ShortStory I Shocking U-Turn

SHOCKING U-TURN

        Dubem’s dad in the person of Mr. Ike Ubochi – a Knight of Saint Christopher in the Anglican Communion – had vowed that his only begotten son would never tie the connubial knot with his supposed missing rib, Ebere for a reason best known to him.

        Intriguingly, he had earlier welcomed the 25-year-old maiden only to abruptly change not unlike a chameleon in the middle of the day. Aside the affected 28-year-old lad coupled with his two female siblings who were older than him but still single, their lovable mum Mrs. Nneka Ubochi was equally marvelled over the unannounced metamorphosis of her husband’s attitude towards the poor spinster.

         Ebere who hailed from a neighbouring state to Dubem’s, was a marriageable lady and conspicuous beauty to behold. The suitor, on his part, had never found her wanting in any way. Just a few unserious misunderstandings that intermittently ensued among them remained the only bad side that had ab initio been experienced by the seeming God-sent relationship. It suffices to assert that she was exactly what he had dreamt to have as a lifetime partner.

         Three years back when they met on campus, Dubem was rounding off his degree programme, Engineering precisely whilst Ebere who was a student of Psychology was in her second year. It all began like a joke on one fateful day when the chocolate-skinned, 1.63-metre tall and slim girl entered a commercial cab that would as usual convey her to her place of residence at the university’s motor park. It was about 5.00pm. The dude equally boarded the same transit. They resided at the same arena off campus but were yet to know each other.

        “I have something that belongs to you.” Dubem told Ebere who was seated very close to him.

        By this time, the driver had zoomed off having gotten full load of passengers comprised only students of the institution.

        She wore a blue skirt, grey top, brown sandals and plaited hairs, and sat by the window side because she hopped into the vehicle before the chap. On his part, Dubem who was about 1.71-metre tall, light-skinned and plump, put on blue jeans, black T-shirt spotted with red flowers, a bluish face-cap and black shoes.

         She abruptly looked at him in silent awe. “What did you say?” she managed to verify.

       “I said, I have what belongs to your majesty.”

         She smiled over his sense of humour. “What could that be?’

         He quickly dished his right hand into his right trousers’ pocket and brought out a pen. “I think this belongs to you.” He said, stretching out his arm towards her.

         That was Ebere’s property. It fell on the ground when she was struggling to enter into the cab. She never knew she had lost such material, which was kept in her skirt’s pocket. He thus decided to surprise her, or perhaps to take advantage of the situation.

        “Waoow..” Ebere exclaimed cheerily in a low tone. “How did you get it?” She enquired as she gladly received the pen.

        “Well,” Dubem uttered. “I don’t think that is necessary.” he replied, paused. “The most important thing is that you have gotten your lost pen back.”

        “If you say so, I surrender.’

        “I am happy you surrendered.’

        “Well, I didn’t have a choice.”

          He disclosed his 32 teeth as he became more attracted to her person.

          Therein, they introduced themselves as tradition demanded, beginning from him. Consequently, they got to know each other better while in the transit. Dubem was the first to drop from the vehicle but before he did, he was able to exchange his contact with hers.

          Afterwards, the friendship metamorphosed into a stronger entity. Before they could realize it, they were already dating. He thought it wise to engage her immediately after his NYSC programme when he was almost 27; at that time, she was 24 and in final year.

         Prior to their engagement, she was highly welcomed by his parents, Sir and Lady Ike Ubochi. In fact, she was adored by the couple; every step she made was acceptable by them. On the other hand, Dubem was as well cherished by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Elu Okoro. She was the first child of her parents; needless to assert that they wanted the best for her and they believed the said dude was second to none, thus deserved the honour.

        That was how both homes rolled not until lately when Mr. Ubochi suddenly made a U-turn for a reason yet to be disclosed. No one could fathom what necessitated the repugnance.

        By this time, the victim in question Miss Ebere Okoro – who was 25 – was undergoing her National Youth Service programme in the Northern part of the country. And it seemed as if the distance created at the moment was the reason behind the unforeseen U-turn. But if it was connected with the distance, her fiancé would have been more affected by the situation rather than his 61-year-old father.

