Unceremonious Step

UNCEREMONIOUS STEP

    Walking lonely along the lonely street situated in the city of Umuahia, South-Eastern Nigeria at about few minutes past six in the evening on Saturday 10^th of March 2007 was all Chukwuebuka cared for at the moment; the 36-year-old slim, dark complexioned and about 5-foot tall young man dressed in casual attire thought it wise to take a walk having embarked on his not unusual thinking section all through the day in his humble abode otherwise known as Boys’ quarters. Chukwuebuka Okere who was definitely headed for an undefined destination was a graduate of English Linguistics from the University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria popularly known and addressed as ‘UniCal’; he obtained his Bachelor of Arts (B.A) eight years back, 1999 precisely, and since he rounded off his compulsory National Youth Service programme in February 2001, the dude who was actually reckoned as one of the best brains in his department during his school days was still endlessly roaming in all the streets and major roads of Umuahia – the capital city of Abia State in search of a white-collar job, which was seemingly not forthcoming. Owing to his unending joblessness, he almost hanged himself few months back in the name of ‘frustration’. As he strolled calmly along the apparently endless street where he resided, so many terrible thoughts dawned on his miserable mind as he was subconsciously observing his fellow passers-by in their to-and-fro movements, though in about five minutes intervals which made the street appeared sparingly lonely.

     “Ebuka!” a feminine voice called from behind to no avail. “Ebuka Okere!!” She reiterated in a higher tone.

     He stopped and turned back on hearing the second call, and surprisingly he sighted a female being that seemed a bit familiar standing about half kilometer away from him with car keys in her left hand. He hastily took a few steps backward to meet her.

      It was Ogechi. Ogechi Okafor who was a graduate of Marketing happened to be Chukwuebuka’s schoolmate as well as girlfriend way back in the university but he graduated ahead of her because she was two years lower than him in level. Pathetically, Chukwuebuka dumped her in April 2000 during her third year (300 Level) when he was undergoing his youth service programme; the unexpected and unspeakable estrangement from a man she cared so much about, which caused her a severe heartbreak, almost claimed her precious life if not the intervention of her close female friends on campus.

     Ogechi who was light-skinned, slim and about 1.5 metres tall was putting on blue trousers, pink top and high-heel pink foot wears; the high heel made her appeared taller than Chukwuebuka. Ab initio she was unarguably a pretty damsel; and at that very moment she seemed extremely prettier to Chukwuebuka’s greatest amazement.

     “Ogechi…Okafor!” He exclaimed, folding his arms while standing about a metre away from her.

     “Surprise?” She enquired, smiling.

     “Oh my God,” he said. “You are completely different now.”

      She smiled.

     “What’s the secret?”

     “Well, na God oh.”

     “So, what are you doing here?” He inquired. “What brought you to Umuahia?” He added.

      “I live here.”

      “You mean,” he said. “You are a resident of Umuahia?”

      “Of course.”

      “It’s a lie.”

      “Honestly.”

      “You don’t mean it,” he said. “Since when?”

      “Since I finished my NYSC in 2003.”

      “Oh my God,” he dished out. “This is getting more interesting.”

      “Actually, I live around here,” she chipped in. “In the neighbouring street, Ekpoma Crescent to be precise.”

      “Ekpoma Crescent?”

      “Ya.”

       Ekpoma Crescent was a residential corner peculiar to notable personalities.

      “And you,” she said. “You live around?”

      “Ya,” he replied. “This is my street.”

      “Are you serious?’

      “Yes,” responded Chukwuebuka amidst a nod. “I reside at the beginning of the street, Number 3 precisely.”

     “Since when have you been in Umuahia?”

     “Ever since I concluded my youth service.’

     “So what have been happening since then?” she curiously enquired.

      There was no response.

     “Look at you, Ebuka,” she observed, frowning. “You used to be plump.”

     “My dear,” he broke the silence. “It’s a long story.”

     Since after his NYSC, he had only been occupied with one menial job or the other just to make ends meet.

     “Well, I’m actually catching fun here with some of my colleagues,” she abruptly changed the topic. “One of us is marking her birthday.”

