A NIGERIAN KILLER, SENTENCED!

A starry-eyed 'wild-beast' killer who stabbed a budding Nigerian boxer to death in November 9, 2005 was sentenced to 12 years in prison today! The ragamuffin, Michael Chambliss, 51, pictured right was a former Las Vegas city planner and longtime political activist. Icheoku says, judging from his scruffy looks, may be Michael is a candidate for a lunatic asylum and not a prison yard; as he looks like an act on Cuckoo's Nest?

His victim was a 26-year-old Nigerian, Vincent Ekeoba Moses who was working at a 7-Eleven store on Torrey Pines Drive, near Charleston Boulevard, Las Vegas, United States of America until Micheal Chambliss decided to take his life over a woman? The vicious attack was captured on CCTV (close circuit television) which forced Micheal to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter with a deadly weapon last June?

Like all male species, the two were 'fighting' over the ownership of a female, Jocelyn Nixon! According to the narrative, Jocelyn Nixon was two-timing both men and was with Moses at the store when Michael trailed her there. He arrogantly gave Ms. Nixon an affectionate bear-hug in front of Moses, infuriated like any male in the circumstance, he had to defend his woman? But it would appear that Moses forgot or ignored his boxing trainer's advise that, "If you have a street fight, just walk away, as it's better to be a coward walking than a brave man dying."

The story continues that it was a male-testosterone jealousy that started the fight. Vincent Ekeobi Moses, pictured here left, who worked at the 7-Eleven store had a romantic relationship with the store's owner, Ms. Jocelyn Nixon, who in turn was herself romantically involved with the killer, Micheal Chambliss? A love tryst gone wrong? Moses had caught his lover red-handed on November 9, 2005 hugging affectionately Micheal Chambliss, and demanded to know from Ms. Nixon whose side she is on; but as always the case with deers caught on the headlights, she fidgeted and lied that they (Micheal and herself) are 'just friends?' Moses then accosted the trespassing he-goat now turned killer, over what was going on, but as cold and calculated killer he is, he would not open his lips to answer 'this African?'

Infuriated, Moses smacked his woman on the head with an open right hand knocking off her hat to the floor, which led to Michael's intervention; but he was shoved out by Moses. Feeling depleted, Michael longed at Moses with a knife to defend his masculinity and stabbed him several times and then nonchalantly washed dying Moses' blood off his hands in a nearby sink? Moses was rushed to the county hospital where he died the next day. Icheoku says, admitted it is quite disrespectful to watch your woman 'being made out with' before your own very eyes; but is any piece of pink-flesh worth dying or killing for? And who knows who Ms. Nixon is with today, now that her double timing antics led to Moses death? Probably she now moans for yet another man, a prospective future victim or may be she is waiting for Michael Chambliss to come out of prison to continue from where she stopped?

Not necessarily a man of straw, killer Micheal Chambliss has been a paid political consultant. He managed Clark County Commissioner Yvonne Atkinson Gates' 2004 campaign and is a member of the Southern Nevada Workforce Investment Board. He is a past member of the Civilian Review Board, which investigates complaints about Las Vegas police conduct. He was a 19-year employee of the city of Las Vegas and worked with former Assemblyman Wendell Williams and current Assemblyman Morse Arberry, D-Las Vegas.

He also worked for a quasi-city agency, CETA (Comprehensive Employment Training Act) a program through which the city dispersed federal grants to social service providers that assisted with employment needs in minority communities. The relations he developed through CETA opened the door to his hiring by the city in June 1985 as a city planner. When the Neighborhood Services Department was created in 1996, Chambliss moved over to that department. Chambliss also involved in numerous projects important in his American black community, has been a community monitor of the Metropolitan Police Department's Citizen Review Board, an advisory board that investigates claims of officer misconduct. He was also the treasurer of his church, First Christian Methodist Episcopal, and is executive director of the group Black Elected Officials.

Michael Chambliss, had initially mounted a feeble explanation of self defense? Icheoku says, 'you do not stab a mad that viciously and repeatedly for six times, in self defense as that defense operates only to force the attacker to back off! More-so the silent witness showed that Moses did not attack Chambliss, hence defeating the self defense argument. Admitted that one of his political beneficiary said that, "anyone who knows Chambliss knows he is a decent, honorable man. There must be some extenuating circumstances, it is my understanding he was trying to defend a woman from being abused. He's that kind of guy?" Icheoku says, really; and what was he doing carrying a pocket knife around and at the same time Nixon was visiting her paramour in his place of work? But it would appear that Chambliss political connection got him a slap on the wrist with his initial bail amount, as the judge had set his bail at a meagre $200,000? Icheoku says, may be just another case of a foreigner living in America, whose life is always worthless and under-valued?

It is also instructive to note that Moses who came to the United States from Nigeria around 1995 was working for Ms. Nixon both as lover and as a clerk at her convenience store? What a strange irony that he found a sugar-mommy in Ms. Nixon and gave up his life because of her? His boxing records showed a pro record of 4 wins and 16 losses? Icheoku says, so much for a boxer? His boxing coach, Tapia described his training habit as poor and in his own words said, "Moses was a lazy boxer, but a very nice person."

Moses had nicknamed himself "The Bible" and sparred with everyone from former cruiser-weight champion Vassily Jirov to the man who is widely considered the world's best pound-for-pound boxer, Floyd Mayweather Jr. Moses during his lifetime, had also met and posed for photographs with former heavyweight boxing champions, both the Klitschko brothers, Vitali and Wladimir. It would appear that Vincent Ekeoba Moses is from Akwa Ibom or Cross River area of south eastern of Nigeria? In as much as we highly disapprove of the 'thing' that led to his death, we pray that by this sentence his soul will now rest in peace! Adieu Macho Moses!

PRESIDENT'S CUP, TIGER WOODS' BIRDIE BRINGS FINAL VICTORY!

With those well chiseled arms, crouching Tiger Woods provided the 9-foot birdie on the 13th hole, that propelled the American Team USA to victory at the Presidents Cup in San Francisco's Harding Park.

But in his usual ever humble self, Tiger Woods described it as a team's effort, stating, "We won, and that's the name of the game; the fact that we won, that's the No. 1 thing. We came here to win as a team, and we did it." The American team led by Fred Couples, won 19 1/2-14 1/2, over an over-matched International team.

