WAGONER, OUT!

As he falls on the sword of the downturn, Japanese-style, the chairman and chief executive of United States of America automotive maker General Motors (GM), Mr. Rick Wagoner has joined the ranks of other non-performing chief executives who once were? But Icheoku asks, will his leaving the position at GM, turn things around for the hyper-ventilating car maker, since people are not just buying cars or trucks these days? Icheoku says, GM makes good vehicles, admitted they are gas-guzzlers, but their Jeeps, Hummer, Chevrolet, Corvette, Cadillac and Buick are some of the most favorite brands plying many roads in many countries of the world. Personally, I have driven a Chevy before and it served me well; and a Jeep is a prospective future vehicle. The question should be why are people not buying vehicles, since even the peoples' beloved Toyota is also suffering the present draught in world vehicle sales?

Were Icheoku to be advising, it would have been better to allow Rick Wagoner implement whatever re-structuring programme that may be recommended by those knowledgeable both in the White House and Wall Street? Like Defence Minister Robert Gates, who was allowed to stay on and help tidy up affairs regarding the two on-going wars, Wagoner should have been allowed to re-organize GM instead of bringing on board a total stranger into such a complex corporation with a world-wide operations to try and figure out what is obvious? It is all about gas-consumption and gas-price, period! Anyway, the deed is done, the decision has been taken and Rick Wagoner is now, a former General Motors chief executive? Let us hope that the decision makers have their game plans right, otherwise it will be a disappointment galore to let Wagoner go without achieving the desired result?

Icheoku believes that as an insider, Rick Wagoner, would have been a better fit to lead GM through its present crisis? Whether there have been several years of missteps, mistakes and arrogance by the Detroit Three automakers, is not sufficiently a reason to throw away such a knowledgeable individual except there is a compelling reason to do so. All that Washington would have done was to compel a re-tooling and re-structuring of the auto industries instead of forcing one of their chief executive to fall on his own sword? That Wagoner relied for too long on sales of pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles for GM's profits should not be used against him; after-all that was what the market wanted until the surprised astronomical gasoline pricing that forced the two brands off the cliff? It was not only GM that was unprepared for the high gasoline price induced drastic market shift; as everyone was taken by surprise when gasoline prices hit $4 per gallon last year and it became too expensive and uneconomical to own and operate one such SUV or truck?

Mr Rick Wagoner, 56, assumed the now ex-position at General Motors in May 2003. He joined GM in 1977 and had previously served in various capacities for GM in the United States of America, Brazil and Europe. He became president and chief executive of GM in 2000 and chairman and CEO in 2003. It is also note-worthy that France's biggest car maker, Peugeot-Citroen, recently fired her chairman Christian Streiff, for reason of "extraordinary difficulties" in the automotive industry? Toyota Motor Corp.'s president, Katsuaki Watanabe, equally announced that he would be stepping down as a result of the meltdowns.

With his ouster, Rick Wagoner has become a member of former chief executives club, who were similarly forced out after the government took over their companies last year. The CEOs of mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac readily comes to mind and so also is Robert Willumstad, the former CEO of American International Group Inc., (AIG) who was booted out last September 2008, a day after the government pumped $85 billion into the insurer to keep it afloat. Icheoku while wishing Rick Wagoner good luck, also hopes that the Obama administration finds the answer they are looking for in revamping the auto industry, by his firing!

WORLD CUP QUALIFERS, DISASTER IN ABIDJAN

A soccer fans' stampede at a World Cup qualifying match in Ivory Coast has killed at least 22 people with additional 132 wounded? Fans at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny sports arena in Abidjan pushed against each other at the entry turnstiles, shortly before the game between Ivory Coast and Malawi started, causing a wall to collapse, which set off a panic leading to a fatal stampede. Many of the Ivorians football fans, had trudged to the stadium to behold their soccer idol, Chelsea England's striker Didier Drogba who eventually scored twice in the 5-0 Ivorian defeat of visiting Malawians; before a 36, 000 stadium capacity crowd? The tragedy occurred shortly before the game began but the match was allowed to go on, notwithstanding the loss of lives? Whether even a minute of silence was observed for the departed was not ascertainable at the time of writing this commentary?

Icheoku says if the death of 22 fans was not enough reason to postponed a match, how many more deaths therefore will it it take? Does it mean that African lives are not as valued as that of other peoples of the world to warrant a world cup qualifying match deferment; even for one day in honour of the fallen? Is the African life a lesser life that its loss has no effect in the thinking of FIFA, the world cup qualifiers organizing body? Icheoku condemns unequivocally, the non postponement of this match in respect of the dead as a wanton disregard for an African life? Whoever is the sports minister in Ivory Coast should resign his office in shame, for not doing enough to guard against such a disaster and for failing to persuade FIFA to defer the match in the honor of the dead fans?

The culprit, poor crowd control, which triggered the disaster at Abidjan was an avoidable happenstance, had the authorities in Abidjan put their acts together? This is a sign of what could possibly happen in South Africa 2010 but we hope the planning authorities for the 2010 sports fiesta will take a cue in crowd management to avoid similar fate as befell these Ivorians. Icheoku prays their bereaved families find the strength to bear the loss; and since the deceased died doing what they love, being fans to their home football team, possibly they wouldn't wish otherwise? Hopefully, the Ivory Coast national team makes it to the world cup football tournament, at least to honor their fans who perished today.

YOUR SUNDAY WITH PROPHET MKO TIBETAN!

Today, Sunday March 29, 2009 we shall be speaking on the two word sentence, "WHY ME?"

There are people who are fond of crying why me whenever a problem comes their way. Many Christians too are fond of saying this whenever they meet challenges in life or are confronted with problems of life. But I say to you, who are you and why not you? If not you, who? If you really know who you are, upon facing any problem or challenge, your recourse is to talk to God and not question why you? You can talk to God, because he is the author; the good Lord is the author and the finisher of one's fate. He was the one that formed you in the womb; from the milk to the breast that provided your nourishment while growing up was by His grace! From a little dot of an embryo to your adulthood, He took care of you!

