ShortStory I Suicidal Fugitive (II)

SUICIDAL FUGITIVE (II)

        Afam was seated adjacent to the couple who was making use of the only two-in-one upholstery chair in the lounge. The couple was dressed in Pyjamas of different colour patterns while Afam put on dark-blue jeans, purple T-shirt spotted with strips of white colour as well as black shoes.

        Ujunwa stood up, leaving only Chief Okeke in the seat. “So what do we offer you?” She asked Afam.

       “Don’t bother yourself, ma.”

       “How?” she said. “You don’t care for any drink?”

       “No ma.” Afam responded, waving his right hand.

       “Afam, what did you mean you don’t care for any drink?” Chief Okeke quarreled, frowning.

       “I am Okay, sir.”

       “What about food?” Ujunwa chipped in, stood still. “Or, have you taken your breakfast?”

       “Ma, I am Okay.” reiterated Afam. “Thank you very much.” He added, smiling in false pretence.

          It was obvious that the young man wasn’t looking bright. He conspicuously seemed pale.

        “Na wa ooh!” Ujunwa exclaimed, calmly went back to her seat.

        “Afam,” Chief Okeke called. “You don’t look happy.” He observed.

         His wife nodded in agreement.

        “What is wrong with you?’ quoth Chief Okeke.

        “Sir, that is why I am here.”

         The couple looked each other in surprise on hearing the last clause. “Madam, please excuse us.” Chief Okeke urged.

         It appeared the chief host was already aware of what was on Afam’s mind. Sure, even a blind man could spot the bitterness written on the latter’s physiognomy.

         On receiving the request, Ujunwa hurriedly stood up and walked to her matrimonial room leaving only the two in the parlour.

         Afam abruptly became mute as he sat quietly in his seat, couldn’t utter a word.

        “Is it about your trade?” Chief Okeke guessed.

         Afam looked at him amazingly. “How did you know, sir?”

         Chief Okeke smiled. “Because I saw it coming.” He succintly replied.

        “Saw it coming…?” uttered Afam. “How, sir?”

        “Never mind, my boy.”

          There was absolute silence at this moment.

        “Sir,” Afam truncated the silence. “My business is really giving me troubles.”

        “Like I said earlier,” quoth Chief Okeke. “I saw it coming.”

        “I don’t understand, sir.” Afam said, profoundly confused.

         Chief Okeke became speechless. “Afam,” he eventually broke the muteness. “There is more you need to know about this trade.” He disclosed hesitantly.

         Chief Okeke who was densely rich was a member of an occult confraternity, but Afam was not yet aware. And the tradition of the cult was that any apprentice who was settled by any of its members having concluded his apprenticeship would never be successful in his trade unless he joined the group.

         Afam quickly left his seat for that of his boss, sat very closely to him. “Sir, is there anything you are not telling me?” He anxiously enquired.

        “Meet me tomorrow at Braxton Hotel,” Chief Okeke enjoined. “Room 116.” He supplemented in a jiffy.

         Afam was shocked. He apparently least expected the invitation.

         Braxton Hotel was one of the most exotic hotels in the city. Afam was yet to know how its interior parts looked like because he had never been privileged to be there.

       “We need to talk.” Chief Okeke landed.

                            * * * * * *

       “Young man, remove your shirt,” the Grand Master of The Classic mandated Afam in a thick and frightening voice. “For you are in the presence of Ogbojiji.” He added.

       ‘The Classic’ was the name of the confraternity in question. ‘Ogbojiji happened to be the name of the god or the Supreme Being worshipped by the members of the cult.

        This was taking place at about some minutes past eight at night of Wednesday June 29, 2011 – exactly three days, or the fourth night, after Chief Okeke met with Afam at the ‘Braxton Hotel’. During that meeting, Chief Okeke succeeded in cajoling him into joining the secret society.

        There were about seventeen men, including Chief Okeke, uniformly clad in black overall in the enclosed hall. They were all on their feet creating two parallel lines among themselves, and were facing each other as the tradition demanded. The two lines were about two metres apart. The arena was undoubtedly fearful that even the blind could testify to it.

         Afam, a plump, chocolate and about 1.7-metre dude who wore corporate native attire, hastily complied with the directive.

         Chief Okeke who stood directly opposite Afam, nodded in appreciation to Afam’s knee jerk reaction.

        “Come forward, my son.” the Grand Master as he was addressed, urged.        
         “It is time for you to be cleansed and duly initiated into the big family of Ogbojiji.”

         Afam immediately stepped toward the beast-like creature (the grand master) that was standing ahead of the group and was equally facing the entire members.

         The initiation, which was accompanied with series of incantations, lasted for several minutes.

         “My son,” said the Grand Master. “Congratulations!” He excitedly applauded the moment Afam went back to his initial position.

          There was some seconds’ silence afterwards.

        “By this time tomorrow,” he proceeded. “You shall bring your mother to Ogbojiji for the final ritual rite.” He ordered, pointing at a huge basin filled with water that was positioned at the centre of the gathering.

