Epilogue

It was the campaign year again, a season created in the national calendar with the sole purpose of filling beguiling people with empty promises while playing nice. A soft word here, a seemingly honest look that says I feel your pain, and I would look into it, was all he needed to do to woo over their greedy minds and then earn their votes.

God knows He hated the campaign season, bloody leeches all moving around looking for their share of the national Cake. From self-centered religious leaders to predictable social leaders and the most dangerous sets of all, heartless community chiefs, all waiting for their chance for some subtly ass-kissing and some silent palm greasing.

He took a quick look at the mammoth crowd in front of him, “Poor gullible morons” he thought with a smile “All out in the hot sun, searching for a hope that is right within their grasp, but they would ignorantly trade it for a morsel of empty promises. It is still a wonder how they never seem to learn that the real champ here was them. But, hey, if they did learn that, he would out of a job”

His attention shifted to the man standing on the stage, "The honorable Party Chairman” the Revered man of God and a highly respected individual in the society. He could not help the naughty smirk that cropped upon his face “Revered my foot, If only the crowd listening to him knew what a chronic pedophile he is, along with his many gambling acts and a master con artistry, well he was not the only one with such loud qualities. Most of the people seated around him are the top de la cream of one vile activity or another. However, the irony of it all was they are the respected leaders of a nation. “God must be having a hearty laugh on his throne right now. Oh, snap, it is time to switch on the servant leader countenance.
It was at that moment he had the Party Chairman announce, And now I give to you the man of the hour, the man right for the job, a man tested and trusted to take our nation forward. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you His Excellency President Oluwaseun Abubakar”.

The crowd went into wild jubilation, with screams and different sounds of shouts. He wasn’t budged, he knew most of them were just paid crowd doing their job “Again, what a fraud, we all are”

It has been 6months since the election took place, and it seemed everything was back to normal. However, a lot had taken place for him to get back to the Government house. Some deals had to be agreed to, some promises that had to be consented to, not forgetting the ungodly rites of passage he had to go through, all in a bid to make the common man on the street voluntarily give their votes.
"If only wishes were horses."
The election was seriously contested, his political opponent had spent all the weapons in his arsenal to get him out of the Statehouse.
“Poor sod, if only he knew that the people he was fighting for were a bunch of greedy, selfish human beings just out to get what they wanted while painting the "voice of the masses" picture. Hypocrites, he thought, well he was one of them.”
He got the close win by using his secret weapon. All he did was some serious political arm-wrestling coated with some illegal blackmailing to get his opponent off the good graces of the people. “It was no easy feat at all, and boy did he have some names on the to-do list. Bloody backstabbers thinking they could do him in.” As he sat behind his work desk taking his early morning coffee, President Oluwaseun Abubakar took a quick look at the news bits in front of him.
The Statehouse press office had done a detailed summary of all the headlines from all the national dailies so the president could be kept abreast of all the important happenings around the country. It was like the early morning dose of horrendous pill swallowing ensued with unwanted challenges that would do its best to distract him from his political objectives. “So what drama does the nation have for him this wonderful morning?”
“Hmmm, another youth shot dead by overzealous Anti-Robbery squad, When will these idiots learn? Riling the people up at this time of the year was not going to do any good to an already angered populace, dealing with economic hardship. I should schedule a meeting with the Police chief, He thought as he took a bite of the buttered Swiss biscuit.

‘Good morning Mr. President” said his chief of staff as she stepped into his office

“Good Morning Uduak, have you seen the news bits this morning?” asked the president

“Oh that is why I am here, we will be having a very busy day today” She replied

“Okay let me have it”

“Well this morning you have a meeting with the Minister for Finance and the Guvnor of the Central Bank”

“Those two arrogant slobs’ He grunted

“Arrogant or not, they are both in charge of the Nation’s financial house and we need to have them happy and committed” She Supplied with a smile on her face

“That doesn’t mean we cannot find other seasoned professionals that can do a better job without being a constant source of politically draining headaches”

“Mr. President, need I remind you that, they were both nominated for you by the League of Former Head of States and they also represent the interest of the core north”

“Hmm,” He said while taking a sip from his coffee mug “Is there anyone on our team that was appointed by merit and not by political or cultural affiliation”

‘Well, we have the Minister for science and technology, whom we selected to assuage the ego of the educational scholars.”

