ROTIMI 'JUDAS ISCARIOT' AMAECHI, NOW WHAT?

Icheoku says if indeed the bible is true and not a history of the Jewish peoples' wandering life, devised as an instrument of colonization by the white people and successfully used to brainwash the colonized peoples of this world, turning their thinking upside down in the process; and that the account of Judas Iscariot performing his role in the playact of salvation is equally true, this man here pictured must be exactly what Judas Iscariot looked like. Pictures don't lie and untrustworthy people always look alike - stooped in their treachery with sunken eyes vacantly starring at nothing as they contemplate the evil they are planning to execute. Icheoku asks after the great betrayal, what next Rotimi Amaechi? 

A man who choose to take sides with others in their conspiracy against one of his own and please somebody tell Icheoku there is nothing wrong with such a person? If not, then Judas Iscariot must deserve a better placement in the act of salvation and not merely treated as the one who betrayed his master. So Rotimi Amaechi, now that you have helped them wrestle away what belonged to your people of Niger Delta, do you think Niger Deltans will ever forget your Brutus stab? How are you feeling knowing that you played a pivotal role in depriving your people their first placed position in Nigeria power structure? Why do you prefer to be a servant rather than a master and answer to people who should rather answer to you? What came over you and overwhelmed your conscience to the extent that you made such unwholesome trade? The good news however for the people that you betrayed is the staying power they have over you, as generations yet unborn will be told someday how a Rotimi Amaechi took side with the enemy against the family, his own people. 

Icheoku maintains that if Don Michael Corleone in The GodFather could whack his brother Fredo for such anti-family activities, imagine the fate which awaits your sorry arse in the event it becomes necessary to ask you for the rendering of account of your stewardship? Like most traitors, sooner or later, if you don't commit suicide like your biblical avatar, you might end up running mad; but certainly no sinner ever goes unpunished and you have sinned against your people big time. Icheoku says Rotimi Amaechi will be forever remembered as that son who sold off his people back into the slavery and servitude they thought they have escaped from. If the presidency of Nigeria is good for the Hausa/Fulani Northerner why not a Niger Deltan Ijaw Southerner? If a Yoruba Southwest president of Nigeria can do two terms of eight years in office, why not a Niger Delta Ijaw Southsouth president of Nigeria? That you sabotaged this effort is without doubt and while the people of Niger Delta may be prepared to forgive others who participated alongside with you, they will not show mercy to a son who worked against their interest and in favor of an outsider.

But peradventure, those outsiders know what a traitor looks like and because you perfectly fit the bill, they hooked you up like a fish. A perfect match for the job at hand and you did even not collect thirty shekels of silver for all the effort? Instead, you additionally ponied up your peoples resources to be used in betraying them in addition. Today, the clever of those outsiders has paid off big time  and your Niger Delta brother-president is on his way out of Aso Rock and out of power; and you call yourself what and your action honorable? Icheoku says for your role in aborting Niger Delta's second term presidency, the land of Niger Delta, upon which you stand and walk on, will never forget nor forgive you; but will surely ask you some searing questions. Nigerians are waiting to see how you navigate out of what is coming your way, as Icheoku prays you will also have the fortitude to stand and stare it squarely on its two eyeballs with a meaningful explanation as to what you did to deny your people what was theirs as of right. What a traitor. 

JONATHAN MAY BECOME BIGGER OUT OF OFFICE?

icheoku says like many very important personalities in life who became much bigger long after they die, the outgoing President Jonathan might have joined this group of people as he is likely to become much bigger and very much  respected out of office. Even Jesus became bigger in death than while alive, ditto MLK etc. Feelers around the world suggest the president will be recommended and rewarded heavily and plentifully for the peaceful manner he conducted himself during the last election, losing and accepting defeat; and without demeaning himself into becoming a sore loser. 

In the words of Mo Ibrahim, founder and sponsor of Mo Ibrahim Foundation that rewards African leaders who leave office without much blemish, 

”The news from Nigeria today is wonderful. Africa’s largest country has concluded a peaceful election process. Furthermore, the incumbent has already gracefully conceded and congratulated his successor – a first for Nigeria and a benchmark for other African countries to follow. Today, we Africans are all proud of Nigeria and President Jonathan. Thank you Mr President. If you are seeking a legacy, you have definitely achieved it.” 

Icheoku says it speaks volume and it is currently resonating throughout the world. Now Baba Iyabo must be madly jealous that the Jonathan he tried to destroy has now outgrown and outshone him globally as the first and only president of Nigeria who successfully transferred power without much rancor and acrimony.  In the word of Mo Ibrahim, "it was a first for Nigeria and a benchmark for Africa to follow." Icheoku queries what more is it then to add but to say congratulations to President Goodluck Jonathan for his elevation out of office. Now, he has become a global citizen and even Aso Rock is no longer big enough for his current status. Who needs Aso Rock afterall?

INDIAN INTERNET SCAM, 909.575.1008 VOIP TELEPHONE NUMBER !!!

Icheoku says when their fellow country men and women are making waves throughout the world from heading Microsoft to other Fortune 500 companies, some of their misfits are busy either raping seventy-seven year old nun or trying to scam people over the Internet using a voice over the Internet protocol number (909) 575 1009. But such is not surprising in a country of over 1.3 billion human-beings as in every twelve there is bound to always be a Judas. This scammers had left a message on the answering machine with specific instruction to call them back as they are in the process of commencing a prosecution over some unnamed matter on behalf of the United States government. 

When called back, Icheoku nearly had a heart situation listening to this Indian accented munchkin threatening thunder and brimstone and purporting to be working for the United States government. However when Icheoku pointed out that his allegations have no way in hell of crystallizing, because they are baseless and only exists in his imagination, he said not to interrupt him as he reeled out "criminal charges" which according to him are contained in a writ that would see Icheoku doing a hefty time. Being an area not within practice knowledge, an expert was consulted who immediately concluded it must be a scam as the United States government does not approach persons so threateningly. However, he conducted a little search online only to confirm his hunch as the VOIP number used in placing the call and which was answered too, has since been flagged on the Internet as belonging to some Indian criminal gang of scam-artists. 

But relieved, Icheoku was, as no one easily fights any government successfully, especially a United States government with limitless resources. So as a public service, Icheoku decided to key in this ALERT so that you should be wary, just in case they get your number and decided to try their luck with you. It is a scam, so either you do not answer it or you can place the number in your 'do not receive calls (block calls)' list or just pick up the phone and tell them how you really feel about scumbags. The number once again is (909) 575 1008 and their accent is so INDIAN you can literally smell curry oozing from their gaddam mouth. But hey, this is not to disparage the good and well behaved Indians, but it is good to always isolate the bad apple before it contaminates the rest. Icheoku says may be Prime Minister Narendra Modi should add stopping these bad Indians in his to-do list before they soil the good reputation of his people; admitted it is going to be one very heavy lifting for a man already bursting at the seams in his gargantuan  task of trying to sanitize India. What a shame!

PRESIDENT-ELECT MUHAMMADU BUHARI, CONGRATULATIONS.

Icheoku says congratulations to Nigeria's President in the waiting Muhammadu Buhari. Like America's Abraham Lincoln, Nigeria's Muhammadu Buhari is today another living testimony that perseverance pays off and that if one is committed to his or her dreams and does not give up, something nice usually awaits down the pike. Three times beaten and fourth time won in presidential contests, is quite an impressive record indeed. Icheoku says Muhammadu Buhari won the presidential election handsomely and convincingly; and anyone begrudging him that honorable accomplishment is but a linguine-spined truth-denier who should be simply ignored. 

Now that the election has been won, the task at hand must indeed truly begin as expectations of Nigerians from the incoming government of Muhammadu Buhari is to say the least, many and very great. Needless to add that the soon to be new occupant of Aso Rock generously made a lot of promises himself and Nigerians will hold him to perform on fulfilling all of them. PE Muhammadu Buhari must deliver on this expectation to justify the clamor that led to his near landslide victory, especially over an incumbent that was literally railroaded out of Aso Rock by amalgamated forces, both foreign and domestic, and beyond anyone's imagination. So deliver, he must and no excuses whatsoever will satiate the yawning Nigerian people who came out in droves to usher him into the presidency. He also has much to prove to all those others who did not believe he is the medicine needed for Nigeria's ailment and peradventure make them to start believing.

But as far as Icheoku is concerned, we are neither impressed nor moved thus far; especially since he has not yet apologized for those three innocent Nigerians he murdered for a non death-penalty offense. It is nothing personal; but Icheoku strongly feels much violated that these three lives were needlessly wasted and still PE Muhammadu Buhari has not found it in his heart, a fit and proper thing to do, to say he is sorry for depriving these Nigerians their right to life. But regardless, Nigerians adjudged otherwise and have given him a second chance to prove himself of deserving their trust. Icheoku says he earned it and we join those millions of Nigeria in welcoming him to Aso Rock. Icheoku will be watching the incoming  government like a hawk watches a chic and will be laser-focused to ensure that his feet is held to the fire in fulfilling all those campaign promises he made. 

During the said campaign PE Muhammadu Buhari promised among many things to look forward and not be vindictive with past governments. Icheoku says this is good politics and hopes he supremely lives through the promise with avid determination to move Nigeria forward. Also, he promised to stabilize world oil market and while others mocked, Icheoku fiercely defended him, hoping that his contacts in the Middle East especially the House of Saud will help him see this through. Further PE Muhammadu Buhari promised to equalize the Naira to the dollar and millions of Nigerians will like to see this promise kept too. Icheoku hopes that his  White House minders and sponsors will help him walk this talk too since they have successfully imposed their will on Nigerians. Needless to add that they will likely very soon invite him to visit and might equally follow it up with their own official first visit to Nigeria in solidarity? It is also likely that the branded "mean-spirited" Nigerian military will soon be re-baptised "angel-like" and all their military needs met and supplied, even free of charge. Icheoku understands the name of the game - it is, "do what we tell you and you are in our good books", quick pro quod.

So while wishing PE Muhammadu Buhari all the best in his administration's promise to right all the wrongs of the past decades, including the infra-dignities of his first time around, Icheoku hopes he learnt a lesson or two from his soon to be predecessor President Goodluck Jonathan as follows:-  
Lesson number one:- President Jonathan showed how it is done by graciously conceding defeat and did not cause the "blood of baboons and dogs" or rather "jackals and hyenas" to flow; as he kept his promise that no ambition including the presidency of Nigeria is worth the life of any Nigerian. 
Lesson number two:- that no matter what Miyetti Allah or other Hausa/Fulani power blocks might say or try to hoodwink Buhari into, that he never forgets the man who made him president and remember to keep him very close. Whatever the case, that Buhari do not ever repeat the past mistake of President Jonathan who was misled into falling out with his own godfather and he paid dearly for that because he forgot that he who made someone can also unmake that someone. 
Lesson number three:- never allow the overbearing influences of his wife to affect his governance or allow her to literally take over his government and determining who becomes friends or enemies of the president. 
Lesson number four:- please always dress nationally and never allow his traditional babaringa dominate his outfits and turn him into a regional champion or northern president as that hat unfortunately turned Jonathan. Other nationalities constitute Nigeria and they always feel isolated when their supposed president only identifies with only a particular tribe or nationality, forcing them to query, is he really for us or against us?

