RESURRECTION OF CHRIST, A MYTH OR REALITY? - an article by Pastor Bob Paulson!

Did the Resurrection of Jesus Really Happen? The truth may surprise you, this week as we celebrate Easter! This is the day that our Lord rose from the dead. But did Jesus Christ really die on the cross and then rise from the dead three days later? I mean when you think logically about it, how can it be true? Wasn't their a documentary a couple years ago that said they found the bones of Jesus Christ?

Well let's look at the facts behind this. One of the first theories that came about and it is often used by Muslims is that Jesus did not really die on the cross. Since this is the easiest one to prove, I think I will start here. Now if you are ever in a discussion with a Non Christian I always find it easier to start with the fact that their was a man named Jesus Christ (Again that is translated from the Greek). Historians agree that he was born and he was in fact crucified. So let us look at this theory that Jesus actually survived the crucification and that is the reason all these people saw Jesus walking around after the crucification. We have to remember that the Roman guards who were in charge of the crucifixion knew what they were doing. When someone is crucified, they die from asphyxiation, blood loss, hypovolemic shock, sepsis or even dehydration. Their is only one record of a person surviving crucification. The Emperor Titus had three people taken down off the cross and given medical treatment. Only one of them survived.

So we can take it as a fact that crucification was pretty good at killing people. Now because it was Passover, it was important for the Jews to have this finished by sundown. Again the guards in charge were very familiar and knew how to move things along. In order to stay alive a person being crucified would push up on his feet to breathe. Yes with a huge spike in your feet it was painful. So in order to move it along, the soldiers would simply break the legs on the person. This way they could not push up and they would suffocate quickly. This is exactly what happened to the men being crucified with Jesus. But they did not break Jesus's legs, why? Well the Guards saw that Jesus was not pushing up on his legs to breathe. So instead of exerting energy by picking up the heavy mallet and crushing his legs, they simply stabbed him with a spear.

Now the people who claim he didn't die often cite the fact that the Bible says water and blood came poured out and that dead people do not bleed. Well this is just wrong. Remember, he just died and you can ask any medical doctor that if a person died recently and is stabbed through the heart sac and lungs would blood come out? The answer is yes. Plus you have to remember that Jesus was beaten terribly before being crucified. If you ever watched the movie by Mel Gibson, even though it was not Biblically accurate it showed a pretty accurate portrayal of his scourging and flogging. Our Lord was beaten so badly that he could not even walk to the crucification site! OK lets just say that after Jesus was beaten to near death, had large spikes pounded into his wrist and feet (This alone would kill a person), hung on the cross for hours so weak that he could not even push up on his feet to breathe, then stabbed in the heart and lungs, he was taken down and was alive. What happened next? He was anointed for the burial. Than means between 50 and 100 pound of oils and spices were placed all over his body and he then was wrapped tightly with cloth. Their is no way he could have lived through that! He would have asphyxiated! Remember the only recorded survival of a crucification had immediate medical attention. Jesus was placed in a cold dark tomb and had armed guards on the outside. Their is no way he was alive through this.

Now the second theory is that Jesus did not resurrect at all. This is pretty easy to dismiss as well. Remember it was about 500 years from the time of Malachi to the time of Jesus. Their were prophets all over the place preaching. If Jesus did not come back from the dead, he would have simply been forgotten. But the Bible tells us that over 500 people saw him. That is the reason he was not forgotten. The second thing I bring up is a man named Paul who used to be called Saul. He was a highly educated Jewish scholar who hated and hunted down these Christians. The only way his mind could have possibly been changed is by Jesus Christ himself. And because of his transformation he became the biggest evangelist our world has ever seen. My friends, Jesus is real, he was born as a human, he was tortured and died and yes he absolutely rose again on the third day! Praise the Lord, our Christ has risen and whosoever believeth in Him shall have ever lasting life! May you have a blessed Easter.

Yours In Christ,
Pastor Bob Paulson

Fonder, Christian Living Ministry

7040 W Palmetto Park Rd #4-664

Boca Raton, FL 33433

MARTHA KARUA, KENYA'S JUSTICE MINISTER QUITS!

Kenya's Justice Minister Martha Karua has resigned from office, stating as a reason that her office was being undermined. According to her, judges were being appointed without her knowledge and her reform agenda was being undermined by the powers in Nairobi making her position as justice minister no longer tenable?

This followed the appointment last week by the sit-tight President Mwai Kibaki of seven judges without any input from the now former justice minister. In her own words, "I realised I cannot institute reforms in my ministry as justice minister because I am being undermined. Judges are being appointed without my knowledge and a lot more."

Icheoku congratulates this Amazon for taking a principled stand in an African political climate, where merely being seen around the corridor's of power is a thing many people will kill for. But not this lady, who has now earned Icheoku's commendation for standing out of the pack. Congratulations, Martha Karua for your strong convictions and resolve;

Icheoku prays that your counterpart in Nigeria, Michael Aondoakaa could be man enough, to follow through on so many things that need urgent resolutions in Nigeria, such as a conclusive investigation of the murder of former attorney general Bola Ige? Or in its absence, follow your lead and resign his office, if stopped? Until other African leaders start to behave like you, nothing good will ever come out of the decrepitude political class of Africa. Once again, congratulations Martha Karua, for having a soul!

IRIS KYLE, A WOMAN?

Her name is Iris Kyle, the body-builder, the woman, the two times Miss Olympia and now the 2009 Miss International body builder! Iris Kyle won the Miss International body building competition 2009 at the Arnold Sports Festival on Friday, March 6, 2009, in Columbus, Ohio.

Miss Internation Body Building was born on August 22, 1974 in Benton Harbor, Michigan, the youngest of six, in a family of four boys and two sisters.

Icheoku says, this Houston Texas resident is what health and fitness doctors ordered? Iris is an embodiment of what a passionate athlete can be transformed into, in the body building world of fitness. With little knowledge about her marital status or love life, Icheoku says, she is one heck of a chiseled piece of humanity but we shall definitely pass! Congratulations, Iris!

THE PALINS OF ALASKA, ANOTHER ONE IN TROUBLE?

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin is once again in the news? Her sister-in-law, Diana Palin was arrested for burglary, accused of breaking into the same home twice to steal some money. Icheoku says whether she needed this money for some other drugs or methamphetamine is not yet clear?

Diana Palin is the half-sister of the governor's husband Todd Palin. 35-year-old Diana Palin was arrested last Thursday April 2, 2009 at the home she had burglarised in Governor Sarah Palin hometown of Wasilla. She faces two counts of felony burglary and misdemeanor counts of criminal trespass and theft. Tire tracks and shoe prints tied Diana Palin to another break-in Tuesday in another house in Wasilla in which $400 was stolen.

Icheoku says, the Palin family represents all the shades of life:- from the air-head governor of Alaska Sarah, to the young and highly sexed single-mother Bristol, to the methamphetamine hawking mother of Bristol's baby-daddy Levy, Sherry Johnson? Who knows what this family will be treating the world to the next time? Until then, Icheoku will keep watching and will surely keep you posted accordingly!

DORA AKUNYILI, DISPARAGES NIGERIANS IN DIASPORA?

Nigeria's Re-branding Madam, Professor Dorathy Akunyili, Nee Edemobi, recently said that, "Nigerians in the Diaspora are the worst when it comes to bad mouthing Nigeria". The Nigeria government chief propagandist also added, "When you hear Nigerians overseas talk about Nigeria, you will weep for this country".

Hello, "Madam Re-Branding" what has come over you or have you, chicken, left the knife that killed you and is now bending your head at the pot? Where is your beef with self-exiled Nigerians, majority of whom left Nigeria out of despondency to some distant foreign lands for survival, and in order to maintain their sanity? Madam Akunyili, are you seriously questioning this expression of disgusted disenchantment at Nigeria by these Diaspora Nigerians; when you are fully well aware of where their disappointment is coming from?

It is their privileged position of having been elsewhere, to understand the difference between a non-functioning country, Nigeria and other well-oiled countries of the world that fuel their complaints! These Nigerians have eaten the "Nigerian-forbidden fruit of decency" elsewhere, and are now questioning why their experiences overseas cannot be replicated back home in Nigeria? Simply put, this group of Nigerians have wised up to have an opinion, and can no longer take the tales by moonlight being told to a country of "blind-men led by a blind-man", that it is not yet daytime? These Nigerians now know better and are complaining loudly that things ought to change for the better in Nigeria! A wise person listens to criticisms and improves upon the agitating issues, but the obtuse maddog sees such as ranting of a deranged mind that needs to be crushed. Nigeria should pray that these fury will not boil over someday, wherein there shall be a demand for a rendering of account by the gestapos who have held Nigeria hostage all these years, since her independence and continuing till today?

Those well travelled Nigerians and/or those residing abroad know the difference between not having lights for several months and being able to stock your freezer with meat products that will last you for some years, if need be. This writer still has a goat-head from 2007, just stocked in the freezer for God knows what? For instance, availability of power in Nigeria should not be confined to only those who can afford a generator and this is the gist of the disdain being expressed by these Nigerians in Diaspora? Those Nigerian residing abroad know what it is like to drive on a well paved road for several thousands of miles without encountering any pot-hole? Those Nigerians abroad know how not to be molested by miserable policemen at various checking-points, demanding for some hand-outs of bribes at the pain of sometimes, loosing your life if you piss them off? Those Nigerians living abroad understand that when you have an emergency and dial that magic telephone number 911, that help is on the way? Those Nigerians abroad know that ambulances are for rushing sick people to the hospital and not to carry dead bodies back home or burial grounds? Those Nigerians abroad know that if you are sick and go to the hospital, that you will be treated and your prescription, not adulterated or white-powder stuffed in capsules, is available at the pharmacy? Those Nigerians abroad know that at grocery stores, you can find fresh okra, fresh corn/maize, fresh vegetables, fresh tomatoes and all sorts of fresh produce, 24/7; and that food products are not seasonal? Those Nigerians abroad know that o/s (out of stock) is a phrase mostly found in Nigerian dictionary only? Our dear Dora, those Nigerians are aware that there is consequence for every action and that a country's sitting attorney general cannot be just murdered without the suspect/s being tried for the crime? Nigerians know exactly who these marauders are and have been wondering why they have remained untouchables? Those Nigerians living abroad understand that human-beings have civil-rights and that you cannot just be slapped around by a policeman for just refusing to hand over to him some bills of currency? Dora this is why the refernced Nigerians complain! They wonder aloud why such could not be obtainable in Nigeria due to the curse of bad leaderships afflicting Nigeria?

Madam re-branding, do you want some more reasons why expatriate Nigerians complain loudest about disorganised Nigeria? Madam Dora, who elected your government into power? So you now know why that Nigerian living abroad who knows something about free and fair election is complaining? That Nigerian abroad understands that you can pull up at a gas station anytime, any where and fill up your gas tank? That Nigerian abroad understands that you do not have to pay to play, especially in contracts awards? That Nigerian abroad understands that when a candidate for president or a sitting president is afflicted with an illness, that he goes on a national television to fully disclose the nature of his ailment to the electorates whom he serves at their pleasure? What your boss, President Umaru Yar'Adua is dying from, no one in Nigeria knows and possibly not even you, his information minister? A Nigerian Information Minister whose responsibility it is to inform Nigerians on matters of the state and government should have made the sickness afflicting President Umaru Yar'Adua a top priority; to disclose in full all that she knows about the state of health of the president? Why the secrecy cloud hanging over the president's sickness has not been lifted is beyond comprehension and Nigeria has an information minister busy with beating the drum of re-branding?

Do you now get it, Madam Re-branding, that Nigerians in Diaspora are complaining out loud, asking why can't there be available in Nigeria, the same amenities and/or services as obtained abroad? They are perplexed that Nigeria has refused to do good by and for her citizens? Simply put, those exposed-Nigerians know better and are trying so hard to sensitize other Nigerians on what is out there and also possible in Nigeria. They know fully well the difference between night and day? They know there could be a difference if the Nigeria society understands what is due to them from their leadership and this is the only reason why they complain the loudest! When you are used to certain standards in life, it is usually very difficult to step down from what is given to what is available? Luckily some of these Nigerians are the engines driving some of their adopted countries' economies and you wonder why Nigeria cannot seek their help to move the country forward? Icheoku knows of one Nigerian who is a top manager in a petroleum engineering firm, who had propositioned the Nigeria government before to use his contacts to reposition the refineries in Port Harcourt and Kaduna. He was declined and yet petroleum products' scarcity still persists and Dora, tell Icheoku why this Nigerian would not complain when next he goes back to visit and couldn't find gasoline to put in his vehicle?

Furthermore, these Nigerians are the ones who can look you and your government in the face and call a spade for what it is. They are not pliable or amenable to your manipulations with contract-awards or the shrivelling "madam/oga" syndrome in Nigeria? These few privileged Nigerians speak for the millions of other silent majority Nigerians, some of whom has never left their local government area, to know any difference? Like a blind-man, many of them are used to darkness and does not have a clue of what light means or looks like. The fear you are expressing is that if the Nigerian populace become well informed, they may demand for a change and this is what your pay-masters do not want to have happen? Icheoku says, such a date can only be delayed but for how long?

A paragraph in Sonala Olumhense's "Akunyili: Dishonorable, Divisive", described you in this unflattering terms:- "She is part of a government that does not know whether it is coming or going. This government has all kinds of proclamations, including the seven-point agenda, Vision 2020, rule of law, anti-corruption. But they are all empty, self-serving cliches with no respectable or identifiable content, and no traceable value. Icheoku concurs to this well rounded summation of the despicable government which you serves; and adds that you have seemingly derailed? Your present trajectory does not bode well for Nigeria and fuels the suspicion in the public domain, that a scientist is not a good fit for the information ministry; otherwise you would have started your duty there by levelling with Nigerians on what is ailing their President Umaru Yar'Adua? You have become a victim of the inebriating power which you have tasted; and atypical of all mortals who have once held power in Nigeria, it may not end on a very high note? Hopefully you will wake up from your corridor of power induced-diatribe, soon enough, before you lose your remaining admirers, including our humble self! Icheoku advises Dora Akunyili to concentrate her energies on unravelling why there is a general discontent with Nigeria and not on who is expressing or vocalising such? Until that epiphany, Dora Akunyili, please note that your re-branding has died a natural death and should be buried, without any ceremonies or funfares whatever and immediately!

LONDON G20 SUMMIT MINUS NIGERIA - briefs from Chinedu Akuta!

“By any measure, the London summit was historic. It was historic because of the size and the scope of the challenge that we face and because of the timeliness and the magnitude of our response” - Barack Obama, United States President.

“This is the day that the world came together, to fight back against the global recession. Not with words, but a plan for global recovery and for reform and with a clear timetable” - Gordon Brown, British Prime Minister.

“Since Bretton Woods, the world has been living on a financial model, the Anglo-Saxon model. It’s not my place to criticise it, it has its advantages. Clearly, today, a page has been turned” - Nikolas Sarkozy, French President.

“I would like to say that this is a turning point…but as a responsible man I cannot say this twenty or 25 years ago. One could not even imagine that such different countries with such different economies, such different mentalities and historic traditions would sit at the table and could agree in such a difficult situation on how to act, especially so quickly” - Dmitry Medvedev, Russian President.

“We have agreed to set up a clear financial market architecture. We have taken an important step towards creating order in an area in the world where there was previously no order” -Angela Markel, German Chancellor.

The excerpts above were how the world leaders described the London G2O summit which was a historic event. This summit ended on April 2 2009. Nigerian President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua expressed sadness and regrets that Nigeria was not invited to the London G20 summit.

Dear Musa Yar’Adua , Nigeria was not invited because the Nigerian house is not in order, otherwise Nigeria deserves a sit on the G20. Mr President (Musa Yar’Adua), since you have expressed regret over the exclusion of Nigeria from the G20, the task is now on your desk to put Nigeria on the right track so that the outside world would take us serious. Another G20 summit is coming up again in September 2009, perhaps if you can steer the ship of Nigerian state with transparency, honesty and selflessness the world might decide to invite Nigeria . Nigeria certainly deserves a place in G20 because of her size, her population (about 140 million), her strategic position in Africa , her position as the sixth largest oil producer, and the country with the largest black people. If for no other thing, Nigeria could go as an observer. After all Spain was invited, even though she is not a member of the G20.

Mr President (Musa Yar’Adua), this is another reminder that the world does not take Nigeria serious. To even make matters worse, Nigeria was grouped among some 20 failed states in an article that appeared on Guardian Newspaper of UK, Thursday November 27 2008 page 23. This will do a terrible damage on our battered image abroad. Our clamour for foreign investors will be a joke taking into account our poor image.

I will advise you to make a viable and transparent plan of action so that Nigeria and the Nigerian masses can benefit from the funds which the G20 pledged to developing nations. Nigeria is part of the global economy, therefore your government should fashion out a way by which Nigeria should benefit from this biggest global economic stimulus of our time as announced by the G20. However for us to benefit from G20 global economic recovery package, transparency will be highly needed on the Nigerian economic sector. Transparency is what your administration should endeavour to establish. May God bless Nigeria .

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

YOUR SUNDAY WITH PROPHET MKO TIBETAN!

By His special grace, from the Mighty One on-High, I come to you again, today Sunday April 5, 2009. Our topic for today's sermon is "CANADA DRY"! People in Africa back in the days, used to drink this particular soft-drink in parties, homes, as well as other gatherings; but they did not bother to understand the meaning of the word "Canada Dry"? It means that Canada is dry, literally speaking, as majority of its territorial land space is frozen in time of near arctic condition? Today, it’s not only Canada that is dry, as everywhere in the world have become dry too; because we refused to follow the way of our Lord.

Now, from the look of things, both spiritually and humanly, it is no longer just Canada; the whole world is being afflicted simply because we have forsaken the good path and forgotten that the Lord created everything from the body, soul and spirit? When we were still very much younger, filled with innocence, the Lord provided for us as our bread winner? See Philippians 4:19; Luke 9:10 – 16; Exodus 16; Exodus 15:22 – 27. Now, as grown ups, we started committing sins, we are left with the body and the soul to cater for. When you ask people, where are they going? Their answer usually is "we are checking out of the country, going to Europe, America, Asia etc! This is happening because the spirit of God has departed from us and we are now only left with our body body and soul; now can you understand why Canada is dry? Also when you look at it, from the perspective of a country like Nigeria, you will see that the most flourishing business today are politics, pastoral callings, gambling etc? Criminals are walking freely on the street and even controlling the affairs therein in the country. Even some countries such as America, Canada, Britain, France, and Russian are forcing themselves, to take the place of God in the world society today? But in their schools, homes and public places, the word of God is not preached! Read Hosea 8:1 – 5. Now you can see that it is not only Canada that is dry; the whole world is dry. Read also, Jeremiah 5:20 – 25; Jeremiah 17:1 – 10; Jeremiah 30:19 – 20; Jeremiah 32:42–44: Exodus 2:19.

We need to allow the spirit of God to direct us in whatever we do, so that we will not go off course. When Jesus was leaving from this sinful world, he asked his disciples to remain in the upper room in Jerusalem until they receive the prove of the holy spirit . See Acts 1:5. A nation and/or a household that is being directed by the Holy Spirit will never suffer or lack any good thing; darkness can never be their portion and they will make no mistakes! Take for instance, the money wasted and still being wasted on Iraq and Afghanistan, money being spent on ammunition etc could have been more wisely spent to a more productive end. Also the mistake of robots that has replaced humans in vehicle manufacturing companies, has kept many people off assembly lines, thus fuelling the unemployment situation in the world. These are examples of mistakes which a Godless society or man make; they are caused by people that do not know God, people who can be referred to as Adolf Hitler of our time, and Nebuchadnezzar of our time?

The point here is to illustrate that people actively contributed to the dryness of the world today? A solution thereto is for all of us to start thinking before acting; and always mindful of what will please God. Let us start making use of our five God-given senses! Let us all learn how to wait on the Lord and allow the spirit of God to rule and take control of us and our actions; for there is nothing more we can do! See Ecclsiastes 3:10 – 16; Isaiah 40:5 – 8; Jeremiah 7; Psalm 49:4–20; 2Samuel 14:14. From this sermon today it is clear that “no sinner shall go unpunished”. See Roman 8:1–10. So brethren in Christ try and amend your ways, trace your way back to God because when you do this, dryness will no longer be your portion. Until next Sunday, remain blessed!

PRESIDENT UMARU YAR'ADUA, RESIGN NOW!

Icheoku calls on President Umaru Yar'Adua, to please resign his office immediately and set Nigeria free!

Nigeria was snubbed by the G20 because of your ineptitude and lack of leadership; which has forced Nigeria once again into the doldrums in the international arena? Even the ignoble Obasanjo did well to project Nigeria through his assertive years in power. But you are such a weakling, that even your demands are always ignored by such little tiny countries, like Guinea Bissau and Madagascar? You did not win the presidency in the first place, so we understood your tepidity that far; but since becoming legitimized by the Supreme court, no other excuse suffices for your continuing aloofness in actual governance of Nigeria. Also it has now been demonstrated several times over, that you are clueless on how to move the country forward; and nobody knows if this your inability to govern is by reason of your indisposition, caused by your yet to be disclosed debilitating illness? Now, you have in addition, lost the world's confidence as Nigeria's president! So the question is, what use is your remaining in Aso Rock to Nigeria? Our verdict, NONE! So take a bow and make your exit!

Icheoku learnt that you were wondering why the exclusion of Nigeria from the G20 and ask you, to wonder no more; as you are the sole reason why Nigeria was so humiliated, excluded from the world's best twenty's gathering in London. Action has consequences and so it is that, nobody wants any further continuing relationship with a corrupt, thieving, 419, election rigging and imposed leadership country? Nigeria has no clout or credibility left in the international community to warrant her associationship with their best? When Icheoku warned of the Ostrich that buries its head in the sand-syndrome of many a Nigerian leadership, it was our candid apposite assessment of the situation in Nigeria. Today, it is official as Nigeria has, by necessary implication, been declared a pariah-state by those countries that matter in world? Even Turkey, India, Brazil and South Africa made it to the G20 to the utter chagrin of Nigeria? Now, tell Icheoku who is that proud Nigerian left, in view of the lowest rock-bottom ranking Nigeria now occupies in the international arena; necessitating its exclusion from the G20? President Umaru Yar'Adua's leadership is not leading at all and should step aside, and make way for a better patriot to mount the saddle in Nigeria! Enough of this crawling go-slow of a government led by President Umaru Yar'Adua!

Nigeria's absence at the just ended 2009 world economic summit in London says a lot, the real world has passed their verdict on Nigeria:- they cannot continue to deal with a corruption-shielding and incubating, incompetent, election-cheating, leadership in Nigeria? Based on above premises, Icheoku says it is about time you left the presidency? Your resignation is therefore the proper thing to do and also our collective wish, no, demand! President Umaru Yar'Adua, please throw in the towel; remove yourself from clogging up the wheel of progress of Nigeria so that things may move forward once again! President Umaru Yar'Adua, please read the hand-writing on the wall, QUIT NOW!

MALAWI, LET THE LITTLE GIRL GO!

President Dr Bingu wa Mutharika, of the Republic of Malawi, Icheoku appeals to you to use your good offices to enlighten the anti-adoption groups in Malawi. Make it known to them that Madonna's intended adoption of their little girl will be highly beneficial to her as well as Malawi; which stands to gain more than lose with a successful adoption. Such adoption by Madonna is comparable to a family who is betrothing their daughter to a wealthy in-law? Get it?

The little girl Mercy James and her "brother" David Banda are undeniably Africans and upon majority, can decide to re-migrate back to Africa? Their story is in print and nothing can wish it away. All the sentiments notwithstanding, her odds with Madonna and in America is second to none and when compared with Malawi, Icheoku says, none existent. The opportunities are overwhelmingly better in America than Africa? It is going to be much easier for Mercy James to succeed in America than she would in Malawi with such untoward, unfavorable conditions?

Icheoku says you already have enough starving mouths to feed, and if in doubt take a look at the beautiful starving Malawian girl, pictured left above? Your country have so many Starving Janes to worry about little Miss Sunshine, Mercy James! These left-behinds as above left, are more than sufficient in number to keep your bureacrcy incharge busy? Please direct your energies to finding solutions for the likes of this, concentrate your energies on them and not spend it worrying about a little girl whose fortunes have smiled down from heaven. Little Mercy James has a date to keep with destiny and so, let no man sabotage that! Please Mr. President, do not allow Malawians, by your failure to intervene to save this adoption, to become known as a petty, jealous Africans who cannot stand a successful woman trying so hard to improve the lot of a little Malawi girl? Do this for little Mercy James; do it for Malawi; do it for Africa; let Madonna adopt the little girl. It can only help!

If there is any law implicated otherwise, let there be passed immediately, a bye-law or your executive order, amending such provision. This will facilitate the hands of the appellate court to intervene and save the adoption by reversing the judgment today denying the petition. Do that and you will have your name etched in later history as that fore-sighted, progressive African president of Malawi, who understood that the present world order is changing and that land boundaries are becoming unpopular? The little girl has a fate with her destiny and let no man be on her way; to simply deny her this golden opportunity which is knocking on her door, is homicidal! Posterity will not be kind to all and/or any of the conspirators and antagonists of such a Godly act of and by Madonna. Let the decision be vacated so that Madonna can have her Malawi daughter.

DAVID MARK, WHAT A GUFFAW?

The midget of Oturkpo and Nigeria's Senate president David Mark has again stirred the hornet nest of criminality in Nigeria! He unashamedly stated that Nigeria does not apology for the criminality of her citizens? In his own words, as senate president representing Nigeria to a visiting foreign government official, "I have no apology for victims of 419"?

Nigeria, David Mark said, does not apologise for her fraudulent citizens' activities; instead she "knights" them for out-smarting their foreigner-victims? According to David Mark, these so called victims are not really victims; rather they are accomplices to fraud? But we are all aware that parents sometimes apologise on behalf of their miscreant children, who may have misbehaved to some other third party? For David Mark, it is inconceivable that Nigeria should apologise on behalf of her not so good citizens? It goes to the veracity and credibility question of Nigerians; and a damage to one is a damage to all.

Icheoku says, imagine what the number three citizen of a country, desperate to re-brand, is saying? Particularly so at this time when the Dora Akunyilis' of Nigeria are sweating themselves mad to re-make Nigeria's sordid image? Little wonder David Mark was a no-show at the launching of operation re-brand Nigeria? He does not believe in it, himself being one of the looters of Nigeria, whose thievery as a one time NITEL overseer, contributed to the comatose state of Nigeria, necessitating the current re-branding effort? As we recall, NITEL was bled to death by David Mark's plundering? By logical extension, David Mark, himself is a 419 operative who perpetrated one of the biggest 419 on Nigeria's NITEL; from which the government parastatal never recovered? His 18 holes golf-course, proceeds of his loot from NITEL is there in Dublin-Ireland for the whole world to see; attesting to this man's criminal behaviour of wanton corruption and money laundering. Icheoku asks, was David Mark holding a brief on behalf of his compatriot partisan 419 practitioners, when he made that shameful statement to the Irish delegation?

And David Mark was speaking to a visiting Irish economic team, led by that country's Integration Minister, Conor Lenihan, who paid him a visit in Abuja-Nigeria. Icheoku says, the implication of David Mark's statement to that country's economic team, seeking to do business with Nigeria, is that they too can be defrauded and such is acceptable by Nigeria? Where does this David Mark expect the Conor Lenihan led team to find their confidence to proceed with whatever business objective that led them to visit Nigeria; when they could not even be assured by Nigeria's third in command that their investment in Nigeria will just be fine?

David Mark is atypical of the problem with Nigeria, - destitutional "leaders" presiding over the affairs of the nation which is the reason why Nigeria is in a perpetual stupor? Instead of re-assuring these Irish visitors that 419 is a scourge which Nigeria is trying very hard to fight, David Mark was busy suggesting that it is the fault of the victim; adding that both the fraudulent Nigerian and the defrauded foreigner, victim are both in-cohoot and equally at fault? What a logic on its head, David Mark style? Does David Mark understand the ramifications of his statement? Does this man not understand that people have been prospecting for gold since the beginning of times and the allure is so great, that many businessmen will hope to make some profit out of every situation? In other words, is David Mark saying that it is ok to appropriate a lost but found item whose owner is obviously identifiable? Did this parasitic worm that brought NITEL down, know that the crime of obtaining by false pretence is in the inducement or baiting of the unsuspecting victim; the reason why it is called victim's crime? How and why on earth, did this man try to rationalise an evil practice?

Icheoku is appalled that David Mark went down this road of irrationality! Instead of emphasising the strengths of the efforts being made by the Nigerian government to arrest the situation, through the institution of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission (ICPC); he went off the cliff with the biggest guffaw of the century, eulogising Nigeria's 419 criminality? Icheoku demands that David Mark disavows the offensive, thoughtless and undiplomatic statement he made on behalf of Nigeria, to a visiting delegation from Ireland? Better still he can qualify his statement or blame his tongue for the misspeak or even let the press take the fall that he was quoted out of context? It is called damage control! But for him to do nothing to correct this representation, will only fuel what is already known or perceived of Nigerians - bunch of criminal 419 operatives! The already existing intense and negative international publicity which Nigeria gets is damaging enough and so David Mark's uncouth statement only festers the bad rap! If therefore David Mark had nothing to add, why did he open his; mouth knowing fully well that Nigeria will be judged by what comes out of her number three citizen? Simply put, it is regrettable!

SARKOZY, A SORE GRAPE?

If the report reaching Icheoku.com that the French first lady, Mrs Carla Bruni-Sarkozy refused to accompany her husband, French President Nikolas Sarkozy to the G20 economic summit in London is true, then the ex-model cum nudist is a sore-loser?

According to available information, Carla Bruni Sarkozy refused to go to London because she couldn't stand being outshone or upstaged by our very own First Lady Michelle Obama? Icheoku asks, how far is too far for this paparazzi-loving French model whose dalliances with so many notable men of this world is of general knowledge before ending up as France's first lady?

Only recently, a nude picture of her was auctioned of for a whopping $91,000.00 dollars USD and her nakedness is today gracing the living-room of a well heeled man somewhere in this world? Anyway, to Madam Sarkozy, there is time for everything and like the actress you are, Icheoku expected you to know how to pretend and mask your feelings instead of splashing it all over the place. But for you to leave the French President alone and lonely in London does not speak very highly of you. Or who do you expect Mr. Nikolas Sarkozy to share his experience at the G20 with upon retiring for the evening.

Finally, Mrs Sarkozy, Icheoku says, get used to the intimidating presence of the Obamas on the world stage; and as for Michelle, she is already causing waves among fashion avant-gardes! Therefore, advise yourself accordingly!

G20 SAYS, ONE TRILLION DOLLARS TO THE RESCUE?

As the G20 wounded their world economic summit at the Excel centre in London today, April 2, 2009 there is a consensus, one trillion dollars life-line should be thrown at the sputtering world economy? Icheoku says congratulations to the twenty biggest economies for successfully concluding the summit and pray that their effort yields the desired result.

In the words of valedictory of the host, British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, "This is the day that the world came together to fight back against the global recession, not with words but with a plan for global recovery and for reform and with a clear timetable for its delivery."

The summit produced a six-point communique as well as two detailed annexes on how a tighter regulatory regime would work. They agreed to have another G20 meeting in due course to check on the progress of the conclusions reached today. The leaders did not take up the biggest point of contention, whether to boost national economic-stimulus packages. Instead, they focused on two other significant areas; the funds available to international institutions to help poor or struggling economies to withstand the crisis, and tougher global regulation of financial markets.

1. The International Monetary Fund $250 billion reserves will be tripled to enable it to better help stricken countries in the developing world - as well as others, like Mexico, who are nervous that their economy could be swept up in the global turmoil through no fault of their own.

2. The leaders also agreed to provide an additional $250 billion in guarantees for export credits and other trade finance, which have dried up in the past few months and led to a drastic drop in global commerce.

3. The other key decision concerns financial regulation and corporate behavior, under which hedge funds and other financial-market players will be subject to far greater and properly coordinated international scrutiny.

4. Big banks with activities in several countries will also be subject to greater and properly coordinated international scrutiny.

5. Tax-havens which are not complying with international standards on exchanging information will be publicly named and shamed.

6. On executive pay and compensation, the gathered world leaders accepted a series of recommendations by their finance experts that would lead to sharper oversight of compensation and bonuses and tie them more specifically to long-term performance.

Of all countries in Africa, only South Africa was deemed civilized enough and have its acts together, to be invited to the summit. The hitherto "giant", now clay-footed humpty-dumpty of Africa, Nigeria, has been relegated to the background; having been deemed incompetent, disorganised, directionless, clueless and a total disappointment to the gathered world's finest? How has the mighty of Africa fallen? Only the rudderless leadership of and in Nigeria can supply the answer? It is also instructive that Iran, North Korea and Venezuela were not invited to the summit? Israel was also a no-show; with Saudi Arabia being the only country in the Middle East to be invited to the summit.

Just a little G20 factoid:- the group of twenty (G20) represents the most important industrialised states and emerging economies of the world. They include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States of America and the European Union. The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the President of the World Bank, plus the chairs of the International Monetary and Financial Committee and Development Committee of the IMF and World Bank, were also invited on an ex-officio basis. The G20 all together, is home to more than 60 percent of the world’s population, accounts for about 90 per cent of global gross national product and 80 per cent of the entire world trade (including EU intra-trade). Icheoku says, the G20 is by implication, is capable of independent existence devoid of the uninvited "leeches" of the world? Say it ain't so!

Left is Icheoku's most favorite picture of the London 2009 Summit; showing America's Obama, Italy's Berlusconi and Russia's Medvedev in a mood, whose time has come! Because of this picture alone, the world is today much more relaxed that an over-bloated ego somewhere will not start an inferno which it cannot easily quench?

At the end of the summit, every participant was satisfied with the resolutions reached; and in the words of Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, "People beforehand said there would be a divide, but in fact there was an overwhelming drive toward achieving real action, real commitments and real time-lines." The United States President Barack Obama when asked his take on the summit, quipped "I think we did O.K." Once again congratulations to the world's super dupers!

LOOSING SECURITY AIDES - an article by Chinedu Vincent Akuta!

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has decided to withdraw all police orderlies and security aides to those whom the police authorities initially gave the privileges. However some groups will still retain their police orderlies. Those to still enjoy their police coverage includes; the President, the Vice President, Chief Justice of the Federation, State Governors, Deputy Governors, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, President of the Court of Appeal, Head of Service of the Federation and ministers, President of the Senate, Deputy President of the Senate, Speaker, House of Representatives, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Speakers of State Houses of Assembly and Deputy Speakers of State Houses of Assembly.

The following category of Nigerians will loose their Police orderlies according to the Federal Executive Council. They are special advisers, special assistants and other principal staff of the President and Vice President, Secretaries to State Governments, State Heads of Service, Commissioners and Principal Staff of State Governors and their political appointees, Federal High Court, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and State High Courts, Khadis of Sharia Court of Appeal, Judges of Customary Court of Appeal, magistrates, heads of parastatals and extra-ministerial departments, chairmen and members of the Federal and State executive bodies (commissions and agencies.) Chief Judge and Grand Khadi of the States, President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Chairmen of Local Government Area Councils, Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.

I support the Federal Executive Council’s idea to withdraw police orderlies from those that do not deserve them. The Federal Executive Council did not tell Nigerians the reason(s) behind this decision, but my guess is that they might want more police people in the barracks due to insecurity in the country. However they might have other reasons for doing this. The Federal Executive Council should also reduce the number of police details attached to those who retained their police coverage. A look at the entourage of some governors, their deputies, ministers etc shows intimidating number of police personnel. I think they have more police protection than they need. Withdrawing some police officers from this group will help make more police personnel available. Be that as it may, the government is simply using the Nigerian tax payers money to provide security to very few, some of whom are corrupt. We are paying to protect those who loot our resources. This is the irony of the Nigerian situation.

Nelson Mandela said that security for few is insecurity for all. The entire country is not secured. Crime rates are too high. All sorts of crime are on the increase. Kidnappings are every day occurrences, robbery, murder, assassinations are too often. Nigerians live in fear. Just recently gunmen attacked the convoy of Delta State Police Commissioner along Benin-Warri road killing about six of his aides.

The primary purpose of every government all over the world is to provide welfare and security to its citizens. To this extent the Nigerian leadership (past and present) has failed Nigerians. Parts of the reasons for the high crime rate are poverty, deprivation, unemployment etc. Remember that an idle mind is a devils workshop. The Nigerian government should be blamed for falling to create jobs and also for falling to create an enabling environment for the private sector to create jobs. An example is the failure of the power project. The House of Representative’s probe of the power sector revealed a lot to Nigerians.

To tackle the insecurity problem in Nigeria requires honesty, determination and transparency on the part of federal government. Government needs to stop corruption in high places. They also need to sincerely partner with the private sector to create jobs and the enabling environment. Till the government does this, the crime rates will soar higher. 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

AMERICA'S DAPPER FIRST COUPLE, THE OBAMAS!

America give it up to our first couple, President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama; as they powerfully represent our great country before the world at the London G20 Economic Summit!

Don't they look resplendent in these outfits? They are the real dapper first couple of the United States of America. Icheoku proudly identifies with this power couple, the very best America has and will for a very long time! Highly educated, both are Harvard-trained lawyers, intelligent, smart and lovable! Simply stated, Barack and Michelle were tailor-made in heaven for each other.

Our kudos also goes to whoever is the present fashion adviser/manager of Michelle Obama; as she has gladly listened to our advise among others, to do away with those her matronly inauguration outfits? With a killer-figure like hers and complimentary fine long legs, she cannot but flaunt them! To First Lady Michelle Obama, Icheoku says, we saw more conservative dressers but chose to have a dashing first lady; and what we bargained for, you have started giving us. Now the real quintessential fashion-essence in you has made a come back to wow the world including the ever dressy Queen of England; who was equally awe-struck with this mesmerising first couple out of America?

To President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, Icheoku says, keep it up and may the good Lord who made your story possible continue to guide and protect you, in Jesus Christ name, Amen!

The First couple's international debut shows that America judged well when on November 4, 2008 they elected the first African-American first couple of the United States of America, President Barack and Michelle Obama.

Alongside his very beautiful, radiant wife and confidant Michelle Obama, President Barack Obama has cast a spell on the watching world and the story has now changed. America is once again the much sought-after darling of the world and every world leader is queuing up to be photographed with our new first couple. Obama has overcome!

Icheoku wishes the G20, a fruitful deliberation at their summit and the first couple, a rewarding flawless outing presenting themselves to the world. We pray also that you safely make your way back to the United States of America at the end of the summit! Good call, Michelle on those beautiful outfits! We are loving it!

MADONNA, RESCUING MALAWI ONE CHILD AT A TIME?

Icheoku says, Madonna is the best thing that ever happened to a Malawian child and she should be encouraged to adopt as many of them as her loving heart desires! That some people are even objecting to her latest attempt to adopt another Malawian child is as outrageous as it is unimaginable! Would these 'dogs in the manger' prefer that David Banda, Madonna's first Malawian son, never made the transition which the whole world witnessed this week? We are all happy to see the transformed happy-lucky Americana, David, as Yankee as you can get, happily strutting the grounds of his native Malawi, holding her mother's hand? Anyone, who after witnessing the happy David and still objects to any further adoption/s by Madonna or any other loving person of means, should be checked into a psychiatric ward for evaluation; and thereafter prepare for a burning HELL! Such meddlesome-interloping is simply a devil-induced attempt to frustrate and obstruct God's work through Madonna?

Three-year-old Mercy James (pictured left) should therefore be allowed to enjoy her lucky star which has just shone upon her from the heavens of Lady Madonna? Malawian Adoption Minister Penstone Kilembe, Grandma Lucy Chekechiwa, Uncle John Nglanade and whoever or whatever the bureaucracy in Malawi should yield and make way for an accelerated adoption of Mercy James to enable her begin her lucky break in life. She is a living example of a person who had greatness trust upon her and according to William Shakespeare, our destinies are all tied up in the stars! The Malawian authorities in Lilogwe must understand clearly that if not in Malawi, it could be anywhere, elsewhere and so, why not facilitate Malawi such an honorable benefit?

Icheoku says the "Save the Children" charity is a kill-joy that must be checkmated. How dare these fickle-minded and mean-spirited knuckle-heads of a charity open their mouth so wide in what does not really concern them; or are there not enough African orphans already for them to take care of? They would rather have the lucky Mercy James remain in the hunger-riveted African Malawi than to find love, happiness, better life and a secured future in the home of one of the world's richest woman? We strongly feel that this charity is just jealous and would rather Madonna adopted her children from the West and not God-forsaken Africa? Icheoku says the British charity, "Save the Children" statement that "all other options should have been exhausted before taking a child out of a foreign orphanage" amplifies our position that they would have preferred Madonna adopted a British or a Caucasian child but not an African? According to their spokesman, Dominic Nutt, "The best place for a child is in his or her family in their community," but Icheoku asks, where is the family or community of an orphan in an orphanage? It is our opinion therefore that this spokesman, whoever he is, is living up to his name, - he is NUTS!

From life at Kondanani Orphanage in Thyolo district, near the commercial capital Blantyre in southern Malawi, to a Madonna's world is one sure transition that should not be stopped by any God fearing, good-spirited person! Icheoku hopes that the judge in this case understands what is at stake here? This adoption means a lot to little Mercy James and no one should constitute a stumbling block to improving the life of yet another Malawian who might grow up to become the Malawian version of Barack Obama? The Malawian government, with over 1.5 million orphans can really use some help from Madonna's removing one mouth from their mind-numbing AIDS-induced mega responsibility. Madonna's charity in Malawi, Raising Malawi, is equally commendable as one of her well intentioned decision to really help out in Malawi. Also her multi-purpose community centre at Mphandula village, 50 kilometers (30 miles) from Lilongwe, which looks after more than 8,000 orphans in scores of villages in the area is also tremendous. Both projects show a generous woman whose actions in adopting Malawian children is not selfish but a passionate desire to really help out. Madonna should be commended and encouraged; and not become the butt of whatever holier than thou organization out there? Madonna should not be condemned or chastised for doing good by and for the Malawian less fortunate orphaned children. Instead, she deserves recognition from the Malawian government; possibly a Medal of Freedom of Malawi?

That Madonna has been a wonderful, superlative mom to her first Malawian-child, son David Banda (pictured left with mom Madonna) is a fact that speaks for itself, as pictures do not lie. From a lonely orphan in an African dungeon of an orphanage to the Americana which she has transformed him into, who still doubts the competency of this loving mother? More-so Madonna is of a very deep pocket and the question of welfare of another extra child is a no brainier? Icheoku says the African Judge in Lilongwe, Malawi should expedite action and let Madonna adopt Mercy James and as many other children as her heart desires; their future is more secured with Madonna than remaining behind in a hopeless and dejected African orphanage. With such adopted children moving on and moving out, there will be room to take better care of those unlucky ones still left behind, whose stars are yet to shine? When these kids grow up, they can always come to visit or trace back their roots to motherland, African Malawi? Their African roots is undeniable and they may even decide to migrate back if they so desire, but to deny them this God given opportunity to have their lives forever transformed for good will be pettiness and wickedness of the utmost meanness. To the Malawian Judge, Icheoku says, let Madonna have her way!

NKECHI, BREAST CANCER VICTIM, NEEDS YOUR HELP!

Please do not let her die! Give her a fighting chance, donate to her appeal funds! Her diagnosis is grim but she is a fighter, gallantly standing eye-ball to eye-ball to cancer of the breast! Your help is all that she has now as her treatment so far has depleted her family's life savings; and there is no insurance coverage for cancer in Nigeria, hence she brings her case to your world for help!

Her name is Nkechi Nwagbo. She is a 31 year old married mother of one two year old son. Nkechi does not want to leave her son without a mother and she dotes on her son so much. But all the love of mother for a child will come to naught if this ravaging breast cancer is allowed to have its way without a fight? Nkechi counts on your loving help, support and prayer to see her through the present ordeal . She wants to live, so please help her realise her dream to see her son grow up; contribute today to her appeal funds. If international, through "Icheoku Donates" below left and if locally in Nigeria, at Save Nkechi Account Fund; Nkechi Nwagbo, Account Number 4111406119, Zenith Bank, Lagos-Nigeria.

So far Nkechi's breast cancer is being treated at Lagos State Teaching Hospital (LUTH) since her diagnosis; but the prognosis is not good enough hence the need to explore treatment overseas? But the funds are not there, hence this appeal! The good news so far is that the cancer has not spread to her left breast or metastasized to any other part of her body. Pictured here left, is the ebullient Nkechi Nwagbo before her life was interrupted by cancer.

Worldwide, breast cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer death (after lung cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer, and colon cancer) and it is taking a toll on women in Nigeria due to the epileptic medical care therein? Breast cancer is the number one killer disease of women in Nigeria. Icheoku asks, Nigerian women would you let Nkechi also die and add to the statistics? In 2005, breast cancer caused 502,000 deaths (7% of cancer deaths; almost 1% of all deaths) worldwide. In the United States, breast cancer is the third most common cause of cancer death (after lung cancer and colon cancer). American Cancer Society, Nkechi asked that we particularly mention her case to you and hereby appeals for your assistance, regarding her plight. She walks too!

Nkechi Nwagbo, a journalist by profession can also be reached on telephone number 011-234-8027609618.