ShortStory I Standing Alone

STANDING ALONE

        “Sergeant Okoro!” DSP Ahmed furiously called in a very high tone while standing in-between his office executive chair and table the moment the said sergeant hastily stepped into his office.

        “Yes sir!” Sergeant Okoro responded accordingly, facing the boss as the ethics demanded.

          He stood seriously right before the DSP, posing not unlike one of the soldiers that fought the Second World War.

         Both were in their uniforms.

         DSP Rasaq Ahmed who was in his early forties was the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of one of the notable police stations situated in one of the South-Western states in Nigeria. He was widely and famously known for his unrelenting vibrant and dogged approach to issues pertaining to security of lives and property from the very day he joined the Police Force. To say the least, he was unarguably a no nonsense police personnel, that, he became the role model of any police officer that intended to discharge his/her duties or serve the country selflessly and efficiently without any iota of fear or favour, as might be the case.

         On that day, precisely 13^th August 2002, he had earlier sent for Sergeant Ekene Okoro within a twinkle of an eye he received a report on one local ‘champion’ in the neighbourhood named Femi who was accused of rape.

         The notorious Femi who hailed from the locality had been terrorizing the residents of the area and its environs, and his dastardly acts coupled with other misdeeds were condoned by the previous DPOs. He was popularly known by his accomplices as ‘Bale’, which literally implied the Monarch of the territory, based on their native language Yoruba.

         DSP Ahmed who was barely one month old in the Division had vowed to deal ruthlessly with anyone in the area of any questionable character having been intimated on the unwarranted anomalies that were on the rampage in the locality. He was actually posted to head the quarters owing to the ordeal.

         “Go and get me the so called Bale.” DSP Ahmed ordered. “Right now.” He supplemented, stood still, looking like one who just lost one of his own.

         “Yes sir!” replied the serious-looking sergeant who was already aware of the ugly incident.

        “Don’t keep me waiting.” He warned.

        “Yes sir!”

          He signalled the sergeant with his left hand as he frowned, urging him to leave immediately.

         The sergeant hurriedly tendered his last salute positioning his masculine chest forward and dashed out of the office like a breastfeeding monkey as requested.

         “Non….sense!” the DPO exclaimed as soon as the sergeant departed, quickly resumed his seat, looking pale and anxious.

          Considering his physiognomy, it was obvious he couldn’t wait to behold the accused person.

          Within three minutes, Sergeant Okoro organized a 5-man team comprising no nonsense and well experienced cops including him, and headed for the consignment with their black patrol vehicle.

       * * * * *

         “We have him, sir!” Sergeant Okoro disclosed in a high tempo the moment he dashed into the DPO’s office, posing as usual.

          This was taking place barely twenty minutes after his departure with the team having successfully apprehended the culprit as instructed by the boss.

          “Good job.” the DPO applauded, nodding his big skull. “Where is he?” He added while standing from his chair.

           He was instantly led by the seeming fearless sergeant to the room where the hooligan was kept in handcuffs.

           Femi who could not be confronted by anyone, not even his King, couldn’t believe he was in the police net.

         “So you are the Bale?” said the DPO in a mean tone within a second he found himself in the room.

          The boss stood directly in front of the suspect who was seated on an Iron back-chair. Among everyone in the room – including the DPO and his men, he was the only one who had a seat. As he felt relaxed in the chair, he calmly looked up to the DPO’s face and remained mute.

          The huge, dark-looking and about 5.5-foot tall Femi, who seemed to be in his mid-forties, was clad in black jeans, blue polo and dark-blue trainers. The stylishly carved beards on his chins and lower jaw were enough to form a forest within his skull. By merely taking a glance at his appearance, you needn’t be told that he was a kingpin.    

          That was the first time the DPO would set his eyes on him. Prior to that moment, the former was only familiar with the latter’s names especially his sobriquet.

          Aside DSP Ahmed, there were other three cops in the room, which was virtually empty. They included Sergeant Okoro and one female officer.

          The DPO, DSP Ahmed who was in his police uniform alongside his junior colleagues signalled the female cop who stood adjacent to him to uncuff Femi.

          She hastily complied with the instruction and returned to her initial position.

          She was standing by the left side of the detainee, Sergeant Okoro stood directly at his (Femi’s) back whilst the other male cop was by his right side. It suffices to say that the hoodlum was surrounded by the four cops present in the room.

         “I learnt you have been terrorizing the whole town?” the DPO proceeded. “And now, you have diverted to rape.”

          Femi remained speechless, looked mean.

        “Are you dumb?” DSP Ahmed shouted.

          Femi stylishly glanced at him. “I promise,” he said. “You will surely regret this.”

        “What …!” the DPO exclaimed in a high voice.

          The other male cop rushed to hit him but he was resisted from doing so by the DPO via a commanding sign.

          The cops including the DPO became preoccupied with extreme rage. They, excluding the boss, kept their pistols handy; the DPO’s was lying on his belted waist.

         “So,” quoth DSP Ahmed. “You are threatening me?”

           The other three cops simultaneously shook their heads in disappointment.

         “Even in my office?” the DPO added, looking bitter.

           To be continued, please.

 

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

National Coordinator, Right Thinkers

_____________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

+2348028608056
Twitter: @mediambassador 

 

Opinion I On The Proposed Increment Of Imo Workers' Salaries

ON THE PROPOSED INCREMENT OF IMO WORKERS’ SALARIES

        

The last time I checked, Imo workers in their entirety once again had a good reason to not just smile but grin. The expected outlook of the physiognomies of the persons in question is informed by the pronouncement made by the Imo Executive Governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha penultimate week.

         

In the period in review, precisely on Thursday 19^th April 2018, the state’s number one citizen while speaking to newsmen domiciled in the state who called on him at the Government House, disclosed that Imo civil servants would henceforth be faced with a ‘new salary structure’, which is targeted to bear an upward review of their monthly wages and allowances.

        

The above avowal implies that as from the end of April this year, the said workers are going to be placed on a juicier take-home pay. It suffices to assert that their individual lives are meant to change positively commencing from this month, which would mark the premiere of the proposed new salary structure.

        

Governor Okorocha who used the occasion to comment on the ongoing penury faced by the overall Imo retirees, stated that he was determined to change the welfare of the civil servants for good. This is needless to say that he is wearing the political will over the issue as one would wear a clothe.

         

However, the amiable governor didn’t inform Imolites if the salary structure is mainly aimed at ensuring that the workers start receiving hundred percent of their entitled salaries. We expected His Excellency to use the event to throw more light on the forthcoming initiative.

         

It would be recalled that on arrival of the lingering recessionary era, the Imo Government began to pay the civil servants only seventy percent of their entitled wages, though in agreement with the leadership of the workers’ union otherwise known as the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) of the Imo State Chapter.

       

The consequence of the downward review of the workers’ salaries unabated threw their mood in anguish on a monthly basis even though the scheme was ostensibly approved by them via their leaders. They were left with no option than to accept their fate in good faith since there’s invariably a light at the end of the tunnel if one remains optimistic.

       

It’s noteworthy that it was the unfortunate situation faced by the civil servants that mainly prompted the Imo workers’ Free Working Days; an initiative implemented by the governor to enable them use part of their working period to engage themselves in farming with the motive of boosting their respective incomes as well as attract surplus foods on their tables.

         

Regrettably, the candid initiative that attracted countless criticisms from various quarters, failed to yield any meaningful fruit as anticipated by the Governor who apparently meant well for the teeming workers. The failure of the scheme recently called for its abrupt termination by the number one citizen.

        

It’s equally worthy of note that subsequently, the salaries of the workers were upwardly reviewed to eighty percent, which reportedly remains the percentage received by each of them till date. In spite of the upward review, they were yet not comfortable with the take-home pay. This perhaps was what occasioned the pronouncement made by the governor penultimate week.