         Ebere alongside her parents was not unaware of the latest development; hence, had become really disturbed since its emergence. Among all, her lovely dad Mr. Okoro who was equally well-to-do was more troubled over the unbearable circumstance; to him, that was a big slap to his personality coupled with the family’s name.

        “My daughter,” Mr. Okoro tenderly called as he was seated with Ebere in their sitting room in the company of his wife.

        “Yes dad.” answered Ebere.

        “Are you sure you never did anything bad to Dubem?”

          Ebere became thoughtful. “Nothing of such I can remember.” she hesitantly replied. “We have been in good terms since we started.”

        “Are you sure about this.’ He verified.

        “Dad, I don’t think Dubem is the problem.” she clarified. “His father is the issue here…”

          Her mum nodded in comprehension. “But what could be the problem?” she interrupted.

         “I don’t just know.” Ebere responded, gesticulating.

           Mr. Okoro shook his head. “But,” he said. “Have you tried to find out from Dubem?”

         “Of course, dad.’ quoth Ebere in alacrity. “But it seems Dubem is also confused about the whole thing.”

         “Then I suggest we pay him a visit.” Mrs. Okoro thought aloud.

         “Mum, I think you are right.” Ebere concurred.

        “No,” Mr. Okoro disagreed. “I can’t beg him to marry my daughter.” he said, paused. “Going to his house would appear as if we are begging him.”

         Mrs. Okoro and her daughter looked at each other in silent awe as they sat in their separate cushions, though they apparently understood the man’s remark.

        To be continued, please.

 

FDN Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub - Owerri

_________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador            

      

     

Opinion I Open New Year Message To My Governor

OPEN NEW YEAR MESSAGE TO MY GOVERNOR

       

The last time I checked, we were already in the long awaited year, 2018.  It suffices to assert that a different odyssey has just begun among the human race.

      

At such a time, everyone – old or young – is required to reexamine him/herself; at such moment, every living soul is expected to go back to the drawing board toward making amends where need be; at such a period, every individual is bound to make a resolution that would guide him or her as long as the journey lasts. In other words, such a time is meant for one to crosscheck all aspects of his/her life, business, leadership style, trade, or what have you, in order to acquire the best.

        

Lest I digress; this is a New Year message to my amiable governor in the person of Chief Rochas Okorocha. Even if I have earlier sent his Excellency a personal SMS to wish him well throughout the year, this very note remains inevitable because this is the only way I could caption everything he deserves to know. Aside wishing him well, this epistle is targeted towards letting him realize the nature of the resolution expected of his person as the governor of Imo State, the Eastern Heartland.

        

First, I need to commend your Excellency for the gesture displayed during the festive period. I watched with keen interest over how you received various groups, LGAs and unions at the aforementioned season. To say the least, you acted not unlike a father with a large heart. To have thought it wise to welcome all your subjects in your country home, Ogboko is enough indication that you comprehend the rudiments of leadership and followership.

       

If no one saw the good side of such gesture, I want you to know that I did. Dinning with a leader is a great avenue to discuss various pertinent issues concerning the group in question. The one that gladdened my heart most was your meeting with the retirees in which you promised to clear all the pension arrears owed them before leaving office.

       

My pleasant governor, I want to candidly remind you that this is a critical year, hence the need for you to treat it as crucial. Critical in the sense that it is the year that would usher in the exit point as the governor of the state; in the sense that it is a period when virtually all primary elections would take place in all political parties; in the sense that it is a year you are required to round off all the ongoing projects in the state, though you have vowed to work till the eve of 29^th May 2019.

      

In this year, I would advise you stop initiating further capital intensive projects or programmes with a view to completing the already existing ones. This is the apt time for you to concentrate on how to complete all the numerous projects initiated by the Rescue Mission Administration. I want your reign to mark the end of implementation of white elephant projects, which had been the order of the day in our present days’ democracy. I would want your administration to be celebrated after you left office, hence the need for you and your team to do only the needful at such an injury time like this.

       

Yes government is a continuum but often times we have observed that prospective political leaders do not believe in continuity in governance. Your successor would like to implement new projects that would be credited to his reign when completed. It’s needless to state that if you failed to complete all the projects initiated by your administration, they may in the future be referred to as waste of resources. And you know, your ‘enemies’ would capitalize on that to laugh at the Rescue Mission if such eventually becomes the case.

       

Similarly, regarding the demolished markets, one would like to know your next step. The daily market at Mgbidi in Oru West LGA was brought down as at early last year, but till date no structure has been erected to compensate the poor traders. Later on, among others, the ancient and famous Ekeonunwa market in Owerri Municipal followed suit. After the demolition of the latter, I pleaded with you to ensure that befitting structures are erected thereafter but it’s unfortunate to realize that at the moment, those affected lands are still lying fallow.

        

I equally wish to inform you that the vehicles your government released to replace the tricycles – otherwise known as Keke – are not enough. This is causing more harm to the supposed beneficiaries than good. In view of this, your Excellency is expected to do everything humanly possible to ensure that sufficient cabs or buses are made available on the concerned roads. Right now, commuters have to wait for several minutes, if not hours, on the roads before they could see an available transit to convey them to their destinations. Such a scenario has also resulted to hike in transport fare.

       

As regards politics; last year, I predicted that by this year being 2018 the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state shall be split into three or more factions if you failed to make the right choice regarding who takes over from your leadership come 2019. It’s noteworthy that that prediction still holds water presently. Thus, it is with candour I write to let you take into cognizance that you must make a choice acceptable by the majority. Failure to do so, I’m afraid, unforeseen internal crisis might arise. And, you know what that means. This is the right moment for you to make that choice. The ball is in your court.

        

I candidly wish this government well; that’s the reason I keep repeating myself so that even the deaf could hear me. The administration started well by declaring free education in the entire state, thus it’s my utmost desire that it ends very well. Even if it has erred along the line, it would be celebrated by the good things it did towards the expiration of the tenure.

      

Lastly, we are yet to hear from you that your government has received the third tranche of the Paris Club refunds and the amount involved, just as you did in the past. I’m just being curious because some states across the federation have confirmed the receipt of such allocation. Does it imply that you are yet to receive it or time isn’t ripe for such press release?

        

Whatever the case may be, my prime concern remains that the fund ought to be utilized judiciously especially at this time the senior citizens are crying foul. We were promised that the second tranche would be used to clear all the 2017 pension arrears but that pledge wasn’t fulfilled. Hope such won’t repeat itself this time? Think about it!   

 

Comrade FDN Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub - Owerri

____________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador

ShortStory I Irony of LIfe

IRONY OF LIFE

       “Hi!” Ikenna exclaimed in an adorable tone amidst an overwhelming crowd.

      “Hello!” Nkiru responded reluctantly.

       Ikenna quickly walked closer to her. “I must confess,” he said, smiling. “You are truly a pretty damsel.”

       “Thank you.” Nkiru appreciated.

       “Are you from this town?” He asked, looking into her sexy eyes.

       “Yes.”

        Both of them were in a dancing mood.

        It was during a traditional marriage ceremony between Chukwuma and Adaora. The former happened to be Ikenna’s cousin as well as childhood friend whilst the latter was Nkiru’s cousin sister. Chukwuma and Adaora hailed from neighbouring clans.

        Ikenna was a promising and handsome young man based in Germany, Europe. He was a renowned Casanova whom was enjoying his bachelorhood in his early forties. He actually came back to Nigeria for the said event.

        There was no one in Umuokirika – the town where Ikenna hailed from – that was yet to know about him due to his flamboyant lifestyle. He was a rascal to the core and never cared about what people say about his person. Prior to that marriage ceremony, during his numerous previous visits to Nigeria, he had succeeded in tendering marriage proposal to over fifteen ladies both in his home town and in the Diaspora. Surely, he was a notable play boy and a notorious personality.

         He came across Nkiru when both of them were dancing at the centre of the gathering alongside the couple. There is no need saying that he was what any lady would like to behold just for a second considering his costly appearance at the occasion, and Nkiru was not an exception. When other dignitaries who rushed to the dance floor to cheer with the couple were busy spraying Naira notes, he was obviously showering the couple with hard currencies including US dollars and Euros.

        “Please, can we see by the corner?” He urged Nkiru.

        “Alright,” she concurred. “Just give me few seconds, I will join you later.”

        On receiving the warmth response, Ikenna – a dark, plump and an about 5.5-foot tall man – dressed in a grey caftan and white leather slippers, quickly but stylishly walked out from the crowd to a tranquil arena where he could have a word with the incoming prey.

        Within a few seconds, the chocolate-coloured, slim and about 5.6 feet tall lady clad in a blue mini-skirt, pink top and a pair of pink shoes who seemed to be in her early thirties, joined him at the serene arena as she promised. She was really cute in her dress.

        “I’m Ikenna.” he said leaning on his black Lexus Jeep as soon as she stepped closer to him. “From Umuokirika, the neighbouring town.” He supplemented.

        “Are you Chukwuma’s brother?”

        “Yes,” he said. “He’s my cousin brother and childhood friend.”

         “Interesting.” Nkiru enthused, nodding.

         “So, what do I call you?”

         “Nkiru.” She replied.

         “That’s a lovely name.” He complimented.

          “Thanks.”

          “Like I said earlier,” Ikenna continued. “You’re a very beautiful lady.” He said, paused. “I will like to know more about you.

           Nkiru smiled, twisted her head. She apparently needed not a prophet to interpret what the dude was up to.

           “Can we meet tomorrow?” he requested. “At Hilltop Bar.”

            Hilltop Bar was one of the most exotic and expensive beer parlours at Umuofeka – the town where Nkiru hailed from – and its environs.

          “Okay.” she admitted. “What time?”

          “4pm.” he said. “Would that be okay by you?”

          “Yes.” she acknowledged, nodding.

          “So, we have a deal then?” Ikenna said.

           “Definitely.”       

         As soon as they departed, a lady Ojiugo who was spying at them from afar walked up to Nkiru and told her all she needed to know about Ikenna. The gossip hailed from the same clan with Ikenna, so she was in good position to know everything concerning Ikenna’s promiscuous lifestyle.

         Having gotten the clue from the God-sent, Nkiru thought it wise to be very careful with her relationship with Ikenna.

         After a few days having met at Hilltop as scheduled, Ikenna and Nkiru became best of friends to the envy of other ladies, though Nkiru was still skeptical over Ikenna’s purported commitment, thus she took the affair as a ‘spare tyre’.

         Amazingly, as days unfolded, the relationship became more serious that Ikenna decided to postpone his return trip to Germany. At a point, he willingly made up his mind to quit bachelorhood for the sake of the relationship coupled with the overwhelming pressure he was receiving from his parents. Against this backdrop, he concluded to shun promiscuity; a decision that made him to become a complete new person.

         On one fateful day, he tendered a marriage proposal to Nkiru who was unaware of his recent resolution, right in his sitting room; but she couldn’t believe the proposal was coming from a man who truly wanted to settle down having heard that he had proposed over fifteen ladies in the past. Rather, she saw it as one of his past numerous false and deceptive proposals, therefore she asked him to give her some time to think about it.

         Though Nkiru never caught Ikenna with any other lady but the information she had received on his lifestyle remained a reference point to her.  

        After some days, she tentatively concurred with the proposal.

        There was a chap known as Emeka whom Nkiru was lavishing Ikenna’s fortune on. Both of them were school mates, studying in a University. All the money Ikenna was giving to her was actually diverted to Emeka’s pulse unknowingly to the benefactor.

         The scenario continued till one fateful day when Ikenna paid her a surprising visit at where she lived on campus. He actually took her unawares.

        The moment Nkiru opened her room entrance having heard series of knock at the door, what the incoming groom (Ikenna) saw was tantamount to taking him to his early grave. He caught the sight of a guy who was putting on only boxers lying freely in his supposed fiancee’s bed.  On the other hand, Nkiru who never knew that Ikenna was the person at the door was clad only in a bedroom wrapper.

        Ikenna initially thought he was daydreaming until every bit of the drama became very obvious to him.  The entire picture was not unlike an irony of life.

       The rest is history, please.

 

 

FDN Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub - Owerri

___________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador