LIFE IS CRUEL, DEPORTATION IS UGLY?

Icheoku says you are looking above pictured, part of some one hundred Nigerians recently deported from Norway, as they are trying to figure out what indeed happened to them at Muritala Mohamed airport in Lagos. Icheoku says with experiences like this, which now occur in Lagos nearly on a daily basis, one begins to wonder if these checking out is indeed worth it after all? Look at the guy in red pants left bottom, carrying all he was able to acquire in Norway in his see through garbage bag, and you wonder whether his plane ticket and the cost of obtaining Visa out of Nigeria was even realized? 

Anyway it is life and life is somewhat cruel and shows no mercy. Like with every deportation, they get you and you are gone; and it does not matter what you own or have, including money in the bank; admitted with plastic cards, you can access your money from anywhere in the world including the Sambisa Evil Forest, provided you first check with Boko Haram to ascertain their charges and fees? Icheoku says as is usually with such uprooting, it will take time to decompress, but these people will survive. What an unhappy Christmas, the Norwegians have brought to these Nigerians by forcefully returning them from a land whence they escaped. Life is indeed cruel.

WINNIE MANDELA, A STRONG WOMAN NOT GIVEN HER DUES?

Icheoku just re-watched "Mandela, long walk to freedom", a movie about the life and times of the South African legend; a man who sacrificed so much of his life to achieve freedom for his people. A very good movie indeed - well acted and nicely choreographed too as well as its scenic cinematography. But the movie is not the purport of this essay, it only provided Icheoku with a brain-jolt to look into the real heroine of the apartheid struggle without whom, possibly Nelson Mandela would not have become the legend he became. 

Icheoku says Winnie Madikizela Mandela played a very important role, may be of equal significance if not more important than Nelson Mandela himself, in the struggle for a free South Africa. While Nelson was imprisoned, she dutifully held the fort, raising their children while simultaneously, bravely organizing and leading the uprising that eventually toppled South Africa apartheid government. She also suffered untold discomfort from the same apartheid South African government trying to make her abandon the struggle. From Nelson Mandela's early activist days to his imprisonment to his release and eventual presidency, Winnie was rock-solid behind her man and lived her life in full commitment to the ideals of the struggle. For these Icheoku says Winnie Mandela has earned her place in the pantheon of history as a heroine of the South Africa liberation struggle and should be so fully acknowledged and recognized.

Icheoku is emphatic that but for Winnie, Nelson would possibly have compromised the struggle or accepted a release from prison deal from the government or even worse, died brokenhearted behind the walls of Robbin Island prison? But any man would brave the situation. knowing fully well that he has an indefatigable wife or partner getting his back and that while he was gone, someone was taking care of business on his behalf. Icheoku asks which man would not pray to be so blessed with such a woman as Winnie Mandela faced with similar circumstances? While Nelson Mandela was locked away, Winnie held fort, Winnie took care of business and Winnie sustained the struggle for liberty of the oppressed black majority under White minority apartheid South Africa. An epitome of strength and courage, who herself was severally harassed, intimidated and locked up in solitary confinements just to break her resolve but she did not bulge nor cower. 

Icheoku says if a "STRONG WOMAN" ever existed, Winnie Mandela is that she; and Icheoku is one proud loving man of  strong women, provided their strength is in holding fort when duty calls but not on needless confrontations and disrespectful, scornful mannerism towards their husbands. As demonstrated by Winnie, strong women should be source of strength to their husbands but not their nightmare; they should be capable of effectively stepping in and filling their husband's big shoes when duty calls and do it without much complain. Icheoku says Winnie Mandela delivered this lesson with big equanimity; she taught aspiring "strong" women how to be strong and still remain a beautiful woman.  Just like femininity is still in vogue and beautiful, Icheoku maintains that any woman can be strong while still remaining a woman but not an unneeded usurping Madam Husband? 

Icheoku however has issue with Nelson Mandela for walking away from Winnie despite her sacrifices on his behalf, waiting for twenty-seven long years without eloping with other eligible men and they were many indeed that came after her, while Nelson was gone. Icheoku refuses to accept that her indiscretion was such an egregious unforgiven sin for Mandela not to find a place in his heart to tuck it away and forge on. At over seventy years old when he was released from prison, most men would have pretended nothing happened and lived his life out with his loving and dutiful wife who stood firm and bravely carried the torch of freedom-fighting while a caged Mandela could not do much from behind his prison walls. Icheoku maintains that if Nelson Mandela could forgive his tormentors and oppressors, why did he not find it honorably doable to also forgive Winnie's indiscretion? 