In one observer's remark pertaining to the quality of the American team, "They are just one hell of a team, we have to pretty much go back to the drawing board, because they are a pretty well-oiled team, and it's hard to beat that kind of team." Icheoku says, the way a winning team should be and they were handsomely rewarded with a well deserved and earned victory. International golfers came from countries including Britain, Colombia, Canada, Japan, Argentina, Australia etc.

And to add extra impetus to his game, Tiger Woods 'disemboweled' the South Korean flash-in-the-pan, Y.E. Yang, who had once in the past, rallied round in the last round, to beat Tiger Woods. In Woods words, "He got me there, and I figured I could get him here." Icheoku says, congratulations to the United States of America golf team on their victory at the 2009 President's Cup!

BARACK OBAMA, A NOBEL LAUREATE!

And the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize winner is, President Barack Hussein Obama! Surprised like many, but our congratulations to President Barack Obama for this remarkable achievement, an evidence of America's return to the heart of the world. Icheoku has always known that America is the most beloved nation on earth, the reason why everyone wants to get to 'God's own country' and by all and any means possible! But the antics of the fringed flag-draping loonies, who fan the embers of "the world hates America's exceptionalism", try often very hard to keep this truism hidden.

However, the symbolism of this award is great as BHO is now certified the authentic leader and spokesman of the world. The world through the Nobel Prize committee said, "YES WE CAN" make him our peace ambassador and the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize winner he became. With this latest accolade, President Barack Obama now joins the league of Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Jimmy Carter, Al Gore and select few other privileged laureates who the world has recognised for their efforts at improving the lot of humanity. President BHO also makes history as one of three other American Presidents Wilson Woodrow, Theodore Roosevelt and Jimmy Carter; as well as a Vice President Al Gore to win the award. Icheoku says, congratulations to President Barack Obama on this one of a kind honor. In fellow laureate, Desmond Tutu's own words, "It is an award that speaks to the promise of President Obama's message of hope"

It is about expectations; but some detractors in Afghanistan, represented by the Taliban said, it would have been more appropriate to call it a "Nobel Prize for Violence" given what they have to take every day with American drones and other weapons of war? One congressman from Florida said, 'those right-wing Americans dissing the award are agents of American military industrial complex which is smarting that 'if President Barack Obama is allowed to succeed in making and achieving world peace, it will remove a lot of pie from their table; as less wars will be fought which will spell drought for their weapons sales and killing business? In his assessment, it is just a crazed out crowd who can never be pleased with anything Obama does or did not do, or wins or losses? And if our memory is still right, it was just last week's Friday that the same deranged anti-Obama crowd were chiding him, for now being rejected by the world who refused to award him the Olympics? For them, everything is personal irrespective of whether it involves the American public's interest or city of Chicago; no, none of that is important - it is Obama land, Obama's America!

To those people who deride the award to Barack Obama as being too pre-mature, Icheoku says, remember during the Democratic primaries when some wanna-be presidents also chided him for being too ambitious and admonished him to wait for his turn? That it is not yet his time to run, but BHO defied them and today his defiance paid off big time as our 43rd President. Now his Nobel prize win is "too early"? Icheoku says, those detractors should just suck it and quit being HATERS! A man of destiny, BHO; his ilks are usually unstoppable and cannot be stopped until they rendezvous with their destiny! Like William Shakespeare once wrote, it is in their stars!

A confessional however, we initially called the award too patronizing, until we realized it could be awarded for efforts geared towards the direction of peace! Now we know and since it was awarded for his effort so far and to spur him on, we believe it is well earned and deserved. What an additional feather to such a young cap of our dear Nobel Peace Laureate! But one thing is assured, he now has his global work cut out for him, from trying to rid the world of its nuclear weapons, to forging an enduring, comprehensive Mideast peace, stabilizing Afghanistan and tackling climate change/global warming? Republican Senator John McCain correctly articulated the higher bar now set by the award when he opined, "He now has even more to live up to."

Our research revealed that contrary to popular believe that Nobel prize for peace is only awarded for bagged accomplishment/achievement, it is equally awarded to encourage and goad on a momentum for peace as was the case here with President Barack Obama. A former West German chancellor Willy Brandt became a recipient in the early stages of his policy of peaceful engagement with then communist East Germany. Yasser Arafat and Rabin were also once so encouraged regarding their effort at Mideast peace process? The Nobel committee chairman Thorbjoern Jagland, articulated it properly when he said, "I hope it will help him, Obama is the right man at the right time, and that's why we want to enhance his efforts." And as if taking a cue from the consternation of the watching world as to his deserving of the award judging his "meagre accomplishment", President Barack Obama, while accepting the award said, "I will accept this award as a call to action; this award must be shared with everyone who strives for justice and dignity." Icheoku implores you to note the two operative words here, "call" and "strives", which explains the humility of the man of the moment's full understanding of his call to action!

Icheoku says, as scant as President Obama's contribution to peace so far is, his very young administration taken under advisement, for him to be, in the words of the committee, "the person to contribute the most to peace in the last year" shows that the world was sitting on a keg of gunpowder, waiting to explode and within few precious minutes to destroying itself. According to the committee, 'his multilateral diplomacy reduced tension more than the last eight years of unilateral military actions;' therefore, "it was unavoidable to give the prize to the man who has improved the international climate and emphasized negotiations and dialogue.” In one other commendation, the committee said that "Obama has achieved a lot already" which begs the question, was he the present day "messiah" that saved the world from a complete annihilation; again judging the infancy of his administration? Maybe his "doing too much, all at the same time" as he was accused by right wing detractors, has paid off big time? But since 'a prophet is always without honor in his own country,' may be it took the intervention of the Nobel prize committee to tell Americans that they have the greatest president on earth in President Barack Hussein Obama. But would Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck and other far-right fringed lunatics change their ways; no, not until they recover their White House from that "nigger"!

But the sterling gist of the award is that the Nobel peace prize committee wanted to strengthen Obama’s hand and encourage him in the direction of peaceful dialogue and negotiations; which shows that President Barack Obama is headed in the right direction. We pray that Almighty God shall help him get to his destination. And on your prize money which you intend to donate to charity, Icheoku advises that you set up a charity of your own and make the donation to it if permissible. May be something akin to and which will complement Bill Gates malaria charity or Bill Clinton's food or Jimmy Carter Habitat of Humanity. Lets have a 'BHO Human Rights and Laws Reforms' charity with focus on Africa and other democracy-suppressing countries of this world. Once again, congratulations Mr. President Nobel Peace Maker!