     There was a relaxation outlet behind her; the sound coming from the joint was obviously felt by the passersby. That was where she was seated among her friends before she caught sight of Chukwuebuka in the distance the moment he passed.

     “Would you mind joining us?” She urged.

     “Joining you?” He said. “Like this?” He added, pointing at his dress.

      The casual wears he was clad in comprised black three-quarter jeans, green polo and brown leather slippers.

      “You are okay,” she admitted. “After all, you are a man.”

      “Sure?”

      “Of course,” she said. “Besides, this is your street.” She added, paused. “So, you are equally the landlord or the host.” She declared cheerfully.

       He smiled. “Okay, if you say so.” He said opening his hands, indicating that he had surrendered.

     “So, shall we?” She landed pointing towards the joint with her left arm.

      They majestically walked hand in hand to the joint.

      She introduced him to the gathering that was made up of various sophisticated ladies and gentlemen as soon as they got to the point before they assumed their seats; they were seated opposite each other at one of the free white plastic tables in the arena.

     Initially, he refused to take anything when he was asked to name what he cared for owing to the enormous guilt his mindset was preoccupied with, until he was profoundly persuaded by Ogechi to do so. Finally having succumbed, he ordered for a plate of pepper soup to be accompanied with a bottle of chilled malt.

     The fun lasted till about eight o’clock at night when everyone departed for their respective residences. Ogechi who was the Marketing Manager of one of the renowned firms in the city gave a copy of her complimentary card to Chukwuebuka prior to her departure; she asked him to see her in the office first thing the following Monday.

      On the said Monday being March 12, 2007, Chukwuebuka arrived at Ogechi’s office as instructed. The moment he walked into her magnificent office, he knelt down to seek for unconditional forgiveness with tears on his eyes. She made him understand right in the office that she had forgiven him long ago, if not she wouldn’t have asked him to join her at the relaxation outlet let alone inviting him to her place of work; a pronouncement that made the guilty poor man to develop an abrupt high fever.

      Two weeks later, she helped him to secure an employment in her company. When her friends and colleagues confronted her for the seemingly silly and unceremonious step she had taken having learnt what the man in question did to her years back, she categorically disclosed to them that she bore no grudge for him again, stating that a known devil was far better than an unknown angel. Ogechi who was still a splinter at 33, unequivocally went further to notify them that she was damn willing and ready to settle down with Chukwuebuka if he eventually proposed her. Apparently, she couldn’t forget in a hurry the juicy and remarkable moment they shared together, and she was of the view that he could not forget either; thus that remained her motivator.

     Amazingly, in about three months later, Chukwuebuka and Ogechi who were now colleagues re-established another intimate emotional affair to the envy of all and sundry that were within. Subsequently, six months on, Saturday September 8, 2007 to be precise, they tied the knot; their ostensibly divine union remained an interesting story headline to their teeming friends, relatives and well-wishers.

     Thereafter, they were happily married with three kids – two males and a female.    

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Decisive Decision

DECISIVE DECISION

     “CDC…!” Chief Adelakun exclaimed excitedly.

     “Innovation!!” The members of the gathering chorused in a very high voice.

     “CDC…!” He reiterated.

     Chief Dele Adelakun who was rightly standing on a podium was a seasoned entrepreneur turned politician; he actually ventured into politics owing to his extreme passion for humanity – he was undoubtedly an ardent and well-known humanist and philanthropist. Due to his distinguished nomenclature, he was unanimously elected as the flag-bearer of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) by the majority of the party’s membership during its primary election to contest for the Chairmanship position of Ojeiran Local Government Area (LGA) – one of the most popular LGAs found in one of the states situated in the South-Western region of Nigeria. Right on that podium, he was observing one of his electioneering campaign tours as organized by his party (CDC).

      CDC was obviously a well-respected and leading party among the five major political parties eligible for the awaited LG polls; so far since inception, the party had been known for producing respectable and notable individuals as its flag-bearers for any political post across the country. Hence, every citizen of Ojeiran LGA alongside other LGAs in the state was looking up to the party as regards the aforementioned LG election, which was barely two weeks ahead.

      “Innovation…!!” the gathering responded accordingly in a more passionate tone.