But hey, the story of Nelson Mandela and apartheid struggle is legion and everywhere; but Icheoku states and unequivocally too, that Winnie Madikizela Mandela was not given her due recognition for her role in both ending apartheid and making Nelson the man he really became. Hers is atypical of the saying that behind every successful man there is always a woman and a very strong woman for that matter. Icheoku says if every 'strong' woman walking the face of the earth should be like Winnie Mandela, then may there be no weakling sissy left standing. Winnie, Icheoku says, thank you for loving Nelson the way you did and for also courageously holding the fort while he was gone. 

Winnie Madikizela Mandela, please just know that history will properly accord you the  elevated place of honor which you rightly earned and deserve. Icheoku says, Icheoku, Africans and the world know who the true wife and African queen of Nelson Mandela is. Icheoku says your place in history is incapable of being wiped or wished away, admitted that the masochistic African male society, that only sees women but refuses to hear or acknowledge them for their roles in the society, would rather the whole praise went to your husband Nelson Mandela alone; but your role remains indelible and will inure forever. Icheoku says well done Mama Africa, we thank you, we love you and we wish you a long, healthy and happy life.

'BOY, YOU DO WHAT YOU'RE TOLD' - JAN BREWER

Icheoku says what else is racism exemplified other than an ordinary state governor not respecting the office of the president of the United States of America, simply because the person in occupation therein is a BLACK 'THAT ONE'? Icheoku says look no further but at Jan Brewer if looking for proof that racism in America has not died nor abated nor even become any better with a black President Barack Obama's presidency. But hey, millions of Arizona's Jan Brewer cannot change the fact of history that finally at last, a blackman is occupying "their" White House as their president. From Jan Brewer to Barack Obama, GET IT?

BUHARI'S WIN, APC SAYS GET OVER YOUR PARANOIA NIGERIANS?

Icheoku says the man who owns, runs and largely finances the APC, Ahmed Bola Tinubu, has once again proved that no grasshopper ever flies up in APC without his express approval and authorization? He dealt with Sheriff Momodu, Tom Ikimi, Babatunde Fashola and now his latest quarry is bagged in Abubakar Atiku, whose  latest ambition to fly the APC presidential ticket was crushed and probably quashed forever? The man, who Icheoku reluctantly admires his political gamesmanship, is  one heck of a smooth political operator; and has by this latest act now conclusively proved that he has had and would always have his way with anyone in 'his' APC. He single-handedly imposed a chairman on the APC; he picked a candidate for Lagos 2015 governorship election despite the objection of an incumbent governor, who himself was a beneficiary of ABT political anointing; and now he has also handed his preferred candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, the APC presidential ticket. 

Icheoku says if the PDP and President Jonathan hitherto never appreciated or underestimated the prowess of this  man, now probably is the time for them to really wake up, shake off their lethargy and take a second critical look at him and rejig their strategy and game plan for 2015. Icheoku admonishes that failure to so do and very quickly too, might surprisingly leave them wondering what a ton of bricks hit them in 2015 with the emergence of an APC president through this man's deft manipulations. icheoku acknowledges that Ahmed Bola Tinubu has thus far a very impressive political resume and should be taken very seriously and all his dues properly paid him. Steadily but surely, Bola Tinubu is effectively filling the big shoes of the other Yoruba political sage Obafemi Awolowo as one of the biggest political tactician the Yoruba Southwest has ever produced? Icheoku gives him his due props, regardless of our often disagreeing positions on affairs of the land. 

Icheoku did all he could to help try influence the outcome of the APC convention by persuading APC not to front this despot as their presidential candidate. But the result shows otherwise; that the APC choose to see Buhari's past misbehaviors as gone with the wind and that his confessed renaissance is genuine? Icheoku admits that the Buhari of 2015 has been significantly humbled from the Buhari of 1983 to 1985 that murdered those three innocent Nigerians using a retroactive decree as cover? If the result is acceptable to the APC, with all due respect it is also acceptable to a non partisan Icheoku. All Icheoku can add now is that if eventually the APC wins the presidential seat in 2015, the implication would be very far-reaching indeed. It will certainly affirm that Nigeria is a certified glorified banana republic, where only strong men hold sway? That because of Nigerians' usual cattle mentality, their stimuli only respond to infliction of force and therefore it requires an army discipline to properly coalesce them and put them in line? Icheoku asks, would a Nigerian, desiring forced discipline in order to behave properly, still be capable of claiming any civilized civility? 

But that irrespective, whether or not the APC candidate wins in 2015, it will not make any difference in the security situation in Nigeria. The only difference would be in the geographical location of the continuing terrorism that is plaguing Nigeria as it would then migrate from the Northeast down to South-south Niger Delta, the original home-grown terrorists abode? Icheoku is emphatic that  Abubakar Shekau and his Boko Haram band of marauding  bandits helped blackmailed APC into the presidential ticket outcome? Boko Haram would also likely blackmail Nigerians, clamoring for security, with intensified mayhem to help bring about a Buhari's victory and thereafter would quickly lay down their weapons in a pretended negotiated settlement or amnesty? But then this Boko Haram watershed would be the beginning of the terror-hurricane the Niger Delta commanding officer Mujahadeen Asari Dokubo had promised Nigerians in event Jonathan was denied a second time? 

All Dokubo would do is to relocate to the creeks and with his band of terrorists, once the marching order is given from above, grind Nigeria's teetering oil export to a complete halt. Icheoku says so Nigerians must tread with great caution and tepidity in their quest to decide who occupies Aso Rock in 2015 as either win, will not solve the Nigerian insecurity problem. It is going to be a case of which alternative is a lesser evil situation; and then ask themselves which of the two terrorism belts would have a greater impact on their lives in general and vote accordingly. Although what Sheik Gumi proposed would have been a quicker  resolution; but with both parties now resting their fate in the two candidates, their nomination process completed, Nigerians can only await the consequential outcome of either choice? 

As for Icheoku, a preferred outcome is to not let those Niger Delta original terrorists have any reason to go back blowing up pipelines again. Let their son and brother have their region's term completion in Aso Rock and then power can return wherever power wants to return. Thereafter, if they ever misbehave again with their restiveness, then the whole Nigerians can overwhelmingly hammer them down into eternal fearful subjugation. But injustice to one is injustice to all, so if the Yoruba Southwest got their eight years two election-cycles terms, let the same measure be extended to the South-south people and hopefully to the North and Southeast whenever they get the privilege?  It is fairness defined and nothing ever compares to it. 

To Abubakar Atiku, Icheoku says please consider finally hanging up your presidential aspiration and may be forever and for good? Baba Iyabo successfully damaged Atiku's reputation and credibility when he challenged Atiku to visit  America and get arrested; which challenge Atiku never took. Atiku coyly shied away from addressing or disproving this accusation by simply taking a trip to the USA and instead went prostrating at Abeoukuta Hilltop, begging for forgiveness?  A simpleton's solution to a genie problem which never puts the genie back into the bottle; and Baba laughed and still dey laugh at Atiku and his daydream of becoming Nigeria's president which is suddenly morphing into a nightmare with his latest defeat by Buhari? Icheoku says Atiku failed to correctly read Olusegun Obasanjo's primary intent by publicly releasing his Atiku-s Challenge and to put it out there and let the public do the lynching and crucifixion. icheoku says Atiku's non-response response to Obasanjo's accusation and challenge gave credence to the allegation and it stuck that Atiku is the most corrupt Nigerian alive. 

So despite the over 9 billion Naira Atiku poured into purchasing the APC presidential ticket, he was told no, thanks, but no. It would appear that Bola Tinubu took a page from the book of Umaru DIkko and told Abubakar Atiku that the APC presidential ticket is not for sale to the highest bidder. Icheoku says so who knows which party the habitual party crawler would, following his trouncing defeat by Buhari, now hop over to this time around? Except that Icheoku almost forgot that his PDM is a registered political party, so there could be a PDM presidential candidate Abubakar Atiku very soon? It is now a battle royale between PDP's Jonathan and APC Buhari for the hearts and minds of Nigerians as 2015 approaches. Icheoku can never have enough of the punches expected to be thrown by this two gladiators prelude to February 2015 presidential election that will decide who stays or moves out and/or who remains out or moves into Aso Rock.

