Mere Coincidence (II)

MERE COINCIDENCE (II)

       Following Daniel’s expulsion from the revered university, Dr. P.C. Obi was filled with mixed feelings. He couldn’t fathom what the chap could be doing with the results’ sheets, considering that the results in question had nothing to do with him; he was in 200 Level whereas the said results pertained to 400 Level students. Hence, it was very difficult for the don to reconcile the scenario.

      “Or, was he paid for it?” he thought deeply as he sat in his office seat.

       While in the deep thought, a knock was heard at the door.

      “Come in.” He responded.

        A man bearing unfamiliar face stepped in, calmly closed the door and majestically walked towards the don.

       He was clad in grey caftan and black shoes; was plump, dark and about 5.4-foot tall; and seemed to be in his mid-fifties.

       “Dr. Obi, right?” He verified, gesticulating, as he stood directly opposite the Doc who was still seated.

      “Yes.” Dr. Obi confirmed, nodding.

      “Okay,” the guest said. “Good day.”

      “Good day,” replied Dr. Obi. “Please, sit down.” He urged, gesticulating, could not wait to receive the awaited introduction.

      “Thank you.” the guest appreciated as he assumed the seat sited opposite the host. “You may be wondering, who is this man.” He thought aloud, smiling.

       Dr. Obi reciprocate with a smile, couldn’t utter a word.

      “Well,” the august visitor dished out. “I am Chief Ben Uzodinma.” He eventually introduced, paused. “Father of Uzodinma Daniel, the expelled student.”

      To Dr. Obi, the last clause was irrelevant. On hearing ‘Uzodinma’, he needed not an interpreter to inform him where the guest was coming from.

      “Oh,” he exclaimed, smiling in false pretence. “You are welcome.” He said, straight out his right arm for a handshake.

      The guest gladly reciprocated. “Thank you.” He said.

      When the saga was on, Chief Uzodinma was outside the country, Europe precisely, for a business trip. It was his wife who met with the school management during the period. So, the moment he returned from the oversea journey, he thought it wise to meet with the authorities involved towards making amends, if need be.

      “You know, I have been away since the incident occurred,” clarified Chief Uzodinma. “That is why I wasn’t able to make it to the university.”
     “Yes, I was informed.” quoth Dr. Obi. “But, your wife was here?”

     “You are right.” He confirmed. “I asked her to represent me.”

     “Please, accept my sympathy; I am really sorry.” Dr. Obi stated in a jiffy. “I was even thinking of it before you came in.”

      It’s alright,” Dr. Uzodinma responded. “I shouldn’t blame anyone for what happened.” He disclosed. “Rather, I am here to reconcile with the school.”

      “You are welcome once again.” quoth Dr. Obi. “You have done what a real father supposed to do.”

      “Please Doc,” the august visitor hesitantly said. “Can you tell me what really happened?” he verified, paused. “How did it happen.” He added.

      “Hmm…” Dr. P.C. Obi sighed. “I am still very confused myself.”

       Chief Ben Uzodinma was quiet, attentive.

      “Daniel your son looks so innocent,” Dr. Obi observed. “And I am sure, he is also from a good home.”

       The guest folded his arms, remained attentive.

       I just sent him to get me my spectacles,” Dr. Obi who dressed in his usual Safari attire rode on. “And by the time I returned to my office, here, a very vital file was missing.” He clarified, adjusted his ruggedly-looking specs.

      “Hmm…” the guest gushed out huge air.

      “He was the only one who had access to this office within that period,” he continued. “The most confusing part is that the results in question have nothing to do with him, or his set.”

      “Don’t you think there could be a mix-up somewhere?” Chief Uzodinma reasoned. “Because myself, I am deeply confused.”

      “Mix-up?”

      “Yes,” the guest reaffirmed. “It could be a coincidence.”

      “A coincidence?”

      “Of course.”

      “What are you insinuating?” quoth Dr. Obi. “That I misplaced the file?”

      “Not just that,” Chief Uzodinma replied. “Someone might have broken into your office.”

      “During a broad daylight..?” the don enquired. “Besides, I didn’t meet my door open.”

      “Maybe it happened during the previous night.” Chief Uzodinma asserted. “Maybe the invader used another means apart from the door.” He analyzed, paused.

       The host quickly glanced at the ceiling carefully to see if there was any breakage.

      The belated inquiry irritated the guest. “If may ask, did you observe the file before you left for the class that very morning?” he furiously added, though looked friendly.

      The question, which was apparently crucial, seemed tough. The astute teacher was speechless, couldn’t attend to it.

      Although the file was actually in the office before he left for Daniel’s class, Dr. Obi could not say for sure if it was there, because he never observed it prior to his departure. The last time he sighted it was the previous day before the incident transpired.