SILVIO BERLUSCONI, STRIPED NAKED?

Now he is vulnerable and the predators are surely smarting to take a bite out of Italy's richest man and prime minister, poster-boy for men behaving badly, a certified playboy, Silvo Berlusconi!

But can Mr. Fix-It fix the present choke-hold, put on his neck with the lifting of his immunity from prosecution? The Italian Constitutional court in a 9-6 split decision lifted the Teflon of immunity hitherto encapsulating and protecting the office of the Prime Minister from prosecution? The Constitutional Court ruled that an immunity law he introduced last year, shortly after being re-elected, was unacceptable because it contravened the principle that all Italians should be equal before the law. According to the court, such an immunity violates the cardinal principles of Italy's constitution of equality of persons under the law! Icheoku asks, with such exposure of Berlusconi's under-belly, can he survive his traducers?

Berlusconi, a man who became so wealthy and powerful that he thought he was invincible, has be denuded by the courts of Rome? They took away his immunity thereby rendering him "a common Italian" and subject to prosecution for any or all criminal infractions while in office? The allegations and charges are probably numerous but whether they are provable is another subject for some other day's discussion. A man given to unapologetic expression of self, who was once scolded by the Queen Elizabeth of England for being too excited? Who twice referred to President Barack Obama as being "tanned?" Who was stood up German Angela Merkel waiting while he bantered away on his cellphone at a world war commemoration/NATO event and/or meeting in Germany? Berlusconi who once referred to himself as the "the Jesus Christ of politics?" A man who dismissively said, when asked about possible conflict of interest of his many media businesses with his office as prime minister, "If I, taking care of every-one's interests, also take care of my own, you can't talk about a conflict of interest?" Really?

Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi allegedly once paid $600,000 dollars in hush money to buy a witness, British Tax-lawyer David Mills' silence? He also was waging an economic war against the mafias with a proposed bridge project from Sicily to the mainland, which will take away so many ferry businesses owned and controlled by the mafioso? Icheoku asks, in the battle for the soul of Italy's business between Berlusconi and the Mafia, who is now winning; as the tentacles of the Mafia could be very far reaching. His wife Veronica recently in May 2009, filed for divorce, alleging a philandering husband incapable of letting go of small girls, young enough to be his grand-daughters? And Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is just 73 years old!

Bella Noemi Letzia pictured left, is one of such girls allegedly caught in Berlusconi's fishing net? The divorce taken a turn for the worst, turning into a messy affair; and a scorned woman is deadlier than a viper snake. So where is Uncle Berlusconi's problem really coming from? Was his cup full and waiting for this ruling by the Constitutional court to put the drive-shaft cranking? We shall soon find out in coming weeks as the prosecutors' office in Rome decide whether to go after Uncle Berlusconi while in office? But who appoints people to this office and could there be a quid-pro-quo, arm-twisting backroom dealings here to frustrate the intention of the ruling? Icheoku has no insider information but the hovering cloud of suspicion is gathering momentum for a stormy day on Italy's politics?

So far, Berlusconi is all out, firing on both cylinders; dismissing his corruption charges as "laughable?" Icheoku asks, but is anyone in Italy's prosecutor's office laughing with this over confident, self-immolating and egotistic Berlusconi, after the court revoked his immunity from prosecution; which will now open two previously suspended cases against him? But in his usual characteristic self, Berlusconi quipped, “The government will forge ahead calmly, tranquilly and with even more grit than before because this will be absolutely indispensable for freedom and democracy in this country. The two trials against me are false, laughable, absurd … I will defend myself in the courtroom and make my accusers look ridiculous and show everyone what stuff they are made of and what stuff I am made of." Italy's 84 year old President Giorgio Napolitano was not spared the venom of Berlusconi, as he accused him of taking sides with his detractors, those Left-wing parties? Yet unapologetic, he maintained that he does not care 'what the head of state says, as he feels like being made a fool of.'

The immunity from prosecution law which the Constitutional court over-turned was otherwise known as the Alfano law. It shielded holders of Italy's four top political jobs, prime minister, president and speakers of the two houses of parliament, from prosecution while in office. According to one commentator, the ruling finally brought to an end, a 15-year legal tussle between the Italian billionaire media-mogul and the Italian judiciary.

Icheoku says, in the final analysis, it is important to note the reason the court threw out the Alfano law, because under Italy's law, 'all animals are equal;' but unlike in Nigeria, where 'Animal Farm' rules supreme! How the current constitutional and political crisis developing in Italy is finally resolved will depend on series of intriguing, power play, wheeling and dealing; and will prove conclusively, whether Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is a political chess-master, or just an Italian rascal, who found fortune, fame and power but lost it all to some self-elating missteps!

MEND APOCALYSE, WE SHALL BURN DOWN NIGERIA!

As MEND gives its final notice - just 7 more days to the mother of all militancy, it is panic-time for Nigeria, especially her custodian, the sickly scarecrow at Aso Rock. Icheoku says, this latest MEND declaration shows that it is not yet Uhuru for President Umaru Yar'Adua and his gimmickry amnesty trickery! Nigerians are once again being forced to brace themselves for a new and more ferocious rounds of attacks, effective October 15, 2009. This time, with promised fire and brim-stones!

And if the container, full of arms that was seized at Lagos ports is any indication of what lies ahead, then every Nigerian needs to be seriously worried. Our guess-estimation is that for every one container found and seized, there were ten other containers which were not dictated, with its lethal cargo now resting in some warehouse somewhere in Nigeria. So with such cache of weaponry, it is natural that only blood could flow and the blood of Nigerians, that is? So, now you agree that it does not look good; MEND does not make empty threats, they are not jokers as their Atlas Cove high profile pull-off attests.

This time, it is inferno unlimited; as the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta has threatened to burn down Nigeria? Nigerians, what is happening or are we gradually approaching the precipice? Witnessing the end of the entity soon to become, formerly known as Nigeria? But do they really have the wherewithal to put their words into action or walk their talk? Only time will tell as the October 15, 2009 date with infamy fast approaches; all we can do is to monitor and comment on developments thereto, - the Niger delta freedom agitation! Would it be a case of 'he who laughs last, laughs best' or a testament that the much trumpeted Preisdent Umaru Yar'Adua's joker of an amnesty and surrender succeeded?

In their 8-days notice of impending doom and catastrophe issued to Nigerians; an otherwise response to the ongoing amnesty/surrender of militants between President Umaru Yar'Adua's government and some militants, MEND made several claims. They alleged that "most of those who participated in 'this fraud of an amnesty/surrender were rented by the government" in the hope that real militants would be goaded out?" Also that 'most of the weapons "recovered" were purchased" for this theatrical purpose of staging "surrendering militants and their weapons? Continuing, MEND said, 'except for some key-figure militants who were encouraged to come out because their cover were blown, every-other participating 'so-called-militant' is just another hired underlining of the people given the task to coral militants? According to MEND, they were simply staging a show to impress their boss at Aso Rock as the core militant freedom fighters are in training and getting ready for the final 'Operation Take Down Nigeria-Babylon". MEND warned all oil companies to disregard this propaganda by the Nigerian government and reaffirmed they will resume attacks against the oil industry at the expiration of their ceasefire on October 15, 2009. They branded this next phase of their struggle as the most critical and called it the mother of all attacks and promised to end what it called '50 years of slavery of the people of the Niger Delta by the Nigerian government.'

MEND also promised to ''completely burn down all attacked installations and will no longer limit attacks to just destruction of mere pipelines.' MEND also said it will have no representation at the Friday, October 9, 2009 meeting which the government planned to hold with the so-called-stake-holders. MEND assured Nigerians that they "will fight for their land with the last drop of their blood, regardless of how many people the government of Nigeria and the oil companies are successful in bribing." Icheoku says, a word is enough for the wise Nigerians as we can only wait until October 15, 2009 to see if militancy in the Niger Delta has been finally de-fanged with the recent amnesty or there have not been any rapprochement with real deal militants of the Niger Delta!

IDELPHONSE NIZEYIMANA, ARRESTED FOR RWANDAN WAR CRIMES?

Finally, the end of the road for a Rwandan genocidal maniac, a man who orchestrated the vicious murder of hundreds of thousands of innocent Tutsis in the 1994 Rwandan genocide. His victims included women, children, hospital-staff and patients, clergy, reverends, priests, the elderly, the maimed and the revered 80-year old African Queen Rosalie Gicanda of Rwanda, a Tutsi; who was killed simply to symbolically send a message that every Tutsis was a fair game - 'cockroaches that must be squashed?'

The devil may-care, Chief Idelphonse Nizeyimana, 46, former Rwanda Deputy Intelligence chief and de-facto head of Rwanda's Senior Military Training College during the 1994 genocide, was arrested on Monday October 5, 2009 in a suburb of Kampala, Uganda; pursuant to an indictment from Rwanda war crimes tribunal. The former army captain and member of the then president's inner circle, was flown immediately to face his nemesis before the the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda sitting in Arusha Tanzania.

He is charged with genocide, complicity in genocide, and direct and public incitement to commit genocide in the massacre of more than 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus in the 100-day pogrom in 1994 Rwanda. A bounty of $5 million dollars had been placed on his head by the United States of America, which felt elated today that the manhunt is now finally over with this munchkin now behind bars, under lock and key to await justice! According to one source, the icing on the cake of Nizeyimana's capture was that "he was caught like a grasshopper" and without any resistance.

His capture was dubbed a "major coup" by United Nations' Gregory Alexander, who heads a U.N. team tasked with demobilizing rebels in Congo and repatriating them to Rwanda. Icheoku says, his conviction at the war crimes tribunal is a fait accompli, having previously admitted to his role as an executioner during the infamous genocide. According to one commentator, "He is known for having spoken openly of the 'work' he conducted during the genocide. He is someone who has actually admitted that he is a genocide organizer and executor."

War criminal Idelphonse Nizeyimana's 23-page rap-sheet, details an escapade wherein he ordered entire Tutsi families to be slaughtered, supplied weapons, ammunition and transportation to militiamen, who carried out his bidding of summary execution of ethnic Tutsis? He also ordered roadblocks set up in Rwanda's province of Butare, where Tutsis were singled out for summary execution. A hungry greedy mongrel, Nizeyimana had made a futile negotiation to turn himself in recently, provided the bounty of $5 million dollars on his head will be given to his family if he surrendered? Icheoku says, what a shameless blood-sucker who wanted to profit from his brigandage and unnecessary spillage of the blood of hundreds of thousands of innocent Tutsis?

An animal who was rather very scrupulous with his murderous exploits, Nizeyimana would visit Butare-Rwanda hospitals several times each period to ensure that surviving Tutsi patients were swiftly finished-off; and in such a sacred place of healing? Icheoku says, sarcastically though, Nizeyimana was simply a "patriotic" enforcer of note for his people of Hutus? Nizeyimana is the second high-profile genocidal arrest in recent past, following last August's arrest of a former local administrator in Rwanda during the genocide, Gregoire Ndahimana in Congo? Last year, Col. Theoneste Bagosora was captured and sentenced to life imprisonment for his complicity in the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

You may recall that the Rwandan genocide started following the downing of a plane carrying President Juvenal Habyarimana, a Hutu, as it approached Kigali, Rwanda's capital airport. The genocidal madness was finally brought to an end when the present President Paul Kagame led a group of Tutsi rebels to overthrow the Hutu government and restored order in a previously society of lawlessness.

Icheoku commends the people of Uganda for taking-off this beast from the society, and pray that like Charles Taylor and other African vampires, that the justice he denied Tutsis will soon be served him; may be a life without the possibility of parole in a maximum prison somewhere in an African desert country, under the intensive African sun!

FARIDA WAZIRI, NIGERIAN PUBLIC OFFICIALS ARE PSYCHOTIC!

She is probably right, otherwise how could anyone explain the brigandage that have pervaded Nigeria since her independence, 49 long years ago? Each successive governments far worse than the one it succeeded, both in wanton corruption and human rights abuse?

Madam EFCC, Farida Waziri braved it and called it for what it is, she gave it a name; yes, a name:- Nigerian public officials are all psychotic!

