ShortStory I Suicidal Fugitive

SUICIDAL FUGITIVE

       “What kind of trade is this?” Afam thought sadly. “Every day, same story.” He added while seated on the main chair situated in his shop.

        Afam, a thirty-five year old young man who was of Anambra State origin just rounded off his apprenticeship on sales of building materials six months back. Since his boss settled him immediately after his seven-year old apprenticeship, things hadn’t been going smoothly as anticipated; there had been slow pace of sales as well as constant nightmares experienced by him.

       “I pray God will deliver me from this bondage.” he continued.             

        To worsen it all, a lot of responsibilities awaited him being the first born of his vulnerable parents who could boast of eight children including himself.

         “Afam, how far nah?” Ugo exclaimed amidst the lamentation the moment he walked into the shop.

         The supposed recipient of the greeting was obviously outside minded.

        “Afam…!” He repeated in a loud voice while still standing.

         He was standing directly opposite him. Their positions were demarcated by a wooden table.

         Afam quickly became conscious owing to the gravity of the last call. “Hey Ugo,” he eventually responded in a very low tone. “How nah?”

         Ugo hurriedly sat on one of the single seats sited adjacent to Afam’s. “Guy, what is eating you up?” He enquired.

         “My brother,” Afam said. “Just tiredness ooh.”

         “Tiredness?” Ugo chipped in. “Did you go to night vigil?”

         “No,” quoth Afam. “I have been very busy since morning.”

          It was about some minutes past two in the afternoon on Tuesday June 21, 2011.

          Ugo was Afam’s closest friend and neighbor. They lived very close to each other at their place of residence in Onitsha, the commercial hub of Anambra State, and their shops were also located closely. He was also a trader but he majored in motorcycle spare parts. Both of them were of the same age, though Ugo appeared older.

        “Afam,” Ugo called tenderly. “When did you start hiding things from me?”

        “How?”

        “You and I know that you are not happy.” he observed. “Even a blind man can see it.”

         Afam became mute and calm, didn’t know what next to utter.

        “If you don’t share your burdens with me,” continued Ugo. “Who would you?”

         Afam immediately took a very deep and noisy breath. “My brother,” he said. “You already know all my worries.”

         Ugo became attentive as he looked into his eyes.

        “What else do I need to tell you?” Afam added.

        “Is it about sales?”

        “What else, my brother?” replied the frustrated dude. “Since morning, only one customer has walked into this shop.”

        “Is that why you want to kill yourself?” scolded Ugo. “You can’t continue like this, my man.”

        “So what would I do?” he uttered inquisitively, seemed confused and pale.

       “My dear,” Ugo proceeded. “I have been into this before you.” He said, referring to trade.

         Ugo was almost a year old in trading, and he was doing well. He commenced six months before Afam joined the trend.

         Afam became attentive and curious.

         “You see,” said Ugo. “I was like you when I started mine.”

          Afam seemed intrigued, filled with mixed feelings.

          “I was almost frustrated just as you are.”

          “Bros,” Afam broke his silence. “I don’t think you can compare yours with mine, even though I was not there when you started.”

         “Since you were not there,” Ugo argued. “How would you know how serious was mine?”

          “Because mine appears totally different and strange.” Afam responded. “How can one not experience even a patronage for a whole day?”

          Ugo abruptly became silent and submissive. The last statement apparently struck his lips, thus he threw in the towel.

         “Honestly, I think there is something wrong somewhere.” Afam finally insinuated.

         “So, what’s your plan?”

         “I want to go and see my boss before the week runs out.” Afam thought aloud. “He might have something useful to contribute.”

          His boss, Chief Okeke was equally a resident of the city, Onitsha and the headquarters of his trading empire was situated there. It was at the main branch (headquarters) that Afam did his apprenticeship.

          Ugo nodded. “I think you are right.” he encouraged. “But you must not let this thing weigh you down.” He added.

         “Thank you bros.” Afam appreciated.

                         * * * * * *

         “Good morning, sir.” Afam greeted lowering his head as soon as he stepped into his boss’ sitting room at about some minutes to eleven on Saturday 25^th June, 2011.

         The entrance to the room was let open by Chief Okeke’s female house help having received an alert via the doorbell.

         Afam had earlier informed him that he would be at his place on that very day during the morning hours and Chief Okeke welcomed the notice wholeheartedly.

         Chief Okeke who was in his middle fifties was married with four female children. His last child was about ten years old. On that very day when Afam visited the family as scheduled, he alongside his wife Ujunwa was watching television at the sitting room.

         “Good morning, ma.” He added instantly, focusing on Ujunwa.

         “Good morning Afam.” The couple responded concurrently, smiling. “How are you?” Chief Okeke added in a jiffy.

         “I’m fine, sir.” replied the guest, stood still.

         “You are welcome.” Ujunwa exclaimed. “Please make yourself comfortable.” She cheerfully urged.

         “Thank you, ma.” Afam appreciated, majestically walked to one of the single upholstery chairs in the parlour and got seated.

        To be continued, please.

 

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

_____________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056
witter: @mediambassador 

 

Opinion I As Imolites Await The Imo LG Polls

AS IMOLITES AWAIT THE IMO LG POLLS

         

The last time I checked, Imolites in their entirety were earnestly awaiting the conduct of local government elections in the state, expected to be carried out by the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC).

        

It isn’t anymore news that few months ago the governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha disclosed that the said election would unfailingly be conducted in June 2018, a decision reportedly informed by the unanimous resolution reached by the State Executive Council (SEC).

       

The Nigeria’s political system is being perceived as one that does not reverence the constitution. This is the reason a state like Imo could stay for over eleven consecutive years without boasting of substantive local government chairmen.

         

It is the reason a budget would be approved by the legislature for a certain fiscal year and throughout the affected year, over sixty per cent (60%) of the budget would not be implemented; it is why a vice-chancellor of a given university would exhaust his/her five-year tenure or thereabouts without executing at least a tangible project on the campus, yet he/she wouldn’t be probed by the concerned government.

        

Though Imolites have been promised that the conduct of the polls is actualizable come June this year, they are still sceptical over the pledge. The scepticism was occasioned by the obvious fact that that wasn’t the first time such promise would be made publicly, yet absolutely nothing was done afterwards. Sure, Imolites likewise citizens of other states passing through similar fate, have endured enough that they deserve an award. But, would they continue to persevere?

       

The way and manner most state governors handle LG matters have made me to see the awaited Imo LG polls as a mirage. It sounds non-realistic to my person, and of course to any other concerned fellow, because such an issue has never been taken seriously since the reign of the immediate past governor – Chief Ikedi Ohakim – till date, let alone this recessionary era. Hence, awaiting June 2018 towards witnessing the elections, is unequivocally not unlike building castle in the air.

       

However, it’s pertinent to acknowledge that all hope is not lost, thus needless to despair. Conduct of the polls come next two months as planned wouldn’t be far-fetched provided we are committed. It is just a matter of being transparent as well as standing by nothing but the truth. The electorate need to comprehend the real state of things, and they can’t if the picture is not presented to them in an elaborate form. Let’s give them that sense of belonging, so they can even help the government to do the thinking.

        

I might be sounding abstract but the truth is; we need to hold the bull by the horn. Beating about the bush would cause more harm than the anticipated good. All the aggrieved parties ought to be brought to a roundtable, so we can address this once and for all. We can’t continue to put the blame on a certain individual or group while the state continues to suffer. We shouldn’t continue deceiving ourselves and allow Imo wallow in pains. It is high time the lingering deceit stopped for the sake of the state at large.

        

The above instruction became consequential because if truly the LG polls would be held by the aforementioned period, or anytime within the second quarter of 2018, by now, primary elections ought to have been conducted by the various political parties involved; series of electioneering campaigns should be in the air; electoral debates ought to be the order of the day at the moment. I stand to be corrected if I have goofed.

        

Funnily enough, new Transition Committee (TC) chairmen were recently installed by the governor, and probably a different set would still be constituted in the nearest future. Or maybe, the new chairmen are the ones to conduct the awaited elections. Whatever the case might be, time is conspicuously no longer on our side.

        

Let’s not indulge in a practice that would make the governed overlook the government. The government is meant to be taken seriously by the people but in a situation whereby the former continually displays nonchalant attitudes, I’m afraid, the latter would be forced to start taking it (the former) for granted. Governance requires a two-way participation where the leaders and the followers are expected to engage in serious cooperation; but if any side is being sidelined, it becomes a problem to the society in general.

       

Come to think of it; are Imolites really prepared to witness the polls in question? Everyone appeared so docile and less-concerned. Is it an indication that they have forgotten about it, or have lost hope in the government? It would interest, perhaps shock you to note that only few states across the federation have conducted their LG elections, but if you visit any of the states that are yet to conduct theirs, the electorate seem relaxed and lackadaisical. This should be one of the prime reasons the concerned governments don’t take the issue seriously. It pisses my psyche profoundly each time I realize that I belong to one of the affected states.

        

Nevertheless, I’m using this medium to humbly appeal to the amiable governor of the Eastern Heartland to please, understand that the conduct of these polls is long overdue. The prolonged suspense is indeed deeply telling on me alongside Imolites of like minds. I wouldn’t like to continue sounding personal in regard to this anomaly, as it is making me appear so sensitive.

        

The ISIEC on its part is equally expected to do the needful towards ensuring that the polls in question become nothing but success. But I wonder why by now no pronouncement has been made by the said authority regarding the awaited elections. Or, is there anything they are not telling us? Think about it! 

 

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

___________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador

 

 

     

ShortStory I Smart Genius (II)

SMART GENIUS (II)

         After Seun had been successfully interviewed, he waited behind all through the day till the team was done for the day so he could have a one-on-one conversation with Adamu.

         Though Adamu couldn’t graduate with him alongside his set but he (Seun) never had any intuition that he came into the company in disguise; rather, he was of the thought that he might had attended another higher institution after he left the University of Ibadan (U.I).

         He was preoccupied with the notion that if he familiarized himself with Adamu, it would serve as an aid towards his job hunt. Since he completed his National Youth Service programme in 1991, he had been managing with one of the small scale firms in the neighbourhood until he got an invitation on February 17, 1995 to come for an interview with Capricon Nigeria Limited where he had earlier applied for an employment.

        “Good day, sir!” Seun greeted the moment Mr. Adamu Danjuma eventually walked out of the complex room in the company of his co-interviewers.

          It was about some minutes past five in the afternoon. At the time, all the job seekers had already left the arena. Seun had been seated at the entrance to the room amidst some of the company’s staff; he had explained to them his motive.

          Prior to his greeting, he hurriedly stood up and stepped toward Adamu as soon as they walked out from the room.

         “Good day young man.” responded Adamu as his colleagues departed for their respective offices. “Were you not one of the applicants?”

         “Yes I am, sir.” replied Seun who was putting on corporate attire.

           Both of them were standing opposite to each other.

         “So, how may I help you?” Adamu enquired. “Mister Olatunji, right?” He recollected in a jiffy.

           He was able to remember Seun’s name because he performed marvelously when he was interviewed.

          “Yes sir, you are right.” quoth Seun. “Olatunji Seun.” He added.

         “I am all ears.” Adamu reminded, anxiously waiting for the response to his first question – ‘how may I help you?’

        “Please sir,” said Seun. “Don’t be offended, did you pass through UI?”

         It was unarguably a shocking question to Adamu. He couldn’t believe his ears.

        “UI…?” He asked under false pretence.

        “Yes, University of Ibadan.” responded Seun. “Public Administration  department to be precise.” He added, looking at his eyes submissively.

        “No.” he answered. “Are you mistaking me for someone else?”

        “Yes,” Seun replied. “Your face looks very familiar.”

        “I am sorry,” quoth Adamu. “I am not the one.” He added, quickly walked towards his office leaving Seun behind.

         Seun couldn’t believe it; it was not unlike a dream to him, though he never sensed any foul play. Consequently, he left the company’s premises within a couple of minutes disappointedly.

         As a result of the above scenario, Adamu being the leader of the assessment team ensured that Seun wasn’t employed by the company in order to avoid any future havoc. He foresaw that bringing Seun into the company would be at the detriment of his person.

         Adamu who was in his early forties and was happily married with three kids wouldn’t want any iota of saga to befall him especially at that point he had succeeded in proving his unalloyed competence and integrity to the company; hence, he saw Seun as a serpent.

        After the incident, Seun employed every tactics towards ascertaining the full detail about Adamu. In consequence to the quest, the former who hardly knew the latter’s name succeeded in coming up with his full name, position in the company as well as when he was employed.

         In the long run, Seun insinuated that Adamu must had forged his certificate for him to had gotten to the rank of Human Resources Manager (HRM). And, considering the time frame, there was no how he could have risen to that enviable height if he was not employed as a graduate or with a degree/HND certificate or any equivalent certificate.

         Two months on, the company’s Management received the unthinkable report on Mr. Adamu Danjuma via Seun who had patiently waited to receive his employment letter from the firm in regard to his remarkable performance during the interview to no avail.

         Two weeks after the report was received and it was confirmed that Adamu came into the company with the aid of a criminal mechanism having conducted all the needed investigations, the company’s Board of Directors (BOD) set up a 7-man panel to query Adamu.

     * * * * *

        “Mister Danjuma,” The leader of the panel called unfriendly after all the consequential introductions were made having read out the sole agendum for the gathering. “Give us one reason you shouldn’t be fired.”

         They were seated in a round table in the company’s conference room.

          It appeared such striking statement – ‘give one reason you shouldn’t be fired’ – was one of the standard and acceptable ways of querying any of the firm’s staff found wanting. That was exactly the language same Adamu used for Ken prior to his (Ken’s) dismissal.

          Adamu who was taken unawares hastily stood up confidently as if he anticipated the meeting as well as the question. “Greetings to you all” he said. “I shouldn’t be fired because…” the dark, plump and about 5.5-foot tall young man who was clad in ash suit and ash plain trousers proceeded in a meek but confident manner.

         All eyes were at this time on him. Every member of the panel was strongly looking up to his fierce-looking eye sockets.

         “One, I forged the certificate out of frustration and because I was financially handicapped, and not because I was a criminal.” he asserted, paused. “Two, I forged what I could defend…” He enthused frankly, looked around.

          They were all seated firmly at this point as the ‘culpable’ employee defended himself in strong terms.

         “Three, as I speak to you now,” he continued, took a breath. “I speak as a Masters’ degree holder in Public Administration…” He boasted eventually.

          Everyone was marvelled on hearing the revelation. They felt like clapping for him. Each of them wondered what kind of man he could be.

         It’s noteworthy that Mr. Adamu had enrolled for a part-time degree programme in a nearby university the moment he secured the employment. And he proceeded for his Masters’ Degree programme as soon as he obtained his Bachelor of Science (B.Sc).

         “And finally,” he rode on. “Because I have given Capricon Nigeria Limited far more than what it expected from my person.” He concluded succinctly, though tentatively.

        “You may have your seat.” The panel chairman urged.

        “Thank you, sir.” Adamu replied, sat down.

          After all said and done within an hour’s time, the meeting rose without any tangible conclusion or decision taken against the seeming-guilty staff.

          Subsequently, Mr. Adamu Danjuma  was filled with mixed feelings accompanied with premonitory anxiety, not knowing what would become his fate soonest.

         One week later, rather than laying him off from the company or demoting him, surprisingly the smart genius was promoted to the rank of the General Manager (GM) of Capricon Limited owing to his academic accomplishments as revealed by him coupled with his outstanding qualities.

         The rest is history, please.

 

 

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

_____________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056
Twitter: @mediambassador