CATHOLIC BISHOP FATHERS A CHILD, WEARING ROBE?

As if they already do not have enough scandals to contend with, the Roman Catholic church is once again reeling in a scandal? One of their Bishops, Fernando Lugo of San Pedro, Paraguay has finally admitted to fathering a 2-year old love-child with his mistress, Viviana Carrillo; after denying for a long time until a treat of a paternity test forced his confession.

Bishop Lugo acknowledged that he has not been truthful with the people of Paraguay and/or the Roman Catholic church; as he has been a deceitful philanderer, while adorning the cassock and other paraphernalia of a Bishop and pretending to live a life of chastity and celibacy? Icheoku says, the simple solution for these lecherous men in cassock having sex with alter boys and/or making babies while wearing the priestly collar, is for the Vatican to change its rule and allow these guys to just marry! They are human and human wants and needs are equally theirs, including sex!

The 26-year-old paramour, Viviana Carrillo said she began having sexual relations with the 57 year old bishop since the past ten years when she was just a 16 year old innocent child? Icheoku says, were this bishop to be in the United States of America, he will be serving a prison term for statutory rape of a minor? According to the mistress, she first met Bishop Lugo when she was studying in preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation in his church at San Pedro, and that their intimate personal relationship began one night thereafter. Continuing, Ms. Carrillo said the Bishop began to pursue her "until, because of my youth and inexperience, I was seduced by the way he talked, his pretty words, his beautiful expressions and by his promises that he would resign his position for me, that he would spend his life with me, that we would have many children together and form a household" Concluding, she said Bishop Lugo had been "my first and only man."

Pictured left is the Delilah, Viviana Carrillo who was seduced by the man of God, Bishop of San Pedro and now president of Paraguay? What is her place now that her then Bishop boy-friend is the president of Paraguay? What future awaits this young woman now that it has become public knowledge that she made her body available to an ordained bishop of God? Icheoku would encourage the two love-birds to formalize their relationship in the spirit of forming a household?

Fernando Lugo served as the bishop in Carrillo home town of San Pedro for ten years, until his resignation in December 2006, to campaign for president; which he won in April 2008. In July 2008, Pope Benedict XVI relieved Bishop Lugo of his chastity vows when he formally accepted his resignation from the Roman Catholic church? It is note-worthy that the Vatican had previously rejected his petition for a layman's status, citing that his ordination was a lifelong sacrament? However, it changed its position after Lugo won the election, when the pope granted an unprecedented waiver to allow him to serve as president without violating church rules.

Icheoku says, the Vatican is known for its equivocation once it fits their template; from allowing some catholic divorcees to re-marry, to doing business with rogue oppressive governments around the world, to gun-running in Rwanda, to supporting porous border advocacy in the United States just to feed and augment their depleting flock of parishioners with new arrivals from down south across the fence. But the same catholic church keeps mum when other immigrants from the other side of the union are interceded in Florida and deported back to Haiti and Jamaica etc?

In his "I did have sex with that woman" moment, Bishop Lugo conceded, "Here and now, before my people and my conscience, I declare with absolute honesty and a sense of duty and transparency in relation to the controversy provoked by the paternity suit, that there was a relationship with Viviana Carrillo. I assume all responsibilities . . . and recognize the paternity of the child." Icheoku says, like the usual line with cheating people, Bishop Lugo claimed that his initial stone-walling was simply to protect the privacy of his son, Guillermo Armindo Carrillo, who was born on May 4, 2007.

It will be recalled that Bishop President Fernando Lugo took over as president of Paraguay, from an institutionalized ruling party, the Colorado Party, the first time an outsider achieved that feat in Paraguay's 197-year history; with the ruling party willingly ceding power to an elected opposition.

However the present scandal ends, the catholic church has lost a lot of grounds with her faithfuls who are continuously questioning everything they have ever heard or learnt from the church somewhat due to conflicting character flaws of her ministers? Whether in the United States of America or now in Paraguay it has been 'do what I say but not what I do'? Anyway, the race for heaven is an individual effort and Icheoku encourages you not to put your salvation in the hands of such ministers of the church but in God who will reward each according to his/her deeds!

GOVERNOR RICK PERRY OF TEXAS, THE FACE OF RACIST AMERICA?

His kinsman and the guy he succeeded as governor of Texas was in Washington for eight long hellish years and he kept his mouth sealed! His fellow Texan drove the economy into the toilet, but he looked the other way! While the foibles of the last administration lasted, this loud-mouth mad-dog of Texas, never uttered a word? He remained mute and even hosted a welcome back to Texas, pat on the back, party for his "brother" for ruining our nation?

Suddenly a man who has been referred to as "that one" is barely in office for about seven weeks (75days) and who do we have shouting rabid anti-government sentiments, Governor Rick Perry of Texas! If this guy is not a racist-bigot hiding under unfounded patriotism, no one else so qualifies in America? Sometimes Icheoku wishes that all these racists rednecks pretending to be what they are not, could be as courageous and as brave as the Republican Party honcho, Rush Limbaugh and tell America what they are really feeling and thinking? If only they could speak their mind always and not try in futility to be politically correct, whenever they have a recording device in their face, then Icheoku will have no beef with them.

But to wear a mask of Zorro and pine away internally in a deceitful, conceited manner rubs us on the wrong side. It was only last week that Icheoku learnt that the neighbourhood where the last president now calls abode, was just recently, a "white-only" community and this is Dallas, in Governor Rick Perry's Texas? Governor Rick Perry of Texas should have publicly acknowledged that the idea of having someone who does not look like one of them, in "their" White House is causing his ilks sleepless nights; and when any sleep comes at all, it is just a nightmare? This would have been the noble thing to do, but instead, he is calling for drawing of a line in the sand, an acronym for secession? Icheoku asks, but where will the boundary lines be, Mr Governor Perry?