The good Lord in Exodus 20:1-7 gave us laws before you were born, but did you grow to obey these laws? When you went to interview for the job you are doing today, did you consult Him? When you decided to pick up your spouse (husband and wife), you never consulted Him to see if your choice was agreeable to Him? But now that the job or whatever you were doing has disappeared as a result of the global recession, you are now querying God “WHY ME?” Now that your beautiful wife has eloped with your best friend, again you wasn't to know from God, why you? Where was God in your plan in the first place when you went to buy that first home of yours which has now been foreclosed? Before you take any first step in life, you should seek the face of the Lord to see if He approves of your plan. It is before and not after the fact that you should call upon God to intervene, and it is having done this and only then do you reserve the right to know why things later went awry. But you must know that whatever God say yes to nobody can say no and if He approved of your plans, He will be there to see you through and He will never disappoint you. When you wanted to take that job, which you have now lost, you should have consulted God to see if He will approve of your plans? Like people who are supposed or ordained to be teachers that went with the career of being lawyers; or you that you are suppose to be a doctor went into politics? So why are you now blaming God for a failed pursuit when you never put him first before and in your pursuit?

There are some people, for example, who once they lose their job, make their next career move as pastoral wanna-Be's; but these people fail to realise that pastoral work is by calling of the On High, Mighty God. If God didn’t call you, you can’t call yourself; because when you call yourself it will be disastrous at the end; and as always, remember the saying that the end justifies the means and not every means is justified at the end? Those that were not called by the Almighty are full of many tricks which they use to milk people dry. They live a none serious life, deceiving their flock until their end because they cannot reason otherwise. Please read for comprehension, the following Bible verses:- Psalm 127:1-3; Psalm 128; 1 Timothy 3:1-3; 1 Peter 5:1-10, Genesis 39:15-23; Philippians 4 : 5-6, 1 Corinthian 12; Revelation 3:1-10, Romans 1:10 - 32; Ecclesiastes 12 : 1-6; 11 Samuel 14:14; Psalm 39; James 1:19; Deuteronomy 28:1-3.

Brethren, with all that we have studied today, it is not good to ask the Lord, why me so stop using this language of self righteousness “WHY ME”. Also remember that from that we have read in the Bible that a family curse is a terminal disease! Read for comprehension, Jeremiah 6:16; Jeremiah 5:20-25; Jeremiah 17:1-10; Proverb 11:20-24; Lamentation 3:22-41.

There is nothing that have happened to you that has not happened to other people before you and is most likely to happen to people coming after you. All that have happened and are yet to happen to anyone including you are all know to God, because he is the all knowing God! God is omni-science and because he is the all knowing God, all you are going through, he is aware of. So stop asking the question “WHY ME” as God already knows what you are going through; but rather, thank God for all he has done, because he knows best. Change your ways today so that God will guide your decisions in order that you will know the right thing to do; also don’t waste time to do it, do it toady as tomorrow may be too late! Until next Sunday when I come to you, please read in addition, Hosea 12:1-9; Joel 2 :12-17, 28; Joel 3:17-21, Job 42 :10-14. Have a wonderful week.

REBECCA EZEOHA, A NIGERIAN NURSE KILLED IN USA!

Rebecca Ezeoha 44, was found dead by her co-worker, lying face down in a bath-tub, in her own pool of blood, at her work-place.

Until her violent death, Rebecca was a direct-care giver at a mental-health home, Dickens Drive Group Home, of 113 Dickens Drive in Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America. The police were investigating to unravel her cause and manner of death; - whether she was shot dead or bludgeoned to death is yet to be determined by the police. A search warrant released Thursday listed the cause of death as possible murder; indicating the deceased, had a laceration on the left side of her face. The police have also searched 113 Dickens Drive and a Volvo 940 and Chevrolet van belonging to Thompkins' boyfriend (she was a divorcee)? Investigators obtained blood and other physical samples from the counselor who found her dead, six residents of the group home, her boyfriend, the group home, bedding from residents' bedroom, the victim's shoes and cell phone. The police also seized tire tools, candle holders, an ink pen and caulking tool. Police also found credit cards belonging to the deceased in her boyfriend's car. However the Raleigh Police have not commented on a motive or any possible suspects in the case; and Icheoku will keep you posted as development on her death, unfolds.

Late Mrs. Rebecca Ezeoha, a native of Akpugo was once married to one Mr. Nwaokike Ezeoha from Amechi -Awkunanaw; both in Nkanu, Enugu State, Nigeria! Rebecca has become yet another Nigerian nurse to be killed in the United States of America? May her soul find peace with the Lord, Amen!

EMEKA ANYAOKU, POLITICS OF NO ISSUES!

Well said, Chief Emeka Anyaoku! Nigeria plays politics of no issues and Icheoku adds, most likely of touts, by touts and for touts? The highest bidder who could mobilize the most thugs to intimidate everybody, usually hijacks the office. What a perversion of democracy?

Nigeria's politics is not for decent God-fearing men and women. Chief Emeka Anyaoku is one such savvy, urbane, decent, God-fearing world-class citizen of Nigerian-Igbo extraction; and should not be found participating in Nigeria's gutter-politics of abject shrivelling, excessive wheeling and dealing? His performance at the Commonwealth of Nations Secretariat and testimonials from his native Obosi, Anambra State, Nigeria and the world in general, attest to this accomplished Nigerian; and also buttresses our assessment.

Emeka, Icheoku says you are not alone as there are millions of other Nigerians whose convictions would rather they stayed out of Nigerian politics as presently played, by a very contemptible part of the populace? People who most times, have to mortgage their souls to the Devil just to get along and be allowed in the corridors of power. People who do not give a damn about the welfare and wellbeing of Nigeria and Nigerians?