They suffer from psychosis, - an abnormal condition of the mind which involves loss of contact with reality? According to Farida, Nigerian public officials are suffering from some form of psychiatric disorder which keep them in a perpetual and unending chain-reaction of ineptitude, corruption and animistic behaviors? Icheoku says, thank you Madam EFCC for at least putting a name on the madness by Nigerian ruling elites and now that the whole world knows that they are mental, at least Nigerians will start seeing their leaders for who they are, lunatics! Her panacea, have their heads examined before they are allowed in any public offices or places. In her own very words, Farida Waziri said, “I am inclined to suggest that public officers should be subjected to some form of psychiatric evaluation to determine their suitability for public office. The extent of aggrandizement and gluttonous accumulation of wealth that I have observed suggests to me that some people are mentally and psychologically unsuitable for public office. We have observed people amassing public wealth to a point suggesting madness or some form of obsessive - compulsive psychiatric disorder.”

Nothing ever said can be this closer to a true assessment of the Nigerian public officials, than this summation by Madam EFCC which clearly articulated the reason behind the madness of Nigerian public officials. How else can anyone explain what we read on the pages of newspapers and e-media of Nigerian leaders, who would rather own houses overseas, dump stolen billions of dollars in Switzerland, allow hospitals to die off because they have access to overseas medical treatment, will not make power readily available because they have generators, would allow schools and universities to shut down for several months because their wards are studying overseas, as well as other inhumane treatment of Nigerians, except STARK RAVING MADNESS!

Icheoku concurs with Madam EFCC that passage of Freedom of Information (FOI) bill and Whistle Blower Act will greatly assist the war-effort on corruption in Nigeria; these two legislation will help checkmate the flagrant abuse of public office by such Nigerian office holders. Both will also inculcate the culture of accountability in public service; but the problem is that it is the same people who are being asked to pass the legislation that it will seek to checkmate, which leads Icheoku to ask, can these band of bandits go against themselves with such a legislation meant to police them? Our verdict, we do not think so! Agreeing with Madam EFCC, Icheoku affirms that the future of the war on corruption effort depends on what happens with both legislation, now being stifled in the House of Representatives? Continuing, Madam EFCC said, “If we truly expect a public service that is accountable to the people of Nigeria, then the Freedom of Information Bill must be passed. If you deny the public the right to know, the anti- corruption war is lost."

Icheoku says, the head to tail of all Nigeria's problem is corruption; and until corruption is made a very hazardous affair for Nigerian public officials, what is hounding Nigeria will continue ad infinitum! No amount of adumbration of and by some few "elected" officials, trying in vain to put a good face on what is, will solve the problem. It needs a comprehensive surgical approach and only a very dissuading deterrent, such as a long prison sentence or even death by firing squad as obtains in China, will put an end to the lunacy of corruption in Nigeria and by Nigerian public officials!

Icheoku agrees into-to with Madam EFCC that a 'certificate of head-correctness and soundness of mind' should be a pre-requisite for every Nigerian seeking public office. And it does not that the Senate President, midget David Mark called Madam EFCC's assertion unfortunate; the truth is that they all are in-cahoot with the criminality of corruption going on in Nigeria. David Mark's corrupt escapade in NITEL is still very fresh in memory and the Nigeria Senate still harbors in its fold, Senator Jubril Aminu who was implicated in the $12 million dollar SIEMENS bribery; and he is chair of the senate foreign affairs committee? Several past heads of state and governments along with their officials were implicated in the $180 million dollars Halliburton bribery scandal which have since been swept under the carpet by sickly President Umaru Yar'Adua? So do the math, Nigerians!

MONDAY OFF!

Our fans and visitors, we are indisposed today but shall sure keep our date with you tomorrow. Thanks for your visit.
Signed:
Facilitator,
www.icheoku.com!

SHOICHI NAKAGAWA, THE DEATH OF A DEAD MAN WALKING?

The alcohol-loving former Japanese finance minister finally did it, - he took his own life amidst a painful heart long yearning for attention, but was simply over-looked and ignored in a society, moving at the pace of meteor! His manifestations of cry for help went unanswered and today, he is no more! Like all suicides, he was unheard and he "jumped!"

He tried to drink away his painful sorrows, but no, his demons still tagged along with him until they finally forced his hands. He possibly could not shake off his monkey of alcoholism! Icheoku says, he probably died a very long time ago, judging from his moody-looks, which suggests a man in deep pain caused by a troubled heart. What was it and was it worth taking one's own life?

Shoichi Nakagawa was found dead by his wife on Sunday morning, in his home at Tokyo residential district of Setagaya. He was lying faced down, on his bed, in what appears to be an apparent suicide? The late minister had no external injuries which suggests he may have ingested some substance, to end a life, which as far as he was concerned has since lost its meaning? His death is strongly tilting towards suicide as it would appear that suicide runs in their family, his father who was also an LDP heavyweight, committed suicide in a hotel room in 1983. Icheoku says, Shoichi Nakagawa, most likely took his own life!

The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department are investigating the death of the 56 year old, troubled and drunken former finance minister; who was forced to resign his office over a drunken misbehaviour at the G7 meeting in Rome, Italy, last February 2009! He subsequently lost his seat in parliament during his party's abysmal election performance, last August 30, 2009. Mr Shoichi Nakagawa was a former lawmaker from the northern island of Hokkaido for more than 25 years. A heavyweight in the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), in an election speech he made to his constituents in the town of Obihiro on the northern island of Hokkaido, during his failed re-election campaign last August, Shoichi Nakagawa said, “For the sake of Japan, for the sake of all of you, I shall renounce alcohol.” Icheoku says, this guy would have been a good commercial for any alcoholic beverage company as their spokesman; but he died before they could discover his talents?

A former LDP rising star and potential prime minister candidate, late Shoichi Nakagawa held several Cabinet-level positions including agriculture minister and trade minister before becoming the finance minister in September 2008. He once called for Japan to consider developing nuclear weapons in response to North Korea's ratcheting its nuclear capabilities? He was also pro-Taiwan, a position which angered China which sees the island as part of its territory. Icheoku says, while the Tokyo police works to confirm the suicide, may his soul now find the peace which eluded his physical body. Adieu, Shoichi Nakagawa!

OLYMPICS 2016, RIO de JANEIRO IS IT!

From animosity to jealousy to racism, there is no reason that have not been adduced by pundits to explain why Chicago failed to secure the hosting rights to the 2016 summer Olympics games? Icheoku says, what a complete balderdash; as the principal reason why Chicago failed was a tactical 'kill-off the strongest contender' ploy, deployed by the other rival three cities! Their game plan was, "let us knock-off the strongest city that could secure the hosting rights, to improve our odds!" If we check-mate Chicago early enough in the voting then our chances will be greatly improved, as the major threat would have been taken care of?