President Barack Obama was sworn in on January 20, 2009 and less than three months in office, these bloodhounds led by Texas Governor Rick Perry are inciting and instigating other bigots like them to rise up against the federal government in Washington? A government elected by an overwhelming majority of rational Americans who vetted Barack Obama and found him to be exactly what the doctor, Uncle Sam, ordered! Over half of the voting population elected the current government, which is still enjoying very high approval rating in the polls? These bigots should understand that an all inclusive new majority has emerged in America and that the world in which they live, only exist in their minds! But when the world thought that the "curse" of a George Bush was more than enough for America to live with, here comes the arch-devil himself! A racist bigoted governor of Texas, Rick Perry inciting his compatriots and fellow travellers to their lonesome island of hate, against the Barack Obama government? All mankind should condemn the subterfuge Teabag rallies of today, Wednesday, April 15, 2007 as an event organised and attended by those folks who do not wish America well; and who have bluntly refused to understand that it is a new day in America and that America has since moved on from the 1950s?

Before now, they thought that "that one" has no chance on earth, winning the Democratic Party's nomination? Surprise, surprise! They thought that his vice presidential pick will be inadequate, once again surprise, surprise! The White House too? Holly molly! They thought he will fumble with his cabinet selection, but they were once again the fools! His first appearance on the world stage as president of the United State of America was a resounding success, so they cringed! Then came the 3.00AM red-phone call and he succeeded in retrieving our captured captain while dispatching the little minions of Somalia to their makers. What did the right wing say, Oh, no! he just killed three young black boys of Somalia? Icheoku says, so daft are these fundamentalist American-Talibans that in their hate-filled world, they failed to understand that Somalians are not blacks but Arabs of Africa? They also forgot and willfully though, that boys do not play in adults league and that piracy is one heck of an adult crime! Governor Perry, it should be noted is a governor in the state of Texas that is notorious for putting to death convicted young criminal offenders, especially if their color is ebony? What a world of Araby these people live and exist in? Even the hypocritical Pharisees will be ashamed that these lunatic right-wingers smashed their records? Hopefully the economy is on track to recovering and while we await their next move; let us watch out for what they will throw at the wheel of progress of this administration before that time.

Icheoku advises the Governor Rick Perrys of America, including their Joe-Plumber, to get over it and instead plan for the next 2012 election! Alternatively, they should all proceed on self-imposed exile to the Australian-outbacks and wait-out this President Barack Obama's administration. It is called protesting the government which you cannot tolerate? But for you to remain within the United States shores and be very unruly and/or try to intimidate the will of the majority will not work. Hopefully a crazed-out lunatic amongst you will not rise to try something stupid, as such will not be acceptable and may be the beginning of the end for every ongoing frustrations within the populace.

Looking at the spotty crowd that gathered in several places today for their infamous teabag-disguised racists rally, Icheoku wonders if these loonies think America is still a "Whites Only" country? To the Teabagers of American right, Icheoku says, please take a deep breath as we are in a new dawn today! Learn to live with the reality of a new America that is a potpourri of humanity, the real strength of our Union. May the Good Lord have mercy on this hateful lunatic-fringed Americans and please Dear God, remove the wool covering their eyes that they may behold a new day, Alleluia, Amen!

NIGERIA, NEITHER CHECKS NOR BALANCES? - an article by Chinedu Vincent Akuta

Nigeria needs a credible and strong opposition parties at the National Assembly and all state Houses of Assembly. I wish the Nigerian opposition parties could take a look at how the opposition Parties in the UK (especially the Conservative party) tackles the Labour party. The British Prime minister faces a lot of challenges and questions during the weekly Prime Minister Questions session at the House of Commons. Same applies to other advanced democracies. In Africa, Ghana has shown that opposition party can be very active. Am so sure that the National Democratic Congress of Ghana was able to win the ruling party because of their activeness. Same can happen in Nigeria .

In Senegal , the opposition defeated the president’s party in the local elections in the capital Dakar and other key cities. The son of the president of Senegal (Karim Wade) lost election as a result of this defeat. In Kenya and Zimbabwe , the opposition has made a serious in road into the government. Active opposition parties are an essential part of every democracy. In Nigeria , it appears the opposition parties do not have any bite on the ruling party. The minority leadership at both houses (Senate and House of Representatives) are supposed to be the arrow head of opposition. However it appears the opposition parties are not in existence. Even though the opposition party members are only small in number, their impact should be felt in the National Assembly and the nation at large.

Thanks to the Nigerian judiciary for some of their checks on the executive arm, including all their efforts at saving the nations democracy. They have done us proud, especially with the installation of the rightful candidates that won various elections. Nigerians would wish that the legislature could borrow a leaf from the judiciary and provide enough checks and balances on the executive. More of these checks should be provided by the opposition parties. The essence of every opposition is to form a shadow government. That is a government in waiting. They opposition parties in Nigeria should be able to speak the minds of the masses since the PDP (Peoples Destruction Party) has compromised itself.

The Nigerian press (print and electronic) has done marvellously well too, for without them a lot would have gone wrong. We are grateful to them for exposing all corrupt politicians. Nigerians are also happy for their own checks and balances on other arms of government. More is needed from them. The government at all levels need to be checked. This will help avoid excesses on the executive, the legislature or the judiciary. The extent of the decay in our polity requires that many Nigerians should get involved with the checks and balances. The condition in Nigeria is critical. Therefore I suggest all and sundry to start the process of checks on our government. Nigerians can do this in some many ways.

I suggest a coming together or a coalition of all the opposition parties, all related NGO’s, Civil Organizations, Trade Unions, Students Union, political activist(s), patriotic Nigerians, and Regional groups etc. with their combined skills and strengths, they can help in putting back Nigeria in the right track. I was glad when I saw the former governor of Lagos State , Lateef Jakande forming a coalition of about 30 opposition parties. I suggest all the groups mentioned above to unite and rally behind this coalition. There is an urgent need to work together at this critical stage in Nigeria politics. Please let all the groups mentioned above set aside their ideological differences and unify to provide a strong support base and lifeline to the minority parties/minority leadership at the National Assembly, including the states Houses of Assembly.

More Nigerians should start to speak out or send petitions to the authorities. Writing letters/petition can change policies. The pen is mightier than sword. Amnesty International members’ worldwide uses letter writing to lobby for improvements in human right conditions. More Nigerians need to start doing this. Send a petition to whoever is representing your constituency at the House of Representative or your Senator. If for some reasons some people cannot speak or write, I suggest they should identify themselves with NGO’s, groups, civil organisations etc which will project their views to the authorities. Non participation is the worst. It’s better for us to try and fail than not making any efforts.