         The white-coloured container was displaying the image of Afam’s mum to his greatest shock. It’s noteworthy that the master pointed at it with the symbol of authority he held in his right hand.

         Afam who became astonished on hearing the demand, couldn’t believe his ears as well as eyes. It was like a mere joke until the reality dawned upon his person.

         Prior to this period, right from when his boss joined the cult about fifteen years back, he had sacrificed his both parents and two siblings apart from the non-members of his family he offered as requested by the confraternity. More so, based on the cult’s norm, he – likewise other members – was not entitled to have or boast of any male child.

        After several days, in spite of the series of importunities from Chief Okeke, Afam insisted not to comply with the weird and ungodly request. He remained resolute to the extent that he began to avoid his boss who was functioning as the cult’s delegate or intermediary.

        Two weeks on, having exhausted the grace given to him by the occult group, the fugitive who felt not unlike taking his own life was eventually overtaken by madness.

        The rest is history, please.

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

_____________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

+2348028608056
Twitter: @mediambassador 

 

Opinion I The Offa Robbery And Nigeria's Worry

THE OFFA ROBBERY AND NIGERIA’S WORRY

        

I almost concluded that bank cum highway robbery had become a thing of the past in every facet of Nigeria not until two weeks back when I was proven wrong by the unspeakable that befell the country.

         

In the period in review – precisely on Thursday 5^th April 2018 – in broad daylight, a gang of well armed robbers serially invaded five different commercial banks alongside a micro-finance bank in Offa town situated in Kwara State, the home state of the country’s number three citizen Sen. Bukola Saraki.

         

The affected financial institutions included Eco, Guaranty Trust, First, Union, and Zenith banks. The firms weren’t just invaded but were equally robbed by the invaders. In the process, many were reportedly murdered, several individuals maimed and injured while others managed to escape for their dear lives. It’s noteworthy that some of the police personnel on duty were part of those brutally killed.

        

It was gathered that the culprits’ ammunition outshined that of the policemen guarding the various banks. According to the ugly report, the robbers were said to be armed with firearms like machine gun, magazine and other related weapons whereas the police officers could at most boast of AK-47 and its likes.

         

The police had informed that thus far some of the criminals had been apprehended as the government had vowed to ensure that every person involved in the dastardly act is duly arrested and prosecuted without much ado. This implies that as other suspects are still at large, there’s apparently no hidden place for each of them.

         

It is indeed hard to believe that in the contemporary Nigerian society, six different financial institutions were successfully invaded and robbed in broad daylight by a certain group of miscreants. It becomes more mind-boggling when realized that the disaster took place in an era when the apex government had ostensibly considered security as priority.

        

Whatever the case might be, it’s pertinent to painstakingly dissect the Offa incident towards reaching a tangible conclusion. Every discerning mind would comprehend that the affected firms were not robbed simultaneously. It is also very crucial to take into cognizance that we are currently passing through a digital age; an era when even a kid could easily assess telecommunication; a period that makes a distance amounting to various kilometres seem so short.

       

The above paragraph is trying to notify us that the concerned security outfits were so sluggish or reluctant towards responding to the robbery attack. Let’s assume the security men on duty were overpowered as claimed. But it will be difficult to assume or believe, as the case may be, that the various security authorities domiciled in the affected state were equally engulfed by the attacked.

        

For six banks to be robbed one after the other is enough indication that there is a serious lapse as regards curtailing the numerous lingering security challenges not just in Kwara but across the lengths and breadth of Nigeria. The pace in which the police respond to distress call is exactly where the Nigeria’s worry lies.

         

However, since apportioning blames cannot solve our plight or would rather result in further crisis, there’s need for us to focus on the way forward. It is indisputable that no existing bank in Nigeria lacks the CCT camera, hence the need for us to concur with the government’s avowal that there’s no hidden place for the culprits.

        

Though the said device would serve as an aid in capturing each of the suspects, those that have already been apprehended would further assist in providing the consequential details surrounding the ones still on the run.

       

More so, for apt deterrent to be served, adequate prosecution mustn’t be overlooked. The crusade ought not to stop at just capturing the entire fugitives. The concerned authorities must further ensure that the jury’s verdict is duly served, and such needn’t be delayed if we are truly determined to serve a placebo to the people.

       

Similarly, as we eagerly await justice, we can’t shy away from asserting that Nigeria is equally deeply worried over how lowly equipped her security outfits are at the moment. Against this backdrop, the governments at all levels are required to henceforth lay emphasis on how best the personnel that have been mandated to safeguard the people’s lives and property can be armed with a view to rendering effective and efficient services in their respective jurisdictions.

       

Above all, the benefitting companies must on their part endeavour to materially, and otherwise, support the security outfits – particularly the police – so there won’t be any room for excuse when any unfortunate/unforeseen circumstance befalls them. They shouldn’t leave all responsibilities for the government, because the latter cannot handle it alone.

        

It is part of the Social Corporate Responsibility (CSR) of these firms, especially the financial ones that are more in need of security services, to from time to time extend hands of fellowship to the law enforcement agencies in question, mainly in the area of equipment procurement and workers’ incentives.