         

But, the number one citizen didn’t consider telling us the nitty-gritty of the proposed increment. It was pronounced as if the incoming ‘new salary structure’ is a largesse, and not the workers’ supposed entitlement.  It was presented as if the said initiative is a hamper from the Rescue Mission Government. We were informed in a way that anyone would think the scheme is an additional allowance initiated by the governor.

         

Although the initiative was born out of the governor’s magnanimity because if he fails to do so, no one would query him, but concerned Imolites expected him to notify if the new structure is aimed at increasing the workers’ wages to ninety percent or what have you. Or better still, if it will ensure that the workers henceforth will receive hundred percent of their salaries coupled with extra package on a monthly basis.

        

Inasmuch as I wholeheartedly appreciate the governor for coming up with the ‘new salary structure’, I equally wish to use this medium to inform him that discerning minds in the state would want to know what exactly the initiative entails. Hence, there is need for a painstaking statistics regarding the scheme to be made available to all concerned.

       

As I also urge the leadership of the NLC to salute the number one citizen for the new structure, I implore them to endeavour to ask pertinent questions when need be towards intimating their entire members on whatever they deserve to know. In view of this, I expect them to call on His Excellency with a view to enquiring from him the nitty-gritty of the seeming laudable scheme.

       

It’s imperative for governments at all levels to acknowledge the essence of incentives in boosting the productivity of the labour force. The manpower in any setting, either private or public, ought to be meant to enjoy regular incentives to enable them put in their best regardless of the circumstance.

        

Believe it or not, an effective and efficient day-to-day input can never be gotten from a group of workers that are maltreated as regards regular payment of wages and allowances. Any underpaid labour force as it is witnessed in most quarters across the federation, irrespective of the setting, is liable to malfunction.

         

This is the reason I mustn’t cease to commend Gov. Okorocha for eventually thinking in this direction, even as I tell him that he can do better. He really needn’t be reminded that workers are just not unlike Oliver Twist. Think about it!

 

 

Comrade Fred Nwaozor
Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

___________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador

      

Opinion I Still On 2018 World Malaria Day

 

GETTING READY TO BEAT MALARIA AS WE MARK 2018 WORLD MALARIA DAY

          

On Wednesday, April 25, the world over is commemorating the 2018 World Malaria Day. This year’s theme is “Ready to beat malaria”. It’s a day set aside by the World Health Organization (WHO) to create awareness on the prevalent malaria scourge.    

                     

 Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease of humans and other animals caused by a group of single-celled parasitic micro-organisms known as protozoa belonging to the genus plasmodium. The disease is mainly transmitted by mosquito bites, and the symptoms often commence few days after the incident.

        

Malaria is transmitted most commonly by an infected female Anopheles mosquito. The mosquito bite introduces the parasite called plasmodium from the mosquito’s saliva into a person’s bloodstream. The parasites then travel to the liver where they mature and reproduce.

        

The signs and symptoms of malaria typically begin eight to twenty-five days following infection. However, symptoms may occur later in those who have taken anti-malarial medications in the past as prevention.

         

The presentation may include headache, fever, shivering, joint pain, vomiting, haemolytic anaemia, jaundice, haemoglobin in the urine, retinal damage, and convulsions. Malaria in pregnant women is the major cause of stillbirths, infant mortality, abortion and low birth weight.

         

Symptoms of malaria can recur after varying symptom-free periods. Depending upon the cause, recurrence can be classified as either recrudescence or relapse. Recrudescence is when symptoms return after a symptom-free period; it is caused by parasites living in the blood as a result of inadequate or ineffective treatment.

        

Whilst, relapse is when symptoms reappear after the parasites have been eliminated from blood but persist as dormant hyponozoites in liver cells. It commonly occurs between eight to twenty-four weeks and is common among P. Vivax and P. Ovale infections.

          

The primary sources of mosquitoes include sewage, refuse, dirty stagnant water, and untidy environment. In most cases, mosquitoes are peculiar to damp and dirty environments or substances such as gutter, pool, faeces, urine, among other solid and liquid waste materials. This is why residents of untidy localities are at a high risk of contracting malaria.   

          

Methods used to prevent malaria include medications, mosquito elimination through fumigation coupled with regular environmental sanitation, as well as prevention of mosquito bites via regular cum proper use of the mosquito nets, among others. Prevention of malaria, which is yet to have a vaccine, may be more cost-effective than treatment of the disease in the long run. And, the initial costs required are out of reach of many of the world’s poorest people.

          

Owing to the non-specific nature of presentation of symptoms, diagnosis of malaria in non-endemic areas requires a high degree of suspicion. Malaria is invariably confirmed by the microscopic examination of blood films or by antigen-based Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT). Microscopy is the most commonly used method to detect the malaria parasite in the body.

        

In spite of its widespread usage, diagnosis by microscopy suffers from two main drawbacks: many settings especially rural are not equipped to perform the test, and the accuracy of the results depends on both the skill of the lab technician and the levels of the parasite in the blood.

         

Malaria is widely treated with anti-malarial medications. The ones to be used solely depend on the type and severity of the disease. While medications against fever are commonly used, their effects on outcomes are not clear.

          

Uncomplicated malaria may be treated with oral medications. The most effective treatment for P. Falciparum infection is the use of artemisinins in combination with other anti-malarial drugs known as Artemisinin-Combination Therapy (ACT), which decreases resistance to any single drug component.

         

It is obvious that malaria is a killer disease. The WHO estimates that in 2010, there were about 219 million cases of malaria outbreak resulting in 660,000 deaths. The majority of cases, about 65%, occur in children under fifteen years.   

         

Survey also indicates that about 125 million pregnant women are at risk of infection each year. In Sub-Saharan Africa such as Nigeria, Angola, Chad, Congo, Benin, Ghana, and several others, maternal malaria is associated with up to 200,000 estimated infant deaths yearly. In a nutshell, globally, about 3.3 billion individuals in 106 countries are at risk of malaria, mostly among African children.

        

As the annual World Malaria Day is commemorated today, I urge us to be extremely conscious of the outlook of our surroundings since malaria is mainly attributed to unhealthy environment. Thus, we should always endeavour to properly dispose any form of waste found within our place of residence as well as thoroughly sanitize our gutters and toilets at all times. In addition, we ought to ensure that our beds are always covered with treated mosquito net whenever we lie in it.

         

Among all, we should endeavour to see our physician from time-to-time or whenever we notice any abnormality in our body system, for onward review of our health status. In the same vein, the various health personnel across the country are expected to contribute meaningfully in creation of awareness regarding the causes and possible effects of malaria disease cum its epidemic.

         

Most importantly, we ought to always bear in mind that prevention is invariably better than cure. Think about it!

 

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

__________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador            

 

Opinion I The Senate And That Show Of Shame

THE SENATE AND THAT SHOW OF SHAME

        

I have often times argued that the legislature ought to be placed as the first arm of government, hence its members are required to act like frontiers when it calls for doing the needful or leading by example.

        

The above assertion was informed by the fact that the institution in question is the only body constitutionally responsible for lawmaking in any democratic terrain. Of course, we aren’t unaware that if the laws aren’t available, the executive will have nothing to execute. It’s not anymore news that execution of projects are done strictly in accordance with the extant laws.

         

The Senate, however, disabused me of that impression penultimate week, precisely on Wednesday 18^th April 2018. In the period in review, a group of five thugs invaded the Hallowed Chambers of the Senate during legislative sitting and forcefully made away with the mace, the symbol of authority of the legislature.

         

The names of the thugs, who were later apprehended, were given as Tuoyo Mabiaku, Peter Ovede, Blessing Edjeke, Lucky Okomu and Prince Enayemo; all of Delta State extraction. It was alleged that they were led by Senator Ovie Omo-Agege who is currently representing Delta Central Senatorial District in the Red Chamber.

         

It would be recalled that Sen. Omo-Agege was recently suspended by the Senate for ninety legislative days over alleged misconduct. According to the President of the Upper Chamber, Sen. Bukola Saraki, the suspension which precisely occurred on Thursday, April 12, 2018 was necessitated by the court action instigated by the embattled lawmaker.

       

Sen. Omo-Agege, who was previously billed to appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions as regards his comments on the 2018 Amendment of Electoral Act, had sued the Red Chamber in a bid to stop the proposed appearance. The legislator who had been piloting a ‘Parliamentary Support Group for President Buhari’ was of the view that he was exercising his constitutional rights, thus deserved not to be queried by his colleagues.

       

Sen. Saraki opined that the suspension was highly consequential, stating taking the Senate to court smacks of ‘gross-indiscipline’ which should not be condoned by the Upper Chamber. He disclosed that a situation whereby a few senators would portray themselves before the Presidency as saints and make others appear as devils was ‘totally unacceptable’. 

       

The stolen mace was reportedly recovered by the police at the fly-over before the Abuja city gate. It’s noteworthy that Sen. Omo-Agege alongside the thugs had been arrested by the police. It was equally gathered that the indicted lawmaker, who belongs to the ruling All Progressives Party (APC), had outrightly been disowned by the party as well as the Presidency.

         

It’s worthy of note that this is first in history across the globe a symbol of authority of a country’s legislature would be stolen. It becomes more confusing and saddening when realized that such a disgusting criminal act was allegedly engineered by a sitting senator.

         

This brings to my notice a certain piece I did some time ago titled ‘When lawmakers become lawbreakers’. In that critique, I unequivocally tendered my unalloyed displeasure over how some so-called lawmakers in Nigeria were on a daily basis involved in issues that bore no reverence for the country’s constitution or extant laws. It’s disheartening that almost two years after publishing that analysis, our legislators at all levels are yet to prove to us that they are really in charge of lawmaking.

         

A lawmaker was suspended and afterwards felt that the action taken against his person was inappropriate or illicitly carried out. Hence, the next thing he could think of was to invade the Senate premises and steal the body’s mace. Such a criminal outing allegedly piloted by a man, who ought to acknowledge the prime essence of the judiciary, was truly unspeakable and unacceptable, to assert the least.

         

It could be that the Senate derailed over the process embraced towards sanctioning the legislator. It could be that the Red Chamber overrode the judiciary by taking decision over a case that was already before a court of competent jurisdiction. It could be, therefore, that the Upper Chamber goofed or overreacted in its action.

       

Inasmuch as I wasn’t in support of how he was suspended, that reaction taken by the embattled legislator, which I have aptly described as a ‘show of shame’, wasn’t in any way required in the process of fighting for his right that was apparently violated. That singular reaction was unequivocally enough reason to expunge, and not suspend, him from the National Assembly (NASS) if eventually found guilty.

         

Notwithstanding, I wouldn’t hesitate in putting the blame of what transpired in the Senate on the security personnel that were on guard during the incident. I refuse to be convinced that a gang of five thugs, either armed or not, could outshine the policemen on duty on that fateful day.

       

This implies that there are many questions yet to be answered by the ‘men of honour’ in charge of the Senate’s security. If your thought is as good as mine, then one wouldn’t hesitate to ask; where exactly are we headed for? Think about it!

 

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

__________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador            

         

 

Opinion I Still On 2018 World Book And Copyright Day

 

WORLD BOOK AND COPYRIGHT DAY IN FOCUS

        

Today, Monday, April 23, the world over is commemorating the 2018 World Book and Copyright Day. It was on this day – April 23 in the year 1616 that some prominent authors including Cervantes, Shakespeare, and Inca Garcilaso Vega left the world; it is also the date of birth or death of other global literary icons like Maurice Druon, Haldor K. Laxness, Vladimir Nabokov, Josep Pla and Manuel Mejia Vallejo.  

         

It was a natural choice for the General Conference of the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) held in Paris in 1995, to pay a worldwide tribute to books and authors on this date in order to encourage everyone, particularly young people, to discover the pleasure of reading as well as gain a renewed respect for the irreplaceable contributions of those who have furthered the social and cultural progress of humanity. In this regard, UNESCO created the World Book and Copyright Day.

         

A book is a collection of pieces of paper comprising a set of written, printed, illustrated, or blank sheets made of ink, parchment and other materials, usually fastened together to hinge at one side. In the same vein, copyright can be defined as the legal prerogative of ownership and exclusive distribution of any creative work such as article, book, music or movie originally done by a person or a group of persons.

         

On the other hand, plagiarism is the illicit practice of using or copying someone else’s idea or creative work and the impersonation of its ownership. In other words, plagiarism is an unauthorized and unlawful faking or imitation of thoughts or works that are already legally credited to a person or group. Suffice to say; plagiarism, which is popularly known as piracy, is a criminal act that is punishable by law.

          

A book could be majorly classified into two namely, academic and literary. An academic book is one that is written on a certain subject or about a particular area whilst a literary book is mainly a creative work that is written with the knowledge of literature. Irrespective of its class, just as anything under the sun can be identified by one or two idiosyncrasies, the unique or basic features of any book include the content, authorship, the ISBN, its title and cover page, among others.

          

No doubt, every book has a unique content regardless of its size or number of pages. Likewise a movie or music, a book may go beyond a particular edition or version, hence can transcend to additional two or more editions based on the choice of the author or the kind of message intended to be conveyed by it. The content of any book is expected to be original; in the sense that, it must be the initiative of the acclaimed author/writer.

         

Also, any book must be authored by one or two persons and as long as the book lasts, the specified author(s) remain the rightful owner of the intellectual property. Needless to say; no part of such publication would be reproduced or translated to any other language, or even transmitted in any form or by any means without the authorization or written permission of the author or publisher as the case might be.

         

The International Serial Book Number (ISBN) is another unique feature or mode of identification of any book. The ISBN of a published compilation, which is widely regarded as its individual identification number, is the only globally recognized means of identifying a text-filled book. Thus, any published book is entitled to a certain ISBN which will never be allocated or assigned to any other publication across the globe. Even if the book in question is expected to have a subsequent edition/version in future, each of the additional editions, when published, would be entitled to different ISBNs.

          

Furthermore, the title and the cover page of a book speak volumes as regards its identification; though in some cases, like in the movie or music sector, two books authored by different writers might coincidentally comprised of the same or similar title. In a situation of coincidence of titles or where two/more publications of different authors comprise the same title, the books involved would be contrasted by the names of the respective authors. 

         

Aside other features of a book, it is noteworthy that, its title and cover page are the major recipes that attract the target audience, especially in a situation where the name of the author is relatively new in the system. This is the reason most notable authors pay much attention while creating a title for their works. Due to the significance or delicacy attached to titling of a book or any creative work, sometimes the title of a work in progress may be yet to be created by the author/inventor until the work is duly completed.

         

Taking a painstaking consideration of the aforementioned features of a book, there is no gain reiterating the fact that book publication is all about creativity. Surely, it is obvious that every aspect of book compilation coupled with its publication cum printing thoroughly deals with originality which is the basic element of any creative work.

         

Apparently, the societal impact of a book cannot be overemphasized. It is through a book that a literate society is formed; it is through a book that an awaited civilized society is actualized; through a book, an intellectual group can be created; of course through a book, the socio-economic level of a nation can be uplifted or boosted; it is through a book that a nation can actualized its utmost desire; and  it is through a book that a leader can be made; above all, it is a book that can guarantee optimum peace and unity in any society.

