Obama heals the world

Like God, Barack Obama moves in mysterious ways his wonders to perform. Or at least this seems to the case with the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (Mend), a band of rebels who have been launching attacks on foreign companies 'exploiting' their country's oil reserves. Apparently the would-be Democratic nominee has let it be known - quite how, where and when is unknown - that Mend should desist their guerrilla activities. And, remarkably, while they will listen to no one else, they appear to be taking his plea to heart.

Although April saw a dramatic increase in Mend attacks on companies operating in the Niger Delta, notably on Shell, who have been forced to shut down one of their fields at a loss of millions of pounds, a message from the senator asking them to consider a ceasefire appeal appears to have done the trick.

An email posted to the Nigerian government this week, said: "The Mend command is seriously considering a temporary ceasefire appeal by Senator Barack Obama. Obama is someone we respect and hold in high esteem."

Mend did not say when or where Obama made the appeal. However they said they hoped the government would use the putative ceasefire to improve conditions for their detained leader, Henry Okah, who is to be tried for treason and gun-running in a private hearing. Hail to the peacemaker.