On Emeka's advise that Nigeria should devise and conduct a new foreign policy that would arrest the growing marginalisation of the country in international circles, Icheoku says Nigeria's bad rap-sheet is the reason she is being treated like a pariah. Until the baptism of re-branding really takes root, no one among the comity of nations would be favorably disposed to a country whose president was imposed on the population; whose leadership are bribe-takers; whose citizens are known criminal 419 operatives and which cannot be trusted or taken into confidence to keep faith with reached contractual agreements?

The former Commonwealth Secretary General, stated at a book launch, that he will not participate in the nation's politics until it becomes issue and policy based. In Chief Emeka Anyaoku's own words, "The nature of politics as it is played in this country is such that I could not be happily involved. If it is politics of issues and policies, I would have been interested and involved. "I am concerned about issue-oriented politics; politics of service to the community and the electorates, and not seeking power for power sake. I think it is time for us to change our orientation and practice politics with its abiding principles of providing real service to the people." Icheoku says, a civilized man has spoken and hopefully Nigerian politicians will hearken and amend their ways?

MEDVEDEV, SHEAT YOUR SWORD!

President Dmitry Anatolyevich Medvedev of Russia, Icheoku says, sheat your sword as it is a new day; the days of saber-rattling is over! The United States of America now has a new president who is a constitutional law professor and who understands how you feel, being the under-dog of the world? Good enough you are also a lawyer and as you know, lawyers fight with words and not bullets. So now that both the United States and Russia are being led by lawyers, the world looks forward to a better, convivial, congenial resolution of issues rather than the present marching orders from Moscow to re-arm?

Icheoku says, President Medvedev is on the wrong trajectory with his recent announcement that Russia will embark on a massive nuclear re-armament as well as other ancillary weaponry acquisition; beginning from 2010? Icheoku says, bombs do not make friends or attract tourists, except a few rogue states whose leadership perpetuates itself in power with such instrument of terror. Institutions are the key magnet for people and were Icheoku in your shoes, the billions being projected for the new defence spending, shall be channeled to building jaw-dropping landmarks in mother Russia. Take a cue from United Arab Emirate's awesome wonder in the arid Arabian desert! An unsmiling president is neither cool nor affable, but drives a wedge between himself and the people as well as potential friends. President Medvedev, please the world can use more of your smiling face, after-all you are one heck of a handsome dude!

One thing is certain, despite your hoofing and puffing, as assured as the cold-war era MAD, there can never be a shooting conflict between the United States of America and Russia! The world will not allow it to happen because when two elephants fight the grass suffers and the world will be better off without such a burden. In case of the unexpected and an accident of conflict happens, Russia can never win or over-run the United States of America; and any foreseeable likelihood thereto will see practically the rest of the world queuing up behind America to fight alongside. The possibility of even some Russians fighting against the motherland exist as nobody who has ever tested the bountiful freedom and ways of the west would want to go back to the east(ry) ways?

Cold war did not knock out America? Hitler and Japan failed to do so? Comrade Vladmir Putin with all his former KGB security expertise couldn't, so why does President Medvedev think otherwise? The reality is that there can never be a fire-fight war between Washington and Moscow; and now that a new Washington Sheriff is extending an olive branch, bragging about nuclear pile-up is not the way forward. Assuming Russia has so much oil-dollars that needs to be spent, our advise is for you to use it to buy for every Russian, a Lamborghini or a Ferrari; they will be much happier citizens than preparing for a war that will never take place. On a more serious note however, there are a lot of issues bedevilling the world which the putting of heads together between Washington and Moscow could help resolve, including the Iranian debacle. Just like the world is witnessing the technological marvel of the Space Station under construction as a result of such anticipated cooperation here, between notable world powers, that is how other endless possibilities are within reach under our new initiative.

The problem is that Russia is still smarting from their loss of the cold-war, but Icheoku says, it is about time, you get over it that the world may fully move forward as one. Be that as it may, there is nothing wrong with a second position in a world of over 258 countries; immediately after the United States? Russia should work hard to join organisations such as NATO, European Union, World Trade and every other mutually beneficial organisations in the interest of world peace. Icheoku appeals to Russia to convert more of her military industrial complex to some life-saving beneficial use like massive research of diseases including cancer, HIV/AIDS, malaria, diabetes, and the list is endless. Icheoku was watching America's Amazing Race reality show last time on television, which edition was filmed in Siberia, Russia; and came to the conclusion that Russian can use some modernity, tweaking of their Lada cars as well as much needed face-lifts, landscaping and road construction. Their de-icing machine also looks like something from the last civilization and what is wrong from fully pivoting away from Soviet-era stuff? There is nothing wrong in gentrifying Russia, building a new, post-soviet Russia from grounds up to wean it completely of its communist look! Icheoku must however admit that those ornate doors of your Great Kremlin Palace as well as Saint Petersburg historic buildings are awesome. You could replicate these in other parts of Russia or better still build your own Las Vegas, may be in Sochi after the coming Winter Olympics?

In summation, Icheoku asks President Medvedev to work more closely with President Barack Obama for a new, more peaceful world order. A world where the population and its beautiful minds can spend less time worrying about possible conflict and concentrate on finding answers to a myriad of problems facing the world. This is a chance the world cannot afford to miss, two learned gentlemen who are not products of the military establishment, presiding over the two most powerful nations on earth! If not now, when, Mr. President? As they say in Russian, "Udachi i khoroshego nastroeniya", President Medvedev!

NWADIALO, YET ANOTHER FIRST!

Icheoku extends our warm congratulations to Dr. Bernard-Shaw Nwadialo on his appointment, by President Umaru Yar'Adua, as the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs! With the confirmation of this son of the soil, to a well merited and deserved position in a Nigerian institution, Icheoku says, the much awaited reintegration of the people of the South East of Nigeria, formerly of Biafra, has finally begun in earnest? As the first Nigerian of Igbo extraction to ever hold this position, CG Nwadialo now joins the ranks of the other doctor on the console at Nigeria's central bank, Dr. Chukwuma Soludo?

The President of Nigeria, Umaru Yar'Adua shares in this congratulation for not caving in to some feudal pressure to permanently domicile the office of the Comptroller General to a particular section of the country? Our faith is on CG Nwadialo to deliver and set an example that Nigeria could attain any height, if only the right people are given the opportunity to run affairs therein. CG Nwadialo's appointment also telegraphs that meritocracy has once again triumphed over crass tribalism and nepotism. By confirming this formerly substantive position, President Umaru Yar'Adua correctly placed a round peg in a round hole; and let the healing continue. With one down, one more to go, Icheoku asks, how about the Nigerian Police's Ogbonnaya Onovo, Mr. President?

With a PHD in soil science, CG Nwadialo joined the Customs service as deputy comptroller, in 1988 from the University of Nigeria, where he had lectured. CG Nwadialo was promoted to a comptroller in 2000 and then Assistant Comptroller General in charge of Finance, Administration and Technical Service in 2004 and later to Deputy Comptroller General in charge of Strategic Research and Policy, a position he held until his present appointment as the over-all head of the Nigeria Customs, The Comptroller General! Once again, our congratulations!

RE-BRANDING NIGERIA, HIDEOUS SLOGAN ABORTS IDEA?

The mother of all untruths, "NIGERIA, GOOD PEOPLE! A GREAT NATION!" has been told and a doubtful world is contemplating whether to add "liar" or "a lying government" to what they already know about Nigeria? By putting forward this contraptious "slogan of death" as her re-branding Nigeria slogan, Professor Dora Akunyili, a woman Icheoku admires a lot, has gone into a denial mode regarding the problems with Nigeria? It would appear that she has drank of the same hallucinatory "cool-aid", which is the drink of choice of every Nigerian leadership; and suddenly fantasy is now reality and vice versa.

Icheoku asks, if Nigeria is of 'good people and a great nation', why then do we need re-branding? What is the need to re-brand, a brand that is "good and "great"? If it ain't broke, don't fix it is a popular aphorism of the wise, so why fix an "unbroken" Nigeria? Icheoku says, this is one heck of a slogan that is very difficult to rationalize, in view of what is known about Nigeria? The slogan is as thoughtless as the the program itself which it also contradicts. Luckily, both are now presumed dead on arrival, judging from the lukewarm attitude shown by Nigerians during their launching. From the president, to the senate president, to the speaker of the house, to all the 36 governors except Yar'Adua's inlaw, Bauchi's Govenor Isa Yuguda, no "notable" Nigerian invitee honored the invitation in person; they sent mere surrogates because they do not believe in the project but strongly felt that Dora is out of her mind for embarking on such a white-elephant task? Do not ask Icheoku about Gowon, reason towards the end of this article below?

The slogan is misleading and misrepresented Nigerians as a good people and Nigeria as a great nation? For Nigeria and Nigerians to be what the slogan says they are and at the same time still requires re-branding is faux-naif; which tectonically challenges the intellect? The deduction is that either the protagonists of re-branding are lying through their teeth or one needs a great suspension of disbelief to accept the given as true? Such a foot-in-the-mouth slogan shows that the government of President Umaru Yar'Adua needs to be the first to be re-branded, through their removal from office, before other Nigerians can step in for their own baptism of re-branding? If Nigeria is a good people and a great nation as the slogan suggests, when did the definition of the two words change their meanings? Dora Akunyili failed woefully here, in a rather strange way, unlike her usual articulate characteristics, to call the devil by its name? She failed to confront the albatross called Nigeria, head-long and instead is begging the question, finally finding some sullen-comfort in a lie of a slogan? Dora's tragic detour on this cataclysmic journey of re-branding has made all she hitherto represents, now suspect? In other words, the re-branding effort is the greatest deceptive advertisement embarked upon by any known entity on her populace, for which the proper response should be their chilling cold-shoulders? These Dora Akunyili's led re-branding band of travellers, are completely delusional as to their targeted objective and as their slogan now proves, the programme has no basis for surviving its still birth?

There are usually four stages of over-coming a grief or surmounting a debilitating occurrence in one's life including that of a sick country like Nigeria. First is acceptance or acknowledgment, then introspection as to why, followed by finding the way forward and then, the healing begins. But Dora Akunyili and her band of re-branders suffered their first flaw when they failed to reflectively recognise on their slogan, the reality on the ground in and of Nigeria. This omission is very fatal and thence, began the end of this re-branding boondoggle. For any re-branding to stand a chance of survival, Dora and crew must first, publicly acknowledge in their slogan, that Nigeria is sick; thereafter seek out what is ailing her; followed by exploration of all available options for treatment/medication; before real healing can begin? It is therefore too simplistic and stupefying to proclaim, "Nigeria, a good people; a Great country", when the contrary is the known case and without travelling through this time-tested process.