        

This is why those who are widely read such as the likes of late Marcus Tullius Cicero and Jane Austen would always tell you that “A room without books is like a body without a soul.” Or that “A person, be it gentleman or lady, who has no pleasure in a good novel must be intolerably stupid.” It was the late Jorge Luis Borges that said “I have always imagined that paradise would be a kind of library.” In the same vein, Lemony Snicket stated “Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them.”

         

Considering the indelible role of a book in any society, there is need to fiercely safeguard the copyright of a book or any other creative work such as music or movie. Against this backdrop, as the world commemorates the World Book and Copyright Day, I enjoin every group in Nigeria concerning authorship such as the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Nigerian Literacy Society (NLS), and many others to join in the crusade towards the complete eradication of plagiarism which has eaten deep into the fabric of the Nigerian society.

         

The production of fake works which is on the rampage in Nigeria is solely attributed to the ongoing alarming pace of plagiarism. It is longer news that plagiarism has indeed endangered the wellbeing of millions of creative persons across the globe thereby constituting apathy among prospective writers or artistes as the case may be. This singular fact is the reason many incoming/potential creative individuals have chosen to remain idle rather than embarking on a venture that would end-up being futile and worthless.  

         

So, as the global community marks the 2018 World Book and Copyright Day, the ANA and other indigenous authorship associations are expected to form a synergy with other related societies such as the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) and the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) with a view to fighting the scourge squarely.

        

In view of this, the concerned groups ought to carry out a holistic campaign towards conscientizing the legislators to enact a strict law that would assign capital punishment to anyone found guilty of any form of piracy by any court of competent jurisdiction. The time to act is now. Think about it!

 

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri
_______________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056
Twitter: @mediambassador            

ShortStory I Suicidal Fugitive (II)

SUICIDAL FUGITIVE (II)

        Afam was seated adjacent to the couple who was making use of the only two-in-one upholstery chair in the lounge. The couple was dressed in Pyjamas of different colour patterns while Afam put on dark-blue jeans, purple T-shirt spotted with strips of white colour as well as black shoes.

        Ujunwa stood up, leaving only Chief Okeke in the seat. “So what do we offer you?” She asked Afam.

       “Don’t bother yourself, ma.”

       “How?” she said. “You don’t care for any drink?”

       “No ma.” Afam responded, waving his right hand.

       “Afam, what did you mean you don’t care for any drink?” Chief Okeke quarreled, frowning.

       “I am Okay, sir.”

       “What about food?” Ujunwa chipped in, stood still. “Or, have you taken your breakfast?”

       “Ma, I am Okay.” reiterated Afam. “Thank you very much.” He added, smiling in false pretence.

          It was obvious that the young man wasn’t looking bright. He conspicuously seemed pale.

        “Na wa ooh!” Ujunwa exclaimed, calmly went back to her seat.

        “Afam,” Chief Okeke called. “You don’t look happy.” He observed.

         His wife nodded in agreement.

        “What is wrong with you?’ quoth Chief Okeke.

        “Sir, that is why I am here.”

         The couple looked each other in surprise on hearing the last clause. “Madam, please excuse us.” Chief Okeke urged.

         It appeared the chief host was already aware of what was on Afam’s mind. Sure, even a blind man could spot the bitterness written on the latter’s physiognomy.

         On receiving the request, Ujunwa hurriedly stood up and walked to her matrimonial room leaving only the two in the parlour.

         Afam abruptly became mute as he sat quietly in his seat, couldn’t utter a word.

        “Is it about your trade?” Chief Okeke guessed.

         Afam looked at him amazingly. “How did you know, sir?”

         Chief Okeke smiled. “Because I saw it coming.” He succintly replied.

        “Saw it coming…?” uttered Afam. “How, sir?”

        “Never mind, my boy.”

          There was absolute silence at this moment.