      “Dr. Obi?” the concerned father awoke his consciousness. “I said, did you observe the file before you left for the class?”

      “Of course, I did.” He lied.

      “You did?”

      “Why all these questions, if I may ask?”

      “Because, I know my son too well.” Chief Uzodinma said. “He is a no nonsense boy.” He enthused.

      Before he could finish, Abuchi a boy of about 22-year-old walked into the office having knocked at the entrance. He was Dr. Obi’s second son and equally an undergraduate of the university, but in a different department.

     “Good afternoon, daddy,” Abuchi greeted while standing. “Good afternoon, sir.” He added in a jiffy, facing Chief Uzodinma.

     “What is it, Abuchi?” Dr. Obi queried, frowned over the sudden visit.

     “Dad, sorry for disturbing you,” he said. “I came to tell you that I took the file.” He hinted, stood still.

     “You took which file?” Dr. Obi verified, still seated.

     “The one you are looking for.” He eventually confessed.

     “What..?” Dr. Obi shouted, stoop up.

      Chief Uzodinma hastily looked at him (Abuchi) in silent awe, felt very disappointed and mesmerized.

      It would interest, perhaps shock you to realize that the missing file was actually stolen by Abuchi. He made away with it exactly a few seconds after Daniel left the office on that fateful day; he deliberately made it to coincide with it so that the latter would be held responsible. Intriguingly, he had a duplicate key that invariably took him to the office whenever he wished, unknowingly to his father – Dr. P. C. Obi.

      Abuchi who was a 300 Level student of Psychology department, was as usual duly paid to carry out the dirty job by a certain syndicate comprising 400 Level students of his father’s department. Before the incident, he had been doing all sorts of alteration in his father’s records, particularly results; but Dr. Obi couldn’t acknowledge those previous ones, probably because they weren’t conspicuous. He was indeed a naughty dude, but surprisingly, all his antics were not observed by his acclaimed no-nonsense father.

      He decided to confess to his dad, perhaps because he was being haunted by Daniel’s fate. Dr. Obi would have loved to conceal such unspeakable confession just to save his job as well as public image, but his hands were ostensibly tied owing to Chief Uzodinma’s presence. It seemed God was really at work.

      The following week, Abuchi alongside his accomplices was outrightly expelled from the institution, whilst Daniel was recalled. Dr. P. C. Obi equally lost his precious job thereafter.

      There was uncontrollable uproar on the campus following the don’s exit.

     

       **The End**

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Mere Coincidence

MERE COINCIDENCE

      Dr. P.C. Obi of the Physiology Department of the University of Akila had, since he joined the department, been reckoned to be one of the best heads, particularly in the field of Human Physiology. He invariably strived to behold the final result of any research he embarked upon; needless to state that he was result-oriented. He would never rest until he got to the peak of his aspirations. In fact, he was not second best, but second to none whenever issues pertaining to academics were raised. This was the singular reason he was widely celebrated among his contemporaries.

      Inter alia, the 47-year-old father of four was obviously a no-nonsense man both at home and in the school. His disciplinary nature knew no bounds. Suffice it to say that he was a core disciplinarian. Each time he entered lecture class, he would take his precious time to lay emphasis on value system, in addition to his academic concernment. Above all, he ran an open-door administration as a class adviser, was very strict though.

      “Good morning class!” He graciously greeted as he faced the 200 Level students of his department.

      That would be the first time he would be meeting with the class since they became students of the institution. Prior to then, they had only been hearing of him but yet to see him teach.

     “Good morning, sir.” They responded in unison.

      Dr. Obi looked at his wrist watch – it was about some seconds to 8am.

     The lecture was meant to commence by eight. He had never been found wanting when it called for punctuality. And, such idiosyncrasy had always spoken for his person.

      “You are all welcome to a fresh academic session,” he rode on as he stood on the podium, clad in brownish Safari trousers and top alongside black corporate shoes. “And of course, a fresh level.” He said, paused. “Before now, you were in 100 Level.”

      “Thank you, sir!” they chorused while seated.

      “Hope you all know me?” he verified.

      “Yes sir.”

      “Interesting,” he appreciated. “Well, for those who are yet to know me…” he added, attempting to write on the white magnificent board only to realized that he left his specs in the office.

       He managed to write his name ‘Dr. P. C. Obi’ on the board with the black ink maker in his right hand. “Where is the Class Rep?” he enquired soonest after inscribing the name.

      One young man seated amidst the class of about fifty students raised his right arm up.

     “Please come.” He urged, gesticulating.

      The Class Representative, dressed in blue jeans, black plain shoes and white T-shirt tucked into the trousers, hastily stood up and joined him at the podium.

      “Do you know my office?” he asked him.

      “Yes sir.”

      “Good,” he said. “Please, go and get me my spectacles.” He enjoined, handing over his office keys to the chap.

       In three minutes time, the young man returned to the classroom, holding both the specs casing and the keys in his hand. He climbed the platform and handed the items over to the Doc.

     “Thank you,” quoth Dr. Obi. “What’s your name?”

     “Daniel, sir.”

     “Daniel?” he verified.

     “Yes sir.”

     “Alright,” the Doc said. “You can have your seat.”

       Daniel immediately resumed his seat which was situated at the front row, let out a deep breath. 

       Dr. Obi wore the specs, kept the casing on a table sited beside him having dropped the keys in one of his trousers’ pocket. “I will be teaching you Introduction to Anatomy.” He informed the class, hurriedly faced the board and wrote the course title as it was rightly pronounced.

      The students looked at him in appreciation. Going by their physiognomies, they could not but thank God for having him as one of their lecturers in their new academic level. Ab initio, they had been hearing of Dr. P. C. Obi, and that was a golden opportunity for them to enjoy a cordial relationship with him having longed for such moment since they found themselves on the campus.

      “As long as this semester lasts, I shall take good time to tell you all you need to know regarding the course, provided you are willing to,” the don notified. “I wish to inform you that the best moment I enjoy with my students is when they ask questions when necessary.” He added, paused.

       The class was attentive.

      “In other words,” he continued. “I urge you not to hesitate in tendering any question whenever you want any clarification.”

       They appeared pleased by the instruction.

      “Did I make myself clear?”

      “Yes, sir!”

       He could feel the gladness on their faces. “Alright.” He said, faced the board and began to write down the course outline.

      The lecture lasted for two hours as inscribed on the timetable. After the class, the students were unanimously elated, thus felt like having more of him.

      The moment he got to his office after the lecture, he observed that a very vital document was missing - a file containing the database of the results of the final year (400 Level) students of the department. They were the results of one of the courses he taught them the previous year. The file in question was kept in his shelf.

       He couldn’t believe his sight, thus took his time to crosscheck the entire files positioned in the shelf towards ascertaining a misplacement, if any, all to no avail. He sat down, deeply thought over it again and again, but could not believe he would possibly lose a document via carelessness. As one who carefully handled issues/documents, let alone a sensitive one as that, he was convinced beyond doubts that the missing item was stolen. Therein, he hastily stood up, dashed out of the office and asked a passerby student to call Daniel.

       In few minutes time, Daniel joined him in the office. “You sent for me, sir?”

      “Yes, I did.” Dr. Obi replied while seated, looked mean. “Please, sit down.”

       Daniel calmly sat on one of the seats positioned opposite Dr. Obi’s

      “What’s your full name?”

      “Uzodinma Daniel, sir.”

      “Mr. Uzodinma.” He called hesitantly.

      “Yes sir.”

      “When I called you in your classroom,” he said. “I saw you as a very responsible student.”

       Daniel looked at him attentively.

      “So, why would you betray me?” he hinted.

      “Betray you?” quoth Daniel, seemed confused. “I don’t understand, sir.”

      “Why did you steal from my office?’

      “Steal from your office?” said Daniel. “Sir, I don’t still understand.”

      “Oh,” quoth Dr. Obi. “You are pretending, right?”

        Daniel looked at him in silent awe.

       “I give you five minutes to provide that document,” the don roared. “Else …”

       “Which document, sir?”

       “Will you get out of my office?” he ordered, gesticulating, fiercely stood up.

       “Sir …?” he tried to utter, keeping his jaws widely open.

       “I said, get out of my office.”

        Daniel managed to stand up, calmly walked towards the door.

       “Nonsense..!”

        The chap left the office, couldn’t know what next to do.

        Two weeks later, owing to Daniel’s inability to provide the missing document as requested, the matter was taken to the university’s Senate. Consequently, he suffered from expulsion.

       What do you think would happen next? Think about it!

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Painful Verdict

PAINFUL VERDICT

      “It has come to the notice of the university’s Governing Council and the Senate,” Prof. Okoro said. “That cultism has suddenly become the order of the day on this campus.”

      The teeming students watched him in appreciation while the invited guests marveled.

      University of Okute had been reckoned to be one of the institutions of higher learning across the country characterized by cultism. Such societal ill had existed in a manner that ‘UniOku’, as the citadel was fondly called, could not pass through a day without experiencing suchlike incidence as rape and robbery, among every other form of intimidation; and at intervals, murder would be the subject matter. The unabated prevalence of the bilious acts remained the most discussed issue in all quarters of the highly revered institution. Worse still, every effort put together by the university management towards curtailing the menace was to no avail.

      As the aforementioned ordeal lingered, on this day of the university’s 17^th matriculation ceremony, the institution’s Vice-Chancellor (VC) Professor K. B. Okoro thought it wise to discuss the issue in his welcome address. As he firmly and confidently stood on the podium while audibly reading the eligibly written address, his countenance abruptly changed the moment he got to the paragraph that emphasized on the said ill.

      “I want to use this medium,” the don rode on, frowning. “To warn our new students to steer clear of any act that could endanger their families’ reputation as they mind their studies squarely.” He advised.

      The teeming matriculants of about three thousand persons became more attentive.

      “Because,” continued the VC. “The university cannot tolerate any questionable character from you?” he informed, paused. “Hence, we will not hesitate to rusticate or expel anyone found wanting.”

      The matriculants looked at themselves in silent awe.

      “And to the parents,” quoth Prof. Okoro. “We equally encourage you to check on your wards from time to time.” He enjoined, took a breath. “To enable you monitor their activities, academically, socially and otherwise.”

      The special guests as well as other members of the university’s management, whom were at the podium with the speaker, nodded simultaneously in admiration. “Good talk!” the Registrar – Mr. Akor who sat in the front row whispered to his closest neighbour.

      “And the cultists,” the number-one citizen mentioned bitterly. “Every day is for the thief, whilst one day is for the house owner.” he hinted, paused. “After race, we shall count the miles.” He landed succinctly.

      The address, which was well drafted, bore every aspect of all activities being carried out in the university. At least, the new intakes had gotten a hint on the do’s and undo’s of the institution, thus they needn’t be reminded that expulsion or rustication was the only answer to any act of immorality.

       Few minutes later, the ceremony came to an end having consumed almost three hours.  

      Two weeks on, five youths in their early twenties were caught by the police in a robbery act at the outskirts of the university, and they were all identified as the students of the institution. When investigated, it was discovered they were part of the cult gang that had been terrorizing the school. Thereafter, other members of the confraternity were equally apprehended. Most devastatingly, one of them in the person of Benson, popularly known as ‘Cartel’, happened to be the son of a notable High Court judge in the country, Justice Calo Dandi.

      When the sad news got to the affected judicial custodian alongside his wife, it sounded just like a mere daydream. They couldn’t believe that their highly cherished child who they were of the view would be graduating in few months time, was an armed robber let alone a cultist. Mrs. Dandi was, to say the least, half-dead; Justice Dandi, on his part, couldn’t step out of his home for a whole week owing to shame and depression.

      Come to think of it: who on earth would agree that the son of a justice would be involved in such nauseous act? The entire university community, and of course its environs, were deeply touched when they realized that one of the culprits, Benson was a child of a High Court jury. The news was indeed very, very difficult to believe let alone discussing it.

      Seventeen days on, the gang was charged to court by the police. Fascinatingly, the case was brought to the court headed by Justice Calo Dandi. Prior to this time, the accused persons had been expelled from the university.

      Justice Dandi’s hands were really tied. To assert that he was placed in a tight corner was apparently an understatement. ‘How could he sentence his child?’ remained the most raised question by the public.

      It would shock, perhaps interest you to note that Benson was the only son of Justice Dandi. The latter could boast of four females and a male. He was the last among the five children; after he came into the world, the couple couldn’t beget again.

      “So what are you going to do?” Mrs. Dandi asked her husband as they were seated at their balcony.

       Both of them were seated directly opposite each other.

       At this time, the court proceeding had already begun. The court had met twice over the incident, and the third hearing of the case was scheduled to be held the following week. It appeared the next hearing would determine the fate of the gang.

       “That boy will rot in jail.” Justice Dandi unequivocally hinted hesitantly. “Justice will prevail.” He added.

      “What?” Mrs. Dandi shouted. “How do you mean?”

      “It’s obvious he is guilty,” he said. “Or, isn’t he?”

      “So?” she ranted. “Because he is guilty, you want your only son to rot in jail?”

      “As you can see,” he replied. “My hands are tied.”

      “Your hands are tied?”

      “Of course,” quoth the Justice. “I am concerned about my reputation.”

      “So your reputation is more important than your only son?”

      “Woman, I have been in this job for over thirty years,” he reminded. “And since then, I have never been found wanting.”

      “Is better they found you wanting this time,” she suggested. “Than to lose your only begotten son.” She landed with alacrity.

     “Don’t be selfish, woman” he warned emphatically.

     “Meaning?”

     “As you can see,” quoth the jury. “I am left with no choice.” He hinted frankly, stood up and walked away.

      She sat like an electrocuted human as she helplessly watched him depart from the balcony. She felt dreaming, but it was real. “What a blunt judge!” She finally bemoaned.

      The following week, Benson alongside his accomplices was sentenced to life by his biological father, having been convicted for robbery, rape, cultism and murder. His mother, Mrs. Dandi landed in coma on hearing the news.

      Be sincere, if you were in the jury’s shoes, what would you have done? Think about it!

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