So, Obama ‘killed’ Osama…? Matters Arising

t is no longer news that the world’s most wanted fugitive has reportedly been killed by the United States. Osama Bin Laden once again, as it was late in 2001 has become the most popular name on earth. The Royal Wedding, Muammar Gadhafi and the Syrian uprising have all taken the back burner since early Monday morning. A sense of relief has washed through the world and the United States President Barack Obama is the man of the hour. Majority of the earth’s population (I mean citizens of the world who have enough to eat and then a little more energy to follow trending topics), are elated by this news, not interested in the unanswered questions arising from this ‘victory’.

I am not pro-violence, therefore do not like terrorists. They are radical murderers hiding behind whatever ideologies that fuel their sensibilities. I believe they are cowards and not bold-faced fighters like they would want to be remembered as. Be that as it may, intelligent watchers of these events still have questions; most of which have not been answered so far.

I am not being impatient, because I am playing the hand that the world and I have been dealt with. The United States Government and the world media played the events of the last few days as a fanfare, a Hollywood movie. Footages of President Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and members of the National Security team of the US Government in the White House, were released this week, of them watching the action all go down in Abbottabad, Pakistan. So, they have created this atmosphere of ‘we are all in this together. There is no secret between us. No information is on a need- to- know basis.’ But at the end of the day, the story we have come to believe has so many holes in it. I want those holes filled, what about you? I would attempt to piece together a bunch of questions that, I guess are on the minds of most people.

Osama Bin Laden was said to be killed by an army of 25 members of the United States Special Forces that swooped on his Abbottabad mansion. They came in three helicopters and a lot of noise. Osama was captured and shot on the head and chest, causing his death. The US Government said the operatives were on a kill-mission. They were not given the direction to capture him alive, which they would very well have done if that were the plan. But, they did not. They have done that in the past, Saddam Hussein, for example, so it is not a farfetched idea. My question is: Had Bin Laden been captured and arrested, would the United Sates have survived the can of worms that would have been opened? His connection with the C.I.A during the invasion of Afghanistan by the Soviet Union in the 1970s? His connection with the Prince of Turkey, including Osama’s alleged visits to the Turkish Embassy in Islamabad in the 1980s, as a ‘friend’ of the Prince? Mind you, Turkey has been a major United States ally, for a long time.

People around the world have taken to the streets, to social media to celebrate the death of Osama Bin Laden. I am planning a party to commemorate that too. You are all invited, by the way. And yet, we have not seen any visual proof of his death. Neither videos nor pictures that prove that this monster is really dead and gone. I do not like to see blood or mangled bodies, but we will be more satisfied if such visual evidence exists; even though I would choose not to look. The United States Government has led us to believe that it runs a fairly open book. What they have revealed about this issue is a statement saying that they used facial recognition techniques to identify him at death and then DNA testing were used to crosscheck his body samples with that of his family members; possibly in the US Government’s data bank. That is all we have now, people. And we believe? Where is the evidence of Osama Bin Laden’s death? Why have we all decided to trust the US so much? When did we all learn to trust? Just asking, anyway.

The US Government told us all that Osama’s corpse was buried at sea after Islamic burial rites were carried out on the body. Burying his body at sea is as far from Muslim practice as it gets. At sea? Really? For a government that loves to gloat, does this seem like what they will do?

I also wonder about the other three adult male and a woman; among who is allegedly his son and his wife. What became of their corpses? Nothing has been heard about these victims of the raid. Is it too early to get answers to these questions?

Then, there is the war of words from both the US and the Pakistani Governments. The he-said, she-said situation that has pervaded the raid on Bin Laden is another issue that brings distrust to the fore. US said it was a ‘unilateral decision’ to go through with an operation of such importance. They claim they held the raid plans close to their chest; carrying out such operation in the middle of another country, disregarding the integrity and sovereignty of Pakistan. Is that what they want us all to believe?

On the other hand, the Pakistanis call it ‘a shared achievement’. They still maintain, despite being contradicted by the US, that they gave some sort of cooperation to the operation. Guess what? I will go with the Pakistanis on this one. This is not a Hollywood movie. There are implications and consequences for actions. Why do I believe the Pakistanis? The US Special Ops helicopters that were used for the raid would have been shot down if the Pakistanis were not informed, at least at the last minutes before the raids. It would have been an invasion of their airspace and severe repercussions would follow such abuse of a Nation’s sovereign rights. Also, eyewitness reports show the planes were flying very low, despite the fact that that area of Abbotabad is residential. In the footages from the Western media, the raid was carried out in pitch darkness; electricity was cut off. Tweets were going on with the news that phone lines were also down at that point. If the Pakistani government had not been privy to the operation, how would the US have pulled it off? We know they are the US, but Pakistan is Pakistan too. The US government said they got intelligent information since September 2010 and subsequently held five intelligence meetings since mid March this year. Again, where did the intelligence come from? And with whom did the US meet with? Pakistan?

President Obama in his broadcast announcing Bin Laden’s death said, among other things: ‘Justice has been served.’ What is justice? According to my limited knowledge, it includes respect for human rights, fair trial, fair conviction, etc. Why wasn’t he captured and tried like Saddam Hussein? The US Government has to give us more clarification. He has been ‘killed’ and shrouding the whole thing in secrecy will not answer our questions. Or do they even care? I doubt it very much. It is the US, remember?

Everyone is raving about who Bin Laden’s al- Qaeda successor would be. You want my two cents on that? I’m always willing to give it. I’m generous like that. Anyway, in the first place, I believe al- Qaeda is not an organization with membership cards but a state of mind, an ideology.

Bin Laden, earlier on in this his murderous campaign urged for a ‘global jihad’ against the West (whom he called ‘Infidels’). Anyone with radical views against the West and who is willing to kill innocent people to prove is Al Qaeda. That is what I have deciphered from following their activities (which I derived no joy in). Granted, Bin Laden is a leader in the campaign, but his death would not bring more peace on earth than would buckets of ice cream make me obese; no matter how much I try. Terrorism will continue (I’m sorry to say), because many Arab and North African countries that are sympathetic to the Osama cause, have organizations that follow the Al- Qaeda footsteps.

For me, Bin Laden died ten years ago when a cave in Tora Bora in Afghanistan where he was allegedly staying was bombed by US forces. His presence was only felt by videos released after the 9/11 attacks on the United States; like in 2006 and 2008. And they were generic messages of vengeance against the West. There were not specific assignments like ‘Go bomb London’ or ‘Let’s give Madrid a taste of Al Qaeda. This goes to show Bin Laden as the leader of an ideology and not an organization with membership cards, like PDP.

Again, now Bin Laden has reportedly been killed, would the military invasion by the West in Afghanistan be halted? Would President Obama keep his promise to withdraw a major chunk of the troop come July? How long will the US continue to spend money, about $1 trillion and counting, in this campaign?

What’s Sexy About Sportsmen?

Sportsmen in general appeal to the opposite sex a lot and by sportsmen, I speak in generic terms, meaning men and women into sports. Of course not all professional sportsmen have this magic but of the lot who have, there’s no sparing the lusting fans; no wonder many of them are either dating, married or once married to ex-beauty queens, models and actors or actresses.

From the gods and goddesses of Tennis to the titans of Football and then the hunks of Basketball, you can’t help gasping when the sexy stars run up the pitch, make that dunk or swing that racket. And somehow, their outfits just seem to help further our imaginations. I mean, beyond watching a good game, who doesn’t need some form of side attraction? *wink*.

I’ll make a quick rundown of sportsmen that in my opinion have gorgeous bodies, and have at one time or the other given me the oomph.

Top on the list would have to be English midfielder David Beckham. His many endorsements say it all. His quality of play on the pitch may be far from fantastic but no one comes near comparison when it comes to looks. Little wonder he’s the only sportsman who made it to the royal wedding. Victoria is just one lucky woman.

Next, I remember my days of tripping for Ivorian-born Manchester City defender, Habib Toure, in his early days with Arsenal FC. ‘Fine black man‘, I would whisper to myself. I would watch Arsenal play then for two reasons- one you already know- Toure, and the other was Thierry Henry. I loved the short bald cutie. Even his meaningless fits of temper were romantic *chuckles*

In tennis, Roger Federer is just the perfect gentleman. Young Rafael Nadal beats him to looks and physique but he doesn’t come close in any way to Federer’s cool, calm and collected behaviour on and off pitch. For the ladies, black power Serena Williams, sister Venus and Maria Sharapova are exciting to watch in their outfits. Serena’s very African curves and her choice of jerseys flirt with the crowd as she paces up and down the court either serving the ball or swinging it back.

Whether a serial cheat like Tiger Wood or die hard faithful like Beckham (at least he’s not been caught cheating), women just love sportsmen.

Coming back home, my Nigerian obsession used to be Super Eagles defender Joseph Yobo. Well, that was before beauty queen Adaeze Igwe cut short my fantasies. And what was the attraction? His pink lower lips *covers face in shame*. Only few weeks ago, Adaeze’s stunning mother also married a good looking and prized ex-footballer, John Fashanu. Fashanu was previously married to a Congolese beauty queen and would scarcely talk about his marital experience. British beauty Eva Longoria would probably have some ‘odd’ reasons for loving and sticking her French basketball player ex, Tony Parker, just before his extra-marital affairs became public.

Even Pipper Middleton, the ravishing sister to the Duchess of Cambridge (Prince William’s new bride), is dating a Rugby player yet you ask me what is sexy about sportsmen? Everything!

Jim Iyke Arrested In Abuja Over Tinted Glasses

The Nollywood Star, James Esomugha better known as Jim Iyke was arrested on Wednesday, March 10, 2011 for failing to comply with government rules on the use of tinted windows on vehicles in the country.

Jim Iyke was riding in a Silver Chrysler Convertible car with number plate ‘S-5’ along with his personal assistant when members of the Nigerian Police Force and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) stopped him.

The Police were complying with the directive issued by the Minister of Police Affairs, Mr. Humphrey Abbah on Monday, February 28, 2011 enforcing the ‘provisions of prohibition of tinted glasses on vehicles’.

When ordered to step out of the car, the star actor refused. This prompted the police to forcefully remove the tints from the windows of the car at the scene. Iyke, who was obviously not happy with what was going on, caused a stir with the officers, attracting a crowd of on-lookers.

After much drama, an infuriated Jim Iyke had no choice but to follow the officers to the station. He was later released on recognition.

Forbes Lists Diddy As Hip-Hop’s Richest Man

American publishing and Media Company Forbes which is popularly known for its lists of the richest Americans (the Forbes 400) and its list of billionaires on Wednesday, March 9, 2011, named US rapper and entertainment mogul Sean John Combs better known as Diddy as ‘hip-hop’s wealthiest artiste’.

Diddy who over the years has successfully run his Bad Boy Records label imprint, has also ventured into other areas such as fashion (Sean John Clothing), movie production and most recently his Diageo joint-venture vodka brand Ciroc. All these plus other side ventures take the 41 year old to the top of the list with $475 million.

In similar fashion, Brooklyn MC Jay Z who has topped the list for the last three years, closely follows Diddy in second place with $450 Million. Other than his record sales that are close to 50 Million, Jay Z’s investments in his record label, fashion, cuisine and advertising have bolstered the rappers successful career.

The list continues with producer Dr. Dre in third place with $125 Million, while 50 Cent and Birdman tie at fourth with $100 Million.

Marketer Drags 2face to Court

Just when super star 2face Idibia is commanding an intense applause from Nigerians and Africans for making the continent proud as he featured on one of America’s notable TV shows ‘The Monique Show‘ last February, a marketing company called ‘Happy Boys‘ fronted by Bisi Bangbala is taking a business dealing that didn’t go down well between the two rather seriously.

Bangbala has alleged that he got involved in a negotiation with Mr. Idibia after he claimed that he would be making a duet with US R&B singer R. Kelly for his 2008 ‘Unstoppable‘ album.

NET gathered that Bangbala through his company (Happy Boys) opted to buy the album off 2face for an undisclosed sum with the hope of securing ROI (return on invested capital), especially because of the R. Kelly duet. However, just like many critics of the duet, the marketer claims he was disappointed by the so-called ‘R. Kelly duet’ – claiming it is questionable.

Bangbala was not satisfied with the finished product claiming Idibia did not do what he portrayed while the negotiation was on…

According to a report, having paid 2face’s Hypertek Records the agreed sum, the marketer was compelled to accept the album, but on the condition that 2face would produce another album to compensate for the loss.

Idibia went on to release his lastest album ‘The Unstoppable Int’l Edition‘ on his own label, working with other distributors. Sources say Happy Boys decided to let sleeping dogs lie; letting it all go by counting their losses and moving on.

However, we scooped that 2face’s new endorsement deal with telecommunications company Airtel, has energized the marketer’s commitment to recover his loss on the ‘Unstoppable’ deal.

He has reportedly threatened to spill out to the public and the Airtel management the ‘A-Z’ of how his unprofitable deal with 2face transpired unless Mr. Idibia refunds his money.

Speaking to NET on the case, which is already in court, 2face’s management (Now Muzik) confirmed the ongoing feud noting his camp has been served court papers.

‘The court papers have been served to Hypertek and do not contain any hit point. What they asked him for was that they did not know how the album was released. They said they were not party to the release and that it was released without their consent. We have been asked to wait for seven days by the court to determine what will happen next‘, Now Muzik boss Efe Omorogbe who refused to make further comments until the court case is determined tells NET exclusively.

Breaking News: Robbers Snatch Wizkid’s Car at Gunpoint!

EME act Wizkid is lucky to be alive, after armed bandits attacked him around 8PM on Saturday March 5, 2011 and made away with his car.

The 20 year old yet-to-debut hit-maker was reportedly riding with his friends (an unnamed lady, and Wande Coal‘s younger brother) in his Black Honda Accord i-VTEC when the incident happened.

Multiple sources tell NET Wizkid was on Ikorodu road, (in Lagos) on his way home, when the robbery incident happened.

‘There was an accident around there, and the robbers made away with several cars’ an inside source, who pleaded anonymity because the label was yet to make any announcement, tells us.

While Wizkid’s friends were let off, the robbers made the singer accompany them to Third Mainland bridge, where they dropped him off and left him stranded.

‘They took everything he had on him, including his mobile phones, so he had to trek all the way from third mainland bridge, back to the mainland’ a friend and associate tells us.

The car in question, we understand is the controversial Honda believed to have been a gift from his friend Tonto Dikeh.

GENEVIEVE FLIRTS WITH AY(THE COMEDIAN

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