Call To Duty #34

As they cross the Bridge back to their town, Lara and Keji could not but take time to look up the newly constructed bridge.
"Hmmm..."
"What is it my friend?"
"Lara, look at this bridge, who can ever imagine that we as commoners are capable of such a land breaking project?"
"Ah! No one, no one at all not even the Professor or the King!"
"This is why I see that corper as a God sent Angel of prosperity"
"You can say that again my friend. He has changed everything, I mean everything!"
"Yes o!"
"Look at this!" Lara said showing her friend how much money she has made
"All these money, all because of the bridge. No more extortion by the Ferry men, they can go and die for all I care!"
"Haba , Lara! Don't be that wicked!"
"Who is wicked, I or the Ferry men that have been reaping us of virtually all the small profit we make. Especially that old fool, that call himself Baba Ibeji. You won't believe it, the man made advanced at me simply because I was pleading for a discount on the charges he imposed on me. It took the special intervention of Iya Abu who offered to pay the Balance for me. Those men are evil, with this bridge, they will suffer!" Lara Boasted.
"Thank God for Iya Abu, at least, you didn't fall a victim."
"What of those that have, Keji,what of those that have, hmmm...it's not easy. Wallahi, it's not easy o
"I know, but, what can we really do about it, ehn? Look, I'll strongly suggest that we leave that for God to handle, He knows how to deal with them, after all, He created them and only He alone knows how to bring them to book"
"What are you saying, are trying to imply that rapists like those men should be spared when caught in the act?!" Lara is literally boiling by now.
"No o! No way! If they are caught, they should be dealt with according to the laws of the Land. But, we both know that these Ferry men's case are a little different. They don't have to force you to do it, what they do is that they trade a helping hand for sex and if you have no choice, one might just fall victim. Like I said earlier, God has His ways of dealing with such people. I mean, look at this bridge project, you can see in their reactions how uncomfortable they have become from the inception of its construction. Only last week did I hear that Risi that sells jewelries made a mockery of them in the Market. Due to low patronage, Ladi, one of Baba Ibeji's boys offered a 50% discount for a return journey across the river!"
"Ehn! It's a lie"
"Lie ke? It's nothing but the truth!"
"If that's true...then...hmm... I think you are right. God have started dealing with them and they have seen nothing, they have just started. They will beg us to ride for free sef!"
"Laaaraa!!!"
"Wo, leave me jare, those guys are nothing but animals!"
"Well sha, take it easy abeg, we should be showing gratitude to God that have saved us fro them instead of mocking them."
"Let us make jest of them, they haven't been nice at all, let us make jest of them jare!"
"Lara!"
"Hmmm!"
"Lara!"
"Hmmm ah! leave me jare, I dey vex, I dey vex!" Lara shouted as she walked briskly across the Bridge.

____________________________________

"Hmmm...Rachael"
"Yes, dear!"
"You know, God is wonderful"
"Oh, yes, He is!"
"You know, there was a time during our trying period that I lost any hope of getting you back, I mean I was so frustrated!" Kole said as he kissed Rachael on her neck. He had his hands wrapped around her waist from the back.
"Me too, I felt that way too...I felt it was all over and the thought of ever having another relationship looks so bleak."
"Really?"
"Yea! I mean, it was so depressing. I trusted you, I believed in you...I mean...I loved you...or so I thought before Folashade came trashing me silly with her opinion."
"Shade"
"Yea! She met me in the staff room and she was like relationships aren't really all about love and  infidelity. According to the discussion we had that day, I realized that love is not what we actually feel when we say we are in love."
"Ehen?"
"Oh yes!"
"If it's not love, what is it?"
"Lust"
"Lust?!"
"Yea."
"No o...no way!" Kole said as he let go his grip of Rachael's waist
"Kole, let me ask you this question. May God forbid it happening. But, if just a few days after our wedding, we got attacked by armed robbers at home in the middle of the Night and I got raped by their leader who went ahead to pour his seeds in me..."
"Hey, hey! Stop that nonsense! What kind of rubbish is that?!" Kole reacted angrily.
"I'm sorry, but that's why I said..."
"Stop it! I said stop it final!!!"
"Okay!" Rachael said in obedience and walked away. Kole felt sorry after a while and went on to apologise to her. She smiled.
"Baby, you shall be the only man in my life by God's grace,no other man shall lay with me...none ever! But, I understand your reaction and feel proud of it. But, I need to make you get it straight, love relationships are made and held together much more by sense of responsibility than lust that we call love. When you see marriage as a sacred institution ordained by God, you won't leave, no matter the pressure and temptation." She said holding Kole's head for a kiss. She kissed on his lips. Kole sighed and nodded in agreement. They both hugged each other compassionately. Rachael giggled as she slapped Kole gently on the hand with which he had grabbed her butt.