Nothing else answers the question, why Chicago failed, any better. Chicago was a victim of a gang-up conspiracy to get it out of the way and fast before it could do us an irreparable damage! The other three cities ganged-up to remove the greatest threat, Chicago and thereby increasing their respective chances at securing the hosting rights to 2016. It is somewhat akin to 'CBS Survivor' reality game-show, where only deft tact makes a winner; remember, it was a game, preparatory to a game, and games were played? So Chicago did not lose because of lack of preparation or because President Barack Obama did not have the necessary star power to pull it off, no, Chicago was a victim of a conspiratorial gang-up by other competing cities of Madrid, Tokyo and Rio de Janeiro to force her out early in the process, thereby getting rid of the greatest threat each of them has?

The voting process usually starts among the four finalist cities, each voting for their preferred city among them; and the candidate-city with the least amount of votes is eliminated at the end of the first round. The IOC members from country of the rejected city then join the voting and a new vote is cast between the three remaining cities. This process is repeated until a majority is found, usually in the third round. So with this stacked odd against Chicago and the fact that going to Rio de Janeiro will be such a wonderful opportunity to take the Olympics to South America for the first time in the history of the Olympics, played favorably in the triumph of Rio de Janeiro at Copenhagen. According to a recent comment which effectively encapsulated the feelings within the organising committee, made by a long-time International Olympics Committee (IOC) member Dick Pound , "Policy wise, the IOC has to decide if we're ready to go to a new continent of South America?" Icheoku says, this sentiment helped Rio de Janeiro a great deal, despite being labelled by Spain's Olympic vice-president Jose Maria Odriozola, as "the worst of the four candidates?"

Icheoku's analysis of the Copenhagen event is that Madrid lost because it is in Europe and a win would have made it somewhat an European affair with London 2012, Sochi (Russia) 2014 and then another, Madrid 2016? No way, the world of Olympics would not have allowed such lopsidedness or be very reluctant at best? Tokyo failed because its neighbor Beijing (China) just recently hosted the last 2008 Olympics and it would appear in geography and race, that it is 'back to there' again? Chicago lost because of a conspiracy of the other three cities, who seemingly agreed on the need to first remove the main threat to any of them securing the hosting rights? So, now you know why the streets of Rio de Janeiro are celebrating!

For those 'Blame-Obama-for-everything-and-anything' crowd, and who are now fingering the president for the fate which befell Chicago, Icheoku says to you, cut it off. President Barack Obama was not the reason Chicago failed; it fell to a gang-up and nothing could have stopped it, not even a western rise of the sun? We all should endeavor to be a good sport and see it that our hemisphere won; and we all can always look forward to the unending parties at Copacabana white sand beach!

President Barack Obama is a good sportsman and should not in any way or manner be ashamed, embarrassed or unfulfilled that Chicago did not sail through; he did all he could possibly do by sacrificing his time to fly out to Copenhagen to personally pitch for Chicago, but still no deal. He could have sent Joe Biden but he didn't? He could have sent Hillary Clinton, but he didn't? Instead he offered to go himself to Copenhagen, but that was not enough to thwart the conspiracy of the voting cities which had 'red-flagged' Chicago as the most threatening to their own ambition?

Not even the 'depressed and mean-looking' International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge could have changed what was lurking around. In the President's own very appropriate words, "One of the things that I think is most valuable about sports is that you can play a great game and still not win." So let us all be good sport in the elimination as we gave it our all including our president's visit but they said it was not enough. If President Obama had not gone to Denmark and Chicago lost, he would have been blamed for the loss as nay-sayers, would have chorused, 'if only he had gone?' Now he went and Chicago did not win, the same nay-sayers are saying 'he went and Chicago still lost?' So what is it America, a Catch 22?

Icheoku says, the only reason some people are feeling Chicago should not have lost, is their lack of sportsmanship and the feeling of entitlement! According to this people, 'since the American president made effort to go to Copenhagen, that was enough to secure the Olympics?' But was King Juan Carlos of Spain not in Copenhagen? Same with Japanese Prime Minster Yukio Hatoyama, and Brazilian Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva; all heads of state and governments? So why all the ruse about an America's president going to Copenhagen and not landing the Olympics for Chicago, if not the arrogant feeling of entitlement pervading our society?

What would the Spaniards say or do about their lost chance, after-all they were second finalist? Will they chew on their King for not trying hard enough or commend his efforts? What about the Japanese who are smarting that their long time rival China wowed the world in Beijing 2008 and wanted a pay-back and to out-do China? Will they protest their newly elected Prime Minister for not bringing home the Olympics? None of that will happen, as they understand that it is not a do or die affair; and in sports even the fittest and most prepared sometimes losses. You dust up and get up and go, and not sweat it too much as tomorrow is always another day!

But the regrets aside, America and Chicago should as sportsmen, suck it up and move on; Rio de Janeiro is close enough and still within our hemisphere. More-so with what China put up in Beijing 2008, a hard to beat act, any country coming after them has a very tall order to meet; and so has Rio de Janeiro 2016 joined London before it in 2012, as having their jobs fully cut out for them. If I were Chicago, I will take the result and not whine about it, and pray that by the next time the Olympics comes around, the memory of Beijing 2008 would have somewhat faded into distant memory and glad the present task to surpass or at leas equal China went to someone else.

Admitted moral victory is not usually enough, but in this case, it is the second best thing available since President Barack Obama tried but could not deliver the bacon; unlike the former British Prime Minister Tony Blair who helped London win the 2012 Games, and former Russian President Vladimir Putin who successfully led his country's Sochi's bid for the 2014 Winter Olympics. But hey, you win some and you lose some! So it was Chicago, Tokyo and Madrid in order of elimination, with Rio de Janeiro now crowned the city of Olympics 2016! Congratulations Rio and please let the preparation begin for the sumptuous carnival that will be Rio 2016!

JACOB ZUMA, LICENCE TO KILL?

Hurray, it is open-season in South Africa and for South African police! Human-head hunters are wanted in South Africa, apply with your rifles and shotguns? Are you a poacher, human-poacher that is, Zuma's government needs you? Bounty-hunters also, wanted in South Africa! Job description, to help Zuma's government reduce the number of unwanted 'armed' blackmen of South Africa!

In Zuma's eyes, these folks are mere 'quarries' to be mowed down, using his newest weapon of vigilantism; and without recourse to judicial process or consideration of some rights to life which they may otherwise have as human beings? This is happening in Zuma's South Africa! What happened to the time-honored 'innocent until proved guilty' mantra of legal jurisprudence? Icheoku says, President Jacob Zuma erred by signing-off on this ploy by South African police, to hunt down and kill at sight, innocent South African men and women, who appear to be carrying weapons?

As the police in South Africa, who are just recently emerging from their apartheid-era mindset, have now been re-authorised and licensed to kill first and ask questions later, Icheoku asks who advised President Zuma on this policy? After the nightmarish experiences of apartheid and the brutality of the police, it is shocking indeed that a man involved in the struggle to free South Africa should engage in this second 'apartheid?' How does anyone determine who is armed from a distance of several feet? What modalities are in place to prevent abuse or extra-judicial excessiveness of the police; who might now go into hunting expedition to see how well a good shot they are or how many heads they can garner as trophy? What if the South African police start using these Africans for target/shooting practice? What if the person was just holding a toy gun or simply playing with one? This policy is stupid, thoughtless, tasteless and akin to what obtains in barbaric times of vigilantism. Which sane man would authorise his henchmen to just kill any armed person in his country? What if the person is armed but not dangerous?

In South Africa, it is now legal to just shoot at sight any "armed" South African, and term it 'provoked disposition;' as it is no longer required for there to be a 'threatening' posture or necessarily provoked 'aggression?' Simply put, here comes another form of repressive apartheid government, but this time, by a fellow African, on his people of South Africa? Icheoku condemns this new law as crude, despotic and thoughtless; and should be immediately reversed or not implemented.

Instead of addressing the root cause of the social collapse in South Africa, President Zuma is cutting and running, using the easier way out? In his warped calculations, may be a few African lives is worth the trade-off? Really; and you wonder whether the sacrifices of apartheid was worth the blood and bile it took, after-all? Is it a case of going from frying pot into the fire? Or from the devil into the deep end? President Zuma would rather act on the symptom of the disease than the disease itself? Instead of tackling the seething unemployment, solving the education problem by educating these folks, fulfilling the promise of new post apartheid-era which seems to have died still-birth, facing down the problem of hunger, HIV/AIDS and other debilitating diseases plaguing South Africans; and addressing the frustration increasingly being manifested in these social vices; these unfortunate folks of South Africa who are already down on their luck, will now also be mowed down on the authorisation of their black post-apartheid President Zuma? Icheoku says and screams that President Jacob Zuma may hear us, the problem of and in South Africa is sociological, and not amenable to any quick fix of killing some 'armed' black people?

Unfortunately, President Jacob Zuma is proving to be another Uncle Tom of South Africa, who will kill his folks just because some vested interests in the suburbs, says it is the right thing to do? Icheoku says, crime in South Africa pales in comparison to crimes in Mexico, Colombia, Russia, Afghanistan and such other crime-infested places of this world! So the question remains, why is it that it is only in South Africa that 'extermination' is being employed as a solution? President Zuma might as well feed these folks to the starving lions and hyenas at his country's national parks, instead of now planning to 'waste' bullets on their buck-eye shots? Just throw them over the fences into the dens and save your bullets; at least they will provide meals to these tourists magnets, a source of badly needed foreign revenue for your government?

What an unthinking man President Jacob Zuma is? Regrettably, African leaders have no love for their people, otherwise how can a sane person decree that the 'baby be thrown away with the bath-water?' Certainly, some of the record criminality in South Africa is a function of mental disease which some adequate care might help in resolving; but Zuma will not entertain this postulation, but instead is deploying his men to 'just finish them off' and even when they are retreating and no longer a threat to anyone? South Africa is now the new Texas of Africa! Icheoku says, African Union should put pressure on Zuma's government to drop this heinous law as the consequences will be too overreaching and will impact society adversely? In his uncanny words, President Zuma said, "we have an abnormal criminal problem, for that we have to explore extraordinary means;" to which Icheoku responds that human lives are involved here and should call for more effort at fixing what is broken, than just waste God's creatures because it is an easier solution?

Icheoku says, what is 50 murders a day for a country of about 48 million people when some cities in United States of America with less than 280,000 residents like City of Richmond California, averages about 100-plus murders each year; same goes with Oakland California's 100-plus murders each year as well as San Francisco California, which averages about 98 murders each year! Yet heavens have not fallen and the tourists have not stopped coming to the city by the bay; and sometimes they too get killed! But none of these cities nor State of California nor United States of America have ordered a 'shoot-at sight of its 'armed but not dangerous' citizens/residents? Crime is every society's aching underbelly and cannot be stamped out by killing-off suspects without judicial approval? What is needed is social services, education, employment and re-training to shift these 'dregs' of the society away from the only thing they know how to, crime! But to kill them like animals, since human-beings have right to life and without judicial authorisation, is simply wrong and does not belong to this modern times!

OCTOBER 1ST, A DATE SHARED BY NIGERIA AND CHINA!

As Nigeria and China celebrate their respective independence day anniversaries today, Icheoku says, happy independence anniversaries to both countries! We wish them well and pray that Nigeria tackle with seriousness, her pandemic corruption; while China takes additional steps in permitting dissenting opinions as well as enable additional political freedom to evolve in China.

Today October 1st, 2009, Nigeria turned 49 while China turned 69. Both countries, fortunately enough, have come of age and Icheoku expects nothing short of actions by fully grown, grey-haired countries productively participating in the affairs of the world. May you both become more proactive responsible countries and hands-on members of the comity of nation, actively participating in a positive way and becoming more fully engaged towards resolving world's numerous and very challenging problems.

To Nigeria's President Umaru Yar'Adua and Chinese President Hu Jintao, Icheoku says, on behalf of the people of Nigeria and China, please accept our hearty felicitations on this occasion of the anniversary of your political birth in October 1st 1960 and 1949 respectively. But please be assured that our eyes on your activities will not blink, as we continue to try to 'keep you honest' (CNN Anderson Cooper credited); that you may continue to improve and be a more responsible government, both to your people and the world in general. Once again, congratulations on your independence anniversary!

CAMARA, ANOTHER CRAZED-OUT AFRICAN BUTCHER?

Africa the cursed continent, has once again sprout up another petty blood-thirsty dictator? A man who would spill the blood of so many of the people of Guinea he swore to protect, without bating an eyelid? As usual, he came heralded into Conakry as the long awaited and expected messiah, only to now morph into a blood-sucking vampire, feasting on the blood of the innocent citizens of the country?

