ShortStory II Complicated Odyssey (II)

COMPLICATED ODYSSEY (II)

(True-Life Story)

       The moment I got struck by the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) having waited fruitlessly for over two hours, I fiercely walked straight into the banking hall precisely at the Customers’ Service section, leaving other frustrated guests behind. With the look on my face, anyone could attest that all was not well. “I want to see the manager.” I forcedly requested from one of the ladies seated at the section.

       “Any problem, sir?” said the lady whom appeared to be in her late twenties, never minded my tender look.

       “While looking at my face,” I said. “Do I need to answer that question?”

        The three clients who sat before her turned simultaneously, stared at me and were obviously marvelled over my manner of approach in respect of my physical stature which showcased that I could not be more than 20, though I was 23.

        The banker, on her part, was equally dumbfounded. “You just walked in and start asking of the manager,” she managed to utter. “What is actually the matter?” She verified politely.

        “That your ATM out there had kept me on the ground for almost three hours now.” I frantically disclosed. “Just the moment it got to my turn, everything quenched like fire.” I added, frowning seriously.

        Everyone, including others away from her desk, stared at me in silent awe. They were ostensibly astonished over my strong use of words despite my apparent age. Probably, they couldn’t believe that someone in my age bracket could publicly take control of suchlike English grammar without minding the nature of my immediate environment.

        I was a staunch unionist cum one of the dedicated leaders of various societies on campus such as the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), Amnesty International, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), all of FUTO chapter, as well as the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the university. My unalloyed affiliations to these groups helped tremendously to shape and reshape my personality, social and moral wise. So, I could handle any crowd or gathering without being trapped by any iota of intimidation.

        Amidst the persons in the banking hall, I could observe some showcasing their amazement over the level of confidence I was parading myself with by dishing out dazzling smiles on their faces. The reaction of this set of individuals motivated my vigour greatly, thus I thought it wise to ride on with my outburst. “All that matters to me right now,” I continued in a higher tone. “Is to see the manager.”

        After the last tantrum, about three of the bank’s Protocol officers in uniform walked towards me, and tenderly asked me to calm down, promising that someone would come and address the issue immediately.

        “I don’t want anyone again,” I shouted. “All I want now is the manager.” I reiterated, gesticulating with my both arms.

        “Calm down, sir.” Urged the male banker who sat closely to the lady I was talking to. “Your problem will be solved right now.” He reassured.

        “Until I see the manager.” I reechoed, still filled with the fury that emanated from the conversation I had outside with the PhD student who was barely 21.

        Before I could finish the last sentence, a gorgeously-looking woman who seemed to be in her early forties surfaced at the banking hall; I guessed she came out from one of the offices within, hence, she had been overhearing me all along. “Young man,” she called tenderly as she stepped towards me. “What is it?”

        She was clad in a white suit cum white trousers and classy hair style; light-skinned, plump and about 5.45-foot tall.

        “This must be the manager.” I thought as I looked into her eyes. “Please ma, are you the manager?” I boldly enquired in a jiffy.

         She smiled and smiled again, looked at me in admiration, as I stood aloof still looking so frank.

        Trust me, I was well-dressed. Aside my indisputable level of vibrancy and outspokenness, I was invariably so mindful of how I dressed each time I moved out, thus no one could find me wanting fashion-wise even though I had few wears to boast of.

        “Please, come with me.” She urged me, gesticulating, turned and walked towards an office.

         I followed her. When we got to the office, she enjoined me to sit as she resumed her seat. I sat on one of the chairs sited opposite hers. “You haven’t answered me, ma.” I reminded. “Are you the manager?”

       “Yes, I am.” she replied, nodding. “Are you okay now?” She added.

        I managed to smile, although still saddened.

       “What’s the problem?” she inquired in false pretence.

        I narrated every bit of the trouble to her without minding that she had overheard everything when I was at the banking hall. She apparently shared my pains, and pleaded with me to forget about everything.

       “Until I receive my money,” I said. “And the interest attached to the inconveniences.”

        It seemed as at this point, those I left outside at the ATM domain – including the ‘PhD lady’ – were still over there patiently awaiting the resuscitation of the machine.

        The Manager smiled. “Please, what’s your name?” she enquired.

       “Fred.”

       “What do you do?”

       “I am a student.”

       “Of which school?”

       “FUTO.”

       “Owerri?”

       “Yes ma.”

       “What level?’

       “400.”

       “Oh, you are already through!” She exclaimed.

       “I am studying a five-year course.” I informed. “I just finished my six months IT.” I supplemented, paused. “I would be rounding off by next year.”

        “Alright.” She said, nodding. “What’s your discipline?”

       “Physics Electronics.”

        She nodded in appreciation. “Fred, I like you,” she eventually confessed. “I admire your smartness and courage.”

        “Thank you, ma.” I said. “I appreciate.”

        “So, how much do you intend to withdraw?”

        “Five thousand naira.”

        “Alright.” she said. “Hope you wouldn’t mind, how much do you have in the account?”

        I laughed, never wished to disclose my armpit. “Why do you ask, ma?”

       “Please, tell me.” she replied, got her gaze fixed on mine. “I have my reason.” She supplemented.

       “Okay,” said I. “Twelve thousand naira.” I answered hesitantly.

       “Hmm…” she murmured. “Poor you.” She teased.

       “You can say that again, ma.”

       “Well, I will add twenty thousand naira to the account,” she pledged. “And as well give you five thousand naira cash.”

       “Waoow..!” I exclaimed, stood up elatedly. “Thank you, thank you ma.” I added.

       “You are welcome, my dear.” She responded cheerfully.

          She further issued me her complimentary card and enjoined me to feel free and call whenever the need be.

         Beloved, that’s how my radicalism brought glory to my humble name on that fateful day. Therein, I told myself ‘To hell with PhD; money is everything’.

         While leaving through the banking hall, I grinned at the lady at the Customers’ Service whom I first walked up to prior to the boss’ appearance, and she stylishly reciprocated. No doubt, considering my countenance, she needn’t be told that the Manager had anointed me right in her office.

        The rest is history, please!

FDN Nwaozor 

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Clinic - Owerri

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#WisdomTablets (11)

Attracting Happiness To Your Relationship
_________________________________

The last time I checked, several ongoing relationships -
both marital and friendship - were seemingly going into
extinction simply because the parties involved were
only looking forward to discovering flaws from each
other.

Rather than being cantankerous, we are required to
pass through each day by thinking beyond our
limitations, considering the factual fact that no mortal
is flawless.

Learn to attract joy to your relationship instead of
chasing it away. Joy is no doubt a rare recipe that has
the ability of spicing up your union, even when there is
nothing material wise. Living for each other alone has
a great way of making you both feel so complete like
one who is on top of the world.

Try to make up the lapse you found in your partner because
that's one of the sole reasons you are there. Believe me, it's
when you have sacrificed enough in your relationship that
you would stand to enjoy every bit of it the more. Needless
to assert that it's all about sacrifice all the way.

Inter alia, you must be happy within yourself before you
can attract the happiness to your relationship. It's worth
noting that you cannot give what you don't have. Happiness
is just like a perfume; you can't pour it on others without
spraying a few drops on yourself.

Above all, you can't attract absolute happiness to your
relationship if you both are not close to your Creator.
Learn to submit your burden to Him having put in your
best. He alone remains the Alpha as well as the Omega.
Hence, you cannot move an inch without His consent.
#ThinkAboutIt


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Opinion II Who Exactly is Deceiving Imolites?

WHO EXACTLY IS DECEIVING IMOLITES?

        

The last time I checked, most Imo people were really being deceived by a few ruthless cum unscrupulous politicians in the state. The sign of deceit was not unconnected to the awaited 2019 gubernatorial polls that would usher in an interregnum, or a successor to the sitting governor in the person of Chief Rochas Okorocha.

       

Each time I recall the aforementioned scenario, I found myself weeping inwards owing to the fact that if care isn’t taken, Imo may be taken aback come 2019; because if the needful is not done on time, we might live to mourn after the said election; because if Imolites allow it to flourish, I’m afraid, we may be filled with fathomless grief when we are expected to celebrate. Needless to assert that the pathway might lead to an unspeakable scene.

        

Deceit, particularly self-deceit, remains one of the worst things that could happen to mankind. If you are being deceived, hardly would you have the privilege to face reality; hence, before the reality would dawn on you, it would be too late. One who is being deceived is not unlike a television being manipulated with its remote. Same is applicable to self-deceit. Self-deceit is the act of one not telling him/herself the truth; the attitude of lying to yourself; and we are not unaware what that implies. The implications are grievous.

        

Someone who truly knows that he is not qualified for a particular position would go ahead telling people that he remains the only qualified person to handle such position if given the chance to do so. This is purely self-deceit. It is quite different from someone who doesn’t know that he is not qualified for the post in question. But whatever the case might be, deceit remains deceit, be it self- or not.

        

This piece is informed by the need for the teeming Imolites to realize the compelling need to be extremely careful. The need to stay closer to history. When I say ‘history’, I meant the state’s history. The need for them to desist from myopia; acknowledging that such sight defect is very harmful. A myopic person does not see from afar; he cannot catch the sight of a distant object. It suffices to say that a myopic individual is in a pathetic condition, thus deserves reasonable sympathy from his/her teeming friends and relatives.

        

Imolites need to shine their eyes as much as possible; if possible, they ought to keep them broadly open at all times. Many people by the corner are seeking for a slightest space to devour the good people of the state; and if eventually given the chance, I’m afraid, this state might be sold to interested buyers. Imo is not in any way for sale, so we shouldn’t be deceived by anyone who poses as the messiah while in the real sense, he is actually a monster.

        

First, we must not let the ongoing zoning mantra becloud our sense of logic. Yes, zoning begets equity, and the latter begets fairness. And no society can thrive if whatever that’s in vogue is not fair to all concerned. But, zoning ought not to be the paramount factor to consider when seeking for a suitable head that would succeed the current governor; rather, we are bound to concentrate on competence, antecedents and trustworthiness.

        

If peradventure someone from Imo East Senatorial zone, or Imo North zone, emerges the next governor of the Eastern Heartland come 2019, but turns out to be a mediocre person or a hypocrite, what then would be the fate of the state? This is why we shouldn’t be laying emphasis on the so-called zoning. I, personally, am not in any way against zoning but we are expected to focus mainly on the rudimentary factors at such a time like this.

        

Secondly, we shouldn’t attempt making a mistake of adopting anyone to run for governorship position, simply because we were promised heaven and earth. If anyone promised you whatever, as a wise or discerning individual/group, you are meant to go extra mile in ascertaining where actually the aspirant is coming from. And your findings should not stop at that; you are equally required to ascertain what the person had been able to achieve in the past while occupying one or two minor/lower positions.

         

Imo remains a state reckoned to be adored owing to its uniqueness. Because, it is an entity made up of countless well-learned, informed and widely travelled individuals. So, it would be a shame for any member of the state to be cajoled into indulging in trivial matters, thereby relegating meaningful issues to the background. We need to be well tutored on the consequences of such action.

         

Hence, at this juncture, I urge us to sit up towards understanding that not all that glitters is gold. In view of this, we must be sober at all times and at all cost too. Imo is indeed too old and wise to be drawn backward, so no space should be given for such uncalled agendum to be actualized. We may not have the time to discuss this topic again, thus a word is undoubtedly enough for the wise.

         

Above all, the political parties involved must also do what is expected of them. Their respective leaderships must jettison their selfish interests toward ensuring that only a qualified candidate becomes the party’s flag bearer. A costly blunder could be deadly; we must invariably take this fact into cognizance. Think about it!

Comrade FDN Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Clinic - Owerri

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