      The campaign was taking place in one of the ancient public primary schools in the LGA on the 13^th of November 2002 at about some minutes past eleven in the morning. The arena was densely preoccupied with the party’s flag of blue, white and yellow colours with the picture of a palm-frond, which signified its logo, inscribed on it.

      “We already know why we are here.” Chief Adelakun proceeded. “Therefore, there’s no need for any introduction or preliminaries.”

      “Yes oooh!” The crowd chorused.

      “I don’t have much to say because I’m a man of few words,” he said. “But I can assure you that we are ready to bring total innovation to this LGA, just as the party’s slogan signifies.”

     “We believe you.” Majority exclaimed in appreciation.

“But it’s noteworthy that this cannot be actualized without proper accountability,”he said, paused. “Thus, accountability remains my watchword.”

      “Chairman – Chairman – Chairman…” The audience chanted continuously in anticipation.

      He signalled them to calm down using his arms. “I’m a banker,” he rode on. “In other words, there’s nothing one would teach me regarding finances or budgetary.”

      The frontiers amidst the intimidating crowd nodded in comprehension and agreement.

     Chief Adelakun – a huge and light-complexioned man in his late forties, who was clad in a dark-blue caftan, a native cap made of the same material and black plain shoes was an astute freelance banking professional; he had B.Sc in Banking and Finance from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria coupled with other numerous Advanced Professional honours in Finance and Business.

     “Before I conclude,” the flag-bearer said. “I must let you know that Education and Health would be my priority.”

    “We dey your side oh!” They chorused in vernacular.

     “Just look at our school,” he lamented, pointing at the dilapidated structure of the primary school being used as the campaign venue. “It’s nothing to write home about.”

      The members of the gathering frowned, shook their heads in disappointment.

      “The most annoying part is that,” he continued. “Most of these forgotten schools are the alma-mater of most stakeholders in the society.”

      The speech proceeded for over thirty minutes; it was indeed a holistic address. At the long run, the LG Party Chairman Chief Dapo Olabiyi rounded off the long-lasted talk. The audience were finally showered with light refreshments as well as souvenirs such as hand fans and portable form of the party’s flag prior to their departure.

     In two weeks’ time, on Saturday November 30, 2002 precisely, the election successfully held as scheduled, and Chief Dele Adelakun of the CDC emerged victorious as the Chairman-Elect of Ojeiran LGA; three weeks after, on Friday 20^th December 2002, he was sworn in along with his Deputy, Barr Gbenga Olusola.

     According to the state’s law, every Executive Chairman was meant to spend three years in office. To people’s greatest surprise, Chief Adelakun’s 3-year tenure was something to reckon with contrary to his predecessor’s style of leadership; ab initio, he took every of his campaign promises to include adequate education, good and affordable health care, standard road network, among others, very seriously that he was embarrassed with fathomless eulogies by every dick and harry in the locality, even in absentia. Among all, he rejuvenated the strength of his party (CDC) as far as his Local Government Council was concerned that in intervals, the overall leadership of the party would organize revelry just to celebrate him.

      In 2005, which marked the end of his tenure, Chief Adelakun was determined to re-contest for a second-term in office having made his intention known to the members of the party as well as the electorate; and he gained the support and encouragement of virtually all citizens of the LGA owing to his tremendous and overwhelming performance during his first term. Thus, he re-emerged victorious during his party’s primary election thereby placing him as the party’s flag-bearer in the area. On Sunday 11^th of September 2005 just less than eight weeks to the election, something unimaginable and horrific transpired; at the night of that very day, around thirty-minutes past eight (8.30 pm) to be precise, Chief Adelakun – ‘the People’s Choice’ as he was fondly addressed, was brutally murdered alongside his driver in his black Range Over Jeep while returning home as soon as he finished attending to a very crucial meeting involving leadership of his party in his office. Ascertaining the assassins or persons behind the bloody killing remained far-fetched and a mirage to the Police.

     Consequently, his party (CDC) was left with no other choice than to provide a substitute as their flag-bearer as the awaited election, which was scheduled for Saturday November 5, 2005, was already by the corner. So, they had to organize a primary election for other interested members of the party; fortunately, Chief Abiodun Olatunji emerged victorious. Chief Olatunji was the runner-up to the late Chief Adelakun during the previous primary election of the party that produced the deceased as the party’s flag-bearer for his second term bid.

      In one month time, the LG polls took place as planned and amazingly, Chief Olatunji won the election. No doubt, his anticipated victory was not unconnected to the fact that his party – Coalition Democratic Change (CDC) remained the greatest as at then coupled with the remarkable footprints his immediate predecessor, Chief Adelakun left behind. Suffice it to say that, the electorate were of the indisputable view that CDC was determined and consistent in producing sincere and distinguished individuals as its flag-bearers; according to them such tradition as presumed was an uncompromising principle as well as the watchword of the political party in question. Hence, they sheepishly concluded that any aspirant coming under the aegis of the party was definitely flawless.

      On the contrary, Chief Olatunji’s administration was completely opposite that of his immediate predecessor, that, the people’s optimism faded up; in the first and second years of his tenure, nothing new was done or implemented in the whole of the LGA and the worst was that maintenance culture was thrown to the waste bin. Rather than doing the needful, Chief Olatunji was obviously busy enriching himself and his entire household.

      As a result of Chief Olatunji’s nonchalant and lackadaisical attitudes toward good governance, there were speculations and insinuation among the people of the area that he could be responsible for Chief Adelakun’s demise, but there was no tangible proof to nail him down even though it was apparent. The most interesting aspect of the ordeal was that, the electorate learnt a lesson that a political party wasn’t meant to be dependable or reckoned with by the people during any electioneering era when it called for good governance; rather, whom the party uses as its flag-bearer. Thus, they concluded that they were supposed to concentrate mainly on the antecedents and accomplishments or the individuality of the aspirants rather than laying emphasis on the political party they intended to contest under. Needless to say; Chief Olatunji’s misdeed served as a deterrent as well as an endpoint to their longed nurtured fallacy.

      Subsequently, the people were placed on an untold hardship that they were pushed to make a decisive decision; hence, the leaders among the electorate with the consent of the entire electorate forwarded a Vote of No-Confidence on Chief Olatunji to the Legislative Council of the local government. After all the consequential investigations carried out by the Ad-hoc Committee set up by the Legislative Council, an unanimous motion was moved by the majority of the members of the council for immediate removal of the alleged culprit from office for gross-misconduct and misappropriation of funds. In consequence to this development, on Wednesday 17^th of October 2007 almost two years of his stay in office as the Executive Chairman of Ojeiran Local Government Area, Chief Abiodun Olatunji was served a Letter of Impeachment by the council, thereby authorising his Deputy to take over as the Acting Chairman prior to when he would be duly sworn in substantively.

      Few days later, he was arrested and thereafter arraigned by the country’s anti-graft agency.

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Grace to Grass

GRACE TO GRASS

     “Hello…” Lilian exclaimed as she picked her phone call.

     It was an unknown number.

     “Good morning, dear.” An unfamiliar masculine voice greeted immediately.

     “Good morning, Sir…” she responded. “Please, who’s this?”

It was about some minutes past ten on October 8, 2008.

     “Please, is this Okoro Lilian?” The unknown voice enquired amidst the suspense.

     “Yes,” she replied in a very low tone. “Please, who is this?” She queried anxiously.

“Eh-eh-m,” the caller quickly cleared his throat. “Okay, this is Adewale Martins.”

     The name was relatively unknown to her.

     “The Human Resources Manager of Arise Group of Companies, Abuja.” He clarified.

     “Oh,” Lilian exclaimed. “Good morning, Sir.” She reiterated excitedly and apprehensively.

     Arise Group of Companies Limited was one of the notable firms in Nigeria whose headquarters was situated in the country’s Capital Territory, Abuja; it majored mainly in production of foods such as garri, baking flour and condiments, wheat and corn flour. Lilian successfully passed through both the oral and written job interviews of the company few days back alongside other several applicants.

     Lilian, a 29-year old lady, was a graduate of Marketing from the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria; she graduated five years back, precisely 2003, after which she participated in the Nigeria’s compulsory one-year National Youth Service programme.

     Mr Martins who happened to be the leader of the 5-man interview crew set up by the company got her phone number from the Curriculum Vitae (CV) she tendered to the company.

     “Morning, my dear,” He responded to the greeting. “Where do you reside?” He added.

    “Kubwa Sir.” She answered.

    Kubwa, which was one of the major suburban districts in Abuja, was slightly near to the location of the company.

     “Okay, you’re a resident of Abuja?”

     “Yes Sir.”

     “Can you make it to our office first thing tomorrow morning?”

     Of course, that was one of the most vital questions she longed to hear considering how long she had spent in the labour market.

     “Like what time, Sir?”

     “By 9am.”

     “Yes Sir,” she gladly concurred. “I can.”

     “Okay, till then,” he said. “Ask of me when you come.”

     “Okay Sir.” Replied Lilian, smiling.

      He cut the call instantly.

      The following day being October 9, 2008, Lilian who couldn’t wait to embrace the moment arrived at the company as scheduled at exactly thirty-one minutes past eight in the morning (8.31 am) far earlier to the agreed time. When she got to the place, she was told that the HRM – Mr Martins was yet to be on seat, so she had to wait till about some minutes past nine when he eventually arrived.

      “Good morning, Sir.” Lilian greeted, head bent as she walked into Mr Martins’ office having closed the door.

     Lilian clad in black suit coupled with black plain trousers, black plain shoes and a white shirt recollected the face she was seeing having come across Martins on a few occasions.

     “Hello pretty,” Martins seated on his office chair in his white suit exclaimed, smiling. “How long have you been here?”

     “Almost an hour, Sir.” She said. Stood still.

     “Please sit down.” He urged.

     “Thank you, Sir.” Said Lilian. Majestically sat on one of the chairs positioned opposite the host.

    “You are welcome.”

    There was a few seconds silence.

     “Actually… I invited you for a crucial interaction,” he said. “That would be helpful to you.”

    “Okay Sir.” She said, nodding. Smiled heavily.

     Her arms, which held each other, were placed on the table.

    “You see,” He rode on. “I like helping young girls like you.”

     “Thank you, Sir.” She appreciated, lowering her head which was beautified with gorgeously plaited black hairs.

     “Especially pretty ones like you.” He added.

      She smiled.

      Lilian who was naturally endowed, was obviously a dark pretty damsel that any man would wished to behold; she was plump and average in height. Mr Martins who was in his early fifties picked interest in her during the interview exercise.

    “Before I proceed,” he said. “I would like to ask you a question.”

    “What is it, Sir?”

    “Do you truly want to get this job?”

Amazed. “Sir,” she said. “This is what I’ve been looking for, for over four years now.”

     “Meaning,” said the HRM. “You can’t wait to have the job, right?”

     “Yes Sir.” She replied passionately.

     He smiled. “So,” he said. “Are you willing to do what is expected of you?” He finally hinted.

     “Like what, Sir?”

     “It’s a pity you’re not familiar with the tradition.”

     The unsuspecting applicant remained curious.

      Since the interview segment Mr Martins picked interest in her, he had been preoccupied with series of fantasies regarding his foreseen relationship with her. Mr Martins was a randy man to the core in spite of the fact that he was happily married with four children; he was very good in playing games.

     “Meet me at New Haven Hotel tomorrow by 10am,” Martins urged. “By then, the picture would be clearer to you.”

     “Hotel…?” Lilian shouted naively. Deeply surprised.

     “Stop acting like a kid,” Martins enjoined. “This is what your mates do to get what they want.”

     At this point, she needed not a prophet to interpret the circumstance to her; she couldn’t believe herself. When she was invited over the previous day, she was totally of the view that she was coming to pick her employment letter unknowingly to her that the reverse was the case. Lilian was an ardent practising Christian owing to her family background, who couldn’t imagine betraying the faith she had nurtured since childhood let alone doing so with a man who was old enough to be her father.

     “Sir, are you actually asking me to have an affair with you?” She verified.

    “The handwriting is bold and clear,” he said. “Or, isn’t it?”

    “I’m sorry Sir,” she said. “I can’t.”

    “Stop being naive, young lady…” He ranted.

Martins was a no nonsense man who believed he could get anything he wanted on a platter of gold.

     “I’ve painstakingly gone through your CV,” he continued, frowning. “You have been in the labour market for four years now.” He said, looking into her eyes seriously. “And, I’m sure you wouldn’t wish to continue with the unending job hunt.”

Immediately, he appeared to her not unlike a monster. The scene occurred to her like a daydream.

     “Besides, do you think you’re the only lady among the teeming applicants?” He proceeded. “I chose you because I care so much about you.”

    There was absolute silence.

   “I’m sorry Sir,” she said. “I can’t.” She disclosed. Stood up.

   “Are you sure about this?” He enquired. Amazed. Still on his seat.

    He was yet to encounter such manner of rigidity since he commenced his promiscuous lifestyle.

Lilian was speechless while standing. She felt like pouring him acid.

    “Well, I will give you some time to think about it.” He added.

    “There’s nothing to think about.” She ranted. Hurriedly took her handbag which was kept on the table and walked towards the office entrance.

    “Nonsense,” Martins lamented. “Go and remain in the street; apparently that’s where you belong.”

     She hastily stopped on hearing the abuse, angrily turned her head to where he was seated, sighed at him and dashed out.

     “Non…sense!” Martins reiterated disappointedly. Stood up. “Look at someone I wanted to help.” He thought aloud.

             * * * * * *

     “Hello,” Mr Martins said as he answered his phone, which had already rang twice, right in his office. “Who’s this?”

    “Sir, it’s me.”

It was an unknown feminine voice.

     “Who, please?”

     “Lilian,” the voice answered. “Okoro Lilian.”

     Probably he didn’t save her number on his phonebook.

     That was the least of the names Martins expected to hear. It was in the morning on 16^th of October 2008, exactly one week the caller furiously left his office.

     Lilian thought it wise to resort to his demand after she got a misleading advice from one of her closest friends, Kemi who was also a job hunter. Having shared the ordeal with her (Kemi), Kemi told her that that was the kind of opportunity she had be awaiting, stating that she wished she was in her (Lilian’s) shoes; hence, warned her not to forfeit the offer. She never minded discussing the issue with her mum as she had always done; thus she decided to keep her parents in the dark.

    “So, what can I do for you?” Martins queried.

    “Please Sir,” she said. “Can I come and see you in the office tomorrow?”

    “For what?”

    “I will explain when I come, Sir.”

    “Young lady, tell me what you’re coming to my office to do,” he urged. “The last time you were here, I was like a monster to you.”

     There was silence.

     “Would you speak?” He reiterated. “Or, should I cut this call?”

     “No Sir,” she feverishly said. Gushed out tears. “I’ve accepted.”  She eventually hinted in a low tone.

     “Accepted what…?” He pretentiously enquired.

     “The offer, Sir.”

     “Which offer?” He loudly asked. Laughed falsely. “You amuse me; do you think we are selling crayfish here?”

     “Please Sir.”

     “I’m sorry,” he said. “Someone who’s more serious has taken the space.”

     “Plea…se Sir,” she pleaded. “I’m very sorry for all the pains I caused you.”

     He smiled; the plea was so fascinating to him. He was wondering if such plea was coming from a woman who acted exactly like a saint few days ago in his office.

     “So, what do you want me to do now?” He said. “Manufacture a space for you?”

    “Sir, I know you can do something.” She thought aloud. “Please, I’m on my knees.”

    “Okay,” he said. “Meet me at same venue at ten o’clock tomorrow morning.”

    “Remind me the name, Sir.”

    “New Haven Hotel,” he responded. “Room 235.”

    “Okay Sir,” she concurred. “I’ll be there by ten.”

    “Good luck then.” Martins dished out. Cut the call even though he wasn’t the caller.

     Afterwards, in two days’ time, Lilian became a staff of the Marketing Department of Arise Group of Companies Limited. Interestingly, she was issued an official car with a driver on commencement based on the ethics of the company.

     Amazingly, Lilian’s romantic affair with Martins continued to the extent that the silly game was being played even in their respective offices. Initially, it remained secret not until one fateful afternoon when they were caught in the act right in Martins’ office. The company’s Management couldn’t believe it; Martins promiscuous behaviour was undoubtedly hidden to them prior to the unthinkable incident.

     Subsequently, both of them were dismissed from the company. The unforeseen moment of grace to grass came at about four months after Lilian secured the employment, February 2009 specifically.

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