Finally, if PE Muhammadu Buhari finds the grace in his heart to work to earn the trust of the people of the former Biafra, by making them inclusive in his government and keeping his election promises to them, that will go a long way in endearing him to them. This is imperative so that during a  second term run, at 77 years of course, the people will have the opportunity and reason to reciprocate the love with their compound votes. Admitted that at 81 by the time of finishing his second term, Nigeria will be on record too as having had the oldest president in Africa if not the world, second only to Zimbabwe and their 91 year old Robert Mugabe. Why not, if not; and just for the records, Icheoku together with many other media operators will surely put to the test President Muhammadu Buhari's pledge that he is now a converted democrat and that he will not muzzle the press but govern with deference to rule of law; that decree 4 will not be reincarnated under any alias whatsoever. Good luck and all the best Mr President-elect; and please remember goodluck is just a wish and not the outgoing president. Congratulations President-elect Muhammadu Buhari. 

BOLA TINUBU, THE IMPERIAL AUDACITY.

Icheoku says move over everybody, hello and big welcome to the now Nigeria's most powerful man and the man who makes president. When many Nigerians thought his political wizardly and mettle is restricted to making governors of men he randomly picked and chose, now the man who owns and runs the All Progressive Congress, Ashiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, has taken it to another level; he has added another feather to his cap of a political mathematician and now makes president. Icheoku says bravo and congratulations to ABT as not only did he trample where angels feared to tread, but he also ensured the resounding defeat of a sitting presidential incumbent, President Goodluck Jonathan and thus brought his second term dreams fast crashing down. Another first in Nigeria, except if one adds the Muhammadu Buhari's military coup de'tat that ended President Shehu Shagari's second term. 

But unlike Muhammadu Buhari who plotted, contrived and conspired in secret with his unseating President Shagari,  ABT publicly declared ahead of time of his intention to unseat the president, meticulously plotted and assiduously worked his magic until fruition. The result, a man who had unsuccessfully ran three consecutive times for the presidency of Nigeria and who was drafted yet again to run for the fourth time, is today an elected president of Nigeria, courtesy of ABT. Ahmed Bola Tinubu once again worked his magic and the nearly perpetually unelectable Muhammadu Buhari is today, Nigeria's elected president in the waiting. The task of making anyone president, especially someone like Muhammadu Buhari president of Nigeria, is much more difficult than pulling a tooth without anesthesia. So any benefactor who could pull off such is worthy congratulating; as it literally required turning a pariah into an adorable hero and becoming the very successful and enviable salesman who sold sand to desert dwellers.  ABT is that man and benefactor in chief who has now bequeathed Muhammadu Buhari with his elusive  presidency of Nigeria; and therefore, now officially the new acclaimed godfather of Nigeria politics.

Icheoku is not a fan of Bola Tinubu, but this his latest feat has surely enamored many of his previous critics including Icheoku to semi-admirers of his. What a man, a political tactician extraordinary in whom  the Yoruba race must now be well pleased and salivating that they produced and gave to Nigeria. His petite size notwithstanding; which goes to show that the heart makes a man and not the framework skeleton. The Yoruba race has now officially minted an affable political wonder-worker in the person of Bola Tinubu and they surely deserve all the encomiums coming their way as a result of this resounding victory he carefully plotted and flawlessly executed against a sitting incumbent president of the most populous country in Africa and who belongs to the "largest" political party in Africa. A party which had repeatedly touted Nigerians that they will be in power for the life of every Nigerian currently alive - a whopping six decades (60 years)? But luckily, the political surgeon-general Bola Tinubu has just sliced off 44 years therefrom and still managed to keep Nigeria alive. 

Icheoku as well as many Nigerians who were particularly offended by this 60 years span idiotic pronouncement, first uttered by then chairman Vincent Ogbulafor, are glad that this ABT intervention has saved Nigeria from such a long hallowing one-party envisaged control of the country, admitted we would have wished it come in 2019 and not this 2015. But hey, life must go on with a Nigeria which has moved on with a new elected president in the waiting. Peradventure, Bola TInubu will play a major role in not only filling respective positions in the incoming government but will somehow partake directly in government in some capacity, either as chief political adviser to the government or even chief of staff. But boy would Icheoku like to see what becomes of this new man in town participating in governance at the center and in his no nonsense manner. Ahmed Bola Tinubu succeeded where others failed and against all odds has made the unelectable Muhammadu Buhari an elected president of Nigeria. Muhammadu Buhari tried on three previous occasions including the last one being in 2011 with a Yoruba Pastor Tunde Bakare but failed, so it was not his Pastor Osibanjo co-ticket that wrought the magic, it was Ahmed Bola Tinubu. So to the merited, the tribute goes. 

Now that ABT has cemented his authority not only in Yorubaland but in Nigeria as the political numero uno player, he should seriously consider using the opportunity of the incoming government to abolish all those "useless Yoruba Obas" who have since outlived their usefulness?  If they could be this roundly routed by the Jagabon himself throughout their kingdoms, what use are they and their authority anyway, if not useless? If after all their pontifications of support and endorsements, President Jonathan still lost in Yorubaland, leading to the conclusion that there is certainly a new sheriff in town named Ahmed Bola TInubu, what the heck good are they remaining in authority any way? How can these Yoruba Obas, Afenifere, OPC, Council of Elders, Oduduwa this Oduduwa that collectively endorse or pretended to endorse President Jonathan, yet the president managed to scrape by votes from their region? It is either they deceived the president or their power and influence in the region have so much waned and withered down that it is almost irrelevant. So to Bola Tinubu's assertion that "Yoruba Obas are useless", Icheoku would like to add and so is OPC, Afenifere, Oduduwa this and Oduduwa that; as well as every other collection of human beings presently cashing in under whatever subterfuge in that region. So ban them all, ABT; Icheoku ascribes.

Icheoku's one last appeal to the now proven doyen of Nigerian politics, Ahmed Bola Tinubu, is to lock the gates of the APC tightly shut against all the would be PDP carpet-beggars who would soon be drooling in droves to become members of the APC, in their shameless "any party in power just give me contracts" loveless show of pretended love and affectation. These people should be told to remain in their PDP and help rebuild that humpty-dumpty which their avarice and lack of respect for the man at the helm of affairs helped bring this laughable outing in this presidential election. Good enough, Bola Tinubu is a no nonsense despot of some sort and knows what needs to be done to keep this bunch of political jobbers at bay. He should also maintain zero tolerance ruthless rule in the APC in order to avoid the fate which befell the PDP and in the manner he told off Momodu Sheriff to take a hike, be prepared to show any unruly member the exit door. He should clobber every existing APC member into becoming real party-men and women, showing unalloyed loyalty and obedience to party structures and hierarchy; with no room for any unruly behavior or rebellion and any such display or inkling should be summarily punished with a dismissal or the offender asked once again to take a hike. Icheoku says to Ashiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, you got the touch and you got the heart, the can-do spirit which distinguishes the man among the men; you lead and others follow you, this one is for you, hearty CONGRATULATIONS!

ANGELINA JOLIE STILL A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN, REGARDLESS?

Icheoku asks without breasts, uterus and fallopian tubes, all pre-emptively yielded to cancer, is it still correct to call Angelina Jolie a woman? Reproductive biology, may be not; but physiological biology, yes; as looking at her one still sees that amazing and dazzling symbol of feminism that makes her the cynosure of every hot-blooded male specie walking this planet earth. That she is beautiful is without a doubt and that she is also everything any man wants and desires to see in a woman - the suppleness of the female, a fact. 

Unfortunately, like all things that glitters are not gold, that very sexy and very attractive woman has now lost almost everything that indeed makes a woman thick, to preventing a possibly ravaging cancer, which killed her mother. Icheoku says provided the preemptive surgical interventions are result-orientated, the world including Icheoku would readily take an Angelina Jolie half woman and alive than one no longer with us, lost to cancer. A mother, a wife,  a friend, an ambassador and an amazing dare devil actress and movie director; what is life if not living it fully and without fear and this daughter of Eve is having a go at it. 

Icheoku also commends Brad Pitt for being strong and strongly standing by his woman at this time of grueling challenges; but with love everything is possible and the good Lord will see them through. Icheoku prays that Angie  sticks around for a long time to continue to put value in the lives of those many people she touches their lives daily in numerous ways including her mosaic family. All the best Angie and may what you have already sacrificed serve as a bulwark to the venomous monster. What a pleasant woman to behold and hear about her world wide and who is not deserving of any of these traumatic experiences.

BOLA TINUBU, THE MAN WHO MADE BUHARI PRESIDENT.

Icheoku says what a great political operative indeed this man is, that literally came from no where to sweep away a sitting incumbent president of Nigeria from power. For causing this political earthquake, unseating an incumbent, his first time out with a consolidated opposition party, Icheoku now crowns Ashiwaju hmed Bola Tinubu the newest president-maker of Nigeria. As he now joins Olusegun Obasanjo among the few known president-makers of Nigeria; from Icheoku to ABT, hearty congratulations.

GERMAN WINGS PLANE DELIBERATELY CRASHED, NOT YOUR USUAL SUSPECT?

Icheoku says unfortunately for all those armed to the kilt and ready to go hunt them down, the man who brought down the German airline, Germanwings, was one of them and not the usual Arab or Muslim looking terrorist bomber. So query, what does the world now do faced with an enemy or threat which defiles all known profile of those usually associated with such dastardly acts of terror? An astonished and askance world woke up days later following the plane crash, to learn that the Germanwings airline crash was not an accident afterall; but was a deliberate act of sabotage by the very same person charged with its legal custody and who was duty-bound to safely fly those passengers therein boarded to their destination and this person is White. A case of a surgeon deliberately killing his patient on an operating room, one would say? Possessed by whatever demonic spirit that was afflicting him, co-pilot Andreas Lubitz, intentionally plunged the airplane he was flying unto the mountain-side, killing everyone on board and completely obliterating the Airbus 320 jet plane. 

Icheoku says luckily for all those Arabs and Arab-looking pilots in the employ of Germanwings, Andreas Lubitz is as white as it comes and so they were spared from assured profiling and reiteratory attacks. It shows that there are bad people among every race and color; and that one does not necessarily have to be an Arab or a Muslim to be a terrorist or be possessed of a heart to do evil. But whether Andreas Lubitz is even an ISIS sympathizer or an Islamic convert, no one knows nor will ever know. But funny enough, his actions are now being explained away as caused by possible reason of insanity and a troubled mind? Icheoku queries, if so, why did they not fish him out before he committed such heinous murder of innocent people who placed their lives on his duty of care to safely fly them to their destination. Icheoku however disagree with all those trying to explain away what this white terrorist pilot did as a result of mental and psychological problem, since they do not give such same break and excuse when Arabs or Muslims are involved; but normally brand them terrorists and react accordingly. 

Icheoku insist that it should not only be when white people are involved in acts of terror, that excuses of mental incapacity are invoked. A terrorist is a terrorist regardless of shade of skin color as Adolf Hitler was a terrorist; Timothy McVeigh was a terrorist; Jeffrey Dhumer was a terrorist and a host of other white skinned bad people who terrorized their victims. So Icheoku calls on the West to accept that terrorism is not color blind or religion specific and that there are evil people among every race and religion. So these horrible people should be specifically isolated, identified and destroyed; instead of railroading an entire people or religion as bad while giving some break to others. Thus, the people who are usually marked out, would understand that they are not being particularly targeted for who and what they are; but that an honest attempt is being made to identify and isolate the bad eggs among them. Icheoku is emphatic that Andreas Lubitz is a terrorist pilot, all the excuses of mental and psychological illness being bandied around, notwithstanding. 

But hey, what happened has happened; as anything now would be merely Monday-night quarter-backing. But going forward, Icheoku says the designers of passenger airplanes, might consider putting a urinary right inside the cockpit or an access door inside the cockpit that will not warrant a pilot or co-pilot having to leave the cockpit leading to the time and opportunity which availed this co-pilot to intentionally wreck this havoc. Admitted that what is purposed to happen would always find a way of happening, but at least an added overlay of precaution could at least stall or forestall such evil from ever coming to fruition. What an unfortunate terrorist act this was as those passengers were terrorized by the pilot to fear for their lives as the plane plummeted to the mountain side and their fear turned into an irremediable  nightmare. Icheoku says rest in peace Germanwings Flight 9525 passengers and crew, who were enroute from Barcelona to Dusseldorf when their evil terrorist pilot crashed them unto the French Alps.

LEE KUAN YEW, A LEADER DIES AND A GRATEFUL NATION MOURNS!

"It takes a long time to make a nation out of a multi cultural and multi ethnic society" -  Lee Kuan Yew; and he went fort to put his money where his mouth is -  clobbered a motley, disparate peoples, into citizens of a thriving first world country, the Island nation of Singapore. Today the man who is revered as the founder and father of Singapore is no more and his grateful nation is still in deep mourning, mourning for the man who placed them among the comity of civilized and well functioning first world countries. Lee Kuan Yew, aged 91 years, who died in a Singapore hospital surrounded by his family few days ago, was finally laid to rest today.  He would be greatly missed by the people he engineered a functioning country and society out of, as well as the entire world who knew him as the man who put Singapore on the world map. Adieu LKY.

The challenge of building Singapore was entrusted into his lap, a daunting task indeed. But instead of shying away, he meticulously went to work and engineered a first world country from it and practically from nothing. He articulated what needs to be done, he created a road map to get it done and then with a motivated citizenry, he got it done. The result, today the Island city nation, which had nothing at inception, is a well-oiled functioning country, with a well secured and anchored economic hub which is the envy of so many countries in the world. Singapore has near to zero crimes with the second lowest crime rates in the world;  is super clean, is very business friendly; has nearly a flawless functioning society; and someone made these possible and that someone is no more, the reason the nation is thrown into mourning for that someone's loss.

Icheoku says if indeed there is heaven where meritorious persons are rewarded according to their deeds while they sojourned here on earth, surely Lee Kuan Yew would be readily recommended by his people for a prominent seat therein. Lee Kuan Yew came, Lee Kuan Yew saw and Lee Kuan Yew conquered for his people of Singapore and they are grateful that Lee Kuan Yew happened on their society, turning it into a society worth dying for. Like Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King as well as other leaders of nations and personalities who rose up to the challenge to do the needful when duty called and while they lasted but are now gone, Lee Kuan Yew has now joined that pantheon of such great men. His people of Singapore are in deep shock and sincerely mourning the loss of their shining star and the man whose image represented everything good about Singapore.

Unfortunately, Nigeria is not yet blessed with such people as above as none of Nigeria's leaders would be so missed when eventually they are gone. Not Olusegun Obasanjo, who most Nigerians will celebrate his departure whenever he kicks the bucket; not Sani Abacha whose death Nigerians prayed was not soon enough in coming; not Ibrahim Babangida whose happenstance on the Nigeria political landscape left so much to be desired including the annulment of the freest election of June 12; and of course not Muhammad Buhari who is yet to apologize for those three innocent Nigerians he murdered. No Nigerian leader thus far has displayed the audacity of courage and vision needed to pursue great things which make great leaders out of great nations. So because of this incapacity, they will not be so missed nor so mourned at their departure since they failed to lead Nigeria to greatness. Except for regional leaders like Obafemi Awolowo and Odimegwu Ojukwu, who both provided that type of leadership to their Yoruba and Igbo people of Biafra and may be Ahmadu Bello for his Northern people, no Nigerian leader ever had what it takes to join this class of leaders. Anyway, Icheoku condoles with the people of Singapore on their loss and says rest in peace LKY, Adieu!

GEJ ALL THE WAY TILL 2019

TODAY IS THE DAY TO VOTE GEJ, SO GO VOTE FOR JONATHAN. MAY GOD BLESS NIGERIA WITH A REELECTED PRESIDENT JONATHAN AND MAY GOD EQUALLY DELETE BUHARI FROM EVERY VOTER'S MIND WHILE INSIDE THE VOTING BOOTH IJN, AMEN!

NIGERIA DECIDES 2015, VOTE AND VOTE WISELY!

Icheoku says what a great news indeed it is for democracy development in Nigeria that finally, the government facilitated enabling environment for opposition parties to thrive has produced a good result. It is a good thing for Nigerians to be proud of that finally a viable opposition party is putting a strong showing in this election 2015. Icheoku says both developments are very good for the future of Nigeria and the growth of its democracy, because it will force any government in power to perform well, knowing that Nigerians finally now have real choices at elections. Icheoku says congratulations to President Goodluck Jonathan and his PDP as well as the facilitators of the APC, Nigeria's current strongest opposition party, for making this remarkable development possible. 

That being said, Saturday's Federal election and April's State election must be used to further prove to the entire world that their favorable assessment of a Nigeria's thriving democracy is real and not a ruse. Therefore Nigerians especially gladiators in both parties and their supporters must eschew election violence of any kind; and in the spirit of sportsmanship, accept the result of the election in good faith and together continue to nurture democracy in Nigeria. So as you vote for your preferred candidate, remember that there will be more elections in the future of Nigeria and that if your candidate did not win this time, there will be always a next time for a do-over, so don't sweat it. 

That Icheoku has a preferred candidate in this election is without doubt and Icheoku hereby urge those still voting or leaning Buhari to seriously reconsider their decision. Political divisions not withstanding, Nigerians must look at the big picture and vote for what is in the best interest of Nigeria. Icheoku insists that Buhari is not such best interest, particularly his very advanced age seriously considered. But Buhari voters factored in, Icheoku is still very confident that President Goodluck Jonathan will emerge victorious in this election. Icheoku projected this outcome several months ago and is hereby reiterating that when the polls close on Saturday, the announced result will be a reelected President Goodluck Jonathan. Admitted the APC put up a good fight going into the election but Nigeria is still largely a primordial society where allegiances are still largely dictated by other sundry interests which are heavily weighted in favor of the incumbent President Jonathan. Therefore the social media driven propaganda of a "change-denudation" in the pipeline will not materialize; but will fizzle out and merely freeze over before ever making it to the other end of the pipe as a gushing reality. That the APC chose for its candidate a personality, so heavily damaged politically, did not help their cause either. Many askance Nigerians will vote against this slight on them by the APC indifference to their concerns about Buhari and will vote against Muhammadu Buhari in protest of his draconian first time around. The winner will be President Jonathan, who, many undecided voters would chose as the lesser of the two-evil option. 

However, appealing to those Buhari voters one final time, Icheoku says, admitted that even suicide bombers are always convinced on the rightness of their cause and course of action, and knowing too, that does not make it right or justified, your voting Buhari could still use a change of mind. So instead of being herded by your hearts into the Buhari barn, pause for a moment to listen to the wise counseling of your brain concerning the mortal mistake you are about to make and for which you will eventually cry 'if only I had listened to the warning - caveat emptor.' Before pulling the trigger for Muhammadu Buhari, ask yourself, is Buhari the best APC could have fielded, their change mantra considered. Please do not simply because you want to spite your face, cut off your nose. President Jonathan may not have impressed you enough to easily earn your votes for a second term; President Jonathan may not have wowed you enough to be considered deserving of your votes this second time; President Jonathan may in your eyes and judgment be timid, unappealing, uninspiring, uncharismatic, too reserved and too gentlemanly; but is a 72 year grandpa a replacement option you would comfortably and satisfactorily sign off on? 

Icheoku urges these voters to please consider the ramifications of their voting Buhari and instead vote to give Jonathan a second chance opportunity to improve and consolidate. Icheoku accepts that President Jonathan's first term was not necessarily an "A" performance-presidency, but logic and clear thought is in favor of giving him a second chance to improve on all the gains of his first term and then make rightful amends where needed. Also to those fence sitters, those undecided voters who are still straddling the fence on who to vote for, Icheoku urges you to break for President Jonathan. Please voting cliffhangers, vote wisely and vote smartly; vote to not change the horse midstream because continuity and consolidation are keys to success and Nigeria is already primed to succeed and should not be disrupted.

As with most first term presidencies the world over, it is usually an internship during which the incumbent learns on the job; and then use the gained knowledge to perform better during second term when they are no longer under undue pressure of trying to please all their campaign benefactors. Such second-termers are usually driven by only their legacy and they strive hardest to leave lasting legacies on the landscape. Icheoku knows this for a fact as chronicled presidencies throughout the world shows the same pattern and President Jonathan's second term will not be an oddball exception. Experimenting de novo with a 72 year old grandpa in today's world is not an option; not when Nigerians have an incumbent who has finished learning on the job and is now ready to fully put his knowledge to optimally work for Nigerians. But hey, cast your vote as only you and your conscience can agree to live with; but Icheoku prays you do so with your thinking hat on and not a sleeve-attached ephemeral emotive sanctimony. Also remember there should be no violence whatsoever in this election, both candidates are just candidates and not Nigeria; so protect your country and fellow country men and women, say no to violence. On March 28, VOTE like you understood what issues are at stake in this election, VOTE GEJ. Happy voting day Nigerians. Salute!

VOTING BUHARI, SHAME ON YOU !!!

Icheoku asks on what basis would you justify such vagrant betrayal? Why reward and edify him with your vote? A man who did not show mercy to Nigerians and you want to show him empathy? A  man who murdered some three innocent Nigerians in cold blood and you are going to give him an all clear okay for good behavior; except you are a partaker of murder and an accomplice? A man who disgraced eminent Nigerian citizens including revered traditional rulers and you are doffing your hat for him? A man who drastically abridged all freedoms including freedom of speech, movement and even drinking alcoholic beverages and you want to say this type of behavior meets your standard of good behavior? Icheoku asks why reward a denigrate and degenerative despot, who in a more civilized climes would be wallowing in the cold concrete slabs of a maximum security confinement, with your vote? 

Are you telling Icheoku that all Muhammadu Buhari's infra dignities have magically been washed away and that he is now a new man, a born-again? Buhari is your corruption tsar, yet he surrounded himself with every Nigerian corruption personified imaginable? Buhari is not corrupt, yet he borrowed 27 million Naira for his presidential form under rosy terms and conditions shrouded in secrecy; and his wife donated 135 million Naira shortly thereafter? Please before you pull that trigger of your vote, think again; think through your judgment as a vote for Buhari is a vote approving people behaving badly. It is empowering bad behavior including coup plotting, as it will be interpreted as a sign of approval. 

Finally, even if you don't like President Jonathan, still vote against Buhari because you are conscionable and civilized enough to know that such a tyrant does not deserve a pat on the back with a Nigeria's presidency. Remember Jonestown Gyuana and don't drink the Buhari cool-aid because it is laced with cyanide. Icheoku knows that some Nigerians do not like Jonathan, but they HATE Buhari with passion; so you can still cast a protest vote against Buhari like these other Nigerians who would be settling for the  lesser of the two evil option. With your votes, add impetus to this and say fie Buhari! On MARCH 28, VOTE GEJ.

GEJ ALL THE WAY TILL 2019, SO VOTE GEJ.

On MARCH 28, VOTE wisely and smartly, VOTE GEJ!

APC IS OUT OF GAS AND RUNNING ON EMPTY?

Icheoku says except for the fumes of their propaganda, the Bola Tinubu owned and controlled APC (Activists Political Charlatans) is running on empty and will sputter to a bitter halt on March 28, 2015 when their presidential candidate Muhammadu Buhari would be trounced and roundly defeated by President Goodluck Jonathan. Icheoku says Nigerians please do not buy into the snake-oil that is Muhammad Buhari, which Nigeria's Western detractors have packaged and deceitfully trying to offload on Nigeria. On MARCH 28, VOTE to reject another colonialism by proxy of grandpa Buhari; VOTE to tell these Oyinbo people to take a hike on a desolate highway to wherever, VOTE GEJ.

ASHRAF GHANI THANKS AMERICA, FINALLY AN APPRECIATIVE PRESIDENT IN KABUL?

"You stood shoulder to shoulder with us, and I'd like to say thank you. I would also like to thank the American taxpayer for his and her hard-earned dollars that has enabled us." - Ashram Ghani, Afghanistan President. 

Icheoku says finally at last an urbane and well-mannered president is in charge in Kabul. A man who knows that the Americans are there principally for the interest of Afghanis and that their sacrifice in blood and treasure is for their benefit. Unlike the other crackhead former President Kazai, who was used to running his mouth in disparagement of the Americans as if the Americans were there securing Americans lives and way of life and not those of Afghanis. But hey, the reason there is difference in people and their exposures. Icheoku says this President Ghani has by this singular act of showing and expressing gratitude, enamored himself in our hearts and we wont mind that our taxes are being used in securing his people and country. A civilized gentleman is the newly elected president of Afghanistan, Ashram Ghani Ahmadzai. 

OBAMA THROWS BUHARI UNDER THE BUS, CALLS NIGERIA GREAT!

Icheoku says anyone who follows America's manner of speaking very closely, would clearly understand that the White House seem to have finally given President Jonathan the okay, all clear, green light to win the rescheduled presidential election of March 28, 2015. Sources has it that damaging security report on Muhammadu Buhari's revealed his close association with Boko Haram/ISIS; and this has left the Americans with no choice but to shove him aside in their permutation of who should be the next president of Nigeria, as they would rather have someone in Aso Rock who has demonstrated his willingness and commitment to fighting terrorism than bank on an unproven quantum, who is sympathetic to Boko Haram and now ISIS Islamic causes. The coded messages in the video are quite clear for those trained eyes and ears, who understands telegraphs when sent. Listen closely to what the president said and how he said it, with emphasis on certain words; and then decipher what is coded in the message.

First, the president called Nigeria great; and said that the world is proud of the progress made so far by Nigeria since their return to democratic governance. The purport of this statement is for Nigeria to stay the course and not change the horse midstream; because the international community as well as the financial world want a steady fiscal and political policies in Nigeria to shore up their confidence in the security of their investments and projects undertaken and being undertaken. No one is ever comfortable with fluidly  environment as obtains in banana republics and Obama wants Nigerians to assure the world that they are more stable than that. Therefore the president wants Nigerians to consolidate the gains of the past years and not to start experimenting with new, untested and unproven quantum, de novo. This is the reason he reminded Nigerians that they are now the strongest and biggest economy in Africa and should endeavor to sustain it.

Second, the president emphasized that violence and extremism has no place in any democratic dispensation; and then you wonder who this jab was meant for except the very man who has become the face of political mayhem in Nigeria. A man who is associated with all political violence in Nigeria including the killing of over 800 innocent Nigerians during the 2011 election as well as about twenty-five youth (NYSC) corpers. The president also delved into the past history of Nigeria to remind Nigerians that the military is since long gone in Nigeria; and therefore they should not vote for anyone who will remind them of that their ugly past that is best forgotten, when they were forced to live in a very large concentration slave camp inside Nigeria. So the purport here is for Nigerians not to vote for a violent extremist and a military coup plotter.

Third, President Obama went further to urge Nigerians to reject voices of violence and those calling for destruction of lives and properties just because of election or because Nigerians rejected them before and would reject them once again come March 28, 2015. Obviously Nigerians understand the person of interest here and the reason why this telegraph was sent out. APC's Muhammadu Buhari has promised the shedding of "the blood of baboons and dogs", and equally threatened to make Nigeria bloodier this time than he made it in 2011. The other guy on the other hand has severally pledged that no Nigerian blood is worth shedding for any political office including the presidency. So for those who heard President Obama loud an clear, the message is that Americans don't want a murderer in Aso Rock.

Fourth, the president said that Boko Haram must be defeated. Nigerians know who among the two principal candidates has the back of Boko Haram covered and the one who is kicking their butt decisively. Boko Haram has become particularly of great concern to the Americans because they have joined forces with ISIS, the other terrorist group America is battling in the Middle East. The Americans will not want to be drawn into another large scale military operations against another terrorist group in Northern Nigeria or Africa with an expanded Boko Haram and ISIS alliance. So President Obama is telling Nigeria to stick with the guy who has shown his will and determination to wipe out the scourge from the face of the earth rather than risk someone whom security report has shown is very sympathetic to Boko Haram and ISIS Islamic causes. 

Finally, the president emphasized that the security, prosperity and human rights of Nigerians are of optimum importance and that Nigerians should be wary of this as they choose their leader on March 28, 2015. Icheoku says Nigerians are aware of the quantum of freedom they are enjoying under the current peace-loving guy from Otuoke. Many Nigerians also remember the gulag that was Nigeria under the other guy from Daura, during his first coming, which saw to so many journalists being imprisoned without any cause, mass incarceration without trial and the killing of three innocent Nigerians who did not commit any death penalty offense. And because the Americans have given up on the possibility of Nigeria breaking up in 2015, as they had projected, President Obama reminded Nigerians or rather borrowed genocidal Gowon's war time slogan - "that keeping Nigeria one is a task that must be done"; except that  Icheoku could care less either way.

Anyway, it was one heck of a good address to the Nigerian people; at least Nigeria, for once, got some good reportage from the Americans and in a very long time. Icheoku hopes the message telegraphed was received by the very discerning Nigerian people, who as expected, will act as advised. Icheoku says any Nigerian expecting the Americans to come out and categorically tell them to dump Muhammadu Buhari must be a novitiate; but the decoded message is quite clear enough and it shows that the White House would be more comfortable dealing with an Aso Rock, whose occupant is named President Goodluck Jonathan. So on March 28, 2015, tell the Americans that you are not too dumb to decipher the message sent; tell the world that Nigeria is not a banana republic with revolving door and fluidly fiscal and economic policies; emphasis that Nigeria will sustain the progress of the past years as well as defend their hard worn democracy; toot that Nigerians will protect their human rights and the freedom of these past years and will not risk any violations. VOTE GEJ.

ELECTION 2015, LAWLESSNESS WILL BE PUNISHED - US/UK.

"Nigeria’s more than 70 million voters will soon go to the polls to choose their country’s leader for the next four years.  Whether the victor is incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan or opposition challenger General Muhammadu Buhari is entirely for Nigerians to decide.  Around the globe, Nigeria’s friends will be united in hoping that the vote will be peaceful, transparent, and fair and that – win or lose – all sides will respect the outcome.

There are good reasons why the international spotlight is firmly fixed on Nigeria during this critical period and why we have come together to support an open and credible electoral process.  Nigeria is Africa’s largest democracy and what happens there will have an impact well beyond its borders.  A successful election, free from violence and with wide participation, accurate vote counting, and responsible leadership from the candidates would inspire the region and spur future progress and prosperity.  It would also be a historic show of support by Nigerians for democratic values and an equally firm rejection of the brutal terrorist group, Boko Haram, and others who advocate or perpetrate violence.

As friends and democratic partners of Nigeria, we urge that the voting for president and parliament go forward as scheduled on March 28; there should be no further delay of this crucial vote.  We are heartened by the fact that Nigerians from across the political spectrum appear to recognize the necessity of inaugurating a new president by the constitutionally mandated deadline of May 29.

Obviously, we share Nigerians’ concerns about violence, both related to elections and more generally.  In 2011, more than 800 people died in post-election clashes, and a recent survey shows that half of Nigerians are concerned about political intimidation this time around.  The good news is that President Jonathan and General Buhari have repeatedly and publicly stressed their commitment to nonviolence before, during, and after Election Day.  Both candidates have affirmed their intent to act solely through legal channels in pursuing any concerns that might arise regarding the fairness of the vote.  It is imperative that they – and their backers – live up to this pledge.  Elections should be decided at the ballot box and, if necessary, in the courts; not through efforts to coerce others.  Respect for the constitutional process and the independence of Nigeria’s Independent National Election Commission, INEC, is the right approach, and the only one that offers a sustainable way to address Nigeria’s many challenges.

The countries we represent, the United States and the United Kingdom, strongly support the pledges articulated by the Nigerian candidates.  The elections must be decided in accordance with the rule of law.  It follows that any person who incites violence at any stage in the electoral process, or who seeks power through unconstitutional means, should be held accountable and should understand that the consequences will be severe, both domestically and internationally.

After an election, it is natural to focus attention on the winner, but in any democracy, the unsuccessful candidates also have critical roles to play.  No one expects any political leader to retreat from firmly-held policy positions or beliefs, but a losing candidate owes it to his or her country to acknowledge defeat as soon as the popular verdict is clear, to urge supporters to accept the outcome, and to advocate unity in the face of national threats.  That is the kind of leadership Nigeria needs.

A free, fair and peaceful presidential election does not guarantee a successful democracy, but it is nevertheless an essential ingredient – especially now in Nigeria.  This is a country rich in resources and blessed by a creative and dynamic population.  Its leaders can be extremely effective as evidenced by their swift action to prevent Ebola from establishing a foothold in their nation – thus saving thousands of lives. Overall economic growth rates are healthy and parts of the country are doing well.  And yet, Nigeria has been held back by local tensions, a wide disparity between rich and poor, the lack of an adequate safety net for the disadvantaged, shortages of electricity, a rigid bureaucracy, and widespread corruption.  These challenges have made the country vulnerable to internal conflict including the kidnappings, murders, and other atrocities perpetrated by Boko Haram.  Nigeria’s next government will need the support of all its citizens to address these challenges, and its unity will make it easier, on the security side, for regional neighbors and the larger international community to provide necessary help.

We urge all eligible Nigerians to vote, to resist those who attempt to incite violence, and to come together as one country to defend against terrorist threats and to build the shared prosperity and enduring freedom all Nigerian citizens deserve." 

Signed:US Secretary of State John Kerry and UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond.