MEND APOCALYSE, WE SHALL BURN DOWN NIGERIA!

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

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

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

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

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

IDELPHONSE NIZEYIMANA, ARRESTED FOR RWANDAN WAR CRIMES?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FARIDA WAZIRI, NIGERIAN PUBLIC OFFICIALS ARE PSYCHOTIC!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MONDAY OFF!

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

SHOICHI NAKAGAWA, THE DEATH OF A DEAD MAN WALKING?

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

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

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

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

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

OLYMPICS 2016, RIO de JANEIRO IS IT!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

JACOB ZUMA, LICENCE TO KILL?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CAMARA, ANOTHER CRAZED-OUT AFRICAN BUTCHER?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BABANGIDA, A DRAMATIC U-TURN?

Is it for real or just another one of his 'maradona-istic' curve-balls, being thrown at Nigerians? Did he just repent and change for the better, or is the Nigerian-Maradona up to something sinister? Is this the final awakening for the toothy Machiavellian "Prince" of Minna, Niger State, Nigeria? Is it the usual "the more you look the less you see and understand" gimmickry of the mirage of Minna, that Nigerians are once again witnessing? What finally struck this 'Saul on his way to Damascus,' to warrant the soothing-heavenly statements currently coming out of his mouth? What is attributable to the sudden change of mind of Mallam Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB)?

Icheoku ponders whether a man with IBB's capacity and propensity to ferment mischief and cause vicious atrocities, is capable of ever changing and for the better? What actually happened to induce this epochal epiphany in a man as ruthless as IBB, whose toothy smile always masquerades a heart of very cold steel? IBB, who was once aptly framed in an unflattering phrase, "with a friend like IBB, no one needs an enemy"? Really, and the same man is now feigning ignorance of the vicious clamp-down visited by his regime on the people of Nigeria, some of who eventually paid the ultimate price with their lives? May be IBB is counting on the fabled short memory of Nigerians who are always in the present, forgetful of the past and indifferent about the future? But would it work? Icheoku says, not this time! Is his present newly discovered, more civilized and pragmatic perspective on a broad range of issues real or merely a symptomatic ecdysis of a conniving, contriving piece of humanity, a dictator and a killer? Should Nigerians start jumping for joy that at last, the devil-incarnate IBB has repented of his dubious evil ways and turned a new leaf; or should they continue to be very wary that the leopard never changes its spots? If the later is the case, who is he targeting now; with this current germane positions on how things ought and should be, in an otherwise properly-functioning Nigeria?

When, where and why did the present epiphany of Nigeria's only known and self-acknowledged 'evil-genius' take place? Was it on his Minna Hill-top mansion or in one of his estates at Monaco? Was it in a Parisian hospital bed, or while airborne in one of his private jets, which corruption made possible for him to acquire? If only this toothy "evil-prince" of Minna had respected the wish of majority of Nigerians and sworn in Chief MKO Abiola as the then duly elected president of Nigeria; may be and only may be, he would not need all these 'pontifications on rehabilitation', as he would have become the most revered Nigerian statesman now living? But no, his character-flaw made him do it, and now, not all the confessionals from his conceited dark heart can remedy what he had irredeemably damaged - his reputation before Nigerians!

Our recent observations of IBB suggests a man who has 'changed'; or at least, his utterances and apparent new-found humility appear to project that? But whether it is 'a change we can believe in' is totally a different matter for another day's discourse. Or did IBB just recruit new 'on-top-of-their-game' advisers to re-make and re-package him, in a deft manoeuvre to manipulate gullible Nigerians into putting him back in Aso Rock in 2011? Icheoku says, despite all his denials to the contrary regarding his possible come-back, the man IBB is capable of anything including a daring dash for Aso Rock in 2011; afterall a coup plotter and an alleged drug-runner is capable of anything under the sun? Although not scientifically tenable, IBB was recently accused of 'masterminding the cancer that killed Gani Fawehinmi?' So much for a man that Nigerians cannot trust. Granted that a slippery-eel IBB is hard to understand or trust, Icheoku says, provided all the present sanctimony are not geared towards clearing the grounds for another Aso Rock misadventure, Nigerians should consider his confessions and repentance, with a view to granting him a conditional forgiveness based on the understanding that he gets out of active politics forever and for good! Recently, our close marking on the occupant of the 50-room Minna Hill-top mansion, found IBB saying things which sounded self-contradictory to the then 'notorious' IBB? Things which would have then amounted to treasonable felony and could not have come out of his mouth?

Imagine IBB advocating for Nigeria to discard 'federal character' quota system, which enabled his lazy northern-folks to play catch-up with and possibly surpass southerners in Nigeria? It is on record that IBB and his other prodigious renegade comrade, the midget of Kano, late Sani Abacha, through their crass nepotism, widened the gap between north and south in Nigeria? They caused such a loopsided imbalance throughout Nigeria federal service and the armed forces, including the police, customs and immigration that the north practically controls every institution of note in Nigeria? During the last streamlining of Nigeria's federal permanent secretaries it was discoverd that Kano State alone practically have more federal permanent secretaries than the five eastern states combined? And the imbalance permeates throughout other spheres of the Nigerian bureaucracy, courtesy of IBB and his northern cohorts, the adventurous coup-plotters? Look at who is talking - Nigeria's IBB? According to one observer, "IBB's sudden out of the cloud policy-somersault, is very fishy and needs to be thoroughly investigated? It is a bait and Nigerians should not bite it, because it is poisonous?" Suddenly IBB now wants meritocracy as opposed to "northern-ocracy" and/or "Islam-ocracy" to be the guiding principle of the Nigeria of the future, where merit and not a person's last-name or method of worship rules? Icheoku have nothing against it, it is progressive thinking; provided it cuts through all the strata of the society including the presidency, whose present occupant would not have qualified had IBB's position come alive before 2007's charade of an election?

Further IBB canvassed for devolution of powers from the central authority to states and local governments in the spirit of true functional federalism? Icheoku asks IBB, was Nigeria not an absolute "Federal" republic when he was in the saddle of power at both Dodan Baracks and later at Aso Rock? Why did he wait until now to seek to correct a generational aberration of a totalitarian-unitarianism, disguised as a federalism in Nigeria and for so long, since 1966? Icheoku says, this sudden change of direction is suspect; it must be for a reason and there is an intended target somewhere, may be the Igbo presidency of 2016? The Igbos of the south east Nigeria should therefore be very vigilant as the Hausa-Fulanis are up to something, some game to water down their presidency in 2016, and must resist any such devolution of power at this time? If Nigeria wants to devolve the powers of the presidency, which Icheoku strongly favors, they should wait until other zonal blocs in Nigeria have had their 'executive presidencies,' doling out the oil-money however they may see fit.

The Yorubas have had their Aremu Olusegun Obasanjo-led 8 years? The Hausa-Fulani led northern Nigeria had their ways severally since 1960, with some few intermissions and continuing uptil now, and possibly through 2015? Therefore the next in the line of succession, the Igbos, should and must be allowed to enjoy the 'executive presidency in Nigeria' without any let, hindrance, condition, yoke or attenuation of powers whatsoever! After them, then the northern Hausa-Bastards of the north-east, followed by the restive militant South-South minorities and lastly the northern Middle-Belt minorities? Thereafter, at the completion of the assizes, then whatever devolution or reformation of power that IBB is dreaming about, can genuinely come into effect; but it must not be seen as a targeted-ploy to diminish some other people's power over the federal purse? It is called fairness!But any attempt by the northern oligarchs to otherwise, try to change the horse mid-stream, as a forensic interpretation of IBB's suggestion reveals, is totally unacceptable and shall be resisted.

Also IBB harped on the necessity for state police, a position we do not find any fault with and adds, it is about time states in Nigeria are allowed to control their own local security. It will help a lot when a chief security officer of a state, the governor, has a stake on the apparatus of controlling the security of lives and properties within his geographical jurisdiction?

However an over-riding federal police should equally be in place to checkmate excessiveness and/or arbitrariness by some state executives; and to serve as an instrument to forestall and protect any potential abuse. Akin to what obtains in the United States of America, there should be varying tiers or levels of policing in Nigeria with clearly defined functions; and this will greatly help in better and improved policing of the citizens and their properties. The question however is, why didn't IBB take the initiative when he was in power; may be, as a maximum ruler, he desired absolute powers to control his cowering subjects? Just a penny for your thoughts!

Another aspect of life which the occupant of Minna Hill-top mansion touched on, was the rule of law? In his own words, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, said, "Indeed, no society can survive if its citizens are not bound by law, the true observance of due process and have confidence in the rule of law?” Icheoku says, ironically, Dele Giwa would have still been alive today if IBB is not a hypocrite; and so was Gloria Okon, Mamman Vasta, Gideon Orka and a host of so many other unlucky victims of IBB's state-terrorism, had this awakening come earlier during his 8 years in power from August 27, 1985 - August 26, 1993? But no, after depriving so many Nigerians their human-rights, jailing and even killing some of them without any trial for any offence whatsoever, IBB's guilty-feelings is now forcing his lips to sing praises for the rule of law? Who in Nigeria really believes any word that comes out of this toothy man's mouth, after their nightmarish experiences of eight years with him as the head-honcho in Nigeria? In short, IBB and the rule of law are at permanent loggerheads, locked up in a mortal enmity; two rival arch-enemies who are in a battle for survival, the death of one being the only assured security-guarantee or panacea that will keep the other alive? Icheoku says, IBB is simply the wrong person to talk on the subject of rule of law; he is not qualified, having murdered rule of law in Nigeria and does not have the moral authority to now advocate its unassailability or its supreme position in the society? Simply put, IBB is the wrong man to do any public relation job for rule of law; he is not 'the one' Nigerians are expecting to talk on that subject area.

IBB also emphasised and reiterated Option A4 as the best political solution for Nigeria's political problems? Icheoku says, this is the same man who annulled the election of Chief MKO Abiola in June 12, 1993, the first ever successful "graduate" of his famed 'Option A4 School of Politicking' in Nigeria? Icheoku says, Nigeria has never had such a bifurcated and conflicted human personality as Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida; who regrettably is his own worst enemy? It is comparable to having a whore preaching about virtue or virginity? Or better still, the $50billion dollar-fraud, Bob Madoff preaching about frugality and prudence? Or even finding Aremu Olusegun Obasanjo preaching against sleeping with one's own daughter in-law, Mojisola Gbenga Obasanjo, if you catch my drift? It is self contradictory for IBB, who is now being dribbled by a strange fate which has held him hostage to himself and for so long, to once again be blabbing his mouth, pretending to have solutions to every imaginable Nigeria's problems, majority of which he brought about?

In summation, Icheoku says, all that has left the mouth of Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida in the recent past sounds plausible, and would have been nicely received but for the strangeness of the man IBB? Who knows if he is merely playing the devil's advocate and for some vested northern interest, preparatory to the eventual power shift to the Igbos of the south east Nigeria in 2016? Who also knows if he is merely taking some pragmatic positions towards repairing his badly damaged reputation, geared towards a planned second missionary journey to Aso Rock in 2011? But whatever be the case, IBB should be aware that Nigerians are waiting, trigger-alert, to protest the daylight out of any come-back attempt, he may or plans to make in the future? Such an added insult will be unacceptable to Nigerians and will be resisted with the last breath of many Nigerians. To many Nigerians, IBB is a bad dream that should just go away and disappear into oblivion. Icheoku says, enough of IBB; and Nigerians should in unison, say to him, none of his confessionals will be enough at his rehabilitation!

JANE BOCKSTRUCK, WHAT A MAN CAN DO A WOMAN CAN DO BETTER?

When the world taught they have seen it all with the jumping off a flying airplane by then 82 years old former President George H. Bush; a New Hampshire great grand-mother shrilled, 'not just yet!' She was airborne and before you could scream 'holly-molly,' she too jumped off a flying plane at 13, 000 feet altitude! She is 92 years young!

What a record that had just shattered the former president's then enviable record of, a very old man jumping off a flying plane, a thrill of a life gradually drawing its curtains? Icheoku wants to salute the courage of this granny, who heeded former President Bush's advise that 'just because you are old does not mean that you have to sit in one corner, drooling; just get up, go out and do something!'

Icheoku says, Jane Bockstruck of Swanzey, New Hampshire has just answered the call and today will be remembered as the gutsy 92 years old great grand mom who jumped off a flying plane at 13,000 feet. Will President Bush be jealous that a woman beat and smashed his record as the oldest person to ever pull such a feat; Icheoku does not think so, as President Bush is a known sportsman and would rather see it that "he inspired the New Hampshire woman to follow her heart!" Once again congratulations Jane; and we want to ask you, are you going to ever take to the sky again and when? May be at one hundred which will guarrantee you the 'mother of all records' title?

ANGELA MERKEL, WINS A SECOND TERM!

Icheoku congratulates the German Chancellor Angela Merkel, on her well deserved and duly earned victory, in which she out-rightly won the center-right majority that eluded her four years ago!

The matronly leader of Germany has charmed her way into the minds of many Germans as well as the world at large, with her very proactive head-on approach to issues, that her re-election was a fait accompli just formalized at the polls, today.

Angela Merkel adequately fills the shoes left by the former Iron-lady, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, upping the feminist anthem that 'what men can do women can do better?' Although Thatcher was less amiable and hardly smiles, but this Berliner is somewhat warm and inviting. Recall her reaction during the infamous President George W. Bush unsolicited masseuse service? Now there will be a continuity of her good policies geared up towards establishing a new world order as it affects the environment, world economic recovery, green energy drive as well as tackling the challenges of global warming.

Angela Merkel's conservative Christian Democrats' victory was made possible by their stellar performance at the polls coupled with the help of her new coalition partner, the Free Democrats; and ended the four-year "grand coalition" with the Social Democrats. With this victory, the most powerful woman on earth can now continue to forge ahead with other world leaders towards establishing a more peaceful harmonious world. Icheoku says unlike the sickly president of Nigeria Umaru Yar'Adua who wants to be and is president for just his Katsina-axis Fulanis, Angie Merkel in her statesmanlike magnanimity, said, "My understanding was, and my understanding is, that I want to be the chancellor of all Germans!" Way to go, Angie; and once again, congratulations on your election victory!

PRESIDENT UMARU YAR'ADUA, A RELIGIOUS ZEALOT?

Reports reaching Icheoku.com confirmed that the sickly mallam from Katsina State and the man Aremu Olusegun Obasanjo used to punish Nigeria for aborting his third term bid; Nigeria's nemesis and unfortunate president, Umaru Yar'Adua has just sneaked back to Nigeria from his inexplicable visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Talk about priorities of a president? The Nigerian president would rather be cavorting amongst mullahs in Saudi Arabia, reading the Koran rather than be among the comity of nations, devising a way out of the present world's economic woods? He was too sick to fly to New York on behalf of Nigeria and thus, cost Nigeria the golden opportunity of 'shinning' before a tuned-in world audience and being heard; but hale enough to zoom into Jeddah to felicitate with a bunch of gown-wearing men with turbans on their heads? Icheoku asks President Umaru Yar'Adua, which one is a more important state function - Islamic allegiance visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia or what should ordinarily have benefited Nigeria more and thus constituted a Nigeria's best interest at the United Nations and Pittsburgh, hanging out with the world's finest? His subterfuge for the trip was that he was going to the opening ceremony of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology? Icheoku says, tell that to a pack of hungry gullible hyenas?

Icheoku says, Nigerians should blame Olusegun Obasanjo for the nuisance of President Umaru Yar'Adua! An inconsequential former governor of very remote Katsina State and a teacher who never wanted any spotlight, but was forcibly conscripted by the devilish Aremu Olusegun Obasanjo and imposed on Nigerians? Now the man is using Nigeria's tax-payers money to propagate his allegiance to his Muslim faith by abandoning Nigeria's top priority and jetting on a frolic to just pledge allegiance to the custodian of the Muslim religion, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia? Should Nigeria treat this aberration with levity, Icheoku says, we do not think so and urge the National Legislature to caution such misplaced priorities of a sitting Nigerian president, irrespective of his illegality coming into office? At New York and Pittsburgh, at least he would have spoken to the world on behalf of Nigeria in NYC; and at the home of the Steelers, he would have emphasised the plight of African economies and ask for a bail-out! But none did he do, instead it was off to his holy-land to shake the hand of his "Almighty King Abdullah?

Icheoku asks, to who does this mallam owe allegiance - the Kingdom of Saud or the Nigerian people who he purports to represent? His shuttle to Saudi Arabia was a complete frolic which was uncalled for and could have been excused, assuming he was invited in the first place? Imagine, President Umaru Yar'Adua abandoning the 100 heads of states and governments who converged in New York for Saudi Arabia, to hurdle with a few 'yes-men' who do not necessary matter in political calculations in this world? Like the Igbo of South east Nigeria would say, "President Umaru Yar'Adua left where the 'ozo' (chief) title is being celebrated and instead went to where exorcism is being performed" and he is still president of Nigeria? What manner of people are Nigerians who are never moved or are incapable of ever being moved by the intransigence of their leaders?

This present miasma from this visit becomes more evident and thus deplorable, when one recalls that the same scarecrow President Umaru Yar'Adua, lamented Nigeria's non invitation to London's G20 Summit? A reasonable person in his position would have jumped at the second opportunity to participate, but now that Nigeria was invited, he chose to "snub" them back? What a "smart" man this Yar'Adua is? And this is despite the fact that Nigeria was formally invited to the summit and given a speaking slot, which many countries would die for; instead he chose to throw caution to the winds and escaped to Saudi Arabia. Since many pundits have failed to properly decode the sudden change of mind of President Umaru Yar'Adua with his scheduled appearance at the United Nations 66 summit as well as the G-20 at Pittsburgh, Icheoku has one theory - may be the president hates his sobriquet as an 'imposed president of Nigeria' who never won any election and hence still ashamed of how he got to the office and uncomfortable with the starring eyes of delegates to the conference? Just a theory! May be Umaru was simply too ashamed to mount the podium?

The irony of his Saudi trip is that whereas Umaru Yar'Adua's education-house is literally on fire, he was pursuing rat, attending the formal opening of Saudi Arabia's trumpeted citadel of learning? A shameless mallam and former university teacher who does not care if Nigerian students are not in school because of ASUU's unending strikes and work stoppages? According to one commentator, "if President Umaru Yar'Adua likes the hospitals in Saudi Arabia, he should try to replicate them in Nigeria? If he likes the magnificence of the newly opened King Abdullah University of Science and technology, he should transform the aging and dilapidated Nigerian universities to be their mirror-image? If he likes the ever present power supply in the Kingdom, why not import the expatriates to power Nigeria; after-all Saudi Arabia practically imports everything and every manpower they need?"

Now to the mother of all disappointments associated with this ill-advised trip to the Kingdom of Saud, Nigeria's President Umaru Yar'Adua got only 5 seconds of the King's attention in the form of a passive handshake? Icheoku says, so much for the Nigerian tax-payers' money wasted to fuel the presidential plane and pay the crew that whisked him, Turai, his two governor inlaws and staffers to and from Jeddah? Just 5 seconds was all that Nigeria's President Umaru Yar'Adua was worth to the King of Saudi Arabia? Nigeria's Umaru Yar'Adua was so low in the hierarchy of the King's important schedule that he sent only 'a governor to receive a president' at the airport? So much for reciprocity for and demand of protocol? So 'worthless' is Nigeria's president Umaru Yar'Adua to the Kingdom that his name was not even added to the scrolling text at the bottom of the simulcast, among names of "loyal" heads of states and government that came to pay homage and obeisance to the King; King Abdullah Bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud!

However Icheoku briefly watched the opening ceremony of the university, and wish to congratulate the Arabian King, for such a magnificent edifice dedicated to learning!