        “Sir,” Afam truncated the silence. “My business is really giving me troubles.”

        “Like I said earlier,” quoth Chief Okeke. “I saw it coming.”

        “I don’t understand, sir.” Afam said, profoundly confused.

         Chief Okeke became speechless. “Afam,” he eventually broke the muteness. “There is more you need to know about this trade.” He disclosed hesitantly.

         Chief Okeke who was densely rich was a member of an occult confraternity, but Afam was not yet aware. And the tradition of the cult was that any apprentice who was settled by any of its members having concluded his apprenticeship would never be successful in his trade unless he joined the group.

         Afam quickly left his seat for that of his boss, sat very closely to him. “Sir, is there anything you are not telling me?” He anxiously enquired.

        “Meet me tomorrow at Braxton Hotel,” Chief Okeke enjoined. “Room 116.” He supplemented in a jiffy.

         Afam was shocked. He apparently least expected the invitation.

         Braxton Hotel was one of the most exotic hotels in the city. Afam was yet to know how its interior parts looked like because he had never been privileged to be there.

       “We need to talk.” Chief Okeke landed.

                            * * * * * *

       “Young man, remove your shirt,” the Grand Master of The Classic mandated Afam in a thick and frightening voice. “For you are in the presence of Ogbojiji.” He added.

       ‘The Classic’ was the name of the confraternity in question. ‘Ogbojiji happened to be the name of the god or the Supreme Being worshipped by the members of the cult.

        This was taking place at about some minutes past eight at night of Wednesday June 29, 2011 – exactly three days, or the fourth night, after Chief Okeke met with Afam at the ‘Braxton Hotel’. During that meeting, Chief Okeke succeeded in cajoling him into joining the secret society.

        There were about seventeen men, including Chief Okeke, uniformly clad in black overall in the enclosed hall. They were all on their feet creating two parallel lines among themselves, and were facing each other as the tradition demanded. The two lines were about two metres apart. The arena was undoubtedly fearful that even the blind could testify to it.

         Afam, a plump, chocolate and about 1.7-metre dude who wore corporate native attire, hastily complied with the directive.

         Chief Okeke who stood directly opposite Afam, nodded in appreciation to Afam’s knee jerk reaction.

        “Come forward, my son.” the Grand Master as he was addressed, urged.        
         “It is time for you to be cleansed and duly initiated into the big family of Ogbojiji.”

         Afam immediately stepped toward the beast-like creature (the grand master) that was standing ahead of the group and was equally facing the entire members.

         The initiation, which was accompanied with series of incantations, lasted for several minutes.

         “My son,” said the Grand Master. “Congratulations!” He excitedly applauded the moment Afam went back to his initial position.

          There was some seconds’ silence afterwards.

        “By this time tomorrow,” he proceeded. “You shall bring your mother to Ogbojiji for the final ritual rite.” He ordered, pointing at a huge basin filled with water that was positioned at the centre of the gathering.

         The white-coloured container was displaying the image of Afam’s mum to his greatest shock. It’s noteworthy that the master pointed at it with the symbol of authority he held in his right hand.

         Afam who became astonished on hearing the demand, couldn’t believe his ears as well as eyes. It was like a mere joke until the reality dawned upon his person.

         Prior to this period, right from when his boss joined the cult about fifteen years back, he had sacrificed his both parents and two siblings apart from the non-members of his family he offered as requested by the confraternity. More so, based on the cult’s norm, he – likewise other members – was not entitled to have or boast of any male child.

        After several days, in spite of the series of importunities from Chief Okeke, Afam insisted not to comply with the weird and ungodly request. He remained resolute to the extent that he began to avoid his boss who was functioning as the cult’s delegate or intermediary.

        Two weeks on, having exhausted the grace given to him by the occult group, the fugitive who felt not unlike taking his own life was eventually overtaken by madness.

        The rest is history, please.

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

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frednwaozor@gmail.com

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