__________________________________

"Ah! Corper! It shall be well with you!"
"Ashe!" Everyone chorused. The King continued praying for the Corper for several more minutes.
"Thank You, Kabiyesi. May God continue to shower more blessing on you and the entire royal family. I can still remember that faithful day, it was you, out of your wisdom that gave the Corper a chance to do so much. Left to us, back then, we would have dealt ruthlessly with him a long time ago. But, today, we are happy and know better." Iyalode announced.
"That's true...very correct! I was particularly angry that day. It's a good thing I didn't have my way that day." Balogun commented laughing.
"Thank you my people. It was God's doing. Ordinarily I should have been the angriest that day, but, some way some how, I was overwhelmed with an unusual calm which kept the temper away. One lesson we must all take away from this though is that no matter what, we shouldn't let anger becloud our sense of reasoning...never!" The King said. Everyone nodded in agreement.
"Ehen, Corper, what brought you here this hour, I don't think we have an appointment, do we?"
"Not at all sir, I had to deliver a very good news to you sir?"
"Mmmm...good news, that's good, let's hear it!" The King urged. The Corper stood up, cleared his throat with a smile on his face.
"Kabiyesi, I am delighted to announce the acquaintance of a new and very important team member."
"Really, who is this new team member?" Iyalode interrupted.
"Iyalode! Allow this boy to talk" Balogun rebuked her. She eyed him mockingly.
"Ehen, Corper, please continue?" Balogun urged.
"Em, yes sir, the new member is none but the Local Government Chairman!" The corper announced loudly. But, to his surprise, for a moment, everyone was silent as though they were still waiting for him to make the announcement. As he was beginning to think that it was a bad idea, the whole palace suddenly exploded with a very loud noise of jubilation. Everyone was happy and were moving around felicitating with one another. The Corper let a big sigh. He was glad it wasn't a mistake after all.

Call To Duty # 33

"Morning sir"
"Ah, Corper, good morning...please, take a seat!" The Chairman gestured him into a chair at his desk.
"Thank you sir"
"You're welcome. I hope you've enjoyed your stay with us so far?"
"Oh yes sir, I have...it's been quite exciting!"
"I see...and how has been your...what do you call that again?"
"CDS...Community Development Service sir"
"Aha! CDS, it's being a while I completed mine. So..."
"I understand sir" Adisa acknowledged with a smile.
"I can see that yours is much more elaborate than any other in the country...it's like you are gunning for the grand price with it ain't you?" The Chairman teased. Both men laughed.
"Actually sir, I wasn't interested in CDS, asin I had no plans embarking on any project. I got into trouble with the King and had used that as an excuse out of the mess"
"Trouble? I don't understand"
"Well...sir...it's a long story sir, really, but in short, I said something about the King's current rankings and how I think he could have gotten it right without resorting to begging of submitting to the Governor's pressure. He somehow got to hear about it and summoned me to his palace...and...that's how it all started sir!" Adisa narrated not quite sure if it was right to do so. The Chairman nodded slowly.
"Wooow! I can imagine how threatening and terrifying the whole thing might be for a little like you standing in front of rather angry elders in another man's land" The Chairman commented. The Corper laughed softly in approval.
"Well, corper, relax, I can see that you are tensed up, don't be, I'm not a foe but a friend. I actually called you to swear my allegiance with you on your developmental efforts, if you need anything that you feel I should be able to handle for you, please, feel free to contact me ASAP! Okay?"
"Oh! Thank you sir...wow! I really appreciate it sir, thank you much!"
"Oh, common, I'm the one that's supposed to be grateful not you. I mean, I joined politics...partially for financial gratification which I agree shouldn't be part of the motivation from the word 'go'...but, you know, man must 'wack na'!" The Chairman explained. The Corper agreed by nodding and smiling softly.
"That's the idea all over sir"
"Yea, but it shouldn't be...it shouldn't be.However, for me, the main reason is to help setup a little system of governance that'll result into a tiny window of extra opportunity for my people...you know? That was what I was doing and so far, I haven't been able to make a head coz...hmmm...the power that be in the state is so greedy that such mission is hopeless...you become an accomplice for their heinous agenda as soon as you join them. You are also afraid of leaving coz, you are afraid of the fact that it is suicidal in nature. Even when you are planning to leave, you can't tell a soul, not even your wife...it was that horrible until you came in my dear." The Chairman continued.
"Me, How? I haven't spent a year here sir!" Adisa inquired as he was surprised of what the Chairman had said. The Chairman laughed.
"You won't understand my dear, even if I explain"
"Please, try me, please, explain sir!" Adisa requested curiosly.
"Okay. Just before the News spread about your numerous town hall meetings with which you had prepared the town for the revolutionary development plans that you have, the Dynasty have been having very nasty times with the Federal government. The Leader was falling out of favor with local authorities all over, but, they dared say it. Some were fed up and have started speaking out but the bulk of them all, especially the Rural Fathers had no choice but to stay put. It was among the politicians that we have a handful showing their anger and enmity. But the moment the News filtered in that a Corps member is driving serious developmental programs home in his place of Primary assignment and he had a rock solid plan to not only bypass the State government but to find the much needed resources within the the town to achieve his goals, people like got inspired by the move and have ever since garnered enough courage to start thinking and acting on our own. We used to think of the Leader and the State government the Almighty powerful, but, with your inspirational re-orientation seminars you have been dishing out to the people of Ijinle, we have been freed from the mental slavery we've bonded to all our lives. As we speak, I'm planning to denounce the Dynasty of the so called Leader and join forces with my people and you to make the Local Government a region to beat in the State and Nigeria as a whole...all thanks to you, my friend!" The Chairman concluded. The Corper was speechless, he would allow the tears of joy he's been concealing while listening to the Chairman roll down his cheeks if he responds. The Chairman saw this.
"Don't worry, you don't have to say anything. Even if you stop contributing today, we can carry on by ourselves and the credits would still be yours! For your information, the Leader, would be receiving a shock of a life time this month end...he won't be getting a dime from me as the Chairman of this Local Government this month!!!"

Call To Duty #32

As the Balogun and the Youth Leader continued to slug it out as to the next project to be executed after the road construction, the King watched the Drama with a lot of excitement as it unfolds. The Professor too, as well as the Corper seem to have decided to be spectators just as the King have decided to be. But, after more than half an hour, the King seems to have had enough.
"Alright, alright, that is enough. Prof, what do you think, which project should we take on to next? Thank God, the Road is almost completed and the revenues just keep on coming in and I honestly don't want to disappoint my people, especially those that have enough faith in me to have supported my dreams and aspirations for the town with their hard earned money!" the King submitted. The Prof was silent for a while.
"Hmmm...well, Kabiyesi, this is, indeed a very sensitive situation. But that doesn't mean that it's complicated. In my opinion, I think we should go for the socio economic development of the town." The Professor replied.
"Hmmm... that's true, the socio-economic development of the people shall translate to more revenues for the Town which in turn means a ceaseless number of projects shall be executed over time. Abi, Corper, don't you agree?" The King asked.
"Oh! I very much do sir. Ever since the beginning of the program,I've had it all worked out in this manner. I cannot but thank God that everything is working out according to plan. The most important part, in my opinion is that everyone is on the same page every time a decision has to be made. No time is lost to lengthy debates as to which way to go. That's an uncommon favour from God Himself!" The Corper commented.
"Glory Be to God. So, where exactly are we starting from?" The King queried.
"May I suggest a bank?" The Corper asked.
"A bank, will that not be too ambitious of us?" Queried the Youth Leader.
"Yes. I think I agree with the Olori Odo" The Professor said.
"But, sir, considering the millions that would start to come in, I want to believe it's the best thing to do now" The Corper argued.
"Don't you think it takes a lot of time, energy and resources to get a bank started especially when we are not in good terms with the state government?" The Professor pointed out. The Corper smiled.
"Not when it is a proposal from a non indigene of the state who has chosen to put his headquarters at the Capital city" the Corper responded. The Professor nodded approvingly. So did everyone in the room.
"Hm! Corper, you are wise!" said the King
"You are wiser your highness." The Corper returned the compliment.

________________________________________________

Keji had just returned from taking the kids to school and had barely entered the kitchen when Akanni pounced on her from the back. They have been kissing and romancing themselves right there in the kitchen when they had a visitor.
"Ah! Thank God!" Keji said as the couple broke away.
"Ehen, thank God abi?" Akanni murmured
"Yes o! Thank God. At least I'm safe for the day"
"Who says, from where? Just stay right there while I go check who is at the door"
"Who else would be at the door if not your friends? Wo, me I dey go market...I'll see you when I return" Keji said mockingly as she rubbed Akanni's left cheek teasingly. Akanni made a face and slapped her voluptuous behind as she walks past him.
"Go and come back, I go catch you tonight!" He threatened as he watched his wife sexily walking away and deliberately shaking her behind to arouse her already frustrated husband. Akanni makes his way slowly to the main entrance as he tries to conceal his very hard erection. Unfortunately for him, Keji guessed right, it was Komolafe and Jamiu that were at the door.
"Akanni - kanni!" Komolafe hails as the duo make their way into the living room.
"Okunrin lo nke si!" Akanni responded
"How far, this one wey you guys come dey block me for house so, hope all is well o?"
"Oh, everything is perfect!" Jamiu assures his host.
"Okay." Akanni acknowledges as he sat down.
"Na your friend I saw for my domot as early as 6:30 am today"
"6:30 ke, kilode?!" Akanni exclaimed. His 2 friends laughed it off.
"Hey, hey, no dey make jest of me fa. Na who really sabi say na this way the whole thing would play out? Nobody, not even you!" Komolafe retorted. His friends took to another round of laughter instead of heeding his warning.
"Omo, if we dey tell you something, make una dey listen!" Akanni told him.
"Abi o. As you have rightly said, we didn't know for sure that the King would perform. But, he's our King for God's sake, we are his people, his only hope and he came all out begging for our support and blessings to his highly ambitious program. The least we can do is give him the element of doubt and support him to see what would come out of it." Jamiu added.
"Okay, it's okay! Enough of the long lectures about loyalty and trust. The good thing is that I've succumbed and played my part" Komolafe said.
"Ehn? Komolafe?!" Akanni was very surprised.
"Na so o! No be im I dey try tell you?!" Jamiu said. The trio kind of jubilated over it with a lot hand shakes in the process and a lot of noise.
"No, no, bro, welcome to the hood" Akanni said jokingly as he stretched out his to shake Komolafe who took the hand shake jokingly too.
"Thank you sir!"
 _____________________________________________

Rachael was making ready for her last class for the day when Kole strolled into the empty and slapped her back side. It jolted her.
"Kai, I don't like it"
"What is wrong with you, stress?"
"Maybe, I don't even know. Just feel like I've heard enough of all these"
"All these, what?"
"The whole thing jare!"
"Oh, babe, common, relax, I've always said it, you need to learn to whine and dine at times. You have finally allowed stress to get the better part of you"
"But, I do rest"
"That's not what we are talking about. As in, when was the last time you let everything go and have fun like a baby?"
"Like a baby?"
"Yea! Like the 10 - 12 years olds in the J.S.S. 1?"
"Never!"
"Now, that's the problem, you should sometimes...that's the true essence of the Holidays. It's a time to ease off all the stress and enjoy yourself to the fullest"
"Even if I'm supposed to do that, where in this village can I do that? Wo, leave me alone jare!" Rachael dismissed. Kole looked stated at her until she realized it. Then he stood up, walked closer to her and then, pull her hands forward.
"Babe, I don't know about you, but, I think we should get real with this our relationship" Kole said. Rachael looked at him surprisingly before hissing and taking her hands back.
"What are we saying, what is he saying?"
"Babe I'm serious!" Kole  affirmed. Rachael paused in her steps.
"Is that a proposal?" Rachael asked without turning back. There was a momentary silence. Racahel was overwhelmed by it and quickly looked back only to see Kole kneeling on one kneel.
"Babe, pls, be my wife!" Kole pronounced with an outstretched hand holding an engagement ring. Rachael was shocked and lost her voice for a long while.
"Will you marry me?" She still couldn't respond, but nodded tearfully pulling him up into a very warm and tight hug.

  

Call To Duty #31

The Chairman has his head buried in some files  in his office when his Personal Assistant bumped in.
"Oga..." He said as he made his way in.
"Is it true that the Governor is trying to get to the King and the Corper?" He asked as he settles in a seat.
"Abi o, na so I see am o!"
"Ehn... what are you going to do about it? Abi..."
"Abi what?" The Chairman asked as he raised his head angrily.
"Sorry sir"
"Don't be...what a pity! I can't stoop that low, Segun. Apart from the fact that it's unholy and immoral, it's degrading indeed! You need to see the Governor talk about the plan, kai, it's so disgusting!" The Chairman said.
"But, sir, is there another way out? I mean if the King is not tackled on time and tamed...ehen...sir, it could spring a revolt which our leader might not be able to handle" Segun submitted. The Chairman stared at him for a moment and then bust into laughter.
"Sir, it's not funny!"
"Oh, it is! I mean...look at you, my P.A. for so many years, you should know better. Can't you see the writing on the wall? The Revolution has begun already.The Leader has lost it! Throughout the years, the secret weapon, as in, the secret tool by which the Dynasty was built and built upon is selective generosity of the Leader to the people."
"Selective generosity?"
"Yes, 'chop make I chop' style of government. He is the godfather that has been fighting tooth and nail to serve the people despite the inadequate flow of resources... this is how the people see him and they have been praising him for his philantropic gestures especially when the state finds it difficult to pay salaries" The Chairman explains. His P.A. giggled along as he was talking because they both know that the tale is a mere make - believe story that the state government have been selling to the illiterate majority of the state.
"Why are you laughing now?"
"I'm sorry sir...please continue"
"You laugh because we both know that this is not true. We both know that the greatest hindrance to development in the state is the Leader and his political machinery that we are, unfortunately, part of...we joined because we thought we had no choice. But, that boy just proved us all wrong. He has taken the initiative and the spring board of the NYSC to launch a land breaking revolution against the status quo. The boy is in my good books." the Chairman confessed.
"Is that why you are not partaking in the Palace coup?" the P.A. queried.
"No oooo! No way!" The Chairman responded shaking his head and making a 'no' gesture with his hands. Then he gasped.
"You know...I didn't take part in the Governor's plan because, the plan will fail, what am I saying sef? It has failed already!"
"Fail?"
"Yes!"
"How, have you warned the governor about it?" Segun was worried.
"Relax, my friend! Yes, I did warn him, but, he still wants to go ahead with the plan."
"But, why?"
"Ah-ah, because he didn't see what I've seen. He thinks the Dynasty is still as invincible as it used to be..."
"Is it not?" Segun interrupted out of curiosity.
"Unfortunately, my friend, the Dynasty is withering away slowly. Before it comes caving in, we should all be putting a plan 'B' in place." The Chairman replied a rather very confused Segun.
"I...I...don't understand sir..." he stammered. The Chairman stood up from his work to join his P.A. on the other side of his desk.
"Let me ask you, in your neighborhood, like how many people do you know that speaks well of the current dispensation?"
"Mmmm...I get your point. We are no longer commanding the kind of respect we used to command. But, does that matter?"
"You will answer the question yourself very soon. When you are loosing face, when you are loosing respect and still refuse to stop doing what is making you loose face, what do you think will happen with time?"
"Ah!"
"My brother, the Dooms day is fast approaching,we had better make ready for it!"
"How do we do that and...how close are we to it?"
"As close as the next electioneering year"
"What?! Haba! I'm sorry sir, but I disagree!" Segun said laughing sarcastically.
"The Elections are just 15 months away and as it stands, more and more people are talking and blowing really hot online. Many opposition groups have sprung up most of which have members that are taking the fight to their immediate communities. They continue to expose the many ways the Dynasty is bleeding the state. We have started feeling the effects of these activities every now and then when we appear at a function or the other. Aren't you a witness and almost a victim of a little scuffle at the fundraising diner party at the 'La Porche' hotel?"
"Yes...I wassss" Segun remebers.
"Okay. Now, this one...the Royal scuffle!" The Chairman added. Segun sank into his seat very worried.
"But sir...sir..." He stammered and gasped in disgust.
"Are you still in doubt?"
"No sir...yes sir!" Segun answered, confused. The Chairman laughed.
"I hope you haven't forgotten that we are no longer in terms with the Federal Government who controls all the organs of both security and elections?"
"Hmmm..."
"This means that in the forthcoming elections, we shall be participating based mainly on our popularity which we no longer have, do we, well, are you still doubting the fall of the Dynasty?"
"But sir, are you saying there's no hope?"
"Of course, there's hope. It's just that the leader is too proud to stoop low enough to do the needful"
"What is that sir"
"Oh, it's easy, by making up with old enemies, saying the words 'I am sorry, I won't do that again' to the people in general, the restoration of the dignity of those that have been hurt, the King of Ijinle for instance and showing serious signs of change in the way business is done. With these and more, the Dynasty might still stand a chance to stay afloat!"
"Eh!"
"What is it, do you think the Leader is ready to do all that?" The Chairman asked.Segun shook his head slowly.
"I didn't think so either!"       

Call to Duty #30

Akanni was filling a customer's tyre when his friend, Komolafe came visiting. Akanni apologized to him and assured that he'll soon be with him. By the time he was done, Komolafe could hardly control himself.
"Ehen...what is this thing I'm hearing about Jamiu becoming a contractor over night"
"Contractor...oh! That!" Akanni said as he sat down adjacent his friend.
"Yea...he got awarded the contract of supplying the King foodstuffs"
"Supply of foodstuffs including rice, beans and yams, abi?"
"Yea, what's the big deal?"
"Oh, you don't know what the big deal is, right? Your friend is taking out my customers and..."
"No, no, no, your customers, which one of your customers did he take?"
"The King of course!"
"The King?"
"Yes! Do you know how long I've been trying to penetrate the Palace?" Komolafe lamented. Akanni was silent for a while and then busted to laughter.
"Now, what's funny about this?"
"Oga Ade, relax. The King, is not your customer, he's Jamiu's?"
"What do you mean, how?"
"Well, he told me all about it. He woke up on a faithful Saturday to the message of the King. On getting to the Palace, he got the greatest shock of his life"
"A shock?"
"Yes, you won't believe it, the King actually called him to give him the job."
"The job, what job?"
"Which other, the food stuff supply of course!"
"You mean..."
"Yes! Remember the Royal levy?"
"Yes...I remember, what does that have to do with anything here?"
"Everything"
"Really?"
"Oh yes. Unknown to us all, the King and his royal council have decided to reward and encourage those that have agreed to pay the Royal fee by the provision of employment for as many as they can. In the case of my friend, Jamiu, luck smiled at him when the former suppliers of the King were among those that have refused to pay the Royal levy. The King decided to show his disappointment to them by deciding to change them. The Olori Odo was the one that suggested Jamiu to the King. After a few rounds of supply which was more of a kind of test by the King, Jamiu won the secret competition. Ever since the incident, Jamiu have been extremely busy. So busy that he hardly come to see me." Akanni explained as Komolafe listened very attentively still looking surprised.
"Nawa o!" He commented as he leaned back in his seat.
"You, what about you,did the King remember you too?"
"Of course! I supply fresh fruits and vegetables to the King's Kitchen thanks to Jamiu!"
"Ehn?"
"Yes o!" Akanni responded as he too leaned back in his own seat too. Komolafe was speechless. all he did was to nod his head as he sat there thinking.

_______________________________________________

Rachael and Kole were in the world of their own. They were there in Kole's room romancing and kissing passionately when Adisa knocked at the door. They both quickly adjusted as Kole asked as too who is at the door?
"I'm sorry, am I disrupting something?" Adisa asked as he poked his head into the room.
"Of course not! Please, come on in!" Rachael responded.
"Thank you." Adisa said as he made his way in.
"Adisa - disa! The Prince! How far na?" Kole hailed. Adisa gave a wide smile as he settles in one of the 2 chairs in the room.
"Prince ko, prince ni! I've come here as regards to the update in the data base as we agreed. Were you able to effect the change?"
"Ah-ah, you should trust me now! I did it as soon as I reached the office yesterday from the field"
"Okay."
"But, guy, I dey fear una o!"
"Fear ke? Abegi no fear me o! I no be fighter o!"
"O'boy! You be fighter! I swear!!"
"Omo, kai! You are deep, very deep. Omo...it's like opening a door where there no door in existence before. I mean, it's like you created the door with locks on and opened it as if it was not locked...the best part is that the door is heading to paradise!" Kole said. Adisa and Rachael laughed heartily.
"No be me o. Na God and then, you guys!"
"Ehn...no wahala na! We thank God" Kole said.
"With the way everything is going, Ijinle town would soon be competing with the Capital in terms of infrastructure" Rachael said.
"Ameen o! It's my prayer that the State and Local Government won't find the developments offensive"  Adisa commented.
"Who cares? In fact, they should hide away their faces in shame if you ask me!" Kole responded.
"That's true, but, that's not the case. Remember the visit of the Chairman to the Z.I. ,remember how much hell we went through before we were able to gain the support and the consent of the Z.I. again ?"
"Yes I do"
"Something tells me that we haven't seen it all, I have a hunch about their recent silence over the project."
"Okay, so what are we going to do about it?"
"We have to make adequate provision for security...security is key to the success of this project. It must be protected and guided jealously. I think we need to put in our own security system!" Adisa responded.
"I agree, I think you sould discuss this with the others" Kole noted
"Oh yes of course, that we would do before it's too late" Adisa assured.
"Okay...I wish you luck!" Rachael said. Adisa laughed.
"Thank you" he responded.

Call To Duty #29

"Chairman, is it true?"
"True, what?"
"That your king is employing based on the payment of the royalty fee he's illegally collecting?"
"Yes sir, it is true...but... who told you about it? I just confirmed the matter last night and was coming to report it in person." The Local Chairman was shocked.
"Forget that please, tell me, how he's able to do that considering that he is still a third class king. Where is the money coming from?" The Governor inquired. The Chairman laughed.
"Now, I know that you have underestimated the potentials of the King of Ijinle town. He's smart, intelligent and very ambitious. What he lacked all this while was a sense of direction which he has finally found, courtesy of the Corper?" The Chairman explained. The governor was silent for a while, he started dashing up and down his office. Then, he suddenly stopped and turned around to face his spectator who has been watching him dashing around since.
"Chairman, I've been thinking, can't we...you know...coarse him...you know?" The Governor muttered. The Chairman squinted his eyes thoughtfully for a while then shook his head  disapprovingly.
"Your Excellency, I'm sorry, that won't work. Haba! you know who we are up against now! This is the guy who was heavily sanctioned by the abandonment of all state projects in his domain and worse still, he was denied his promotion for the second time to a second class king, what did we get? Nothing but a higher level of defiance and his people are still backing him up strongly!"
"May be we should dethrone him!"
"How are we going to do that?"
"We can always think of something, you know?"
"Hmmm...nope! I still don't think it's a good idea"
"What is wrong with you, why are you being so antagonistic?" The Governor was mad.
"Your excellency, I beg you, calm down. This matter requires a lot of care, we just can't afford any further mistake. Please, bear with me, it's for the best. We can't afford to loose out on Ijinle town. That community is a hot spot for us!"
"I know, but can't you see that's it's slipping away already?"
"The more reason we cannot afford to take rash decisions concerning the town."
"Well, I just bore my mind on the matter, do you have a better idea because if you don't, that guy is a gonner"
"Your Excellency, the people..."
"I don't care what the people say! If he is not for us, then, he is against us and whomever is against us must go!" The Governor roared. The Chairman shook his head in disapproval.
"Your excellency, I need time, give me time to think this over. Like I said earlier, I came here to inform you formally of the newest developments. Now that you are informed, I'll urge you to show restraint, we can't afford the consequences of another rash decision here. I'll surely get back to you pretty soon okay?!" The Chairman begged. The Governor sighed.
"What is going on Chairman, this is so funny. The opposition party is no longer our biggest threat. It is now a King, a king we literally feed!"
"That was then, sir, we no longer feed him, yet, he still manages to survive without us! You should have listened to me, the Leader should have listened. Now he has grown from being a sheep into a roaring lion. You cannot deal with a lion as you do with a sheep, can you?"
"Oh yes, we can. If a sheep's transformation into a lion makes him misbehave, he might have to answer to our guns!" The Governor declared. The Chairman laughed.
"No hunter dares to shoot a lion in his pride. He would rather creep into hiding for the safety of his dear life and would use the gun as a means of defense as he creeps away from the presence of the Pride!" The Chairman retorted.
"Your Excellency, if you make any funny move behind my back on this matter, you can as well count me out of any further discussions on the matter. The King of Ijinle town, you may not know, is enjoying a very huge home support from his people. We left him hanging for too long for him to fear us anymore. As far as he is concerned, we no longer exist. He has no use for us which is true.We are the ones that need him now. Unless we do something fast, we won't be getting a single vote from the whole town. we both know what that means, don't we? Ijinle town is a role model in the area, there are so many villages and towns in the Local Government that look up to the King of Ijinle for guidance and leadership. Wherever Ijinle goes, they go. Unless we make peace with the King, we are definitely going to loose in the coming election season." The Chairman submitted. The Governor gave a big sighed as he sunk into one of the 3 seater chairs in his office.
"So, if I get you clearly, we can't dethrone him?"
"Yes sir!"
"Then, what should we do? He has just successfully created a parallel government. I mean, he collects taxes, embark on projects and now, he is employing people to work!" The Governor asked.
"We would mend fences with him"
"Mend fences, is that the best you can do?"
"Your Excellency! That's the best we can do!We have lost the battle. It's time to wade in and manage the situation. We need to salvage the situation before it goes worse. If we join hands with him now, we still stand a chance. But, if we don't, we shall loose out not only in Ijinle town but the state as a whole!"
"The state? You must be kidding!"
"Oh! I'm dead serious! People would start to spot the difference, the Independence of Ijinle and would start to inquire as to how he did it. Before you know, copy cat effects would start to emerge statewide. By then, things would have gone way beyond repairs and the Dynasty of our leader will fall and we shall fall along with it!"  The Chairman bellowed. The Governor didn't like what he heard.
"Ah ha! I said it!"
"Said what?"
"That you have betrayed us!"
"What?!"
"Don't bother, I have everything recorded. The Leader must hear of this! You dare open your mouth, gbagam, to prophesy the doom and fall of the Leader's dynasty, how dare you?!" The Governor accused the Chairman who is already on his kneels.
"Ha! Your excellency, I didn't mean it that way..."
"How did you mean it? You questioned the authority of the Leader about his sanction on the King of Ijinle...abeg, tell me, what would happen if the Leader ask me to dethrone him, what would happen, what can anyone, even you do about it?"
"Nothing!" The Chairman agreed he had started sweating profusely despite the fact that the air condition of the room was still blaring very cold air around the room.
"Better watch your tongue! Who would believe that you were the one talking about a lion becoming untouchable for the hunter not long ago? Get up, my friend!"
"Let me remain on my kneels sir"
"Get up jor!"
"I should get up?"
"Get up!"
"Thank you sir!" The Chairman thanked the Governor.
"So...when do you say you'll get back to me?"
"Ah! No sir, whatever you say?"
"Whatever I say?"
"Ehn...whatever you say!" The Chairman was still jittery.
"Chairman! Hahaha!"
"Yes sir!"
"Don't worry, your secret is safe with me. But em, why do you think it's impossible to dethrone the King. I mean, once he's dethroned, we can put anyone of our choice in place and the whole matter is buried forever. Or...maybe we should...you know cancel him...as in kill him...what do you think?"
"Whatever you say sir"
"Whatever I say?"
"Yes sir!"
"Ah-ah! Nawa o! Chairman!"
"Yes sir!"
"Tor"  
 

Call To Duty #28

"Akanni, Jamiu, where are you coming from?" Komolafe asked his friends.
"Ah! No vex ore, we had to reach the Palace to drop our royalties with the King" Jamiu replied. Komolafe laughed.
"Don't mind me jare, I've forgotten that you one of the very mumu's that are left in this town.You need to see how a stubborn goat like you guys was disgraced in my neighbourhood this morning. But, knowing him for who he is, I know he would still see it through. But, ah, ore, the embarrassment was so horrible that his wife wept for him.He had to force his wife and grown up kids to pay the royalties because, left to his kids and wives, known of them would be paying the yeye levy"! Komolafe narrated. His friends shook their heads pitifully for him.
"Eh, na so e be my friend, all of us cannot be wise, the society would not be complete without fools like us." Akanni said
"Abi!" Jamiu commented mockingly.
"Shall we go straight to business?" Akanni suggested.
"Sure! why not?" Komolafe agreed. The three friends settle down and Akanni opened the minute book of their meeting.

_____________________________________________________

"Kole, how far ?"
"Omo not too far jare, I dey kampe!"
"As you know that we are gradually coing to the end of our service year here in Ijinle, I was wondering if you wouldn't mind to stay back and work with us... you know... for a while?" Adisa asked. Kole smiled knowingly.
"Adisa, you are funny o! Anyway how much are you willing to pay for my service, what makes you think you can afford the services of a graduate? As an Economist, a graduate of the Prestigous Obafemi Awolowo University of Ife my take home would not be less than N100K per month with a befitting living quaters and an official car among other benefits!" Kole Bragged. Adisa could not hide his surprised with his eyes wide open.
"Ah! Oga, no vex, I was thinking that you wouldn't mind working with us now and getting paid later. I was thinking that you'll be able to to delay gratification for a little while our efforts starts to bear fruits. I'm very sorry for disturbing your peace...it...won't happen again. Sorry!" adisa said and turned back.
"Ah ah, bros, them no dey shakara una ni?"
"As how, you call that shakara?"
"Yes now, you don't expect me to just give in like that now...okay, how much you won pay?" Kole asked.
"N20 K"
"Ehn?! Money for wetin be that?"
"Ah-ah, for your upkeep na! Look, if e no reach you, no wahala, make I dey waka..."
"Ah-ah..." Kole pulls adisa back by the arm.
"Your shakara sef do dey too much, omo, twenty bay...on top all the suffer suffer wey I suffer school? Haba, that one no fair now! Make, make you try adjust small...as in add something now and make your boy happy!" Kole urged him.
"Okay, thirty bay, last!"
"Ha! Thirty bay..."
"Yes! No more, no less!" Adisa declared. even though he's not too happy about it, Kole was glad that he's getting a head start
'At least that would be enough to keep soul and body together in the mean time.' he thought.
"Okay o...chairman, I don hear o!"
"You hear or you gree"
"No be the same thing, shooooo, I tire for you o!"
"No be the same thing abeg, this is business care must be taken in everything. O'boy, Rachael go dey useful too o! You talk am for am?" Adisa asked.
"Which kain tin be that, abi you won put personnel manager join the one wey you won give me?"
"How you dey talk like that? You know say, I no sabi am reach you and i know say she go quickly gree if you talk to am than when anyone else does...please na" Adisa begged Kole who is already rubbing his cheek mischievously.
"Ehn...no wahala na...so...how much you go give me?"
"As how?" Adisa with a frown.
"Ehn, how you go dey frown your face like that...no be job you give, abi when e don become a crime to get paid for a job?" Kole asked. Adisa was furious. He hissed.
"You no serious!" He said angrily as he turns away. Kole pulled him back laughing.
"Nawa for you o! Them no dey play with you? Kai! You too like money!" Kole teased.
"Anyway, Rachael is staying back with me. You should know now...we are both like the snail and it shell...no snail leaves it's shell behind, okay? So, calm down it's a done deal. But, you go find something for her too o!"
"That one no be problem. You should understand by now, that I no fit do you guys bad. I deliberately asked that you guys be included if you show interest. I did this knowing fully well that you no get anything at home to keep you busy just like myself. Although I couldn't tell for Rachael, Shade already made me realize it that we are in the same category in the regard so ..."
"You decided to ask from me, her boyfriend?" Kole chipped in jokingly.
"Exactly!" Adisa agreed. Kole was happy to hear that and showed off with a knowing smile and a slow proud rub of his bare chin.
"It's okay, I'll talk to her and i know she'll agree. Just make sure you keep your side of the bargain"
"Oh, you can count on that!"

_____________________________________________

"Keji, is it possible?"
"What?"
"All the things the things the Balogun and Iyalode said"
"Why not? I believe it is very possible if they are have sincerity of purpose. But how many have that today, Omolara?"
"Ehn? I hope you are not insinuating that ..."
"I'm not insinuating anything my friend. It's just that it is hard to come by anyone in this country of ours that would be that faithful. as Yoruba would say, 'Bi a ba lowo lowo, iwa oniwa lama nwu' (meaning: the true character of a man is manifest only when he becomes a man of means)"
"Hmmm...you are right ore mi!"
"This however, does not mean that they wouldn't do anything. They would, my prayer is tat they should do more work than embezzlement"
"Amin ore mi" Lara responded.
"Ehen...don't forget that tomorrow is the D- day...this one that you come to work late these days...hm! Nawa o! My just be careful!" Lara said jokingly. Keji laughed.
"Don't mind me. I won't let that happen tomorrow. I would not sleep in the room tonight and I would be wearing like 3 shorts altogether!" Keji said. The two friends laughed heartily as they make there way back to their place of work.