“That blithering idiot with his unrealistic science projects, at least he gives us something to laugh about, so what else?”

“You also have a meeting with the Governor of the Kigawa State; he is here to talk to you about the international airport project for his state’

“International Airport? Why in the bloody hell will that state with little or no economic activities need an international airport, do they want to start exporting Islamic Scholars”
“Ermmm, we promised to give them the airport, it was one of our campaign promises to the people of the state.”
“ We did?” he asked with a dazed look on his face “what they need is to flush out those one too many Islamic factions in the state, do away with those sick religious leaders and focus more on agriculture and renewable energy.”
Uduak could not control herself and burst out laughing, “Please Mr. President, whatever you do, don’t let them see this countenance of yours, we don’t want another political division.”
“So what would you have me do?
“Kiss his ego and let him know the Economic team is working at it” She supplied
“Hmmm, did you read the bit about the police shooting and the dead youth?” Inquired Mr. President
“Oh that,” She said with her usual look of how is that news ”The youth need to know their place in the society, playing nigga nigga and dressing like wannabe gangster only puts them in the wrong pic.”
And how does that help our plan” The president asked looking at her from the rim of his coffee mug “ You don’t think that stepping on the toes of an angry nation puts more strain on achieving our aim”
“Mr. President, I do understand your point of view but look at this way, a strong law enforcement arm keeps the citizens at bay. So let’s allow the police to do their job while we do ours”
“I disagree with you and that’s final, get the Chief of Police in here today. I need to talk to him. Next?
“The Vice President has also requested to have a brief meeting with you, something about the Economic recovery roadmap”
“Hmm, I forgot about that but then I don’t think I am eager to implement a program that would benefit another person’s administration”
“Pardon me, Mr. President, Even if such program would impact positively on the lives of the average citizen and pull the nation away from the third world country ranking? Uduak asked with scorn on her face
“Forgive me Uduak for sounding selfish but ask yourself what does the average citizen wants, a comfortable life with all they can enjoy now or a bearable life with the hope of a brighter future?”
“The Now syndrome”
“Exactly, the now syndrome - No one wants a futuristic solution that would take away the bread off his table all in the hope of a better tomorrow, Moreover I only have 3yrs to be in office, so a 10yrs recovery plan is not going to cut it”
“Noted Mr. President”
“So what is so important that you had to disturb my morning”

“Erm, there has been a leak”

“Leak? What leak?”

“Remember our dealings with the rebel force from the neighboring country”

“Oh That”

“Yes that, an incriminating evidence has just surfaced and it’s all over the dailies”

“Go On”

She stood up from the chair and presented him with the news dailies “There”

“Ubima Genocide, Prosecuting Counsel to present new evidence that implicates Government officials.”

“How did this happen?”

“I don’t know for now but our sources claim that the leak was from our end”

Feeling Agitated, the president stood from behind his desk and walked to the office window “Get me the Director of Secret Police, and I also want a word with the Chief Press Secretary”

“Yes Mr. President”

“And Uduak, reach out to the Un-ruled, we need to have a sit down immediately.

Once she was gone, the President took some deep breaths, He knew who the leak was, and “That pompous arrogant bastard had lived up to his threat.” He walked back to his desk and opened the left secret drawer. From there he pulled out a green folder and placed it on his desk “Well, Well Mr. Snitch, let’s get this party started”

Ven. Jite Edobor was not one to give in easily to fear but he had time seriously running against him. As He drank yellow peach juice from a tall glass as he stood in the sun. His toes were sunk into wet pebbled sand, and water licked his bare feet and rose to his ankles, nearly touching the fabric of his slacks, which he’d pulled up to his shins to keep dry. Ven. Jite did not look like a beachgoer. He wore a white pinpoint oxford shirt and a regimental tie, and he held his sport coat over his shoulder with a crooked finger while he gazed out to sea, across blue-green water that shone under the noon sun. It was a beautiful day. He caught himself wishing he came here more than once a year. A voice called from behind. “Mazi?” It was one of his many titles, but this one was a title from his ancestral hometown, and though he was the chair of the ruling political party, his staff put his traditional title well above his role as Chairman of the CIC Party. He liked it that way, it gave him an odd feel of connection with his ancestors and the dominance they had over others during their time.
He ignored the voice, and now he regarded two gray police gunships in the water just a mile or so offshore. A pair of Type 062C coastal patrol boats sat motionless on the still water, their incredible machine guns pointed skyward. They looked powerful, impressive, and ominous. However, to Ven. Jite they looked inadequate. It was a big ocean, a big sky, both were full of threats, but he knew his death was not coming from any of those places; his death was going to come from within.
It has been six months since election year and in those six months; he has had to deal with one political coup or the other, all channeled towards getting him off the seat as the Party’s chair, not that he was surprised, he had expected it to happen but not so damn quick. Following the last general meeting of the party and the latest assassination attempt on his life, the president had told him squarely that he was on his own. ‘’Bloody self-servicer, after all I have done for him’’, he muttered angrily. With that useful information, he has started up some fires here and there to keep the polity busy, and now it was time to initiate the main course meal.
With the several death threat and angered party chieftains, it was suggested that more strategic decisions affecting the party and the members should be decided in the small meeting rooms in the party's building among the beach houses in Lagos, rather than the Nation's capital. Security had been tight at this year’s Standing Committee retreat, just to intimidate anyone planning to create trouble. Moreover, there was good reason for the extra protection, he had just managed to retain his hold on power for the next six months, and He intends to put that to good use.
Though most of the coup plotters had either been flushed out or suspended. However, many of their associates are very much in positions of high authority within the party structure. And He feared that the next attempt to take over his seat might be more devastating than the first.
As he stood at the water’s edge, the voice from behind called again. “Mazi” this time around he turned in the direction of the person calling him, there he found the man calling out among the phalanx of security guards surrounding him. It was Tobi, his secretary.

“It’s time?”
“Yes, Mazi. I just received word that the Generals are here.”
“And the Senators?”
They are all waiting in the meeting room. We should get back.”

Jite nodded. He would have liked to stay out here all day in his slacks and sleeves. Nevertheless, he had work to do, and this work would not keep.
He began walking up the beach, back to his obligations.

He could sense the tension in the room as he entered. His visitors were all bundled up in little groups based on their political differences “Nigerians, divided we are, united we shout”. Already on their seats and calmly waiting were the old generals, despite being out of power for over two decades now, these men have managed to stay relevant and influential with each democratic dispensation that passed by. “Why wouldn’t they, they had business and personal interest that needs to be protected at all cost.
On the far end of the meeting room was the senate president and his colleagues, “the powerhouse of the nation’s legislatures”. Not too far away were the three richest men in the country “The money bags”. Well, it seems everyone that he needs is here.
“Gentlemen, you are welcome, please have your seats”

Ven Jite stood back and waited on everyone to have their seats, he took a quick read of the temperature in the room, "he will need to concentrate more on the Generals, the senators were easier to handle especially with the package he had in store for them."

“Generals, thank you for coming, I know how busy your schedule is but thank you for honoring my invitation, and distinguished Senators, thank you for coming and for honoring the nation’s call”

He could see the change in their countenance, with that little greeting he had been able to fatten up their ego and prepare them for the message. He made a slight nod to his Secretary, who immediately started passing out the electronic pads to the people in the room.

“Gentlemen, our nation is in danger, the very fabric of this nation is about to be torn to shreds and the founding dream flushed down to oblivion

“As you all know, our nation is neck-deep in financial debts, Terrorism is on the rise and we are looking at a nation that will soon be on her knees, getting seriously bleeped by all that cares to have a taste”

“The neighboring countries are all out for a piece of our national pride, the international community is waiting on the long-predicted implosion and in over 60yrs of our independence we have never a nation so divided against itself as we do today”

“If you would take a look at the e-pads before you, you will see the latest report on the country’s economy from KPMG; the report shows that our nation’s economy is expected to shrink by 14.5% annually for the next decade”

“This means that for the next 10yrs, we will be watching our beloved nation go down the drain and if we don’t get to work right now, we would all be seeing our physical and political assets gradually go into extinction”

Still holding their gaze, Mazi Jite calmly walked to join the men seated in front of him

“With that information at hand, we could both pack up our bags and transfer all our assets to foreign bank accounts”
He got a general grunt from the people in the room
“Or we could do the unusual, save the nation and become forever living heroes, we could become Immortals” Ven Jite Supplied

“I am sorry Mazi Jite but this is no new news, the economic committee has been looking at possible options to mitigate against the country's gradual decline into recession” Supplied one of the senators.