It is a bare-faced lie to assert that Nigerians are a good people because they are not, otherwise the re-branding would be mute? The slogan is not a correct read of the evidence on the ground, which from the leadership to the destitute-beggars on the street suggests a stark differential? A country known for their criminal fraudulent 419 syndicates is not a good people and if in doubt ask British Jack Straw? A country whose statesmen include Olusegun Obasanjo, Ibrahim Babangida and Yakubu Gowon is not a good people and if in doubt ask the millions of Nigerians who were exterminated under these named decrepitude leaders? Talk to Odi people, Zaki Ibiam people, Bola Ige family, Dele Giwa family and the perpetually still provoked Biafrans, whose blood are dripping off these leaders' hands? These victims of various Nigerian paranoid leaderships, multiplies in number when other faceless, also-murdered among the Nigerian society, is computed alongside. A functioning society would have since arrested and tried IBB for the murder of Dele Giwa? A good country would have arrested and tried Olusegun Obasanjo for the genocides of Odi and Zaki-Ibiam communities of Bayelsa and Benue States respectively? That Yakubu Gowon is still breathing the air of freedom in Nigeria, after the atrocious Biafran genocide goes to show where this re-branding really needs to start from - apologise and pay compensation to surviving Biafrans? Too many Biafrans lost their lives, due to the asphyxiating economic-blockade induced starvation, supervised by Gowon to be just grossed over and talk about re-branding? How do you re-brand a country with so many hurting "citizens", when you have not addressed that sordid chapter of Nigerian history that inflicted so much pain and anguish on those "citizens" and make amends accordingly? Icheoku says, until the worst genocide of mankind's recorded history is fully atoned for, re-branding of Nigeria will remain but a chorus for the loonies of the Nigerian leadership as there is in essence, no real united country to be re-branded! A country whose leadership is bankrupt of ideas and would not or refused to yield the stage for fresh young minds, is not a good people otherwise they would rise up and take back their country; Pakistan did it several times? A country where elections are hijacked and the leadership imposed on the people, instead of it being chosen by the people is not a good people otherwise why not let the wishes of the electorates rule supreme? A country which cannot provide her citizenry with power supply is not a good country otherwise how can the less fortunate, non-affluent and the poor among them afford generators? A country wherein the leadership jets out overseas for medical treatment is not a good country when no provisions are made for her less fortunate and decent citizens who cannot even afford visas? A country where kidnappers run amok, taking hostages, shaking people down and sometimes maiming and killing their victims is not a good people otherwise why not put the situation under control?

What makes a country that cannot feed her population great? What has greatness got to do with a country where ordinary pencils are still being imported from abroad, several decades since her independence? A country that cannot protect her citizens from being butchered all over the world, and many atimes internally, says it is great? A country that cannot conduct a free election is great, in what sense? Nigeria is only great in the jaundiced eyes of these government town-criers; a government that cannot stop the terrorism of religious zealots pervading the country, maiming and killing her citizens at random and with repeated frequency? According to the accepted definition of greatness, Nigeria does not qualify as a great nation juxtaposed with known great nations of the world; except if the goal-post of the definition has once again been shifted in the minds of these Nigerian government officials? Dora Akunyili's re-branding slogan is too comical and self-indulging that no meaningful person anywhere in the world, who is knowledgeable about Nigeria, will take it as a serious sign that things will change. The slogan is such material for which comedy clubs sell out their seats? Nigeria should address her problem head-on, instead of the present attempt at a make-up? Under the current approach, were the Nigerian government a person, she would be a candidate for mental evaluation or be seen as being under the influence of some controlled substance? But in a dysfunctional country, what would any person expect but a lying government, lying to a doubtful and skeptical world audience about a fantasy?

Is Nigeria even really a nation when a part of its population in the South East is gradually being annihilated with hellish vengeance by each successive central government in Abuja? If some critics answer in the affirmative, Icheoku asks, what is the nation made of when qualified bona-fide Nigerians from that specific section of the country are denied their merited positions in the federal bureaucracy and institutions including the police, navy, customs etc just because of where they come from? Please Dora, now tell Icheoku what you are re-branding when there is no basic united Nigeria? It is our thinking that all these people pushing the re-branding of Nigeria agenda, should have their heads examined for some impetuous, appointment-induced euphoric reaction? Icheoku cannot go on and on, enumerating all the ills and infestations afflicting Nigeria, but will stop and say, the only palliative medicine that will heal the ailing Nigeria and Nigerians is the re-introduction of WAI, period! It is only the instilling of discipline into the Nigerian society that will have the efficacy of a NIgeria's rebirth. It is only discipline that will reinvent Nigeria and transform it into a "born-again" country. The current advertorials of "re-branding" will not cut it, it is utopia and will only come to naught.

War Against Indiscipline is the answer; it is the only panacea that will heal the ailing Nigeria. The introduction of WAI to the Nigerian society is the only reason why the Islamist Muhammadu Buhari still finds some favor with this portal. The duo of Brigadier Tunde Idiagbon and General Muhammadu Buhari correctly identified the root-cause of Nigeria's problems, indiscipline and rightly put their cross-hair on it. They were headed in the right direction prosecuting this war when the rabble-rouser, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, rolled into the scene with his band of bandits and derailed it? A disciplined mind is an incorruptible mind! A disciplined president or head of government will not take joy in killing the people he was sworn in to defend and protect. A disciplined mind will not appropriate $16 billion dollars for electricity (power) and the country got darkness in return? A disciplined mind will not send a non-existent phony contract papers to an unsuspecting foreigner and ask him to pay an upfront down-payment to facilitate the transaction. A disciplined governor will not privatize and appropriate to himself, his state government's funds. A disciplined police IG will not embezzle money meant to pay salaries of his police men and women and as a consequence thereof, escorted to prison in handcuffs. A disciplined mind will not rig elections and forcibly foist himself on the people. A disciplined mind will not kill his government's sitting attorney general and minister of justice and nothing is heard of it again? A disciplined mind will dutifully go to work and work to earn the day's wage. A disciplined mind will not take bribe and subvert justice as a quid pro quo? A disciplined mind will not unreasonably over-inflate contract sums or flee a construction site as soon as he is mobilized for the job. A disciplined mind will study assiduously without the need to bribe or sleep with professors for better grades. A disciplined mind will use a full measure-scale to sell his/her products and will not try to fleece his/her customers. A disciplined mind will not stuff white powder or chalk into capsules and pass it off as medicine. The list goes on and on ad infinitum, but the short-lived Idiagbon/Buhari War Against Indiscipline program proved that with discipline, Nigeria can be a better place for all. Icheoku therefore asks, why not try the winning formula of WAI instead of reinventing the wheel of re-branding?