It is now all systems go for the millions of Buhari-phobes who would now go into overdrive to ensure that they nip their impending nightmare in the bud before it morphs into an existential threat to Nigeria as we know it. Icheoku does not like the precedent being set with Olusegun Obasanjo and now probably with impending Muhammadu Buhari, that only army men, whether serving or retired, could effectively preside over Nigeria? It does not bode well for the country's image and it does not bode well for grassroots democracy and would encourage future coup plotters to do their thing since there is no consequence for any past reprobate. If Icheoku may, this impending power return to the same Northeast that produced Shagari, Buhari, Abacha, Babangida, Abdulsalam and YarAdua, should be aborted at any cost possible as it is not only one region out of six that knows how to rule Nigeria. Icheoku says it is time indeed Nigerians declared their true and second independence from these born to rule ideologues and tell them if we cannot rule them, they should not and must not rule us. No one is inferior or second class to anyone in Nigeria and 2015 is the date with history that Nigerians must look these guys in the eyes and tell them ENOUGH! 

FYI:- Icheoku congratulates APC for a successful convention and Muhammadu Buhari for emerging victorious and clinching the APC presidential ticket. 2015 here we come for a rematch of Jonathan V Buhari 2; and the umpire would certainly be Nigerians. Like millions of Nigerians, Icheoku also tremblingly awaits the result. 

"ALL I CAN OFFER IS MY ALL" - BUHARI

Like the biblical "silver or gold I have none, but what I have here give" situation, Buhari tells APC delegates he has neither dollars nor Naira to bribe them, but what he has he shall give and that is SERVICE to Nigerians? Icheoku says finally this man is seemingly beginning to get it; but he, in addition, has to apologize to Nigerians for the highhandedness of his past regime. But Icheoku is neither "forgiving nor forgetting" that he MURDERED three innocent Nigerians using a retroactive decree. Hell NO he gets the APC ticket and Hell NO he is elected president of Nigeria. Enough of these old Hausa/Fulani brigades and their born to rule mentality. If we cannot rule them, they should not rule us and this is the true definition of independence and Nigerians have so declared to be free at last, free at last!

WHEN A WIFE DESIRES A HUSBAND, ARGUMENTS GONE?

"Forward, I pray, since we have come so far. And be it moon, or sun, or what you please. And if you please to call it a rush candle, henceforth I vow it shall be so for me." Katherine to Petruchio, William Shakespeare, The Taming of the Shrew. 

Icheoku says just like the good old days of our great forebears, without all these unneeded arguments, a good wife should know how to capture, conquer, control and keep her husband captive and forever, without him even knowing it. But unfortunately many of them thought that femininity is no longer in vogue nor sexy; and are now fighting for a hostile take-over of the husband department too. Icheoku says were this the intention of the maker, may be there would have been just one sex created or according to the biblical account, both species would have been created equally and at the same time and from the same material? But woman was created to compliment men but not to supplant them.

But hey, the feminists take over of the world is nearing completion as they continue to wreck havoc in matrimony and has successfully removed the pride of family completeness of a father/husband, wife/mother and children. They now proudly flaunt their single parenthood of 'I am a single mom and proud, hurray!" "I belong to an association of single mothers, life is beautiful!" Icheoku says single dads also do exist but Icheoku prefers the good old fashioned family of dad, mom and kids any time any day as it was originally meant to be. Icheoku adds that parents are complimentary and never supplementary as each parent has their respective roles to play in raising their kids. 

Further, irrespective of the Mr Mom and/or Mrs Dad reversal of roles, commonly symptomatic of an evolving modern society, where shifting fortunes continuously reconfigures events, a respectful wife or adoring husband should always strive not to further compound things for the other spouse. But hey, love conquers all for those whom love still matters and means a thing and not all those hawkers and gawkers wanting it all. Icheoku salutes all ye that are still keeping it real as it was meant and supposed to be, despite the temptations and challenges that sometimes want to overwhelm and tempt you into joining the loose cannons! Icheoku appreciates you for all the sacrifices and your children are grateful too. Please forget the naysayers, stay the course and you shall be happy you did.

BUHARI IS BAD MEDICINE FOR NIGERIA'S ILLNESS

Icheoku says just take a good look at these two faces Nigerians and please tell Icheoku you will be comfortable with both men running affairs of Nigeria? So please do the NEEDFUL, join the effort now to stop this marauder and prevent him from torturing Nigerians again. Say never again Buhari, say NO to Buhari. On MARCH 28, 2015 VOTE GEJ.

APC, HOW ABOUT AMAECHI FOR PRESIDENT?

Icheoku is just wondering what a masterful stroke it would be should the APC muster the courage to field a South-south Christian presidential candidate with a Northern Hausa/Fulani Muslim vice presidential candidate in the forth coming 2015 presidential election? Icheoku prophesies that should this, most unlikely scenario, ever come alive, the APC would win hands down. Nigerians are somewhat tired of PDP but has no credible alternative and are yearning to have one extended to them come 2015, except that the APC is tone-deaf by continuing their acceleration down the Buhari lane? Icheoku says a thinking APC would have surprised every Nigerian by deflating any excuse that would force them back in the devil they know option by clearly meeting and surpassing their expectation by giving them a candidate similarly positioned as the PDP candidate. 

That way, it would be just a matter of whether Nigerians want to continue on the road currently being traveled, or to try an entirely different route. Christains would not have reason not to vote and the people of South-south as well as the entire South would not have reason not to vote since both candidates are from their region and are both Christians? The joker for APC would be the North that would be the decider in chief and the election of 2015 would have been won and lost and a new party and new president in occupation of Aso Rock? But a situation where the APC is telling the South-south that they are not good enough for the presidency but should settle for a vice presidential lot  makes Icheoku wonder who is advising the APC? No sane  right thinking person expect the people of South-south or the South in general would leave being in the driver's seat to become a mere passenger or which according to Igbo parlance, would leave where they are taking an Ozo title for where they are trying to cure someone of madness. One good thing with Igbo society is that they have a compendium of life's guiding philosophies except that the society does not often imbibe or apply them as their life's guiding light and philosophy.

Icheoku says imagine the earth-shattering event it would be should the APC field Governor Rotimi Amaechi as its presidential candidate with Muhammadu Buhari as his vice presidential candidate. A party indeed bent on uprooting the man at Aso Rock, should surprise Nigerians with this option and thereafter, immediately following his inauguration, force Amaechi to resign on health grounds or impeach him to make way for Buhari. Icheoku asks does anyone think this scenario is far-fetched or not plausible ; since the APC, by dealing this joker, would have solved so many political problems associated with their current Buhari arrangement? First they would have solved the question of religiously-balancing their ticket; they would also have given the South-south Niger Deltans actual reason to jettison their son and current president, since a President Amaechi would still guarantee that they still refined the presidency. 

Icheoku says this scenario would guarantee a win-win situation for the APC and what better political mathematician could have come up with any better calculus and the surest and quickest route into Aso Rock in 2015? However, the problem would be whether the rascally, hot-head Rotimi Amaechi would bite the bait and not become too greedy once sworn in and refuse to surrender the cup with which he was given water? But the only way to test the pudding is by eating it, so until he proves himself dubiou, why not if not. Icheoku asks, but is the man who owns and runs All Progressive Congress, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, listening? 

BUHARI DECLARES RELIGIOUS TRUCE?

“We must forcefully resist those who wish to set out society on the path of religious conflict. The recent past was unfortunate, the present is Not Good Enough; and it is our duty to create a future that should become a model for all multi-religious societies. We must get together or we shall all get it together. Our two principal religions share a heritage that ought to be used to forge links between our Muslims and Christians. Both are revealed, monotheistic faiths that teaches tolerance and peaceful co-existence" - Muhammadu Buhari, a 1998 lecture at Arewa House Kaduna.

TAYLOR SWIFT, WHEN APPEARANCE IS DECEPTIVE?

Icheoku says sometimes the inner person or mind's true conception may be expressed in verbalized words including poetry and songs. The white hype, Taylor Swift, in one of her latest song, practically admitted that she is not what she actually appears to be?  The songstress, who Kanye West yanked a microphone from her mouth during a  nationally televised music award ceremony, impliedly admitted that she is a bitch and capable of inflicting dire emotional damage on any unsuspecting victim of her love or rather pretentious love? Icheoku says listen to her "BLANK SPACE" song and hear her admit "I am a NIGHTMARE dressed like a DAYDREAM"? Icheoku says what other admission by the person involved qualifies more than this one; or does any person still require further evidence to understand that a viper, whether or not dressed in human form, can pack a punch. So the world of lecherous men, beware; you have been put on notice and precisely warned  to stay off the big voltage power line that is TS.

TIRED OF CHRISTIAN RUNNING MATES, IT'S A MUSLIM THIS TIME - BUHARI?

"I joined partisan politics in 2002. By 2003, there were governors, there were senators, but I got the (presidential) ticket. I picked late Chuba Okadigbo. He was a Roman Catholic and an Igbo. And he was brought up politically by Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe. We were rigged out."

“In 2007, I picked Chief Umeh Ezeoke, he was an Igbo and a Roman Catholic. Again, we were rigged out. In 2011, I picked Tunde Bakare, a pastor. Again we were rigged out. So how more Christian do you want me to go in picking a running mate? I never picked a Muslim as a running mate but this time , I will.”  - Muhammadu Buhari. 

Icheoku says except that Muhammadu Buhari forgot that Tude Idiagbon was a Muslim. Buhari also laments that he has never been to Mecca for the past twelve years, possibly because no bank will give him loan to finance the pilgrimage? But what would this man not do to get back to Aso Rock, except that Nigerians would be the decider and early feelers shows that are not impressed with his do over.

BUHARI LIES YET AGAIN, ADMITS TO OVERTHROWING SHAGARI !

Icheoku says in an interview with The Sun Newspapers, December 9. 2015, the man who is desperate to rule Nigeria again after three previously failed attempts, APC Muhammadu Buhari, has recanted his earlier claim that he was merely invited after the 1983 coup to assume leadership of the junta? many Nigerians including Icheoku doubted his claim then as well as his overall veracity for truth. Peradventure, he was caught pants down in an unguarded moment and he ADMITTED being a COUP PLOTTER. Below is the excerpt of the question and answer session that roped in and in his own very own words.

Q:- "Are you sorry for bringing to an end the Shagari’s government?"

Buhari:- "No, I am not sorry because I mentioned the reasons why WE DID IT. And we proved our case."

Icheoku says Nigerians now you know that the man who truncated democracy is trying to benefit from the same democracy he once killed. Please Sai No to Buhari; tell him DEMOCRACY hates anti-democracy elements. Moreso he is so yesterday to want to participate in a government of the future. Icheoku says Nigeria has no use of him and his ilks; especially not in 2015. He lacks candor and his words don't mean a thing.

BUHARI VOWS NEVER TO FORGET BABANGIDA?

Icheoku says here is another excerpt from that Buhari's interview:-

Q:- "You were detained after being removed from office via a military coup in 1985. Have you forgiven the man who removed and detained you?"

BUHARI:- "I have said it so many times that those who said I should forgive and forget were not being honest. There are things in life that you will never forget. But I have forgiven the persons who were responsible for removing me and detaining me BUT I will NEVER forget them." 

Icheoku laments if only Muhammadu Buhari knows the content of "Our Lords Prayer", he would have been aware that he is required to first asks and receive President Shehu Shagari's forgiveness before asking or expecting or even effectively forgiving Ibrahim Babangida, assuming the Evil Genius asked for his forgiveness? Muhammadu Buhari was the first bandit to rob an elected President Shehu Shagari of his mandate; and IBB merely stole from him what he stole earlier from Shagari. It is like IBB merely re-stole from Buhari what he never rightfully owned nor effectively had? Therefore robing an armed robber at gun point what he earlier robbed at gun point is technically not armed robbery because the initial armed robber did not have rightful ownership and possession of the thing in the first place and should not be heard to complain if another armed robber takes it from him. Icheoku says Muhammadu Buhari has no standing whatsoever to feel bad about his removal as he did the same thing to a duly elected President Shehu Shagari.

JONATHAN, THE BEST PRESIDENT NIGERIA EVER HAD - OMOKRI?

"President Jonathan is the best president Nigeria has ever had. There is no political prisoner in Nigeria; as a matter of fact, Nigeria has become so free under President Jonathan that those in exile were able to return home. Some chose to attack him, others chose to support him; but the obvious thing is that there is no consequence because we have a God-fearing and philosopher-king  president." - Omokri, R. presidential aide to Goodluck Jonathan. 

Icheoku says every laborer must earn his wages and therefore must prove to the wage-payer that his money is not being vainly wasted on him or her? So, in as much as Icheoku is not contesting the veracity of what was said above, but would like to clarify further that the catchment imperative here is "ever had" but not "could ever have?" So offended Nigerians, who are miffed that a mediocre performer is being branded the "best ever had", should understand the context under which the statement was made. Icheoku says instead of crucifying the alleger for what was alleged, just  judge the statement within the context of the decrepitude former Nigerian leaders like OBJ, BUHARI, IBB, ABACHA, ABDULSALAM and of course the genocidal YAKUBU GOWON.  

Icheoku asserts that, compared to any of these mongrels, the timid Jonathan is tiers ahead of them all put together. Therefore Icheoku agrees that in so far as the comparison was made relative to what Nigeria has been cursed with thus far, it is a truism. But nevertheless, when compared to what could be possible in a country with over one hundred and fifty million humans, then it is a far stretch. Icheoku further avers that President Jonathan has not done commandingly and satisfactorily well enough to satisfy the expectations and cravings of Nigerians that know better; but he is a sure improvement from what Nigerians have witnessed previously in the past. However, the future would be better with a more prepared and bold enough person, who knows what to do and could do what is needed to take Nigeria to the next level, by just shaking things around and consequentially. 

I LOVE MY COUNTRY - SULE LAMIDO

"I love my country, Nigeria. I can never allow my personal aspiration to blind me to the dangers it can bring on my country. A country that made me what I am, gave me space to grow? I will do everything in my power to pay back Nigeria for what Nigeria has made me. I will work hard to see that Nigeria is stable, united and strong, so that as Nigeria has enabled me to grow, other Nigerians will also have the opportunity to grow to the best of their potentials, to be governors, ministers, parliamentarians, academicians, captains of industry, scientists, professionals and what have you." - Sule Lamido, Governor Jigawa State. Icheoku says what a highly commendable and patriotic statement.

MIYETTI ALLAH'S HOSTILE TAKE OVER, IN FULL GEAR?

Icheoku says behold the soldiers of Miyetti Allah, lined up and ready to take their country back, regardless of what any person thinks or feels about their born to rule mentality. As far as they are concerned, it must be their way or the highway and any Nigerian who does not like it must be branded "dog and baboon" whose blood would be used to water the grounds? Icheoku says must Nigerians continue to always tolerate the idiotic mindset that fuels such attitude of exclusive entitlement to power? 

Icheoku has nothing against a viable opposition taking over in 2015 and indeed, actually is in support of such earth-shaking development to shake the PDP out of its doldrums; but can't the APC give Nigerians a viable alternative they can live with? Icheoku says sixteen years is such a long time for one party to be in power that they have become somewhat complacent and no longer working hard enough to earn their continuing support by Nigerians to remain in power. If Icheoku has its way, no party would be in power for more than two terms of eight years, and in that way Nigerians would be better exposed to which party is indeed better for them.  

But when the PDP has remained in power for this long, with some of their top guns boasting that they would be in power for sixty years, what option do Nigerians really have to check what indeed works better for them or what others have to offer? But unfortunately, the APC is not working hard enough to really give Nigerians this elusive option, to enable Nigerians indeed decide, because of the candidate they are pushing and trying to force down on Nigerians. Icheoku says that BUHARI is not the answer to the question, who is a Jonathan's alternative? 

Why must it be another North-westerner or even a Muslim or even a Hausa/Fulani oligarch for that matter? Shagari is from there; Buhari is from there; Abacha is from there; Yar'Adua is from there; and technically, Babangida and Abdulsalam are from there, being both Hausa/Fulani Muslims? Icheoku asks why must the North be only North-westerners - what about Northeast as well as North-central? The APC have other potential candidates who are not from the usual Northwest belt, who are equally Northerners and even non Muslims. They also have potential candidates who are even from the same South-south belt as the man they are planning his ouster from Aso Rock. So a well-meaning APC, would strategically go out of its way to give Nigerians a candidate from the same zone as the man they want to remove. That way, they would really present Nigerians a clear choice, devoid of the religious, sectional and tribal permutations that would determine voting pattern in 2015, in the unfortunate event the inevitable Buhari candidacy crystallizes. 

Anyway, it is for Nigerians to decide whether these mean faces is what is required now in the land or would they prefer some happier faces leading the way. As for Icheoku, we certainly desire some happy smiling faces in a country that is already saddled with too much pain and anguish as a result of the Boko Haram continuing menace. Look at El Rufai and the man he once criticized for not retiring and leaving the turf for younger generation, Muhammadu Buhari's faces and you wonder why they are this melancholic? Icheoku says governing Nigeria is not synonymous as performing funeral rites, so undertakers need not apply. 

Icheoku pleads with Bola Tinubu to please spare Nigeria this unsmiling sadist as today's Nigeria no longer needs such a demagogue as its leader. No matter what, there is always a reason to be optimistic that there is some good still left in life to warrant a happy face; but long drawn faces, who needs that in Aso Rock? Please APC delegates, Just Say NO To Buhari; reject him as your presidential candidate; at worst, the eminently corrupt Abubakar Atiku would suffice, at least he smiles and radiates some hope! To APC delegates that would soon gather in Lagos to choose their presidential candidate, Icheoku pleads that the future and fate of Nigeria is in your hands, so on December 10, please use your ballots wisely.

BOKO HARAM, AMERICAN HYPOCRISY IS DANGEROUS - AKINYEMI

"Continuing references to human rights violations by the Nigerian military will carry more credibility if they come from the Vatican which gave up fighting wars centuries ago, than from the United States whose favourite weapon, the drone, makes no distinction between civilians and combatants. I believe the term “collateral damage” was coined by Colin Powell to justify the often appalling civilian casualties that resulted from United States military activities abroad." - Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, criticizing American government's skewed excuse  of human rights violations by the Nigerian army as reason for refusing to sell arms to Nigeria to enable them fight Boko Haram.

Icheoku says the Americans apply laws and implement their foreign policies as it suits their interests; otherwise which country is more despotic, with glaring gross human rights violations throughout the face of the earth than the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which continues to strictly enforce barbaric Wahabism-based Sharia law, while still  enjoying the coziest relationship with America? Icheoku adds that Abu Ghriab was not a Nigeria's army making? Also please do not mention that Palestine is suffering untold inhumanity in the hands of the proverbial 51st State of the United States of America located in the Middle East? 

Russia crushed Chechnya rebels with America's assistance and the world knew how humane and nicely done that campaign was? The Brits in their Northern Ireland campaign also tapped into America's help as well as during their battle with Argentina over Falklands Island and they were  "noticeably" Mother Theresa-like when they fired and sank a retreating Argentinian navy ship with over five hundred sailors on board, who are still resting in their Atlantic Ocean watery graves as Icheoku keys away this piece? When Saddam Hussein held sway and was gassing his fellow citizens with nerve gas, who manufactured and supplied those fumes to him?  Vietnam, Japan, Germany, Mexico, Cuba, Panama, Nicaragua, Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, North Korea etc are all escapades that should be better wished away as if they never happened?

Anyway it is world geo-politics and it is what it is. This is  what is causing Nigeria's inability to procure weapons from anywhere since the Americans said no to their offer to buy. Armament manufacture and supply is a business controlled mostly by America; and because they also have the biggest weapons market as the largest procurer and consumer of weaponry, no country would want to be shut-out from the American market by provoking the Americans by dealing with Nigeria. Therefore a somewhat pariah(ed) Nigeria would find it extremely difficult, barring resort to the black market, to find any country willing to do arms business with it once America does not give them the green light to so do? 

It is a matter made more laughable  because America, a supposedly Christian country fighting Islamic terrorists everywhere else in the world, is rather looking the other way while an Islamic terrorist group, Boko Haram, is wrecking havoc in a country presently under a Christian headship? In other terrorists-infested places, America is begging for volunteers to be freely equipped to help fight the terrorists; but Nigeria, with a standing army ready to fight the same type of terrorists, is even begging to BUY weapons, yet the Americans would not let them? Is anybody smelling the same rat which is fouling the air around Icheoku's nostrils in this double-standards?

Icheoku asks why is fighting Islamic Al-Queida and ISIS terrorists good enough but fighting a similarly murderous Islamic terrorist Boko Haram off the radar for the Americans? The only fathomable reason is that Saudi Arabia has interest in the outcome of the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria and they often trade deals with the United States in a quid pro quo fashion; so America is probably letting them navigate the Nigerian situation. So until the christian president of Nigeria goes and the House of Saud retakes their premium African country as a puppet master, Boko Haram would continue to have a free range in Northeast Nigeria. The Americans would not like to spite their Middle East oil mafia, who helps them control the valve of world's oil supply, by directly intervening in the Boko Haram crisis by providing arms to Nigeria. It is horse-trading at its best. 

On a hindsight however, Icheoku laments that had the Nigerian government after the Biafran war, not been so vindictive and wiped out 'Biafran Weapons and Ordinance Development Agency', may be Nigeria would have since become an arms exporting country and not the arms-beggarly nation who America is snubbing and refusing to sell arms to?  But if only the genocidal Yakubu Gowon and his band of marauders had tapped into the ingenuity that birthed ogbunigwe, Ojukwu bucket as well as many other allied weapons and ordinance that were invented by the good brains of Biafra as demanded by the exigency of the time. But that discussion would be left for another time.