All capable hands need to be on deck in reshaping Nigeria . The task of doing this will be too enormous for a little few to do. No changes can take place except Nigerians work for it. We should not expect a miracle without making efforts. With our combined efforts, the present leadership will have no choice but to yield to popular demand which are, electoral reforms, passing of freedom of information bill, removing immunity clauses, regular power supply, etc. May God bless Nigeria .

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

SLOW DOWN, LIFE IS TOO SHORT! - a poem by a dying girl!

Have you ever watched kids

On a merry-go-round?

Or listened to the rain

Slapping on the ground?

Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?

Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?

You better slow down.

Don't dance so fast.

Time is short.

The music won't last.

Do you run through each day On the fly?

When you ask "How are you"?

Do you hear the reply?

When the day is done

Do you lie in your bed

With the next hundred chores

Running through your head?

You'd better slow down

Don't dance so fast.

Time is short.

The music won't last.

Ever told your child,

We'll do it tomorrow?

And in your haste,

Not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch,

Let a good friendship die

Cause you never had time

To call and say,'Hi'

You'd better slow down.

Don't dance so fast.

Time is short.

The music won't last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere

You miss half the fun of getting there.

When you worry and hurry through your day,

It is like an unopened gift....

Thrown away.

Life is not a race.

Do take it slower

Hear the music Before the song is over.

Slow Down is a poem written by a terminally ill young girl in a New York Hospital. It was sent to Icheoku for publication by Dr. Dennis Shields, Professor, Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology 1300 Morris Park Avenue Bronx , New York 10461. The poet, whose family would rather she remain anonymous, had requested we pass it on to you and that you pass it on to someone else? Her dying wish is for everyone to live life to the fullest as life is too short; and since she will never have that opportunity herself? She will also never make it to her prom, or graduate from high school, or be given away in marriage or have a family, she can call her own. All she now have is you and her request is for you to pass this poem on! Don't let her dream of reaching mankind, die prematurely like her!

UCHE EKWUNIFE, AN OBASANJO MISTRESS?

She recently came under our radar after a mouthful of thoughtless and baseless praise-singing of one of Nigeria's most despicable person. Not surprising, the man she was pouring ecomiums on is a man reputed to be a human he-goat among the Nigerian community, especially in Yoruba land? The man once boasted that he likes women very much; and that the test of every female employee's loyalty is to sleep with the boss? This man had so many women "employees" during his both terms in office, that Icheoku wonders aloud if he slept with all of them just to test their loyalty? The postulation is the basis of one of our upcoming article. With this premise, Icheoku asks, is there any scintilla of likelihood that this woman under advisement here was also a victim of Olusegun Obasanjo prowling philandering?

Her excited praise of the world's least favorite person and Icheoku's most disgusting human being to ever walk the face of Nigeria; undeniably caught our attention and we went to town to find out more about this woman? Icheoku asks, is it possible that Olusegun Obasanjo approved of the "selection" of this woman as a member of the Nigeria House of Representative, after conditional dalliances with her? Did she compromise her marital statehood by adultery just to prove her loyalty to the monster of Otta, before she was "put" in the House of Representatives? What is baffling in this matter is that this very woman found something palatable to say about Olusegun Obasanjo, which every other average Joe Nigerian could not see, standing on top of a big Iroko tree? What is her inducement? Why would she be the lone voice in the wilderness of Nigeria singing alleluia for Olusegun Obasanjo and swearing by his name?

According to Uche Ekwunife, “Obasanjo was a noble President and one of the best Presidents this country has ever had". Icheoku says the head that arrived at this benumbing conclusion deserves a special observation at the intensive unit of a psychiatric ward? Such a person as vomitted this sacrilegous contemptible praise of Olusegun Obasanjo needs an emergency head-intervention by a shrink; and because of this, Uche Ekwunife has now joined issues with Icheoku.com, and how it will be resolved might as well be anybody's guess? Our conclusion is either this woman is mental or her assessment of the worst leader ever to walk the earth in Nigeria is beclouded by certain perculiarites which no other Nigerian understands? Madam Obasanjo-Mistress, Icheoku asks, what is the basis or road travelled to reach the conclusion that Olusegun Obasanjo is both "noble" and the "best"?

Such fanatical assessment of Olusegun Obasanjo is evidential of an obsession of a raving lunatic romantic; and Icheoku asks, is this "whore" the only person in Nigeria who have not heard that Olusegun Obasanjo is corruption personified? What is noble in a person who sleeps with his son's wife and daughter-inlaw? The people of Odi and Zaki-Ibiam also disagree with Uche Ekwunife that Obasanjo is the best thing to ever happen to Nigeria? Olusegun Obasanjo ceded Bakassi Nigerians to Cameroon, so Uche Ekwunife tell these Nigerians from Bakassi that your Olusegun Obasanjo is it? Uche Ekwunife, tell Nigerians that Olusegun Obasanjo, who spent $16 billion dollars on electricity and all Nigeria got was darkness, is the best president they ever had? Uche Ekwunife, where did your "noble" Olusegun Obasanjo get the capital to resucitate his moribound Obasanjo Farms into its present multi-billion naira conglomerate? Uche Ekwunife, take your gospel of Olusegun Obasanjo to Bola Ige's family and tell them that Olusegun Obasanjo who had their Attorney General Bola Ige killed, is the best thing to ever happen to them? Icheoku needs a suspension of disbelief to agree with Uche Ekwunife that Oulsegun Obasanjo, under whose presidency over 20,000 Nigerians perished, including the bomb victims in Lagos, is the best president Nigeria ever had? And if these forgoing criminalities of Olusegun Obasanjo were not enough to otherwise persuade the opinion of this Uche Ekwunife, what about Olusegun Obasanjo's imposition on Nigeria of the deathly sick weakling from Katsina, President Umaru Yar'Adua?

Madam Towncrier-Obasanjo, what are the facts or basis for your forlorn praise-singing of the deity of Otta, Olusegun Obasanjo? Were Nigeria to be Pakistan, where family's honor is forcibly maintained, this lying daughter of Anambra would have met an entirely different fate for such a ridiculous and shameful misrepresentation of a bold-faced lie? Hopefully she will retract her odious statement before it becomes her nemesis in the next election; except her people of Njikoka/Dunukofia/Anaocha Federal constituency of Anambra State are in tandem with her assessment of the monster of Otta? The people of her contituency must disavow this woman's vile statement and have her recalled or vote her out of office to put a distant disclaimer that she spoke under the influence of her love for Obasanjo and/or may be some other substance; but definitely not on behalf of their constituency.

Our searchlight on this woman, shows that she is the deputy chairman of the public accounts committee, in the Nigerian House of Representatives? What perfect fit in a congress known for its rancid corruption? According to this lecherous daughter of a goon, the House of Representatives should not have indicted the former president for the $16 billion dollars power contract corruption; but should take a second look at the indictment of President Olusegun Obasanjo by the Report of the Ndudi Elumelu-led Committee on Power? In her own butt-naked shameless words, “ the Committee (on power) shouldn’t have indicted Obasanjo, because the projects were not directly handled by him. Obasanjo, instead of being indicted for what he didn’t handle directly, needs to be commended”?

Icheoku says, this woman must be in a hallucinatory cocoon where the reality around her is warped otherwise what efforts did Olusegun Obasanjo make to advance the fortunes of the country, for which Nigeria should be grateful to him? Nigerians do not need to learn to appreciate such a village headmaster as Obasanjo who caused more calamities than any good during his eight years of infamy in Nigeria. And assuming Obasanjo did his best according to this Madam Obasanjo Mistress , Icheoku says, his best was not good at all, talkless of being good enough?

Uche Ekwunife is also, borrowing a phrase from Rush Limbaugh, a Femi-Nazi " to the core! According to her, at the rate women are going, very soon the men would surrender to them. I believe that women are more articulate and coordinated? Icheoku asks, does this woman have a real-man or a girlie-man house-boy for a husband?

Uche Ekwunife believes in the mundane and the superstition. According to Uche Ekwunife, the people of Dzuma Town should undertake serious prayers and fasting in order to avert future occurrence of the fire-spitting volcanic eruption? If such heart that speaketh on this lowly terms merited her position, it must be for lack of any competent and capable opposition? But no, as the area in Anambra State has a reasonable qualified manpower which adds impetus to the snippets that Olusegun Obasanjo had to approve her candidacy, in the manner which only Olusegun knows how? Like Olusegun Obasanjo's advocacy to use African Black magic (Juju) to fight then apartheid government of South Africa; Uche Ekwunife now advocates unorthodox means, prayer, as a panacea to ward off volcanoes and stop future occurrence of the phenomenon ? She spoke against the backdrop of the volcanic eruption in Dzuma Town in Hong Local Government of Adamawa State? And this slot represents some people? Icheoku asks this woman to please throw more lights on how anyone can stop such a mother-nature's rage?

Uche Ekwunife is also an anti-gay federal legislator in Nigeria! She was a co-sponsor of a bill outlawing homosexuality in Nigeria, which the then president Olusegun Obasanjo had sent to the National Assembly to prohibit same-sex marriage in Nigeria! Uche Ekwunife also co-sponsored House Bill 150,( A BILL FOR AN ACT TO PROHIBIT MARRIAGE BETWEEN PERSONS OF SAME GENDER, SOLEMNIZATION OF SAME AND FOR OTHER MATTERS RELATED THEREWITH).

Uche Ekwunife is also a no-respecter of the law, judiciary or judicial process? Reacting to a court notice to cease and desist from further action on the Elumelu Power sector probe, a matter pending before the house, Uche Ekwunife said, "the House was not aware of any injunction and no court injunction can stop us from considering the report even if there is one”. And this is the woman serving as a federal legislator when she has absolutely no regard for the rule of law, which laws she was "elected" to make?

Uche Ekwunife also supports Maurice Iwu, the election-truncator? She wants the INEC chairman's stay in office to be elogated ? Anyway, this would appear understandable as she is felicitating with the hatchet man who facilitated her "selection" into the House of Representatives in a quid pro quo fashion?

Icheoku wonders how many federal presence and developmental projects she has so far attracted to her constituncey ever since she was "selected" to represent them in Abuja? In fact this woman's reality is so strangely different from that of the majority of rational Nigerians that she deserves to be confined to a lunatic asylum.

PHIL SPECTOR, GUILTY!

The jury this time did not deadlock as they reached a verdict! Phil Spector 69, is guilty of second degree murder in the shooting to death of his companion, actress Lana Clarkson six years ago on February 3, 2009? Lana Clarkson, 40, star of the 1985 cult film "Barbarian Queen," died of a gunshot wound, fired through her mouth as she sat in the foyer of Phil Spector's mansion. The deceased had met Spector only few hours earlier to her death, at a nightclub House of Blues, where she worked as a hostess. At his first trial, a jury deadlocked with 10 favoring and 2 against his conviction in 2007.

Clarkson had accepted a chauffeured ride to Spector's home for a drink and three hours thereafter, she was killed. Icheoku asks, did Phil only brought this woman home so that he could kill her? Why would he do such a dumb thing or was it simply a prank that went awry? But a loaded gun in the mouth must be one heck of a prank? If it were suicide as the defence claims, who owns the gun and why would the deceased chose to kill herself after an evening out with Phil Spector and in his home? Luckily the chauffeur that brought them back home from the nightclub, was still within ear-shot when the shot was fired and upon racing back to the mansion, saw Spector emerge holding a gun and heard him say: "I think I killed somebody." Icheoku says what an overwhelming piece of evidence as this limo-driver do not have any reason to lie against Phil Spector, his loyalty is more weighted in Phil's favor than the lady's; after-all it is Phil who pays his tab?

The defence plans to appeal the verdict based on their assumed judge's erroneous ruling, that allowed five women from Spector's past to testify that Spector had a history of threatening women with guns when they tried to leave him. Unfortunately for Phil Specter, he could not ride the co-tails of other Hollywood celebrities' unexplained acquittals including O.J. Simpson, Robert Blake and Michael Jackson? Icheoku says justice appears to have been finally served in a celebrity case, after so many other celebrities who beat apparent water-tight raps? May the soul of Lana Clarkson find rest in this conviction; and now her killer will be put away to do some quiet time introspection of what went down on that early hours of February 3, 2003!