       

It’s therefore needless to reiterate that all hands are expected to be on deck towards boosting the country’s security system. Think about it!

 

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

__________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador            

       

Opinion I The Northern Clerics' Call And Buhari's Declaration

THE NORTHERN CLERICS’ CALL AND BUHARI’S DECLARATION

        

It’s not anymore news that several groups of persons, particularly under the auspices of the ruling party – the All Progressives Congress (APC), had for some time now been calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to recontest for a second term in office come 2019.

        

The clamour has been taking place in various quarters across the federation as being engineered by the allies and protégés of the country’s number one citizen, even though many are still in disagreement that the Buhari-led administration does not deserve a continuity bid.

        

In spite of the contrary view of those believed to be in opposition, two weeks ago, it seemed the clarion call assumed a different dimension. During the period in review, on Thursday 5^th April 2018 to be precise, a set of Northern clerics under the aegis of Arewa Pastors’ Peace Initiative (APPIN) paid a courtesy visit to the president at the Council Chambers in Aso Rock Villa and therein outrightly endorsed the chief host to vie for a second term.

         

In his remark on behalf of the group, the leader of the guests, Bishop John Abu Richard disclosed that the call was informed by the ‘numerous achievements’ recorded thus far under the watch of President Buhari. According to him, within a short while, the president had succeeded in fulfilling his campaign promises.

        

Just the following week, barely a few days after the endorsement, Mr. President publicly declared his interest to oblige the numerous calls to recontest for the number one seat in the forthcoming general elections. The president stated he considered accepting the calls from millions of Nigerians after a deep thought. It’s noteworthy that the declaration had triggered mixed feelings among the Nigerian citizenry, both home and abroad.

       

When I got the news of the ‘Northern pastors’, I couldn’t help but continue to ponder over what the country’s religious institutions had turned into, though the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) had refuted the genuineness of the clerics’ existence. By that display of the so-called Arewa pastors, every discerning mind wouldn’t desist from ascertaining if our religious leaders have abruptly become political gladiators.

       

When did the church begin to campaign for, or throw their weight behind, a certain political aspirant? The main duty of the religious bodies as regards elections is to stand neutral while relentlessly conscientizing the various key players – including the electoral umpire, political parties and the electorate – on the need to play by the rules.

         

In addition, they are – in their capacity – expected to preach to their respective congregants on the need to participate actively in the elections so that they can favourably elect anyone of their choice at the polls. It is their duty to ensure that each of their followers whom has attained the adulthood could boast of the Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC), which remains the only tool that can institute power in their hands.

         

It is equally the duty of the clerics to ensure that their wards aren’t deceived or cajoled by any aspirant or party, as may be the case. It is their civic responsibility to ensure that none of them derails in the long run. Hence, it is not in their calling to tell their followers who they ought to vote for; rather, they are only meant to warn them not to vote against their conscience, or compromise their future just for today’s token.

         

So, endorsing a certain politician to vie for a particular position, even when he was yet to declare his interest to do so, was enough indication to assert that the supposed anointed men of God had derailed. Although I believe so much in Buhari’s ability as a person and leader, but can never be a party to any form of tokenism or sycophancy displayed by his allies under any guise.

       

Now that Mr. President has eventually declared his intention to aspire for a second term, the pertinent question becomes; does he really deserve a continuity bid? Before one could tender an apt answer to the enquiry, there’s need to painstakingly dissect the thus far activity of the present administration.

       

He graciously embarked on a mission in 2015 as the President of Nigeria with the seeming candid motive of considering three key factors as priorities. He vowed to fiercely tackle corruption and insecurity headlong as well as restore the country’s dying economy. So far, every sector seems to have come to a standstill despite the dogged efforts of the government to usher in change as earlier promised.

         

However, we can’t forget in a hurry that the APC-led administration has succeeded in fighting corruption to an extent. The outright introduction of the Bank Verification Number (BVN) and the Treasury Single Account (TSA) are obvious indications. But the problem remains that till date, no single individual or officer had been convicted of any corrupt charges, and that is exactly where the worry of the people lies.

        

Similarly, we can’t equally ignore the fact that terrorism had reasonably been fought in the recent times. Prior to inception of the current administration, the said societal menace was occurring virtually on a daily basis but at the moment, we only hear of it once in a blue moon, although other forms of security challenges had sprang up within the past two years.

         

My optimum concern over the president’s second term bid is his age. We aren’t unaware that age is against him, and handling such a critical and highly demanding position required a heartier Nigerian. It would be recalled that he had remarked earlier, precisely in 2015 “Old age will limit my performance…”

        

Similarly, back in 2011, he declared he would serve for only one term, stating “age is not on my side”.  One, therefore, would wonder what prompted the u-turn seven years after. Well, it’s not unconnected with the fact that anyone who has tasted power wouldn’t like to vomit it.          
        

As much as I candidly wish him well, I urge his Excellency to reexamine himself towards ensuring that he’s truly fit and willing to run, and not based on his allies’ quest. Think about it!

 

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

__________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador