SPOOKY, PLANE FLOWN BY DEAD PILOT?

If the phraseology, 'Dead on arrival" ever had meaning prior; it amplified today at Newark Liberty International Airport New Jersey when it really came to live! A plane with 247 passengers on board landed safely at about 11.47 a.m., without the passengers having any inkling that their pilot was dead as a door knob and stretched out cold, hurdled out in the crew section of the plane? Sounds spooky, you bet; especially when this is not a Halloween fable but a real life event which unfolded today over the Atlantic Ocean en-route Newark from Brussels, Belgium.

According to the story, the pilot of a Boeing 777 Continental Airline, Flight 61 collapsed and died mid-air over the Atlantic Ocean; and was eased out of the pilot's seat before the co-pilot and relief pilot took over controls and managed the aircraft for the rest of the flight and landed it safely at the airport. But unbeknownst to the 247 passengers in the belly of the airplane, their plane had landed without the pilot who took them airborne being alive; as he had died some hours into the eight hour trans-Atlantic flight while on the controls?

Efforts to revive the pilot by a Belgian physician, Dr. Julien Struyven, 72, a cardiologist, who was aboard the aircraft failed and he was later pronounced dead. His dead body was moved into an empty seat in a crew rest area, while the co-pilot and relief pilot respectively took turns for the remainder of the flight; with the dead captain watching over their operations from the land beyond? The deceased pilot, Craig Lenell, 60, of Texas, had been with Continental Airlines for 32 years and was said to have died of natural causes of a possible massive heart attack/failure.

Spooky as it may sound, but this was not the first time, a pilot had given up the ghost mid-air while flying an airplane? Two months ago in Florida, a passenger with some pilot training took the controls of a twin-engine Beechcraft King Air B200 heading to Jackson, Mississippi, with four people on board after the pilot died, and the passenger landed the plane safely with help from ground controllers. And in 2007, another Continental pilot, who was 57, died shortly after taking off on a flight from Houston to Mexico, but a co-pilot and private pilot safely landed that plane with 210 passengers on board. In May 2000, Taiwanese airline China Airlines was forced to turn back shortly after take off when the pilot suffered a heart attack. The copilot returned the plane to the airport and the pilot died shortly after arriving at a hospital. In March 1997, a Gulf Air Airbus A-320 skidded at Abu Dhabi airport after a pilot had a heart attack right at take-off.

Icheoku says, thank God for co-pilots otherwise the fate of the 247 passengers would have certainly been different. With what happened today, is it possible that Air France Flight 447 suffered similar fate regarding its pilots, that no mayday or any distress call was made and/or received? But with hope of the black-box recovery almost forgone, the world of aviation may never resolve what it was that dealt the devastating blow to Air France 447. Icheoku congratulates the crew for professionally bringing the airplane to a safe landing without panicking or spooking the passengers. To the family of Craig Lenel, our condolences; and to Continental Airlines, sorry for the loss of your captain.

THOMAS PRUSIK-PARKIN, RESURRECTS HIS DEAD MOTHER?

Wonders shall never end and the smarts shall always be out-smarted! And so is it that a Brooklyn New York man impersonated his dead-mother for about six years and collected her accruing benefits of Social Security, rent subsidies etc worth over $115,000.00?

Mr. Thomas Prusik-Parkin, 49, pictured right, posed as his dead mother and with the help of an accomplice Mhilton Rimolo, who acted as "her" care-provider would visit social security and rent subsidies offices to sign and collect her checks. Rimolo helped his "ailing aunt" get around town, cash government checks and assist in property transactions? Clever, isn't it?

Thomas would wear a wig, nail polish, heavy makeup, fake identity card, dress and a cane while impersonating his dead mother and what a near-perfect act he was until he was nabbed just last Monday, June 15, 2009. He was arraigned on Tuesday on grand larceny, forgery and conspiracy charges linked to a deed and mortgage fraud scheme?

In his statement, following arrest, Thomas said, "I held my mother when she was dying and breathed in her last breath, so I am my mother". Icheoku says, such a statement provides Thomas with the much needed defence of insanity as only an unhinged person would make such an irrational statement of delusional state of being?

Thomas' mother, Irene Prusik, died in 2003 at age 73. It would appear that Thomas had his act pre-planned as he had given his mother's funeral director the wrong Social Security number and date of birth which made it impossible for a proper and correct death records of hers to reflect in government databases which would have forestalled this schematic fraud. He continued collecting her $700 a month in Social Security, filed for bankruptcy under her assumed identity so "she" would be eligible for $39,000 in city housing subsidies to help pay rent on "her" apartment.

He even fooled the district attorney's investigators who came to interview 'Irene Prusik' last May 2009, when they encountered an elderly "woman" in a red dress and dark sunglasses who answered all their questions, with Rimolo by 'her' side? Thomas was eventually busted following a tip-off! Icheoku says, a case of every day for the thief, one day for the master!

JOHN ENSIGN, ANOTHER REPUBLICAN SHAMELESS HYPOCRITE?

Senator John Ensign has just proved himself, the republican he is? Do what I say but not what I do? His confessional admission of adultery of last few days is in tandem with the pattern which have developed of the republicans, - masquerading hypocrites, who live double-life?

Like so many of them who have been outed in the recent past, Senator John Ensign now joins the rank of people doing by night, under the cover of darkness - sheeps by day and wolves by night? Icheoku says, this is the same man who nearly chopped off the head of President Bill Clinton for his dalliance with Monica Lewinsky; and who is now found to be equally cheating on his wife of christian marriage! While condemning Bill Clinton, Senator John Ensign forgot the injunction of Bible's Matthew 7:1 of "Do not judge so that you will not be judged"? Also he forgot what the book of Romans 2:1 said, therefore you have no excuse, everyone of you who passes judgment, for in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. Our US Senator from Nevada did not advise himself that Jesus Crucified was right after-all when he said in Bible's John 8:7 that he who is without sin should cast the first stone? It would appear that the Senator from Nevada will hear none of that and today, Icheoku says, who is now the lying hypocrite?

We usually do not give a darn about what anyone chooses to do with his/her body, and as a necessary concomitant, his private life in general. But when that person is a republican party member/official, those holier than thou group of sanctimonious Americans, then their shortcomings make our day; and so it is with the admission by United States Senator John Ensign of Nevada that he has been a philandering, lying husband; cheating with his campaign staffer who is also married to one of his campaign staff? Should Senator John Ensign resign for his lecherous misbehavior? Icheoku says, we do not think so as what he did was not too egregious to warrant the demise of his political career; he simply grew weak and fell for a daughter of Eve who probably seduced him into compromising his marital vows to his wife? We must emphasis though, if only people stopped judging others and rather try to understand them!

Icheoku says, if only the people of the world would learn how to be good Christians and not the pharisee-type and live their words. If somebody wants to be anything, just leave the person alone but do not be like the other republican senator from Idaho, Senator Larry Craig who was criticising gays while at the same time soliciting gay-date in an airport bathroom stall? To the John Ensigns of America, Icheoku says, please stop living a double life and be all you can be and in the open. Unlike Las Vegas where everything remains in Vegas, this adultery is making the news, including Icheoku.com because of the hypocritical nature of the leading adulterer, Senator John Ensign, otherwise who cares the object of love and affection anyone may chose to have? If anything, it is for the fellow's spouse to deal with the fallout; so Mrs Ensign, now you know!

NIGERIAN NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, CASTRATED? - an article by Paul Barthlomew.

Power they say corrupts, while absolute power corrupts absolutely. This is a popular refrain among political science students. This is the main reason why in a democratic setting, there are three arms of government that operate as co-equals and serve as a check and balance on one another. The result is an effective checks and balances on the activities and operations of each government tier.

That Nigeria has spent ten uninterrupted years of civilian rule is not in question. The argument has been whether these years of civilian rule can be equated to ten years of democratic governance? Many commentaries had been made on this subject; while some argue that we have had democracy these ten years, others believe we had only had the change of uniform as the same clique of undemocratic elements had been in control of the national affairs these past ten years. That was why in 2007, when a so-called unblemished, true civilian and a university graduate - "Umaru Musa Yar'Adua" was 'selected' by the PDP and later imposed on the 'nation' as a civilian president, not few were optimistic that things will no longer be the same, hoping that we are in for better times? But with several events since his inauguration as president, President Umaru Yar'Adua had proved the optimists wrong while the sceptics had been proved right. Not a few had been taken aback with the level of corruption in all segments of national life, exhibition of ineptitude, lack of direction, unwillingness to change the status-quo especially with recent events in Ekiti and President Umaru Yar'Adua's strong commitment to the Northernization and Islamization of Nigeria?

However, my anger goes to the National Assembly, the so-called representatives of the people - both the senate and house of representatives? These people are supposed to gauge the feelings of the 'electorate' (though none of them were elected but selected, in the first place) and make laws to assuage these feelings and fears. These so-called 'distinguished' senators and 'honourable' representatives are expected to serve as a check on the excesses of the executives and defend the constitution of the 'Federal Republic'? They are to remind the executive of any actions that serve as a breach to the constitution and ensure that the interest of the generality of the masses is defended, at least let there be a semblance? They are supposed to scrutinize the actions of the executive and various parastatals to ensure that they are in consonance to the dictates of the constitution. However, what we observe now is a legislature that had become an extended arm of the presidency, not even the executive. Actions of the executive are now approved without recourse to constitutional requirements. They are only interested in their allowance and had abandoned the responsibility bestowed on them to 'at least' show that they have separate but equal powers, running Nigeria. I am persuaded to concur with those who term them 'rubber stamp' legislature.

The recent appointment by the presidency and the so-called screening and approval by the Senate of Mr. Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria is appalling and negates every sense of decorum and legislative responsibility? Mr. Sanusi just assumed his last office as the Group Managing Director of First Bank of Nigeria in January 2009. From all indications, Mr. Sanusi is not qualified to head the nations apex bank, the Central Bank of Nigeria. His educational background completely disqualifies him. This is a man that would formulate policies that is supposed to drive this national economy in this period of global economic recession and lead us to the so-called Vision 2020? From all indications, he is not properly equipped for the task of the present global economic meltdown and his masters degree in Islamic Studies, a course that has nothing to do with Economics, or Banking or even Political-economics does not help matters, at all? Sanusi also lacks the international clout or exposure to lead the nations banking sector to the desired Eldorado?

If the North desires to appropriate the CBN governorship position now, my question is ' Is Sanusi the most qualified candidate the whole of the North can produce?' If that is true, then they have a fundamental problem because they are and will remain for many decades, very far behind in Nigeria. During the so-called Senate screening of Sanusi, this his incompetence was not commented on by any of the so-called Senators? What a shame? Mr. Sanusi comes from a region, North Western Nigeria that already has appropriated the positions of the President, Economic Adviser to the President, Minister of Finance, Minister of National Planning, Minister of Energy, GMD NNPC etc. This completely negates the principles of the constitution of the 'Federal Republic' of Nigeria as it appertains to federal character principle in allocation of offices in the land? During the jamboree called screening, the so-called senators were busy listening to a fable prepared to deceive the gullible men that the question of federal character was no longer an issue in federal appointments? The worst case displayed by this inept senators is that they acquiesced that even the affirmation of his clearance should be done by voice votes? Which triggers the question, which clime are we operating here in Nigeria?

I recently read a babbling by one Northerner that the reason for not giving Prof. Chukwuma Soludo a second term was to pave way for a Northern who has a primary responsibility to reshape the policy of the operations of the Bureau De Change. They complain that the policy of Soludo affected the Northerners negatively without considering the effect on the national economy. It goes to show how myopic, sentimental and tribalistic that President Umaru Yar'adua is and by such, a person with his traits has completely demonstrated his incompetence to be president of any country in this world. No wonder some of his former associates had complained that President Umaru Yar'Adua has no national agenda, had no friends outside his locality and thus his mentality is completely local. I am afraid for Nigeria especially with recent calls for a so-called second term. What we have got from the so-called National Assembly had been probes that got nowhere. Noises were made, emotions evoked and all of such nonsense. The conclusion is the enmeshing in corrupt practices by those who are supposed to perform oversight functions. Nicholas Ugbane, Ndudi Elumelu et al will tell better. Many others abound in both chambers with their atrocities covered by the EFCC and their presidency collaborators. We wish Elumelu will open up and squeal the beans in his case as it concerns the so-called young Turk, Mr. Speaker. We all know about it and are waiting for the details.

The National Assembly, during Obasanjo's regime made some noise about impeachment. However, in the name of executive-legislative collaboration and political stability, the interest of the masses is constantly subsumed to the wishes of a cabal that has been holding Nigeria hostage since independence. In the so-called hallowed chambers, rot, disappointments, shame, election riggers and thugs, criminals, 419ers, fake contractors, ritualists, womanisers, sponsors of kidnappings and all sorts of evil abound. It shows that this nation is doomed. Our democracy is doomed. The future of our youths is doomed. They are not National Assembly but National Ashamed? They are not honorable people but dishonorable people or what is honorable in a bunch of thugs, fraudulent criminals, 419ners, SIEMENS bribe-takers, NITEL looters etc? What a disgrace these bunch of hooligans have brought to the office as well as Nigeria?

IRANIANS, FIGHTING TO PROTECT THEIR VOTES!

Like Nigeria, the institutionalized authorities in Iran are denying the people the choice they made at the polls last Friday, June 12, 2009; but unlike Nigeria, the Iranian people are not taking it and are fighting back, protesting what everyone suspect was the grandest election rigging and mother of all election frauds in recorded history? Icheoku says, kudos to the Iranian people for standing up to the mullahs of Tehran to preserve your honor and votes! We hope that Nigerians will learn from your example, to become brave-enough to fight back and not turn tail, each time the cabals of Nigeria choose to railroad their wish through and against that of the Nigerian people.

As the world watched the built-up momentum that led up to the Friday's election and the apparent support which the opposition candidate had; it becomes very difficult to comprehend what happened and how the incumbent won with such a chasm of a margin, 62.6%? This puzzle would be solved with the understanding of the magical counting of about 40 million handwritten paper ballots in a matter of hours and the declaration of a winner so soon thereafter voting ended? This becomes more complex in the face of the logistical nightmare posed by collating these votes, spread across vast Iranian territories and these were not electronic ballots but hand written paper ballots? To understand how this feat was made possible is to understand what actually happened with the votes of the Iranians. Icheoku says, until these Siamese twins are successfully separated, Iranians might have to deal with four more years of apprehension and bellicosity of Iran, pitted against the entire world under their President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's 'landslide victory' is suspect and the endorsement of his 'victory' just few hours after the votes closed by supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei further fuels the suspicion of a grand concert by the powers in Iran to rubbish the efforts of the people and maintain one of their own inside Teheran's seat of power. But will Iranians accept this? Icheoku says, we don't think so and if the developments ever since last Friday is an indication, then all hopes are not lost; provided the mass action does not abate. It is encouraging that the supreme leader has now been forced by development, to order an investigation into the alleged election fraud? The leading reformist challenger, Mir Hossein Mousavi 33.75% election votes is rather too modest for what should have been following reasonable expectations. This shows that these election-riggers of Iran were not that smart, otherwise they would have made the result to be within a reasonable margin of about 51% to 48%; in which case everybody would have said, oh it was as close as expected and would have moved on? But no, they were as dumb as the thieves they are and the percentages were rather too loud and is now eliciting the present outcry in the streets of Tehran?

The bone of contention was how about 40 million paper ballots could be counted so easily by hand and final results tallied and announced by authorities in Tehran in just about 12 hours; in utter difference to past elections which took at least twice as long? So what changed or did the Iranian authorities suddenly learn some art of magical number tabulating, not previously known to mankind? What genius could have counted, by hand, about 40 million ballots, entered same data into the computer, aggregated and transmitted same to the Interior Ministry in Tehran all within just 12 hours? Icheoku says, except that genius is the authorities in Tehran and the existential logistical nightmares suddenly vanished, in a disappearing act? According to one observer, "If they're still using hand counting, that would be very speedy, unusually speedy" indeed?

Finally, Icheoku says, while the world awaits in heightened expectation to see how the election snafu in Iran is finally resolved, we pray that Iranians will maintain their tenacity in demanding that their votes be counted correctly and not allow the oppressors of Iran to hijack the election and debase their effort at having a say in who governs them. Once again, congratulations to the people of Iran for your courage against all odds and intimidation, protesting what is rightfully yours - the votes you cast last Friday.

SAVANNAH BANK, LESSONS LEARNED?

It is with utmost gratitude that Icheoku welcomes the lifting of the siege of vindictiveness which the macabre Olusegun Obasanjo government had levied on an otherwise very solvent Savannah Bank. It is on record that Savannah Bank as it then was, had a liquidity in excess of that required for operation of any bank in Nigeria? In essence, it had a positive net worth of N1.8 billion Naira as well as substantial foreign currency reserve, when it was cramped down, notwithstanding, on the orders of the ape of Otta, Olusegun Obasanjo?

Even the then Minister of State for Finance, Senator Jubril Martins-Kuye, acknowledged that Savannah Bank was liquid when its license was revoked? While the then acting Managing Director of Savannah Bank, Mr. Thompson Onwubiko, saying that only “evil intention” of Olusegun Obasanjo caused the CBN and the NDIC to shut down the bank"? Nigeria we hail thee, where a lunatic-fringed individual like Olusegun Obasanjo was tolerated for eight agonizing long years in power? Icheoku says no one but the demon of Otta, Aremu Olusegun Obasanjo could explain why he shut down Savannah Bank; as the varied reasons bandied around did not cut it, ranging from the mundane to the absurd and the laughable? "It was under-capitalized? It was insolvent? It committed unethical conduct? It was regulatory misconduct"? Icheoku says, which one then was it? It was rather incredulous that a government which should have saddled itself with job creation was busy annihilating existing companies due to personal animosity, thereby forcing millions of her citizens into joblessness?

A known vindictive-person, Olusegun Obasanjo fell out with Chief Jim Nwobodo and get him, he must and he went for his jugular? But unbeknownst to this madman of Otta, it was not just only Jim Nwobodo that was invested in Savannah Bank; no, as they were several thousands of employees sourcing their living from the bank's 140 branches throughout Nigeria? That Savannah bank meant something to so many other share-holders, investors and directors was of no consideration to the masquerade of Otta? That so many business transactions were dependent on the bank for their day to day operations; as well as several other international financing transactions were irrelevant to the moose of Otta, Olusegun Obasanjo? But why should the monster care, after-all he was part of the Nigerian army that adopted 'starvation as the best instrument of warfare' against the Biafra nation, without regard to the numerous women and children that perished from malnutrition-induced Kwashiokor as a result? Icheoku says the re-birth of Savannah Bank Nigeria PLC is a thing of joy for all Nigerians except the Olusegun Obasanjos therein, those devil maycare Nigerians who has been rebuked with the re-opening! To Savannah Bank PLC, Icheoku says, welcome back!

