has been an on-going beastly event of mankind. Admitted that animals usually eat their after-births, but for human-beings, it is rather a strange phenomenon?

Human placenta is allegedly very high in nutrients and is thought to prevent post-natal depression or post-partum syndrome. It is also believed that, eating the dark red, waxy white film-like, usually covered in blood vessels birth-residue, helps bond mother and child better? Icheoku asks, is any of this enough reason for human-beings to cannibalise their own after-birth? Placenta which feels like liver to the touch, is slimy but firm, and smells like fresh meat; is the organ that forms in the womb to link the blood supplies of the mother and baby, providing sustenance to and removing waste from the baby.

Medically, there is no particular health benefits or risk from eating placenta, and the derivative nutrients are no different than those found in the liver. Placenta can be taken as a meaty milkshake, whereby some of the bloody lumps are popped into a blender along with rice milk, bananas and sugar, then blitzed up to form a thick, foamy blood-red liquid with an aroma of fresh meat called placenta-shake. There is also the roast-placenta, which ingredients includes fresh placenta, one onion, one yellow or red pepper, one clove garlic (crushed), 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 bay leaves, salt and pepper. Then pre-heat the oven to 180°c (fan 160°c, gas 4). Place the placenta in a roasting tin. Cut the veg into wedges, and combine in a bowl with garlic, oil, bay leaves and seasoning, place the mixture in a tin around the placenta and cover. Roast for one and half hours, pouring off excess liquid as necessary. Serve and enjoy! Other recipes for cooking placentas, include placenta-stew, placenta-lasagna, placenta-jerky (dehydrated placenta), placenta-powder (sprinkle over foods or placed in capsules to take as placenta-pills), placenta-power drinks and sushi-placenta where the placenta is eaten raw. In Chinese culture, the placenta is known as a great life-force and is highly respected in terms of its medicinal value. It is usually dried up through dehydration in the oven, then using a mortar and pestle grind up and then you can mix it with food or ingest it within capsules as placenta-capsule?

Even Tom Cruise in an interview with GQ magazine spoke highly of eating placenta and is believed to have eaten his baby's placenta? In his own words, "You don't know placentas, I do. I've studied placentas. I know dozens of ways to prepare them. I know what wines go with them. What do you know"? Stating that placenta "reminds him of veal, but with a springier texture like heart." Continuing Mr Weirdo said the benefits of eating placenta, include reduced hemorrhaging and a decrease in the likelihood of postpartum depression? According to Mr. Cruise, placenta-tartare preserves the greatest amount of the placenta's nutritional content, and is prepared by mixing one pound of finely ground placenta, one teaspoon of brown mustard, one-half teaspoon of Tabasco sauce, one teaspoon each of Worcestershire sauce and brandy, one egg, a pinch of salt, and ground white pepper to taste. Refrigerate the mixture for half an hour to allow the flavors to blend in properly and then serve as a spread on crackers or toast, accompanied by any wine with a subtle red-meat aroma, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot? Icheoku says, what a recipe from the man made notorious for crazily jumping up and down on Oprah Winfrey's couch?

According to the face of Scientology, placentas can be eaten cooked too such as in placenta aglio olio e peperoncino, a mixture of placenta, garlic, olive-oil and pepper? His recipe, gently blanch one pound of placenta that has been cut into one-quarter-inch-thick discs. After blanching the placenta for no more than thirty seconds, drain and set aside in a deep-heated serving dish. Heat one cup of extra virgin olive oil in a pan. Add three to four cloves of crushed garlic and one hot chili pepper pod. When the garlic cloves begin to brown, discard them or they will overwhelm the flavor of the placenta. Pour the olive oil over the placenta. Sprinkle with black pepper and one teaspoon of chopped Italian parsley. Stir well and serve immediately with fresh-baked crusty Italian bread and a sweet white wine?

Of all these placenta delicacies, Mr. Scientology said his favorite placenta dish is placenta meat-loaf; which he begins by chopping one onion and combining it with one teaspoon of black pepper and one sleeve of crushed saltines. Then combine one pound of ground placenta with the onion, pepper, and saltines. Add one teaspoon of bay leaves, one teaspoon each of white and black pepper, a clove of roasted and minced garlic, and one cup of chopped tomatoes. Mix well. Place in a buttered loaf pan, cover, then bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for an hour and a half, occasionally pouring off excess blood. Sounds like a Dracula meal? But with Tom any weirdo is the best form of entertainment?

Placenta contains high levels of various vitamins, such as B6, and eating it increases a mother's blood levels of a hormone known as CRH (corticotropin-releasing hormone), a known stress-reducer. This hormone is normally secreted by the hypothalamus. Icheoku says, no matter the supposed benefits derivable from eating an after-birth, the practice is nothing short of the practice of barbarism. Humanity cannibalizing its kind in form of a delicacy is unacceptable under any circumstance and the thought of it is plainly gory.

UMARU YAR'ADUA, KILLS FEDERAL CHARACTER IN NIGERIA?

When will Southern Nigeria wake up from their slumbering and let the North realize that they are not so entitled to hijack all there is in Nigeria, just for themselves alone? Since the inception of the sicko of Katsina, every office worth a few million dollars in budgetary allocation has been given to a Northerner. And what does the South do, remain the timid bride waiting on the table of the arrogant mallams up North, who are growing more empowered every day?

Just few weeks ago, President Umaru Yar'Adua reorganized the federal media in Nigeria and brazenly put three Northerners to head the three organisations and this is in a country where there are so many tribes with three principal ones, two of which is based in the south. The three directors-general of the national broadcast organisations, notably the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and the Voice Of Nigeria (VON) are all from the core North. Alhaji Abubakar Jijiwa, Director General of VON is from Adamawa State; Malam Usman Magawata, Director General of NTA is from Kebbi State and Malam Yusuf Nuhu, Director-General of the FRCN hails from Katsina State. Icheoku asks, would the North accept such disproportionate appointments from the south were the tables to suddenly turn?

This total and bullish disregard of the principle of federal character by the mallams of the North, which principle is the bond holding Nigeria together, Icheoku says is tasking the continued existence of one "Nigeria"? If there is nothing there for other component parts of Nigeria, the question remains, why continue a non-working order? Should anything happen and Nigeria is no more, blame the North for their speed-balling of Nigeria's disintegration by their unbridled self-centered indifferent attitude to other stake-holders of the Nigeria experiment.

To further add insult to injury, the Northern oligarchs are going full steam and aggrandising and gulping down what remains of the Nigerian federation. Just recently, President Umaru Yar'Adua made additional appointments, using his fellow mallams to fill the positions. The new Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Yusuf Bomoi is from Yar'Adua's home state of Katsina and new Director General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Alhaji Muhammad Nadada is also from the north, Bauchi to be precise? And they are doing this without any regard to the federal character or quota-system operating principle in Nigeria. Were it JAMB or Law School or WAEC, the north, because of their learning-disability (a bunch of retards), will insist on quota system to get their fair share of the slots but when it comes to them usurping everything Nigeria, then such a proportionate system is jettisoned out the window? Who says these cattle-rearers are fools? Icheoku says, when will enough be really enough with these kola-nut chewers? Needless to mention that both the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal has both mallams as their respective heads.

It has been the same pattern since the inception of the Umaru Yar'Adua's administration and nobody appears to be perturbed, not even the Vice President Jonathan Goodluck who supposedly is representing the southern interest in the government? What will it cost him to speak out against this northern arrogation of what belongs to everybody, after-all he was elected alongside Umaru Yar'Adua and cannot be just sacked? What will it take to make these mallam realize that Nigeria is not their sole property? What is the south waiting for or is it when the north produces both the president as well as the vice president of Nigeria? From posting of ministers, ambassadors, permanent secretaries and officers of the directorate cadre in the federal service, each has been made to particularly favor a section of the country up North, and one wonders, were the reverse to be the case, would the North accept what they are forcibly shoving down the throat of Southerners?

Take a look at all the prime ministries of Defence, Finance, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Petroleum, Agriculture, Justice, Water Resources, National Planning and Natural Resources etc and tell Icheoku which of them is not commandeered by a Northerner?

Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources - Abba Sayyadi Ruma
Minister of Defence - Shettima Mustapha
Minister of Environment and Housing - Halima Alao
Minister of FCT Administration - Adamu Aliero
Minister of Justice (Attorney General) - Michael Kaase Aondokaa
Minister of Women Affairs - Saudatu Bungudu
Minister & Chairman National Planning Commission - Shamsudeen Usman
Minister & Chairman National Sports Commission - Abudlrahman Gimba

Federal Ministry of Works & Housing - Hassan M. Lawal
Federal Ministry of Police Affairs - I.Y. Lame
Ministry of Petroleum Resources - Rilwanu Lukman
Federal Ministry of Science and Technology - A. B. Zaku
Federal Ministry of Sports and Social Development - Engr. S.M. Ndanusa
Federal Ministry of Transport - Ibrahim Bio

Icheoku would not have a problem with any Nigerian occupying any position, but in a country like Nigeria where unwilling nations are unequally yoked together, it makes better sense were things to be more equitably distributed. Also were these mallams capable and productive, nobody will raise too much of an eyebrow, but they are known failures whose stranglehold on Nigeria has kept Nigeria down all these years since her independence. It is time to speak up Southern Nigeria, or forever remain enslaved by the North who does not have the common decency or sense to discern that their crass appropriation of all the goodies in Nigeria can only mean one thing, and one thing only, a rise-up! Northern Nigeria, please put yourself in the shoes of the south and see if you can take what your dishing out to them?

Click and read :- hausa fulani strikes again on lopsidedness in appointments in Nigeria!

YOUR SUNDAY WITH PROPHET MKO TIBETAN!

Today, Sunday March 15, 2009 teaching is anchored on the letter "P". I call it the THREE "Ps" of PROBLEM, PROMISE AND PROVISION.

PROMISE:- Everybody knows what and how to make promise; they also know what it stand for either spiritually, carnally or otherwise. Promise is when you manifest a desire to give or offer somebody something. In Genesis 12:1-13, God promised Abraham that whoever bless or curse him so shall also be blessed or cursed; that was a promise. In Joshua 1:1-10, God said nobody will be able to overcome Joshua, that is also promise. In Genesis 8:22, three promises were made by God. In Genesis 13, Abraham was promised that where he laid his feet he shall possess, that we shall also be helped not to fail. Brethren where are you today? Are you out or within the promise; if you do not love your neighbour, you are outside of the promise already. Read generally, Numbers 14:34; 1King 8:53; Psalm 105:42; Act 1:4; Luke 24:49; Roman 4:13; Galatians 3:18-22; Ephesians 1:13; Hebrew 10:36; 2 Peter 2:19; and 3:4,9; 1 John2:25.

PROBLEM:- Problem has come to inconvenience everyone. It is not a friend of anybody. The first thing you think when in problem is to get all your relevant documents ready and travel out to USA. But that does not even mean that you have jumped all your problems as at the port of entry, you may still face problems. However, be polite to the officers as something familiar; for instance, people leaving Africa where law is not respected or is abandoned and the use of connection is the order of the day, leaving one’s family behind to meet many white people in America or Europe could mean inviting problems. A careless phone call from your family in Africa can rubbish the whole situation and invite problem or put problem into your life forever. Somebody who carefully use a used-razor blade may ignorantly face problem of HIV, or careless with his job with this global economic recession may lose his job and commit suicide; or keep on with concubines may also face problem that can cause him his life. Brethren, there is no big or small problem.

Finally, if you never desist from telling lies, begin today to tell the truth. Even people in government tell lies, the problem in USA today was caused by the immediate past president of the US who did not tell the truth about the weapons of mass destruction. There is consequences for telling lies. If you were a Christian and you backslide, you have already invited problem into your life. If you face a family you cannot take care of, you have invited problem into your life. Read the following Bible verses, Revelation 3:1-10, 1 Timothy 6:1-10; Galatians 5:16-end; 1 Corinthians 5:1-10, Romans 1:18-end; Exodus12 and 14; Job 3:20-end; Jonah 1:6-10; 2 & 3; Acts 5:1-10; Judges1:4-10; Joshua 6:1-15; 2 Kings 6:19-26; Esther4:5,6, Acts 27:20-end; Mathew 27:1-5.

If you refuse to abandon the worldly things you are inviting problem to yourself Daniel 4:3,16-end; Numbers16. There are many places in the scripture where problem works in people’s life, check yourself today to see the problems that you have caused for yourself. Proverb 21:30-31, 19:18-24, 24:10, 19:23. Are you ready for your problem in the scripture? Pharaoh, Saul, Judas, Ananiah, Samson, Saphira, Goliat, Lot’s wife, Pharaoh soldiers, Dathan, Abiran, Koran, Moses all these people died in their problem.

PROVISION:- A lot of people die without using the provision given to them by the Lord Almighty. Narrowly King Nebuchadnezzar was saved by God in order to see the provision ahead of him. When you are newly employed, if you can breakthrough your problem, your provision will come. Jesus promised to die and rise up the third day which he did, in order to come and give us the provision he promised. In Genesis 22, God asked Abraham to use his son for sacrifice, but provision came as a ram. He was also faced with a lot of problem and so was Job also faced with a lot of problems - Job3:20-end but in Job 42:10-21, his provision eventually came. Also in the book of 2 Kings 5:1-end, of Elisha and the lepers in the law of Samaria, provision came. In Deuteronomy 28:1, if you delight hearken to the words of God and then your provision will follow. Genesis 13:13-21, says lift up your head and see, that is provision too! If you are still passing through the troubled waters today, look up unto the cross and the man Jesus, will save you. Ecclesiastes 11:3 says "IF YOUR CLOUD IS NOT FILLED-UP WITH WATER, YOU CANNOT HAVE RAIN"! Please also see 1 Timothy 6:1-10; but verse 6 specifically says we came to the world with nothing so why are you running from pillar to post, why are you delighted in robbing Peter to pay Paul? Please read the book of Luke 16 about the story of the rich man and Lazarus. Also see 2 Samuel 14:14; that told us that a day is coming when we shall be like water splashed on the surface of the earth that cannot be got together. if you want to compare Christian, yesterdays we had genuine ones but nowadays we have plenty of fake pastors, fake evangelists and fake prophets were everywhere. All these have been said before hand in 2 Timothy 3:4. You have to take your stand on issues, don’t lie to yourself and be yourself 24/7. Remember to read Jeremiah 5,7,11, Psalm39, Hosea 4:8, Romans 11:29-end; with all these please do a good job.

In school we are taught about evaporation, if there is no evaporation there is no rain, do good always so that rain can fall on you and your family. With the way things are now, church cannot save you, as only Jesus can save you. If your church cannot change you, then change your church. If your thinking cannot save you, look for a spiritual leader; look at 2 Kings 6:20-23, 7:6-9, Mark4:38-39, Acts27:22. Those that are blessed in the Bible they worked for it and the Lord blessed them; please do good so that your land will flow with milk and honey. In Psalm23, the last line says who shall dwell in the house of the Lord, how many of you are going to the house of the Lord, prepare what to offer; so brethren drop your tithe, pay your dues on time to God and it shall be well with you in this fasting period. 1Corinthians13, 3:5-10, 4:4.

As you read this message, meditate on your ways and start doing good today; remember the promise he made to you in Psalm 23. See you next Sunday

NIGERIAN-WOMEN'S PLAGUE IN AMERICA, SPREADS TO EUROPE!

As yet another Nigerian woman pays the ultimate sacrifice in the hands of her husband. But this time, gratefully though, it was not in the hands of a Nigerian man, thank God! The deceased Mrs Evelyn Uche Vanacker (Nee Amarim) met her death in the hands of her Belgian husband of five years, Mr. Wim Vanacker; who strangled her in their home before driving about 100 kilometers away from their residence in Bredene Belgium, to dump her lifeless body in an open field, on the border between France and Belgium. Evelyn 31 years old, was killed on March 3, 2009.

Her body was discovered by French authorities and on interrogation, her 35 year old husband, Wim Vanacker, confessed to strangling her. However the motive for her killing is still undetermined as at time of going to press; but pattern suggests domestic violence. Also Evelyn's mother is living with the couple and their two kids so no one knows if her presence had anything to do with triggering her husband's action in anyway?

The Nigerian community in Belgium is protesting the strangulation with a peaceful protest-march today, Saturday March 14, 2009. According to the Chief Coordinator of the protest, Mr. Collins Nweke they will meet at OOSTENDE, - the main square overlooking the train station and proceed therefrom to the city hall and police station to register their protest of an innocent life, so suddenly taken. They will also call for a halt to all forms of domestic violence.

Evelyn is survived by her mother, two children and the killer-husband. We have no information as to her profession or what manner of a woman she is but all those things are now overtaken by her death. Hopefully, justice will be meted out to Mr. Wam Vanacker. Icheoku says, may the soul of Evelyn Uche Vanacker (Nee Amarim) now find rest from the violence of this earth that took her young life! Adieu Evelyn!

ICHEOKU PHOTOS OF THE WEEK!

Human dexterity knows no bound as shown by the very innovative way these Africans transport their wares to the market.

In the picture above left, a woman is seeing pedalling her way to a village market to sell the tray of nuts meticulously balanced on her head; while carrying her child on the back? It is almost magical? Icheoku says, this is a lesson in multi-tasking, indeed!

In this other picture, here right, a man (butcher) is seen riding his motorcycle from the slaughter house to the market to sell his goat-meat. A total of eight (8) fully matured goats, killed and burnt for flavor; are carefully positioned on the motor-cycle, en- route to the meat-market.

If this does not qualify as a choreographed event, Icheoku wonders what else? If only some of this ingenuity can be properly harnessed, who says Africa cannot rise from its despondency? To this woman and man of Africa, Icheoku salutes your improvised transportation feat!

MADOFF, AN AMERICAN 419 CRIMINAL MASTERMIND!

The saga of the mother of all criminal frauds, involving a ponzi scheme wherein over $50 billion dollars was swindled from investors is gradually drawing to a close. The criminal fraudster, Mr. Bernard Madoff is going away for good and for a very very long time indeed; he may have to reincarnate to complete his possible 150 years prison sentence? This will be in addition to paying fine, restitution and forfeiture of his ill-gotten assets. Madoff pled guilty to eleven count criminal charge including securities fraud and perjury, today March 12, 2009 and was marched straight to jail to await sentence on June 16, 2009.

As a convict, Bernard Madoff had his bail immediately revoked and was taken into custody in handcuffs. In revoking his $10million dollars bail, United States District Judge Denny Chin said Madoff had the means to flee and an incentive to do so because of his age. However, Icheoku believes that the remand in custody is to primarily protect him from himself; remember Ken Lay of Enron died in suspicious circumstances before sentencing, which led to some school of thought believing he committed suicide to save his financial empire for his family? At 70 plus years old, Bernard Madoff is a good candidate for suicide, as many consider this option as more edifying rather than pine away in prison to his eventual death? Icheoku says, Bernard Madoff is now the poster-boy of the Wall Street greed and grim which induced the present economic and financial meltdown.

Most of Madoff's victims were Jewish and Jewish charities, which trusted him because he is one of them. These victims included individuals, trusts, pension funds, hedge funds and nonprofit organizations. The scheme succeeded in wiping out life savings, ruined charities and foundations; and apparently pushed at least two investors to commit suicide - one by slitting his wrists and the other by jumping in front of a moving train. Icheoku says, the ghosts of these suicides will hunt Madoff's 6x6 prison cell until he either runs amok or takes his own life; our prediction is that he will not live out his life but will meet a tragic end!

Like the notorious Nigerian 419 scheme, Madoff collected investors money under the false pretence that he was investing same in high yield return ventures; but instead, it was a Ponzi scheme (pyramid) in which early investors are paid off with money taken in from later ones. In his own bone-chilling confessional allocutus in court following his guilty plea, Madoff said in part, "When I began the Ponzi scheme I believed it would end shortly and I would be able to extricate myself and my clients from the scheme. However, this proved difficult, and ultimately impossible, and as the years went by I realized that my arrest and this day would inevitably come. I operated a Ponzi scheme through the investment advisory side of my business, Bernard L. Madoff Securities LLC, which was located here in Manhattan, New York at 885 Third Avenue. I am painfully aware that I have deeply hurt many, many people, including the members of my family, my closest friends, business associates and the thousands of clients who gave me their money. I cannot adequately express how sorry I am for what I have done. I am here today to accept responsibility for my crimes by pleading guilty and, with this plea allocution, explain the means by which I carried out and concealed my fraud". He added, "Your Honor, I hope I have conveyed with some particularity in my own words, the crimes I committed and the means by which I committed them. Thank you". (For the full alocutus, click the link at the bottom).

Icheoku says, the moral of this case is principally two-fold:- whenever something sounds too good to be true, watch out; and also nepotism is a social malady afflicting mankind. The promised returns on investment by Madoff was rather too grandiose to make any prudent financial sense but greed possibly drove some of these investors over the Madoff's cliff?

Also many of the Jewish victims possibly invested in Madoff's scheme because he is one of their own; but unfortunately their trust was misplaced as this particular Jew turned out to be a criminal. "Our own", "our own syndrome" practised by many races in this world should be stopped as the whole mankind is similarly yoked in this one world order. We should encourage diversity so that together we shall all either swim or sink as one; - gain or lose in a shared proportion? Were the funds spread out to various investment portfolios, possibly it could have guarded against such a Bernard Madoff's rip-off? Be that as it may, our prayer is that no additional victim takes his or her life as a result of this financial catastrophe; and that some of the swindled funds may eventually be recovered.

As for convict Bernard Madoff, Icheoku hopes your new 6x6 prison-cell will be as comfortable as your $7 million dollars Upper East Side penthouse? We wish you a happy extended stay in the big house!

Bernard Madoff's statement in court - In Depth with The Post ...

SARAH PALIN'S DAUGHTER, NOW A FULL SINGLE MOM!

The whole world of politics were taken aback when it was revealed that Alaska Governor Sarah Palin's daughter, Bristol was knocked-up and was expecting an illegitimate child; not being married? It was during the governor's vice presidential run with team Senator John McCain, and holly macro something must be done to attenuate the damage from such a revelation. Hurriedly, a boy was extracted from the middle of nowhere, Wassila-Alaska, and made the poster-boy of teenage fathers; he was introduced to a benumbed world as the hard-charging virile Bristol Palin's boyfriend? His name, Levi Johnston.

Many people smelt an "arranged" presentation but decided to give the teenage "couple" the benefit of the doubt. Subsequently, the vice presidential ambition of mother Sarah Palin petered-off when Americans discovered that the beautiful Alaskan governor was just an air-head and soon accelerated to an end. Bristol carried her pregnancy to full term and delivered a baby-boy named Tripp? What a name for a child, following a family name-trend of xxx? Maybe she was "tripping" when she was impregnated? Icheoku remembers that Sarah Palin explained that she named her daughter Bristol because of her love for a city named Bristol in Connecticut, United States of America?

Many body-language experts who watched Bristol and Levi together felt there was some disconnect between them; something was definitely not right as the duo did not share any chemistry whatsoever. This doubt became increasingly manifest when it was revealed that Levi's mother is a crack-head and was arrested for possession of large quantities of methamphetamine? And this is a prospective in-law to the Alaskan governor, Sarah Palin? There is no correlation between apples and oranges but the world decided to wait them out. Today, March 11, 2009 in a well choreographed presentation, the two announced that they have mutually decided to call off their engagement; to which Icheoku says, was there ever an engagement in the first place? Possibly all the world has so far watched, was a Hollywood-like presentation to mask a torpedoing event in the political life of Sarah Palin? What happened to all the protestations of love and intention to marry which the world was inundated with during the hey days of the vice presidential run? How could an engagement of the Alaskan governor's daughter be suddenly called off and why would Levi whose future is not that bright, decide to blow-out a light of hope as represented in marrying a governor's daughter? It is an impossible scenario and hopefully, the details will make the talk-show rounds soon.

The story coming out of Alaska has it that Levi Johnston and Bristol Palin, the teenage daughter of Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska, have broken off their engagement; barely three months after the "couple" had a baby. According to Levi Johnston 19, he and Bristol Palin 18 "mutually" decided "a while ago" to end their relationship. According to Bristol's family statement, "Unfortunately, my family has seen many people say and do many things to `cash in' on the Palin name, sometimes that greed clouds good judgment and the truth." Icheoku asks, what happened to the Sarah Palin's affirmation that "her daughter and Johnston are committed to accomplish what millions of other young parents have accomplished, to provide a loving and secure environment for their child."

No matter what happens, Icheoku sympathises with the little angel named Tripp, whose opinion was not first sought before bringing him to this earth? As for Bristol, she will be just fine, after-all she is the daughter of a governor and highly libidous. At worst she can always become another Nadya Suleman? Levi might not find it as easy but hopefully he will collect himself together and pursue a future, which only he can determine. Icheoku wishes Bristol Palin, goodluck and happy life as a single teenage mother!

EMIR OF FIKA TOO, DROPPING LIKE FLIES?

Yet another one drops off the face of the earth, a Nigerian high-up traditional ruler of Fika Emirate, Yobe State. It will be recalled that it is the same state that recently lost her governor Mamman Ali, who died in a Florida hospital on January 27, 2009.

But unlike the governor, the remains of the ruler did not have to go through customs as he died within the shores of Nigeria. The Emir died suddenly by 7.45am on March 9, 2009 inside his palace at Potiskum, the emirate headquarters, of high blood pressure and relatively old age? The Emir was just 77 years old?

Alhaji Abali Ibn Muhammadu Idrissa was also the chairman of the Yobe State Council of Chiefs/Traditional rulers and the paramount leader of Bole people of Yobe State. Icheoku notes, the death of the Emir brings to three, the number of very high-up traditional rulers from the North who have expired within the last three weeks. Shehu of Borno Alhaji Mustapha Umar Ibn el-Kanemi died on February 20, 2009; Gbong Gwom Jos Da Victor Pam made his exit on March 7, 2009 and now this Emir of Fika Idrissa who transited on the 9th? What is going on or are they mere coincidences, judging from the longevity of these men on their thrones?

The emir was appointed the 12th Emir of Fika in August 1976 following the death of his father, the former emir; and remained the 43rd in succession to the throne of Fika-Dynasty until his death on March 2009? Thirty-three years on the throne is not a child's play and Icheoku asks, is there no democracy in this peoples' dictionary? The Emir left behind, his four wives and about 40 children. So long, Emir Idrissa!

ADEBOYE'S REDEEMED CHURCH, A PRIVATE PLANE?

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) led by Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has finally arrived as a world mega church indeed! With their recent acquisition of a new Gulfstream aircraft worth about $28 million (N4billion), the church has joined the league of "show-me-the-money" churches world-wide; which splash their tax-free dollars on such earthly frivolities? The Gulfstream jet is transatlantic-capable and can conveniently seat about 15 passengers in high luxury comfort, depending on the configuration.