SUSAN BOYLE, NEVER JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER?

If this is not one of the biggest surprise from a previously unknown quantum of a singer, then such a search will go on for a very long time. Icheoku says Ms. Susan Boyle is the best thing to happen to Simon Cowell's Britains Got Talent 2009.

She is a music protege! Despite all the low expectations that heralded her appearance at the talent-hunt show, that she is simply a wanna-be singer whose fifteen minutes of fame will so soon evaporate, the reality TV show got their biggest pay-day talent. Today, the reality show and the world are standing up for this hitherto undiscovered music genius, Susan Boyle.

Icheoku says, congratulations to Susan Boyle for the stellar performance she put up at the Simon Cowell's Britains Got Talent 2009. We also felicitate with Simon Cowell and crew for discovering this golden voice of Susan Boyle.

Now see why the world of music is talking, click the link below and be mesmerized: http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0oGkldo0uNJ3uYA2P1XNyoA/SIG=120bglcnk/EXP=1239753704/**http%3a//www.youtube.com/watch%3fv=9lp0IWv8QZY

FINALLY, THE FIRST DOG IS HERE!

The long awaited and much anticipated First dog has finally arrived the Obama's White House, courtesy of Massachusetts' Senator Ted Kennedy. Uncle Ted gave the Obamas, a gift of the black cuddly waterdog! She is ebony jet-black with some white legs and fully covered in hairy furs.

The arrival of the 6-month-old Portuguese water-dog already named BO, is in fulfilment of President Barack Obama's campaign promise to his daughters, that they will get a puppy at the White House?

Icheoku says, Sasha and Malia will surely like this new addition to their lives in the White House! To the First dog named BO, happy dog's life in the White House! Hopefully, your dog-house will be as splendid!

SOMALIA RESCUE, A GRATEFUL CAPTAIN AND A GRATEFUL NATION!

When we wrote our op-ed last Thursday April 9, 2009 we warned that the Somalian pirates have taken a ship once too many; that they have bitten more than they can chew? We figured that they messed with the wrong country as no one messes with the United States of America and gets away with it, including the rag-tag Somalian pirates. True to our assessment, the American Navy rescued the held captain, dispatched three of the hostage-takers to meet with their creator and one surrendered, wimping and possibly peed in his underpants.

In the said op-ed, titled "Somalia Pirates, President Barack Obama's 3.00am red-phone call", Icheoku warned "these pirates might have taken their last ship in life; as their lives may end with this or they will forever be put out of commission as a consequence! Either way, they deserve their fate, as they brought the mighty American searchlight to beam on them menacingly"? We were right on the money; what a read of the situation and today, the offending pirates of Somalia are no more with three dead and one a prisoner!

This is exactly what Icheoku recommended to put to an end this pirates-nuisance along and off the coastal waters of Somalia. These dead Somalians have learnt their lessons although rather too late; but Icheoku is hopeful that how this encounter concluded will wise-up other pirates of Somalia not to mess with America! They should now be afraid, really afraid of what havoc their stupid misadventure can bring upon them. Hopefully, Maersk Alabama will be the last of an American registered ship for any Somalian pirate to approach, talk-less of attempting to hijack? As always, no one messes with the Yankees and we are today, all one heck of proud Yankees!

From a grateful captain held hostage for some days, to a grateful nation, Icheoku joins in congratulating the United States of American Navy for executing an assigned mission so flawlessly and clinically. They showed that they have learnt very well and that Uncle Sam's investment is money well spent. Well done US Navy, we are proud that you made us proud with this successful rescue, and we shall now continue to sail the waters of the world, including Somalian coastal waters, freely with knowledge that you will be there for us should the unexpected happen.

Icheoku says, bravo to the Commander -in-Chief of the United States of America, President Barack Obama for following through with his 3.00AM red-phone call and successfully bringing it to a deserving conclusion. A hostage, the captain of Maersk Alabama Richard Phillips was successfully rescued from his captors, three Somalian pirates who are now dead and one who has been taken a prisoner of the United States? It is a proud moment for a proud nation and we are grateful!

KUMUYI, DEATH CLAIMS WIFE!

Mrs Biodun Kumuyi is dead! The wife of Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi, the General Superintendent of Deeper Christian Life Ministry Nigeria, has lost her battle to live? Mrs Biodun Kumuyi was just 57 years old; and died on Saturday April 11, 2009 at her residence in Lagos, after a brief illness.

Biodun was survived by her husband, Pastor Folorunso William, two sons, Jerry and John Kumuyi and her aged mother.

Icheoku prays that she find solace according to her work while here on earth! And to the family, prayers shall see you through this period of great sorrow and give you the fortitude to bear the loss of a dear wife, a loving mother and a saintly church matron? To die in the Lord is not death, so do not mourn like the hopeless sinners; heavens will rejoice at her home-coming especially with our Lord Jesus Christ during this period of Easter!

FEDEX 419 SCAM, WATCH OUT!

Warning, pictured left is the face of a Nigerian 419 scam artist; his name is Mr. Ezenwa and he is desperately trying to fleece you of your money just to in their local parlance, "kill dead body" - ocholu igbu ozu? In a wider context, he wants to get rich (make it big) quick without much sweating? This criminal is fronting Fedex to try and scam you of your $190 dollars? How pitiable that your $190 dollars is all what this bandit needs? But stop, he must be and the whole world including the real Fedex wants your help to bring this Nigerian 419 criminal to justice! Mr. Ezenwa has not heard of the Dora Akuniyili's re-branding effort to salvage the image of Nigeria which his likes are destroying or better still, have destroyed? Please take a good look at the face of a Nigerian 419 criminal and deal with him accordingly! You are looking at the face of "Icheoku Most wanted Nigerian 419 criminal" and please help us, help the authorities catch him today! Contact EFCC, the Nigerian police, Interpol, FBI or simply write to the Facilitator@icheoku.com with information on the suspect!

Icheoku has received so many letters purporting to come from FedexExpress, asking that we send them some money in order to receive a registered express mail? Concerned because of the absurdity of this request, we contacted Fedex and were advised that a scam, using their norm genre is afoot and we should be wary. So should you receive similar mail, please Fedex advises that you forward it to them via abuse@fedex.com.

There are several alarm bells with this email from "FEDEX EXPRESS PLC" so called?

1. Fedex has their own domain portal and does not domicile their website through YAHOO? Their website is @Fedex.com and not @ Yahoo.com which makes fedexexpressp@yahoo.com suspect.

2. The amount purportedly ready to be sent to you in this parcel, pictured right, is stated at $2 million dollars bankers check and you wonder why you? In their own writing, "This is to notify you that your parcel is still in our possession, this parcel contained an International Cashier Bank Draft/Cheque worth the sum of $2 Million dollars only and it is ready for delivery to your door step. Meanwhile, before the delivery or shipment will take place, you are advice to send to us the following datas mention below:?

3. Their provided address is FedEx Nigeria Head Office 70 International Airport Road Mafoluku, Lagos. Tel +234-8067611519.

4. The gist of their mail is "your package on my desk ready for instant dispatchment... 46744 MR SAM BROWN MD FEDEX COURIER EXPRESS DELIVERY Call me for more details, +2348067611519 Custormers Service Hours--Monday To Saturday:Office Hours Monday To Saturday:" ( they ).

5. Their grammar is puerile and should be enough to raise the red-flag as they could not even spell customer in "customer service hours" above correctly? Also their unceasing request for the $190 dollars will tip you off, of some weird desperation by these folks in Nigeria. A reasonable person would expect, if you have $8million dollars with you to give away, why are you demanding for a "paltry" $190 dollars from someone else? Why not just keep the largess to yourself or give it to your family member? But that is the spam, they just want to fleece you of your $190 dollars, period!

Now a little read of the offensive 419 scam letter,
*******************
"We write to acknowledge your email, we are going to dispatch your parcel, As soon as we recieve your payment to this office today, we write to inform you that we are going to send you a tracking number of your parcel, but before we send your delivery information and tracking number you are advice once again to pay the balance left by your sender $190 which your sender owns this company on the process of recovery your parcel when the incident occurs. Note that this is the only money we ask you to pay before we can send you the tracking number and you will receive your parcel within 48 hours as soon as we receive your payment information today. Look my friend as you can see i have packaged your parcel very well just take a look at it the display image of your package on my desk ready for instant dispatchment. Without hesitation proceed to western union and make the payment with bellow information and we advice you to send the $190 to the name of our office cashier Mr. Peter Onabu. The recievers name to the sum of $190 USD.

PAYMENT INFORMATION OFFICE
RECIEVERS NAME------MR.PETER ONABU; RECIEVERS COUNTRY----LAGOS NIGERIA. TEXT QUESTION------------TO WHOM
TEXT ANSWER---------------.TO PETER
AMOUNT TO BE PAID---------$190
As soon as you have made the payment you are to send these below payment information:
SENDERS NAME----------- SENDERS COUNTRY--------
MTCN----------------------
Do your best to send the money today and email me with the payment Details. FedEx is one of the world's great success stories, the start-up that revolutionized the delivery of packages and information. In the past 30 years, we've grown up and grown into a diverse family of companies -a FedEx that's bigger, stronger, better than ever.

MR.CHRIS HENRY
Dispatch Director.Tel: +234-8067611519

P.S: Below is the display image of your package on my desk ready for instant dispatchment...

46744 MR SAM BROWN MD FEDEX COURIER EXPRESS DELIVERY; Call me for more details +2348067611519. This update has been sent to you by FedEx on the behalf of your packages. Thanks for your Co-operation" **************

Now, so many things are wrong with this criminal Nigeria 419 scam mail, but suffice it to say that the real Fedex charges shippers upfront fees for their services, before taking delivery of any parcel for shipment. Real Fedex do not second-guess the cost of freight as they have measures and scales to weigh the parcels correctly for shipments. In other words real Fedex provide to a shipper the actual cost of shipment which is normally paid upfront before receiving and shipping such parcel. But these criminals are so desperately looking for your $190 that their air-heads forgot this cardinal policy of Fedex! Also if it were the real Fedex, whatever money they ask or receive should be payable to their corporate account and not to one faceless criminal somewhere in Lagos Nigeria?

You have now been put on notice, so do not let these Nigeria 419 criminals get hold of you as there is no parcel to be sent to you from their "Fedex"? They are fraudsters and like virus are hiding under a look-alike Fedex name to try to scam you. Give them a bloody nose, delete any such received mail from FedexExpress Nigeria or simply forward them to abuse@fedex.com. Do not fall prey to their mediocre scam tactics, Icheoku has warned you!

YOUR SUNDAY WITH PROPHET MKO TIBETAN!

The sermon for today is "DON'T LOOK BACK - Genesis 19:26"! We are all advised to forget the past because yesterday is gone; but instead to focus on today as it is here with us. Just focus your mind on God and it shall be well with you!

So many Christians today, fool themselves by saying, my church is the best and yours is not good? But I ask you, where in the bible did Jesus make any reference to any church? Instead, he dwells in our hearts and will you surrender your life to him today and let Him in; or do you want to remain like the ten foolish maidens in the bible? See Matthew 25:1 –10; Luke 16:10 – 31.

When you look at the world today, the number of registered churches are getting outrageously too many. Do we call this civilization or the end of time? The answer is simply a big No; everybody is just becoming lazy, as computers and churches are gradually crippling the whole world and taking people along with them? I say to you, the worst is still yet to come and unless we press the reset button and go back to the basics, to the farm and till the land, we cannot enjoy the fruit of the land. God gave us hands to work so we must use them. If you look at Genesis 1, 2, 3, you will see how hard-working the Lord our God, Himself is; but everyone else want the best for themselves and live big without necessarily dirtying their hands?

We have forgotten that we will still have to eat, so why don’t we go back to the farm and be productive? Back in the day, people are very proud of their farm-work and what they can produce, but now the whole world are instead gambling, betting on futures and manufacturing war instruments? Banks are now lending money to holiday-makers to go on holidays but not to farmers who really can use some help to produce more foods. Even governments themselves are setting up new cities but not new farms? The solution is for us to go back to the Lord and he will show us the true and correct way. See Jeremiah 6:16; Jeremiah 7; Genesis 40; 41; 42; 47.

Brethren in Christ, after reading this sermon, I want you to know that the best is still around you; because you can still use what you have to get what you want. See Act 10; Daniel 4; Esther 6; Proverb 22; Proverb 26:1-3. When you look at the story of Cornelius in the bible and that of the good Samaritan, you will see that they were all very hardworking. Because the good Samaritan was such a serious minded person, he never allowed the wounded man to take his time but instead, he put him up in a paid lodge and moved on with his business! See Luke 9; Luke 10:30-37. When Jesus Christ was in the house of Mary and Martha, Jesus Christ was worrying for Martha because she put her mind too much on worldly things and not on things of God. Brethren, know ye that there will come a time, when all these things will pass away including the troubles in your life today. Jesus Christ was always telling Martha not to waist her time worrying about things; so when Lazarus died they were so depressed because they never had time to put the word through to the Lord?

Brethren are you depressed today? If so, surrender everything to Jesus and you shall be whole again. Remember, Jesus will not force you to give your life to him, the decision is entirely yours to make and until you are ready, He can only wait on you to give up your old ways! Can’t you see you cannot do it with only your own wisdom, you need God to direct your path, so put him first before everything and he will direct you. With Him, you can never go wrong! So stop looking back, forget the past, and focus on the today's. Please remember to read Job 3:20-26, Haggai1:3-10; Galatians 5:15-26. Until next Sunday when we shall meet again, happy Easter and remember that our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified, He died on the cross and triumphantly rose from the dead on the third day! Will you rise from the dead of your sinful ways and share in this momentous festivities throughout the Christendom. God bless you!

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL MEN & WOMEN OF FAITH!

Easter, the highest feast and/or celebration in the entire Christendom is betrayal, death and resurrection, all put in one? Our Lord Jesus Christ was betrayed by one of his own apostle; He was crucified by his people and He resurrected in triumph over death.

The significance is that (1) sometimes your nemesis is on the same dinning table with you sharing a hot meal; (2) people very close to you can sometimes kill you and above all, (3) ask yourself if you have the capacity to rise and shine again from all the troubles of the world placed on your shoulders?

If you advised yourself of these three things correctly, then your understanding of what our Lord is trying to teach you with his own experience, during this time of Easter, is complete. With the aforesaid in mind, Icheoku wishes you a HAPPY EASTER and pray you find the true meaning of life during this season, and use same as your life's guiding-light! Once again, Christ is dead, Christ is risen and Christ will come again! Just believe and you shall be set free!

MUMIA ABU-JAMAL, SUPREME COURT SAYS NO!

The last open door for the supporters of Mumia Abu-Jamal to try and spring him out of death row, have now slammed shut? The United States Supreme Court refused to entertain their petition that prosecutors in his case, improperly excluded blacks from the jury that convicted him of murdering Philadelphia city police officer, Daniel Faulkner?

It appears that Mumia will now face a certain death, having exhausted all his reasonable options, since that his 1982 murder conviction by a Philadelphia jury? This is however contigent on the appeal court's decision to void the sentence of death being thrown out.

Abu-Jamal, 54, was a former Black Panther and one-time radio reporter. Reacting to the Supreme Court decision not to take up the case, Abu-Jamal's attorney, San Francisco's Robert R. Bryan , said his client's trial was "a mockery of justice" and promised to seek a rehearing by the high court. While the prosecutor, Hugh Burns said that "for practical purposes, this was the last remotely realistic chance for getting a new trial." Which position of this two gentlemen meets with truism will be a function of time?

According to the prosecution's account of what happened on that fateful day in 1981, 25-year-old police officer Daniel Faulkner had pulled over Abu-Jamal's brother on a darkened Philadelphia downtown street. Abu-Jamal saw the traffic stop and shot Faulkner, who managed to shoot back. A wounded Abu-Jamal, his own gun lying nearby, was still at the scene when police arrived. Authorities considered the evidence against him overwhelming and he was convicted by the jury? In March 2008, the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia upheld Abu-Jamal's conviction but ruled his death sentence invalid; citing the flawed instructions given to the jury during the penalty phase of his trial. A new death penalty hearing would give jurors the option of sentencing Abu-Jamal to life in prison or affirming the death penalty.

Icheoku says in view of the controversial distance this particular case has travelled, there should be a meeting of the grounds now for both sides; so that both the slain officer's family and Mumia's supporters, could conclusively get some form of justice. An officer was killed 26 years ago and a wife lost her husband, a family lost their brother, son and uncle? Mumia's people also lost the incarcerated Abu-Jamal companionship and services, but at least they still have him around? But be that as it may, and based on the circumstance as well as the evidence of a wounded Mumia lying within the vicinity of the crime-scene; there being no reasonable explanation as to the coincidences; a life term would just serve right?

Hopefully, the ballistics test of the slain officer's gun matched the slog in Mumia as well as the gun-powder residue? There must be justice for both sides and Mumia appears to argue, not that a crime was committed, but that the jury was devoid of black folks? Icheoku says, what the constitutional provision on trial by jury says is jury of your peers and not necessarily jury of your color?

SOMALIA PIRATES, PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA'S 3.00AM RED-PHONE CALL?

True to type of the office of the commander in chief of the United States armed forces, President Barack Obama was woken up in the wee-hours of Wednesday morning to answer to a red phone call? The crisis, the errant Somalia pirates have taken a United States registered merchant vessel, the Maersk Alabama, with its cargo and twenty United States citizens crew on board.

The president was calm, cool and collected as he took the red phone; and was briefed on the developing story. President Barack Obama is presently working with his national security team to find the best possible solution to resolve the crisis; as their options may be limited by the presence of a hostage. Icheoku wishes the president, a King Solomon's wisdom in finding the most effective solution to the crisis as well as a safe return of the captain of the ship, Richard Phillips of Vermont, who has been taken hostage by the Somalian criminals. According to inside sources, President Barack Obama is getting regular updates on the situation and the United States will take whatever steps are needed to protect U.S. shipping interests against pirates in the Somalian waters or other waters anywhere? However the good news is that the US crew members have since recaptured their ship but the captain is still being held hostage by the attackers. The pirates with their hostage are currently adrift and floating in a life boat on the Indian ocean within the perimeters where the Maersk Alabama was assaulted.

The 17,000-ton Maersk Alabama, pictured left, carrying U.N. food aid for East Africa, was attacked and momentarily taken about 500km (311 miles) off Somalia's coast by these pirates of Somalia.

Icheoku says that these bold-faced pirates deserve a resounding showdown to forever put an end to the scourge, which has made maritime activities off the coast of Somalia more cumbersome. If it means re-deploying some of the drones presently operating in the lawless northwestern Wazaristan territories of Pakistan to the Somalian waters, to track and incinerate these hoodlums for a watery grave, so be it; but this ship-taking and ransom collection illegality must be stopped. This is necessary to put to an end, a someday fully armed terrorist group, which with the ransom money may become fully equipped and armed to the teeth to challenge any authority both within and outside Somalia. Who even knows if Al-queida is behind this menace and supplying the logistics of this piracy? Every available hands and tools must be put in place to dislodge this criminal pirate activities off the Somalia coastal waters.

With about 130 pirate incidents in 2008 and 50 successful hijacks, this problem is growing out of proportion and should be checkmated now and immediately forthwith. In 2008, pirates made a whopping $80m (£54m) as proceeds from ransom for hijacked ships? The US Maersk Alabama is the sixth ship seized by the Somalian pirates within the last week alone and the first U.S.-flagged ship? It is also the first United States registered ship to be taken by pirates in the last one hundred years, which increases the stake to secure the next hundred years free from any hijack!

Like 9/11, the Somalian pirates have bitten more than they can chew as their days of carefree hijacks of ships off the Somalian coast has now come to an end. This particular hijack is a finger-pointing in the face of America and as always, America stands tall and proud not to be pointed at by little Somalian rascals. There will be consequences for this thoughtless act of hijacking one ship too many. No one messes with the Americans, ask Bin Laden and his thugs! However it ends, the outcome will make these pirates think twice before trying to seize any other ship; especially when that ship is an American registered ship!

This ship-taking is one heck of a miscalculation as according to Somali Foreign Minister Mohamed Omaar, the pirates "have got themselves into a situation where they have to extricate themselves because there is no way they can win." What a frank assessment of the situation by the Somalia minister who is well aware of the fearsome awesome power of the United States of America, roundly. Icheoku says, a wise man does not start a fight he cannot win and these Somalian pirates are imbeciles and very idiotic. American warship, the USS Bainbridge, has already reached the waters of Somalia to face-down these hostage-taking pirates of Somalia.

Somalian pirates usually go to sea in open skiffs with outboard engines, working in concert with larger ships that tow them out to sea. Using satellite navigational and communications equipment, and with very intimate knowledge of their local waters, the pirates, usually armed with AK47s, clamber aboard ships with ladders and grappling hooks to foment their hostage-taking and ransom trouble?

Icheoku concludes that these pirates might have taken their last ship in life; as their lives may end with this or they will forever be put out of commission as a consequence! Either way, they deserve their fate, as they brought the mighty American searchlight to beam on them menacingly.

GOT HAIR?

Are you one of those feeding the over-flowing bank accounts of Korea hair manufacturers? Do you feel incomplete because of your nappy-hair and sometimes wish that there is a medical cure to scanty hair? Anyway, here feed your hair-fantasy as this lady in red, shows off her God given flowing mane, and in the wind! Wish you were her? Beggars want to ride horses too!

ALBERTO FUJIMORI, A PRESIDENT CORNERED AND CAGED!

Peruvians have proved once again that presidents can be held accountable long after they leave office; so Nigerians, what are you waiting for to indict Olusegun Obasanjo for the massacres of Odi, and Zaki Ibiam respectively? If Peru can do it, why not Nigeria? Yet President Umaru Yar'Adua is whining that Nigeria was not invited to the G20 meeting in London instead of, that Nigeria has not yet indicted Olusegun Obasanjo for his crimes against humanity?

Alberto Fujimori, once hailed as the president who extinguished Peru's brutal guerrilla conflict, was found guilty of waging a dirty war against insurgents, kidnappings and massacres. Presiding Judges dismissed his claim that he had not known of extrajudicial killings and persecutions during his ten-year war against Maoist guerrillas? Icheoku says, this lame defense is akin to despots all over the world, who suddenly become naive and ignorant of their dealings while in office, once they fall from power. Like Nigeria's Olusegun Obasanjo who now claims that he did not know that his then vice president Abubarkar Atiku and others took bribes from Halliburton?

At 70 years old, the same age-range with Obasanjo, Fujimori is no longer a springs' chicken and with a possible 30 years sentence for his crimes, his life is now definitely over. Alberto Fujimori's campaign of “policy of pacification” against Shining Path during his 1990-2000 presidency, claimed the lives of more than 70,000 Peruvians? Icheoku says, how many Nigerians Obasanjo took their lives, directly or indirectly, is indeterminate; but suffice it that the well publicised Odi and Zaki Ibiam bloody suppressions are more than enough to put this monster of Otta, away for good? Fujimori's "I did not personally do it" defense fell flat as the prosecutor argued that his failure, as commander-in-chief, to stop the killings amounts to personal responsibility. Icheoku concurs with this valid legal argument of vicarious liability; as president, the bulk stopped on his desk! Fujimori was specifically found guilty of murder in the 1991 killings of 15 people, including an eight-year-old boy, at a barbecue in Lima, the Peruvian capital; as well as the 1992 raid at La Cantuta University that left nine students and a professor dead. Their charred bodies were found a year later after the incident.

Like Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, Alberto Fujimori was seen as a strongman with little respect for democracy and rule of law. What an act of fate that this two former presidents shared so much in common and should invariably be made to partake in the same fate, - a trial and jail term also for Olusegun Obasanjo? It is noteworthy that Fujimori is already serving six years in prison for abuse of power in relation to some bribery scandal and still faces two corruption trials, the first of which is due to begin next month in May. Human Rights Watch applauded the trial verdict as the first time that a democratically elected president had been brought to justice in his own country; and such promises to end “the tendency that has existed in Latin America for many years of impunity in the face of these type of crimes”. Icheoku adds, if only Nigeria could summon the courage to engrave her name in such a historic way by applying the full letters of the law to every citizen, including an errant former President Olusegun Obasanjo!