At the re-opening ceremony, the bank’s promoter and former chairman, Jim Nwobodo, said the bank would rebound as a world class financial institution, notwithstanding past distractions? In retort, Icheoku says, eight long years is not a just 'distraction' but a concerted attempt by a maniacal pimp, Olusegun Obasanjo, to strangulate an Igbo-owned institution, in furtherance of his mental-continuing genocidal war against Biafra? Luckily though, light triumphed over darkness and Olusegun Obasanjo was humiliated and ashamed by the rise of the phoenix, Savannah Bank, from Obasanjo's ashes of oppression! Aremu Olusegun Obasanjo, Icheoku says, only the truth shall set you free; so please stop hating the Igbos that you may die a peaceful death? FYI: Savannah Bank has an Interim Chairman, Mr. Richard Abraham.

According to the story, the Central Bank of Nigeria revoked the licence of Savannah bank on February 12, 2002 on the ground of unethical practices, insolvency and inability to meet its financial obligations? Savannah Bank went to court, to contest the revocation of its operating licence based on such unfounded allegations because of its sound financial position. The court of first instance, Federal High Court Abuja, in a judgment delivered on October 20, 2006, upheld the action of Olusegun Obasanjo's tele-guided CBN; which decision, the bank appealed. The Appeal Court refused to be influenced by Olusegun Obasanjo, reviewed the evidence before it and found Savannah Bank was in good financial standing. The Appeal Court then rescinded the lower court's decision and ordered the bank's re-birth. Central Bank of Nigeria, now freed from the shackles of Olusegun Obasanjo, and fully aware of what conspiracies led to the bank's initial closure, decided not to appeal the judgment but to restore the operating licence of the bank. In an attempt to save face, CBN said it took the decision in the interest of the bank’s depositors in particular and the banking system in general? To this bare-faced lie, Icheoku asks, were depositors and the banking system not in existence at the time it shamelessly shut down an otherwise innocent viable bank? What a pathetic apologists, instrument of cohesion in the hands of Aremu Olusegun Obasanjo, the then Central Bank of Nigeria was? A bunch of pity-parties!

Now to the main grain of this commentary: - what lesson/s did this yo-yo game with Savannah Bank teach the Igbos of Nigeria? What is the moral lesson of this Olusegun Obasanjo's criminal closure and attempted strangulation of Savannah Bank? Icheoku says, the main lesson of the closure and now re-birth of Savannah Bank, after its fallowed 8 years of forced shut down, is to appreciate what really happened and how to avoid such a repeat occurrence in the future? Failure to understudy this sad event properly and guard against any future repeat occurrence would otherwise bring the pomp and pageantry of the re-opening to naught? What happens, should another despotic anti-Igbo element loony like Olusegun Obasanjo, weasel his way to power and decides to once again visit the Igbos with another round of vicious economic pogrom? Icheoku asks, how does the Igboman plan to insure his place and secure his business in Nigeria under the very harsh hellish condition of their existence in Nigeria? How can the Igbo-man guard against such a vindictive, forced closure of his business in Nigeria by such men as the Satan of Otta, Olusegun Obasanjo, in the future? These are the pertinent questions that need urgent answers, immediately and now! These are the questions thrown up by the travails of Savannah Bank, these past eight years; and the victimized Igbos of Nigeria should take the bull by the horn and fashion out some answers thereto. Is Oha-n-eze still relevant as the vanguard of the Igbos? This is the time to prove it. Is Oha-n-eze still the champion and defender of Igbo interest? The time to claim that honor and glory has come. What can they do? Icheoku says, Oha-n-eze should call an urgent meeting of other stake-holders of Nigeria and demand to know if the Biafra-Nigeria war is really over? Oha-n-eze should find out whether the Igbos are still an integral part of Nigeria or not? Oha-n-eze should find out whether the Igbos lost their status by defending their honor and right to peaceful existence, when they defended themselves from the genocidal onslaught by other Nigerians? Oha-n-eze should demand in the alternative to be allowed an honorable separation that they may go and pursue their destiny in an environment devoid of these acrimonious barrage of attacks in their supposed Nigeria? Oha-n-eze should, in the alternative, find out what security assurances are there for the Igbos, to make them feel like they really belong to Nigeria? Finally, if they want to accept the Igbos as Nigerians, then it must be unconditional, total and complete; with full rights and privileges like every other Nigerian, without these incessant heart-wrecking discriminatory practices being carried out against them.

Icheoku says, there must be a real push back by the Igbos of Nigeria to actually find their footing once again, and never to recoil each time and every time as if they are second class Nigerians? What Savannah Bank achieved is one such push back, admitted it took a whopping eight long years to get result? The Igbos must become more assertive in Nigeria to improve their lot and not allow the likes of melancholic Olusegun Obasanjo to tell them otherwise? Regrettably the timidity of the crop of Igbo men and women who pretend to be leading the Igbos now, leaves much to be desired; especially the "elected" national assembly members? All girlie-men and sissied-women who could not stand toe to toe, eye-ball to eye-ball to their fellow legislators from other parts of Nigeria to negotiate a fair term for the Igbo nation? Aremu Olusegun Obasanjo craftily castrated the Igbos, when he handpicked his errand boys and girls to represent the Igbos in both national houses; while weeding out the mavericks and patriots among them? What he thereafter foist on the Igbos are a bunch of cowardly people who cannot stand up and be counted, their balls having been since removed?

At least, if only these people would open their mouth and say something, that will suffice; but to keep silent in the face of such tyranny that is being visited on the Igbos is to have the men in these people die.What happened to the fighting spirit of the Igbos? The days of effective Igbo representation in the national political sphere seems a long forgotten blimp on the radar; as what the Igbos are now left with are Judas-tic men and women who look at their checking accounts to see the returns on their political sell-out of the Igbos? This, as a trade-off for their disgraceful silence while the overall Igbo interest is left to suffer untold humiliation in the hands of despicable people in leadership positions in Nigeria? But who shall mourn these so called Igbo leaders when their sun finally sets? Who shall remember these bunch of self-centered piece of Igbo humanity? What will their epitaph read? What impact would they have left behind to immortalize their memory or as signature of their passage through the Igbo landscape? Icheoku was even surprised to learn that deputy senate president is an Igboman and yet what has he done for the Igboman since? Ike Ekweremadu, Icheoku asks, any legacy yet? Also whether our beloved Uche Chukwumerije is still in Abuja or he too has been de-plumed, we do not know; but suffice it to say that his voice has also become silent. What we do however know, is that the breed of Igbo true blood like Nnamdi Azikwe, Dennis Osadebey, Mbazulike Amechi, K O Mbadiwe, Dr. Mike Opara, CC Onoh, Dee Mbakwe etc, are forever gone and in their place are people handpicked by non-Igbos from Igboland and for the Igbos; by non other than a desperate Otta gorilla, Olusegun Obasanjo? To these Igbo-Esaus at Abuja, who would sell their Igbo people for some oil wells allocation, Icheoku says, you will die alone and lonely; you shall not be missed and there will be no collective effort to mourn you. If brain does not work, why not resort to brawn or are you just cowards of the country? The Igbo nation, weepeth because of you!

It will be recalled that as at the time of its forced closure, Savannah Bank was one of the top 10 banks in Nigeria with 85,000 shareholders, 750,000 depositors and a work-force of 3,000 people? Therefore, in view of this enviable position then held, Icheoku says, how can Savannah Bank ever be compensated for the trauma of these past eight years of its forced closure? The profits it would have made; the growth it would have recorded, the innovations it would have achieved and the numerous down-turns goes on and on? As it battles with the new information technology, depositors’ confidence and harmonization, recruitment of new hands and composition of the management and board and more importantly getting the confidence of Nigerian banking audience back will prove one heck of a daunting task. Icheoku says, now that the atrocities committed by Aremu Olusegun Obasanjo have seen the light of day with such a rebuke of re-opening his closed Savannah Bank PLC; may he now hide his weird-looking face in a sack-cloth and with ashes thrown on his head, take a walk into the evil-forest and never look back! As Savannah Bank once again takes its baby-steps, Icheoku says, the endangered Igbo species in Nigeria should understand that it is not yet UHURU for them and their business and therefore should gird their loins for the challenges ahead as the Obasanjo anti-Igbo elements in Nigeria are probably at work, plotting again where and how to strike at the heart of Igbo business success! Once again, congratulation Savannah Bank, it is a new day!

FYI:- Former Governor of CBN, Professor Chukwuma Soludo once told the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions that “the bank’s licence was revoked on the 15th of February 2002 as at which time he had not come into office.

LAKERS, 2009 NBA CHAMPIONS!

Finally, Kobe Bryant proved that without Shaquille O'Neil, that the Los Angeles Lakers are equally as good; and champions they are, the 2009 National Basket Association champions! Icheoku says, congratulation to Kobe Bryant and his team for putting up such a stellar run leading to their 15th NBA title!

Lakers finished the 2009 NBA season with a 99-86 win over the Orlando Magic in Game 5 to win the 15th NBA title in franchise history with a 4-1 victory in the series. Prior to Sunday's finals, Lakers had played against Orlando Magic, 100-75 in Game 1; 101-96 in Game 2; 104-108 in Game 3; 99-91 in Game 4; crowning it with 99-86 in Game 5.

With this 2009 NBA champions win by Lakers, Coach Phil Jackson, has now become the coach with most NBA title wins at 10 championships. Once again, savor your victory Los Angeles Lakers and let Shaquille O'Neil do another rap song, singing 'He can win without me'? Congratulations the boys from the City of Angeles!

MKO TIBETAN, GOES SCRIPTURAL!

Your prophet is back after a little indisposition, praise God! Notice that 'YOUR SUNDAY WITH PROPHET MKO TIBETAN' has been changed and now reads accordingly above.

The topic for today, Sunday June 14, 2009 is "DON'T ALLOW YOUR DREAM TO DIE"! For further reading, see Daniel 2:24-31; Jeremiah 1:4-10. Brethren in Christ, lend me your ears this morning; because the good Lord has planted a dream within the entire creature under heaven:- the trees and fruits such as mango, oranges, grapes with each producing sweet or sour taste. The Lord has warned us in the book of Jeremiah 29:11 that his thought for us is a thought of peace and happiness and not evil. He ask us to always obey his commandment. Note that when you obey the commandment of a king he will be your friend and when the king calls upon you, you will never be afraid to respond.

We humans beings today have broken the law, even right from the book of Genesis 3:8-15 i.e. the garden of Eden and Genesis 6:1-10,4:6-14,11:1-5, Proverb 6:1-10, Joshua 7:20-to the end, Deuteronomy 28:15-19, 31:29 - End. In Genesis 3:14-15, the Lord said automatically if you want to actualize your dream on earth, you should stop praying like hypocrite, who like saying their prayers on top of the roof and then we should stop behaving like the African people who belief that there’s someone behind their door of their house who is responsible for their problems, this is the curse to the black race, but that we should learn the habit of the white man who never believe that there is someone behind, responsible for his/her ailment or problems because what they know right from their tender age is to fear the law of their Land and keep away from Lying tongues. Galatians 5:16 – End.

Church can’t change any individual, nobody can change another person, but each person must change him/herself, a car can be change, house can be renovated but have you planned to change yourself? Therefore, brethren in Christ try and work on your dream in order for you to actualize your dream. You need to obey the rules and regulations of God and surrender yourself to God.When you look at the life of Moses in the bible, how he was born, raised and made a decision to help his people, in fact he also refused to eat at the King’s palace when he realized he was'nt an Egyptian purposely because he wanted to actualize his dream see Exodus 1:`1-10, 2:6-11, 3:1-10, 4:4-11, also in the book of Deuteronomy 31:26-End, for this reason, he gave them the law and wrote the ten books of Moses known as the Petra to mention but few when you look at the life of Joseph, he refused to fornicate to actualize his dream and also refused to be rude to his brothers and also sleep with the Kings wife nut today, where are you? As regarding Joseph and as stated above, see the book of Genesis 37:14–End, 39: 13-End, 41:42-43 and 45:1-6. With the whole of this, what are you doing as regarding your dream today? In the book of Daniel, in his history, he was in a foreign land with his friends and he refused to eat at the Kings palace and also worship their god in order to actualize his dreams in the book of Daniel 2, 3 and chapter 4. See also the life history of Shedrach, Messiah, and Abednego. In the Act of Apostle chapter 6, 7, and 8, you need to be firm with the Lord and be straight forward with yourself because if there is light in you then you can give to other people.

Brethren in Christ, if you are still walking, you can make a change, please advice yourself before people start advising you because you maybe in a wrong place and in a wrong hand and your motive may be wrong. Know for sure that if your cloud is not filled up for water you may not have rain.

BEYONCE KNOWLES, BOOBS SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE?

Just follow those roving fixated eyes and you will arrive at where this man's heart is? Peradventure, not only had he arrived Israel but has also since entered Jerusalem, - all in his longing, wondering mind? A peeping Tom, that is?

As he giraffes down the forbidden territorial pathway, an exclusive Jayzey's preserve; Icheoku ponders what manner of a libidinous he-goat of a man, will ogle a woman's natural endowment so unabashedly? Imagine, while innocent Beyonce was oblivious of the man's thieving eyes, and posing for photographs, a fast-acting lens caught her 'companion' shooting straight where others feared to glance? But who is this man?

The 'trespasser by sight' of JayZ's private property is none other, than a Nigerian man? His name is Nduka (ND) Obaigbena! He is a billionaire in Nigeria's local currency, the naira; and with astronomical conversion rate would be a millionaire in American dollars? He is a publisher of a Nigerian Newspaper, called 'Thisday', which has somewhat very high local readership. He also engages in one business venture after another and is highly connected among the Nigeria high up/s. This breast-fixating 'mogul' from Nigeria, also enjoys the acquaintance of former President Bill Clinton as well as some other world's notables like former Australian Prime Minister, Howard?

Anyway, pictures do not tell lies and ND should learn how not to undress a set of fine-boobs in the public? Icheoku says in any other event, let everyone reserve their judgment to themselves as the man merely admired a set of all natural, well-rounded and pampered piece of creation? If Picaso were alive today, he will paint those pumpkins!

The "All the single girls" velvet-voiced super-star got it! For Beyonce Knowles, the milk ad/commercial 'Got Milk' makes no sense and is not applicable with her as the fact of this picture speaks volume for itself? Icheoku wonders if Nduka Obaigbena has yet received any nasty 'get-off my property, you MF, phone-call, from JayZ? Imagine JayZ raving over the phone, "Mr. Whatever your name is, keep those f***ing Snowball's eyes of yours to yourself"! If I catch you messing with my woman, am gonna pluck them eyes for your sorry ass"? But where were JayZ's dem boys when this man stole what is exclusively, JayZ? Nduka please do not mess with the Don!

BUSH, JUMPS AGAIN FOR HIS 85TH!

A warrior is a warrior, always and forever; and so it is with President George Herbert Walker Bush!

Once again this brave American jumped off an airplane at 10,500 feet altitude in the sky to mark his 85th birthday! What an adrenalin junkie this Bush Senior is; at 85 still cherishing and re-living the experience of his famous rescue off the coast of Japan; when his plane was shot down over the Pacific in 1944 during World War II, after a bombing mission over ChiChi Jima.

Unlike many of his living contemporary, some of whom have since vegetated, this guy loves and lives life; that sometimes, one thinks he is just a brother to his two famous political sons? According to the elder Bush, "Just because you're an old guy, you don't have to sit around drooling in the corner. Get out and do something. Get out and enjoy life." Icheoku says, what a word of advise for the aged and by one of their own? One excited commentator added, "Age, the number, should never stop somebody."

Luckily for this skydiving octogenarian, all his five children, including former President George Walker Bush Jr. were there, along with 14 grandchildren, two brothers and a sister to cheer the patriarch of the Bush dynasty? His wife Barbara, and other daughters in-law were equally there to lend their support and celebrate his birthday with him. Icheoku says, happy 85th to the brave one, President George H.W. Bush.

AT LAST, MADONNA GETS HER DAUGHTER!

Icheoku congratulates the Malawi's Supreme Court of Appeal for doing right for and by three year old little Mercy Chifundo James. With their decision, overruling the lower court and granting Madonna's adoption, the court has proved that it can be above board and realistic, a position we had advocated in our previous commentary on baby Mercy James. See the said commentary posted as:- an opportunity denied in malawi.

Once again, congratulation Chief Justice Lovemore Munlo for proving an African man reasonable? At last, the Malawi government has one less mouth of an orphan to worry about with baby Mercy James now gone to fulfil her destiny in the home of Madonna? Like William Shakespeare said in Julius Caesar, some people have greatness thrust upon them and so it is with baby Mercy James; who has now become a co-heiress to the fortune of Madonna!

Icheoku asks, which mortal can comprehend the joke which nature plays with mankind; such that a yesterday's destitute orphan is today, a family member of multi-millionaire rock-star, Madonna and her fortune of several hundreds of millions of dollars? It is all in the stars!

PHIL SPECTOR, HAIR-WIRED?

Behold, the changing faces of Phil Spector, the convicted murderer! He is doing time for killing his paramour just for the heck of it? Icheoku says, a man capable of these transformations might as well adopt the name, Mr. Chameleon?

What a master of disguise, this Phil Specter is? Appearance is really deceptive as no one would easily believe that the above busts belong to one and only one person. Wonders of Hollywood and the plastic Los Angeles life; the land of make-belief? Icheoku remembers too that Samuel O Jackson is also hairless but is always hair-full in most of his movies? Also Donald Trump will be vindicated in this war of hairs?

Legendary music producer, Phil Spector, who was widely known for his many hairy heads, had to unmask his head, revealing a vulture-like skull. Phil abandoned his wigs after being sentenced last month to 19 years to life for second-degree murder in the 2003 of actress Lana Clarkson, pictured left.

His very bald-mug shot, topmost left, was taken on June 5, 2009 as part of the routine for formally processing new inmates into the prison system, in the United States of America. Regulations forbid wigs and other hairpieces unless they are deemed medically necessary, which in Spector's case was not the case. Icheoku says, who knew Spector never had hairs on his scalp?

ABORTION DOCTOR TILLER, KEEP THE CLINIC OPEN!

If that Wichita Kansas clinic closes, then all that Dr. George Tiller lived and died for would have been in vain. So therefore, let the clinic stay open!

This humanitarian doctor who provided women with opportunity to exercise their God-given control over their reproductive rights? An enlightened doctor who was ready to fight for a cause he believed in, the preservation of this right, even at the cost of his life? A medical doctor whose life was taken by a lunatic right-winger who trailed him inside the holy grounds of Lutheran church in Wichita and gunned him down in cold-blood, with Jesus Crucified watching? Icheoku says, for this clinic to close is for this extremist to have his way and for the doctor to die in vain; therefore let the clinic remain open!

For the family to follow through and close the clinic is for this doctor to die a worthless death? So why should he, after-all civil rights movement in America did not stop when Martin Lurther King Jr., died from assassins bullets, otherwise we will not have the gift of President Barack Obama? Fear is the greatest problem of mankind and that is exactly the weapon of choice of the domestic terrorist, Scott Roeder that pulled the trigger that ended Dr. Tiller's life. After Jesus Christ was killed, his apostles did not run away and close shop because of fear, no, instead they remained strong and persevered, giving us the Christianity which we enjoy today. After international terrorists brought down our Twin-Towers, Manhattan did not close down? No, New Yorkers persevered and today, new freedom towers are sprouting from the hallowed chasm that once housed the twin towers? So why must it be in Wichita Kansas that terror should be allowed to triumph over the people? Icheoku says, it is un-American and must not be allowed!

Dr. George Tiller's Women's Health Care Services, PA should remain open, to keep alive the memory of what he stood up for and gave his life, defending! Icheoku says, it will be a great disservice for the family who benefited from his struggles to suddenly, out of fear, shutter the doors to the clinic; just because one starry-eyed red-neck says so with his treacherous bullets? If they indulge Scott Roeder and his ilks, then America, as we know it, will forever change? Why must evil win over good? If the family yields to this terrorist, it would appear that they were in it just for the pie but not ready to do the hard work needed to put the pie on the dinner table? Please, Tiller's family, do not be a party-revelers who will go home as soon as the party is over. Stay, stand up and fight for the memory of slain Dr. George Tiller; as any other action/inaction of yours will amount to cowardice and letting the killers of the doctor win? What an unbecoming legacy to leave for the slain Tiller?

Icheoku says, no matter what happens, the memory of Dr. Tiller must be protected and at whatever cost? Please let us keep hope alive and keep his clinic open; otherwise the extremist red-necks would have won the battle to deprive women of their right to make decisions regarding their body? Their purpose of killing Dr. George Tiller is to bring to an end, the operations at the clinic; therefore if the clinic shuts down, they would have won? But is America going to let these cowards of the country have their way? Icheoku says, we don't think so; as their way is the way that leads to perdition. What vermin this people are? Peradventure, the Nebraska doctor, Dr. LeRoy Carhart, who has volunteered to step in as a gap-filler in Wichita Kansas will provide the necessary succour to all the women who hitherto needed Dr. George Tiller's services? It takes brave-men to effect needed changes in a society and Icheoku commends this doctor from Nebraska for his courage to push on.

It will be recalled that Dr. George Tiller was shot to death on May 31, 2009 while serving as an usher inside his local Lutheran Church in Wichita Kansas. The lunatic christian right-winger, despicable piece of humanity, a putrid piece of garbage, Scott Roeder, defiled the sanctity of a holy place with the blood of the innocent? Scott Roeder, 51, from Kansas City, Missouri has since been charged with first-degree murder and aggravated assault in the shooting to death of Dr. George Tiller. And he committed this heinous murder in the name of his 'God'; defending the rights of the unborn while depriving the already existing, his own right to life? Icheoku says, what God would approve of the shedding of the blood of a human-being, simply for performing some medical services? Icheoku says, not the God we know and serve; so the 'god' that this lunatic worships and kills for, is surely a different god?

FYI: - Dr. George Tiller's clinic, Women's Health Care Services, PA was one of the only three facilities in the United States of America that performed third-trimester abortions. Dr. Leroy Carhart has run his own clinic in Bellevue, Nebraska, since 1985, but had performed late-term abortions at Tiller's clinic because of Nebraska's more restrictive abortion laws. Nebraska law does not allow an abortion if the fetus is considered viable, or able to survive outside the womb. Kansas law allows abortions on viable fetuses after the 21st week if carrying the pregnancy to term would endanger the mother's life or cause a "substantial and irreversible impairment" of a major bodily function, including mental health?

DONALD TRUMP, SUCCUMBS AT LAST?

The pressure from the gay, bisexual, lesbian and transgender/transvestites was simply too much for The Donald to continue to starve off and he decided to cut down on his losses. The sacrificial lamb, Miss California USA Carrie Prejean! Today she has become history, a victim of the hot-button holy grail issue which brought about the infamous don't ask don't tell policy of the United States military? She was simply stated, FIRED by The Donald?

Icheoku says, no matter the subterfuge used to try to explain away this sudden development; why Prejean was let go, the underlying current was her ill-thought out answer to a gay marriage question. We saw it coming but why it even took this long to materialize was the surprising aspect of the whole story. May be Perez Hilton was right, "Better late than never"! What a hypocrite, this lady is after-all, a christian who would strut, barely-clad, on runways and who would pose semi-nude and in topless photos, on a beach but now refuses to understand that love sometimes is not gender-specific? Carrie Prejean must be a selective christian?

According to the story making rounds, Carrie Prejean was dethroned as Miss California USA for "contract violations," including missing scheduled pageant events? Icheoku says, tell that to the marines as unfounded and a bare-naked lies. Donald Trump just told her, 'You are Fired'!

It will be recalled that Miss Prejean, 22, retained her title last May despite trailing controversies over topless photos, missed appearances and her statements that she is against against same-sex marriage? Prejean had stepped into controversy at the Miss USA pageant in April when she declared her opposition to same-sex marriage in a response to a question asked during the national pageant by Perez Hilton, a pageant judge. Prejean subsequently finished as first runner-up and admitted as much in a radio interview that it was that controversy that led to her losing her title, not contract issues. Icheoku asks, but what happened to her freedom of expression?

Former runner-up Tami Farrell has now been elevated as the new Miss California USA, 2009! What a power play between a very powerful bloc and a business mogul, Donald Trump (The Donald) whose religion is money; and who could not afford a boycott of all things Donald, by the gay and lesbian community, hence a lesser disposable had to yield way and so went Carrie Prejean into oblivion as a "fired" former Miss California USA?

NIGERIAN SCAM, WHAT YOU MUST KNOW! - an article by Rose Alexander.

The Nigerian Advance Fee scam, better known as the '419' Letter scam has been around since the early 80s. Millions have fallen for this scam and the count just keeps getting bigger. Victims of the Nigerian 419 letter scam lose USD $3000 on the average, according to reports. Hundreds have also died chasing the 419 scheme dream? '419' is that section of Nigeria's penal code that prohibits and punishes the fraud of obtaining by false pretence.

The accompanying photographs are real 419 operators who were tricked into sending their photgraphs across with their name tags, just to verify that they are the real beneficiaries of the money being transfered? Notice particularly the guy below left whose name is Hajia Mariam Abacha and he is a man? Then you have Evangelist Ojukwa Damisa? Lucas Kabongo? Joseph Otumba? Dr. Ahmed Ibrahim? Icheoku says, what a group of dopes, these fraudulent criminals are?

On how the scam works, now read the following expose` by a commentator:-

Nigerian scams usually begin with an urgent e-mail from a foreign country in the name of a government leader or ex-leader, and possibly from a family scion or heir. The Nigerian e-mail scam earned its name because so many of the messages were from Nigerian addresses or named the Central Bank of Nigeria as the financial institution through which funds would be transferred if the recipient of the e-mail decided to fall for the scam. Although not the first or only of its kind, the Nigerian scam has bilked millions from Americans who were duped into participating, as well as similar sums from residents in countries like Great Britain. Here’s how it works: - It starts with a plea for assistance The present-day scam is actually an updated version of a classic con called “The Spanish Prisoner” that dates back to the 1920s. Early versions of the con involved letters promised to reward anyone who would help a prominent Spanish family free their imprisoned son by advancing funds for taxes, bribes, and other fees that could result in the boy’s release. Of course, there was no prisoner. And anyone who “lent” money to help the imaginary prisoner with the prospect of gaining a sizable reward in return simply lost all funds advanced to the cause. Later years involved faxes or e-mails rather than letters, but still in an attempt to draw unsuspecting people into the scam of earning easy cash by aiding a hapless victim in a foreign country. Thus, the first assault is to play on the recipient’s emotions. All of us want to help others, especially in less-developed countries—and especially when a sizable price tag to be paid to us is involved.

The second characteristic of this scam is the promise of earning thousands or even millions of dollars for doing nothing, or almost nothing, except to facilitate the proposed transfer of funds into an American (or British, etc.) bank account. The victim will be asked to open an account and simply wait for the funds to arrive, usually promised within seven to ten days. Typically, the American or European recipient will be told that he or she can expect a sizable percentage of the total transfer amount, perhaps ten or twenty percent. Just as people keep buying lottery tickets in hopes of winning “the big one” someday, they don’t realize that buying tickets is a long shot toward big winnings. The same is true of this scam—people feel that paying one fee after another brings them that much closer to receiving their funds, which, in fact, do not exist. Red flags appear after a short time, perhaps a few days, the victim is advised of a snare in the transfer plans and asked to contribute a “small amount” toward an unexpected but critical expense. This can be an unpaid debt on the property in question, a tax bill, and a bribe for officials with jurisdiction over the issue or person, or any number of other questionable factors. Thinking that an advance of perhaps $5,000 is a small amount to pay in anticipation of $100,000, many people fall for the scam and send their own money to facilitate the imaginary transfer that will never take place. A few days later, another message arrives, asking the victim to send another “small” amount of maybe $2,000, and the victim complies with the hope of speeding his reward along. In this manner, the scammers take advantage of numerous victims by teasing them with the prospect of easy money that never materializes. Unfortunately, although we ought to know better, many of us still give in to the temptation of easy money. In 1997, one newspaper account reported that $15 million had been taken from Americans by Nigerian scam artists over a period of 15 months according to snopes.com. Check it out the Nigerian money scam sounds too good to be true—and it is. Sadly, there are many such confidence tricks being played on innocent and unknowing persons who want to help others and make a quick buck. Here are some tips to keep in mind when evaluating money-making schemes that reach you by telephone, mail or e-mail:- If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Think through any startling claims and look for logical fallacies.

Consult business reporting systems such as the Better Business Bureau and the National Fraud Information Center. You should also forward the scam information to the Secret Service Financial Crimes Division, 950 H Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20223, or telephone (202) 406-5850. These resource offices can give you information about specific scams, con artists, and possible fraud schemes that concern you. Your sharing information with them may contribute to the successful tracking of those involved with criminal activities.- Ask friends and family members if they have received similar offers. It is amazing how far and wide the Nigerian scam letters traveled—to all corners of the globe. There are many such schemes, such as the recent Lottery Prize Award announcement that tells victims they have won tens of thousands of dollars in a European lottery, and all they have to do is send a few dollars for processing fees. Another comes in the form of an offer to enrich a special church or charitable organization because the sender feels guilty or admires the work being done—but this, too, turns out to be a plea for your assets.- Explore resources. If an offer sounds especially realistic or appealing, contact the bank or individuals whose names are attached and ask for more information. Try to make telephone contact so you can get first-hand information, not just an email auto-response that can be part of the scam.

Chances are you will not be able to reach anyone by phone that can convince you of the validity of an e-mail offer of riches.- Don’t send money that you cannot afford to lose. Too often, victims surrender their monthly pension check, rent money, or other budget needs in an effort to cash in on their good luck via the Nigerian scam. It’s one thing to throw away money sitting in a savings account that you don’t plan on using anytime soon. It’s quite another to spend money you have allocated to more important needs, such as food, housing, medicine or transportation. Avoid trading funds for uncertain returns on your investment. In general, e-mail solicitations to make you rich are unlikely to be genuine. Usually they are con artist attempts to separate a fool and his money. While many people have avoided the lure of easy riches, many have not, which suggests that greater awareness of this problem is needed, particularly in isolated segments of our population, such as the uneducated, the illiterate, the home-bound, and the desperate poor. Don’t fall for a scheme that tries to take advantage of someone by offering a glittery deal while providing minimal information. Remember the example of the Nigerian scam and question every such offer that comes your way by any means.