A more goal-directed Dora Akunyili would have immediately owned up to the reason for the re-branding by adopting a more apposite slogan, such as any of the followings:- 1. "Nigeria, we are not all evil, give us a chance to change"! 2. "Nigeria, we have our problems, we crave your understanding"; 3. "Nigeria, we know things are not perfect, bear with us as we fix them"; 5. "Nigeria, working hard to fix the broken" ; 6. "Nigeria, we admit our shortcomings, but we shall overcome"; 8. "Nigeria, working hard to re-gain your trust"; 9. "Nigeria, we are not the best, but we are trying", 10. "Nigeria, working hard to excel" 11. "Nigeria, we are a hugely populated country, the Judas amongst us shall be punished".

Better still, Dora Akunyili could have gone full ballistic and sarcastically adopt a punch in the nose slogan, such as any of the followings:- 1."Nigeria, yes we are bad, run for cover"! 2."Nigeria, we are the people your mother warned you against, run for your dear life"! 3."Nigeria, we are bad, but we are victims of your corrupting influence"! 4."Nigeria, it takes two to tango, without the giver there will be no taker - remember Halliburton"? 5."Nigeria, yes we are Nigerians, the only people Bernard Madoff was afraid to defraud"! The possibilities are endless and any of the above would have provided a more reflective slogan, of a more sufficiently articulated Nigeria situation, which needs a re-branding?

However, Dora Akunyili decided otherwise and misfired when she claimed that Nigerians are a good people and a great nation? Icheoku says, of all the things Nigerians are already known for, it will be a catastrophic paralysis for the government, should it now also become known as being very economical with the truth? Icheoku says, when Dora Akunyili's re-branding slogan categorically states as truth a known falsity, then that peculiar brand of truth itself, needs a re-branding? By knowingly stating as truth, a generally acknowledged falsehood, that Nigerians are a good people, with the intention to deceive the world into thinking in that direction, the slogan is not much different from a typical 419 fraudulent proposition. The present re-branding jamboree embarked by the Nigerian government is merely treating the symptoms of the disease but not the disease itself. Anyone who wants, can shout him/herself hoarse with "Nigerians, being good people" but the test of the pudding is in the eating and Icheoku asks to be shown the freshly discovered evidence? Late Professor Ezejiofor of University of Nigeria School of Law, Enugu once said, "it does not lie in the mouth to say I am, as the onlookers shall attest to your being" and the learned professor of Land Law, now seems to speak directly to Dora Akunyili from the land of the dead? Also in the book of John 5:31, the Lord Jesus Christ said, “If I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is not trustworthy".

Since the bane of the Nigerian society is their lack of discipline, Icheoku says, why not start the re-branding by first resurrecting and resuscitating the WAR AGAINST INDISCIPLINE campaign, to help first clean the Augean stable which is Nigeria, before other things will fall in place? Then and only then will the ever seeing-eyes of the world see that things have really changed for the better in Nigeria and they will become more receptive. A good wine needs no bush! A good product sells itself! If Icheoku may, who is even buying the crap of this re-branding overseas, when nothing has been re-branded with Nigerians, including their leadership that is trying so hard to sell this bad product? Most of the world audience, targeted-recipients of this re-branding gospel of Dora Akunyili, have embassies in Nigeria; and also with the connectivity of the Internet, anybody can verify what is on the grounds in any given country or place. So who needs a misleading slogan to know about Nigeria? Icheoku says, the re-branding of Nigeria campaign is just another exercise in futility which will only succeed in wasting very scarce resources, which resources could have been more prudently applied to other more resourceful, higher dividend-yielding project/s, of much beneficial use for Nigerians.

Of all the people that honored the invitation to re-brand, Icheoku specifically responds to Yakubu Gowon's remarks, that 'his strong belief and faith in Nigeria as well as the lyrics of the country’s old national anthem, gingered him to ensure that the Nigerian civil war of 1967-1970 did not succeed in dividing the country', and says, Gowon's presentment is a baloney as the dire economic strangulation he levied on Biafra was more atypical of a genocidal maniac's action than a patriot? As far as Icheoku is concerned, Gowon can jump off the bridge to nowhere for his atrocious and venomous war against a people who were only fighting in defense of their existential essence? Also on the comparison of NAFDAC with Nigeria by Dora Akunyili, Icheoku implores this vivacious lady of high intellect not to be carried away by her records at the former agency because the difference between the two is as daylight is to darkness? Ordinarily, Nigerians would have rallied around project re-branding, but they do not trust the government, which was not elected by them in the first place, to meaningfully change their fortune or do any good for and by Nigerians. How can a government whose legitimacy was confered by the Supreme Court and not the people, be telling Nigerians to re-brand? What is its' derivative moral authority when it is the embodiment of all that is wrong with Nigeria and needs to be re-branded first, through resignation? It is equally buffonery to say that Nigeria's being the most populous African country and also the largest democracy in Africa, is a sufficiency of a brand? The gist of the bad press which Nigeria gets has no correlation to its size or population but the attitudinal malefaesces of Nigerians. On Tuesday, March 17, 2009 while delivering her address at the lunching of "re-branding Nigeria" logo/slogan, Professor Dora Akunyili said, “There is no doubt that that this country needs change, a change in character and general orientation, a change in the way we talk about our country and above all a change in the ways in which we willfully destroy this country through our utterances and actions”. To this Icheoku observes, the professor forgot to also add, "a change in the way her government came to power"?

As Dora Akunyili feels and tries to wipe away the heat of re-branding, Icheoku says, attempting the impossible is not always a virtue? To desire to re-brand a Nigeria that is impervious, not susceptible or amenable to such a solution because of entrenched pre-dispositions will be one herculean task indeed. We empathises with the Nigeria's Information and Communication Minister, on the vertical wall she plans to climb? Dora Akunyili presently occupies an inenviable position, trying so hard to put together the broken humpty-dumpty called Nigeria's image. It is good to dream big but reality is reality as the bogged-down EFCC has shown that it is a near impossible feat to correct the wrongs that is Nigeria? However, Icheoku will be glad if Dora could prove us wrong. By her re-branding, Dora is tugging at a massive carcass of a fully grown blue-whale of a Nigeria in quandry, and with her bare-teeth? Icheoku is not a nay-sayer nor do we in any way wish our Dora a failure, but we are just being realistic that her effort will be in vain as Nigeria's image problem is intrinsically entrenched in its popluation's body gnome? To solve one demands a total make-over of the other and not just a coat of paint? Also a country that is not fully united and mobilized cannot be re-branded!

GLOBAL RECESSION AND THE NIGERIAN ECONOMY - an article by Chinedu Vincent Akuta!

The challenges and task of managing this record breaking global recession has not been easy at all. The Western nations appear to be running out of ideas on how to jump start their economies. Countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) have committed more than $3.5 trillion dollars to help their banks rebuild their asset base and kick start lending again. The responses from these huge government bailouts have been disappointing. The world has never witnessed a recession of this magnitude. Warren Buffett (the richest person in the world during the first half of 2008 according to Forbes) described the current crisis as an economic “Pearl Harbour” He predicted that the US economy will be in shambles throughout 2009. Quoting Skynews, the world’s richest people have watched nearly a quarter of their wealth go in the last 12 months.

“In a February video message to his millions of supporters, US President Barack Obama told them that US had lost 3.6 million jobs since the recession began. But this is dwarfed by the worries of the International Labour Organization (ILO) which predicted in its annual publication, Global Employment Trends, that eighteen to fifty million workers will lose their jobs this year alone and two hundred million are likely to be thrown into extreme poverty” (The World Today, March 2009, Volume 65 Number 3 Page 5).

The survey carried out by the Indian Labour Ministry indicated that about 500,000 people have lost their jobs in just three months in 11 sectors of the economy. The Federation of Indian Export Industries have raised alarm that 10 million jobs are likely to be lost in the months ahead. China has also lost similar jobs and about 68,000 factories had closed in their coastal provinces as at mid October 2008.

The case of Japan appears to be worse than that of the United States and the European Union. Japan has suffered an immense economic recession due mainly to her high exposure to the slump in global car manufacturing, electronics, and investment equipment. “Russia has been hit hard by the global crisis, with the stock market down almost 80% from its peak, and the rouble sliding fast. Russia’s top 10 billionaires alone lost an estimated $150 billion last year” (The Guardian newspapers of UK, Tuesday 3 March 2009, page 15).

In the UK, a job will be lost every 25 seconds. Experts have also warned that about 320,000 jobs will be lost in the next three months as the recession hits harder. I wrote extensively on the global economic crisis which I titled; Capturing The Casualties From The Global Credit Crunches. (Published on Sunday, 14th December 2008 on http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/). The global economy has deteriorated more, since my article was first published.

“The International Monetary Fund has identified 26 countries, half in sub-Sahara Africa, that are particularly vulnerable to the crisis. Central and Eastern European economies are estimated to face a financing gap of $100 billion in 2009. And the World Bank estimates that 129 developing countries are facing a financing shortfall of between $270 and $700bn” (The Guardian newspapers of UK, Tuesday 10 March 2009, page 31).

Since the world is a global village, Nigeria cannot escape from the global recession. Nigeria will be affected in some many ways. This is because Nigeria has needs to be met by the international community. There will be decreases in oil revenue owning to the problems in the Western economies. We will be affected mostly by the global withdrawal of credit. Foreign loans and international developmental assistance will surely reduce. International donors to Non governmental Organisations (NGO’s) and charity organization like Red Cross etc will shrink. Nigerian banks are most likely going to find it difficult to source foreign loans from their overseas partner banks. There would be decreases in money remitted from Nigerians in Diaspora. Nigerians in Diaspora remit home more than $5 million dollars each year. This is used for various projects at home. This amount will most likely go down.

The unemployment situation in Nigeria will be worsened by the above factors. I will agree with the Nigerian Finance Minister of state, Mr Remi Babalola who advised state governments in Nigeria to be prudent with their resources and look beyond the federation account for funds to execute their programmes. His advise was reported by the Guardian newspaper of Friday March 6 2009 online version. But I seriously doubt if the federal, state and local governments in Nigeria can ever be prudent since there is still high level corruption in all tiers of government. Besides we still have the official secret act. No transparency on the part of government businesses and no credibility. Nigerians do not have access to government documents. No freedom of information act. Therefore the question of prudence will be difficult to achieve. With the above factors, Nigerians should embrace themselves for the worse case scenarios arising from the global recession.

Having said the above, I will ask the government both at the federal and state levels to make some policy changes in our educational sector. The change am propounding is to make skills acquisition a compulsory subject/course in the primary, secondary, tertiary and university levels. If English Language, mathematics, and Gss courses are compulsory in secondary schools and universities, then I see no reason why skills acquisition should not be made compulsory. The idea will be to produce graduates with skills. Skilled people don’t need to search for jobs like unskilled people. Low level job creation is needed to reduce unemployment in Nigeria. Job creation is highly needed this period of global economic recession.

I will also wish to appeal to private educational operators to make skills acquisition a compulsory part of their academic curricular. With measures like this in place, schools in Nigerian will be graduating people with both academic qualifications and skills. Finally I will also appeal to the unemployed people to consider volunteering where they can acquire skill know how. This appeal also extends to various skilled people, workshop owners etc to train the unemployed people who cannot afford to pay for the cost of training. Let there be elements of humanitarian assistance in combating unemployment in Nigeria. We need jobs creation to combat the global economic down turn. May God bless Nigeria.

The author Mr. Chinedu Vincent Akuta is an activist and leader of “Support Option A4 Group” Leicester-UK and can be reached via akutachinedu@yahoo.com

YOUR SUNDAY WITH PROPHET MKO TIBETAN!

The topic of today, Sunday March 21, 2009 teaching is "WHO IS A CHRISTIAN"?

Brethren in Christ, we are asking ourselves a question today, “Who is a Christian”? When Jesus was leaving, he asked “Will I still meet Christians when I return”?; as he had noticed that people were following him because of what they are gaining from him; mostly feeding, canal food but not the spiritual food? See Luke 9:10-17. When Christ was in their midst preaching, there were rumples on their faces so Jesus Christ had to stop and fed them with two loaves of bread and five fishes; these are worldly food. When Jesus handed over to Simon Peter the leadership of his Church, Jesus emphasised on “feed my people” John 21:15-20. It was after the canal food that he asked Simon Peter to assemble his disciple in the upper room in Act 1 & 2 for the spiritual food.

It was after receiving the power of the Holy Spirit in Antioch according to Act 11:26, that the name Christian was first mentioned in the Bible. The apostles were Christ-like in their behaviour, performing miracles with the power of the Holy Spirit. But now, it is no longer so, because the General Overseers, Pastors and church goers are full of themselves, favouritism, eye-service, and between them is a great rivalry as everybody want to prove a point and show that he is greater and better? The question is, is this what God asked of us as Christians?

If the Lord himself can be humble enough to wash the feet of his disciples in his own days, who are we? Compared to the leader/s we have today, it is no brainier as everybody now want to be the first; forgetting that the first shall be the last and the last the first? When you look at fasting today, many churches under heaven confuse their disciples about fasting by choosing their own calendar, their own time, their own period (with some going sometimes upwards of 80days), going away from what is written in Isaiah 58 and 59? When they want to break their fast they break it with very good food, while their members are made to go hungry? They ride very expensive cars and allow their members to go on foot? And they say "it’s well"! What is well one may ask in being callous to your fellow human being?

Also when you look at church leaders today, they say they have big plans but what they are laying down is for their families. They believe their families are the best under heaven, and instead of visiting the mortuary to see some of their mates there, they prefer to go to Jerusalem. There, they tell lies that African people need aids, while their brothers are busy selling ammunition so that they can kill themselves. With all these, does anyone still believe that God still leaves in the churches? No, as God is no longer in the churches; he lives inside of you and therefore you can pick up your miracle anywhere. When all these supposed church-leaders were in their normal jobs, they are nobody. See 1 King 19 vs. 9 – 21; John 1 vs. 22 – 24; Luke 3 vs 14; Luke 3 vs. 1 – 9; Exodus 18 vs. 12 – end; Zacharia 10 vs. 3 – 5; Zacharia 11; Acts 10.

The most dreadful thing is that the leaders are pointing to the crowd, professing what is not true, like having healing school and telling them to submit; then requesting rather than telling them the truth and how they can experience the Lord in truth and in spirit. See Jeremiah 6 vs. 16; Jeremiah 17; Nehemiah; Lamentation 3 & 5; Isaiah 55; Ezekiel 37. So with all these things, we need to buckle up. Psalm 37 vs. 37; Proverb 11; Proverb 19 vs. 23. Remember the miracles that happened in the life of Shadrack, Meshak and Abedinigo; and David before Goliath in the bible; these people did not send request to anybody and yet they got their blessings! Also what happened in the life of Daniel in the lion’s den, - all these are practical things we need to emulate. Read the following bible verses Daniel 3 vs. 16 - end; Lamentation 17 vs. 40 -50; Daniel 6; Acts 6; Esther 7; Job 1 vs. 1-12; Job 42 vs. 10-16; Isaiah 38; Acts 27 vs. 18 - end.

Therefore brethren in Christ stop worshiping canal human-beings and make Jesus Christ your mentor today. Look unto the cross and believe in him for he is your creator; as every human being will leave this sinful world someday to account for all their deeds. Whatever we do today is being recorded, both those done in hiding and those in the open. Always have these at the back of your mind as you pursue your daily activities and it shall be well with you. Read James 5 vs. 17. Until next Sunday, read your Bible, be upright as heaven and hell are both real; death is given and thereafter comes judgment.

OAKLAND-CALIFORNIA, THE BAQUBAH OF AMERICA?

Three police officers of the Oakland Police Department, hitherto fathers, husbands, uncles and brothers of certain family members somewhere, were felled down today, Saturday March 21, 2009. The slain officers include Sgt. Mark Dunakin, 40, Sgt. Ervin Romans, 43, and Sgt. Daniel Sakai, 35. The other police officer John Hege, 41, is in grave condition at the intensive care unit of Oakland's Highland hospital. They were murdered by a single felon, Oakland's 27 year old Lovelle Mixon (right) who was wanted on a parole violation! His weapon of destruction, an assault rifle?

Should these policemen have died or deserve to die protecting lives and properties of Oakland residents? Icheoku says, we don't think so and pray for the repose of their souls. Fortunately their murderer was himself also killed in the ensuing shoot-out; so the Oakland community can feel safe that this blood-hound has been purged from the society!

According to reports, the suspect was stopped around 1.00pm for traffic violation by mounted motor-cycle officers; and he immediately opened fire on them killing one and wounding the other. He fled into a nearby apartment building and hid in a closet. When arriving officers, following an intense manhunt by men and women of the OPD, assisted by California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers, Alameda County sheriff deputies and BART police, entered the apartment and was searching for the suspect, as they approached a closet, the suspect opened fire from inside the closet, killing two officers and wounding another, who returned fire killing the suspect at about 3:30 p.m.

It is unfortunate that these officers had to die in the line of duty, trying to take into custody, a wanted fugitive from justice; but the department as well as their families should take consolation that they died, doing what they took oath of office to do!

Icheoku extends our condolences to their families as well as the men and women of the Oakland Police Department on the lost of three of their finest and bravest.

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