Icheoku notes this is the second church in Nigeria to acquire an aircraft following the Living Faith Worldwide (Winners Chapel) of Bishop David Oyedepo, which has a Challenger aircraft?

As high maintenance as these private planes are, Icheoku says these churches are announcing that they have finally arrived in the big players league. From routine maintenance to the rotables (time-bound parts which are changed regularly), to refitting parts which are changed after every 12 or 15 calendar months whether you are flying or not, to operating cost which sometimes runs upwards of $5000 each flying hour, to landing and parking costs as well as crew? The simple summary is that by acquiring a private aircraft you are making a loud and bold statement that you have metamorphosed into an ATM (automated teller machine) spitting money to keep the bird flying?

Fortunately for these mega churches, they are spending other peoples' money:- from the parishioners, to the tithe-payers, to miracle-seeking devotees and thanksgiving people? Icheoku asks, what would Jesus Christ say in lieu of the many hungry mouths that could have been fed, the naked that could have been clothed and the homeless that could have been sheltered? Twenty-eight million dollars is just the down payment for owning and operating a private jet? What a bail-out this whopping amount would have provided for the world poor especially in Nigeria and specifically in the Redeemed Church family? Icheoku asks, are these people really serving the true God or are they just using God as a means to an end of their worldly desires and aspirations? Icheoku remembers vividly during the temptation of Jesus Christ as recorded in Matthew 4:8-9 when the Devil took Him up to a very high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world, and their glory. And he said to Him, "All these things will I give you if you fall down and worship me." What did Jesus do, he refused to take the bait saying in Matthew 4:10, "Begone, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only". So who are these guys really serving?

The above Bible passage and that ensconced in the eight Beatitudes, it would appear do not appeal to these rock-star preachers; otherwise they would have known that their reward is in heaven and not here on earth? Icheoku says, all these worldly things that seek comfort of the flesh are of the Devil and will only ingratiate and gravitate them away from their primary calling to save lives for Christ into a meaningless indulgence. In a country with such suffocating poverty as Nigeria, with some of Redeemed Church parishioners possibly living without basic necessities of life including food, Icheoku says, it is scandalous for the church to chose now to flaunt such extravagance? At a time of global economic meltdown when families are losing their jobs and homes, children dropping out of schools, malaria killing young Nigerians, this church went on a shopping spree? Except there is a compelling reason for this purchase and the church got a deal on the plane, since many owners are shedding themselves of such money guzzling luxurious toys; Icheoku refuses to see the wisdom of such acquisition. Where is the meek in this church headship or the selfless leadership by example practised by Jesus Christ himself? In this regard and notwithstanding its foibles, the Catholic church is still above board; despite being the richest church in the world, yet her Pope still flies commercial on Alitalia airline?

Anyway if the Bible is true, which we have no reason to argue otherwise, Icheoku says, the headship of this church has received their reward here on earth. Their argument of easily getting around and away to their various ecumenical centers world-over, does not justify this lavish investment. And this plane cost about $5000.00 each flying hour it is airborne? Put in the local currency, Pastor Adeboye will be burning about N735,000.00 every hour the plane is airborne which forces Icheoku to ask, who is then fooling who with talk of salvation?

A caveat however, Icheoku does not begrudge this "Man of God" his earned payment under whatever subterfuge, including the ownership of a private plane; but we disagree with the decision, especially now when the whole world is hurting, economically? It does not show a God-fearing leadership of a church with so many devoted flocks who look up to their leader for direction on their quest to make heaven. Admitted that other super-duper churches, especially in the United States of America and Canada, own private jets but this Nigerian, in a country with such a high poverty rate and over 48million of her youth unemployed, such a vagrant display of wealth will only exacerbate the armed robbery and kidnapping scourge in Nigeria; as more wanna-bes shall become more desperate to try and belong! In their parlance, they have to "kill dead body" (make it) in order to finally join the privileged few, private-jet owning elite Nigerians!