It would appear he is walking the same forbidden path, previously threaded by other African dictators of yore? From Milton Obote to Idi Amin to Mobutu Sese Seko, to Yoweri Musevini, to Charles Taylor to Nigeria's own Sani Abacha; the list is just endless! Urchins who forced themselves on the peoples of Africa, and visited on them untold mayhem and hardship! Today, the same monstrous mother of 'Africa-nemesis' has reared one of its children from hell, in Conakry Guinea; his name, Moussa Dadis Camara (MDC) and he evil!

On Monday, the thugs and goons of Moussa Dadis Camara in uniforms, and using weapons bought with Guinean tax-payers' money, murdered 158 innocent Guinean citizens in cold blood! Their offense, what other civilized peoples of the world take for granted - peaceful assembly and a pro real-democracy rally?

Added to the tally were another 1200 citizens who suffered from one form of injury to another; including mangled limbs, gorged out eye-balls, broken noses and lacerated body-parts. It was also alleged that security forces stripped some female protesters naked and raped them publicly in the streets just to 'teach' them a lesson? Some of the women, according reports, were also sexually molested with rifle-butts? Majority of the protesters were stabbed with knives and bayonets.

According to reports reaching Icheoku.com from Conakry, Army Captain Moussa "Dadis" Camara's Presidential guard troops opened fire on about 50,000 protesters, chanting "we want true democracy;" people who were merely protesting the juntas' intention to stand for election in the forthcoming January presidential election in Guinea? Icheoku says, may be Nigerians would have borrowed a leaf from these brave Guineans, and protested Aremu Olusegun Obasanjo's ill-fated second coming to Nigeria's presidency? But with the massacre of Monday, at the main football stadium in Conakry, it would appear that dictators merely engage in shifting-chairs games in Africa? It is now apparent with the insidious massacre of Conakry on Monday, that another dictator has just succeeded the bygone, deceased dictator Lansana Conte; thus shattering to smithereens, the hopes of many Guinean citizens that at last, the yokes of dictatorships are being shed?

In the marauding government's usual contriving, lying manner, Guinea's Interior Ministry claimed that "only" 4 out of the 57 dead were actually killed by their own government-thugs' bullets; while the rest of the 53 died as result of trampling and asphyxiation? Icheoku says, whether by bullet or asphyxiation or trampling, no Guinean ought to have died just for protesting; it should not have happened in the first place but for the junta of Conakry, who went out of his way to forcibly silence peaceful democracy-rally organised by the opposition?

If according to the crocodile tears presently being shed by Moussa Dadis Camara, that "those people who committed those atrocities were uncontrollable elements in the military," Icheoku asks, why is somebody who cannot control 'his' army as their commander-in-chief, still holding court in Conakry? In his words, "Even I, as head of state in this very tense situation, cannot claim to be able to control those elements in the military." Really, what a shame and he is head of a functioning government?

It will be recalled that Moussa Dadis Camara is the third dictator to preside over Guinea since independence! He forcibly succeeded President Lansana Conte, who died in office after a 25 year dictatorship, last December 22, 2008. Conte had himself succeeded Ahmed Sékou Touré who died in 1984, having ruled himself since Guinea's independence from France in 1958! As is often with his ilks, Camara came to power on a populist yearning, but has since shed his coat of humanity and in its' place, adorned his true color's coat of a menacing prowler - another infantile African mean dictator!

Now there is tension in the land as a result of his rumoured lack of desire to get off the stage in Conakry; insinuating that he will run in presidential elections scheduled for January 31, 2009? Not helping matters at all, Camara who initially debunked the rumour, has recently said "he has the right to run if he so chooses." Icheoku says, do you smell any rat here? The usual double-speak of an emerging dictator, who is deftly plotting and consolidating his soon to be 'vice-hold' on the people of Guinea? It is only through strong-arming the people of Guinea will this man ever preside over Guinea peacefully, as he has murdered sleep and cannot sleep any more. In the words of one Guinea man-on-the-street, "Dadis Camara's political career, if he had any ambition, is gone. He has made an own goal; the killing of all these innocent protesters can only mean doom for his political ambition." Icheoku says, what a summation of a people who are fed up with the muzzle of dictatorship, and now want to be free!

It would appear that the dictator has had it up to his neck with the restive people of Guinea, being on edge, acted out to bare his fangs? Late last month, Camara's policemen fired tear gas to disperse a demonstration in the capital Conakry; again, just last Thursday tens of thousands of residents in a town north of Conakry took to the streets but with no serious reprisals from Camara's goon-bahs; but unfortunately, the Monday protesters miscalculated as they ended up not being as lucky; their attempt to voice out their dissent was met with ferocious clamp-down by Moussa Dadis Camara's armed thugs, resulting in the massacre of 158 Guineans! Icheoku says, what a "Bloody Monday in Conakry!"

Coincidentally, the strong-man of Guinea has rather strange likeliness to so many erstwhile Nigerian dictators; some of who have been incontrovertibly compared to him? Like the late Nigerian henchman, midget Sani Abacha, Moussa Dadis Camara is nocturnal; he is a night-owl and being a vampire, hates the sunlight! He also wears very dark sun-shades similar to Abacha's trade-mark goggles; should he venture out before sunset! Like Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, Moussa Dadis Camara is vainglorious, and has several very expensive and commissioned life-size portraits of himself, adorning virtually everywhere in his "presidential" palace? Finally, like Olusegun Obasanjo, Moussa Dadis Camara is not particularly pleasant to behold, he is rather very ugly and is also alleged human he-goat! What coincidental traits, he shares with three Nigerian dictators.

Icheoku says, like every other African country suffering from the curse of bad and inept leadership, Guinea is not spared. Since gaining independence from France in 1950, it has been pillaged by its ruling elite which props the juntas, ruthlessly suppressing the people ever since. Guinea's 10 million citizens are among the world's poorest people, despite the abundance of mineral resources underneath their soil, including diamonds, gold, iron and half the world's reserves of base-aluminum. Icheoku asks, what is it, how can it be explained or possibly reconciled; two conflicting positions that in great abundance, many are still suffering; but to blame it on the curse of Africa! As Guinea mourns her 158 dead, killed by her own government armed-thugs in uniform, and under the watchful eye of her Army Captain Mousssa Dadis Camara, Icheoku says, take heart, we share in your sorrows!