“And did that committee inform you as the chairman, that it might just be a pipe dream as we currently have a negative credit rating with the international financial institution?

Just after we missed the last loan repayment” supplied one of the Generals.

“We did?” asked the Senate President in shock “But there was an executive order that the funds should be withdrawn from the Emergency Account, What happened?”

“Well for one, the finance minister forgot to inform you that his ministry cannot account for over $50billion in the Nation’s Emergency Funds Account.”

“And I am sure you do have the details to where that money is” Inquired Alh. Ilela, the richest man in the country.

“Alhaji, it would interest you to know that the money was used by pay the rebels that shut down your multibillion-dollar factory in Cameroun, And it would also interest you to know General Toju that part of the funds was used to force you and your business associates out of the Nation’s ports”

Yes, that struck a nerve, he could the brief winch of pain on the face of the generals and one of the billionaires “We all know how much that cost the conglomerate.”
“Oh we do, that cocky bastard cost us a fortune” Supplied Chief Amadi, the second richest man in the country.

“And Senator Richard, it may interest you to know that part of that fund was used to finance the campaign of your opponent, I need not remind you of the effort I had to put in place to avert your lose.”

The Senate President gave a slight nod in acknowledgment of what the Party Chairman just said.
“So what do you have in mind Mazi Jite? “Asked one of the generals.

“Gentlemen slide to page 72 on your iPad, I am sure you will like what you see.”

He did not have to wait too long, the looks on the faces of those around him told him that he was on the right path, he had gotten what he wanted. “All was now in motion”.

Following bumper to bumper

This is interesting. Let's go please. Finish it.

Gentilhommie:
He could sense the tension in the room as he entered. His visitors were all bundled up in little groups based on their political differences “Nigerians, divided we are, united we shout”. Already on their seats and calmly waiting were the old generals, despite being out of power for over two decades now, these men have managed to stay relevant and influential with each democratic dispensation that passed by. “Why wouldn’t they, they had business and personal interest that needs to be protected at all cost.
On the far end of the meeting room was the senate president and his colleagues, “the powerhouse of the nation’s legislatures”. Not too far away were the three richest men in the country “The money bags”. Well, it seems everyone that he needs is here.
“Gentlemen, you are welcome, please have your seats”

Ven Jite stood back and waited on everyone to have their seats, he took a quick read of the temperature in the room, "he will need to concentrate more on the Generals, the senators were easier to handle especially with the package he had in store for them."

“Generals, thank you for coming, I know how busy your schedule is but thank you for honoring my invitation, and distinguished Senators, thank you for coming and for honoring the nation’s call”

He could see the change in their countenance, with that little greeting he had been able to fatten up their ego and prepare them for the message. He made a slight nod to his Secretary, who immediately started passing out the electronic pads to the people in the room.

“Gentlemen, our nation is in danger, the very fabric of this nation is about to be torn to shreds and the founding dream flushed down to oblivion

“As you all know, our nation is neck-deep in financial debts, Terrorism is on the rise and we are looking at a nation that will soon be on her knees, getting seriously bleeped by all that cares to have a taste”

“The neighboring countries are all out for a piece of our national pride, the international community is waiting on the long-predicted implosion and in over 60yrs of our independence we have never a nation so divided against itself as we do today”

“If you would take a look at the e-pads before you, you will see the latest report on the country’s economy from KPMG; the report shows that our nation’s economy is expected to shrink by 14.5% annually for the next decade”

“This means that for the next 10yrs, we will be watching our beloved nation go down the drain and if we don’t get to work right now, we would all be seeing our physical and political assets gradually go into extinction”

Still holding their gaze, Mazi Jite calmly walked to join the men seated in front of him

“With that information at hand, we could both pack up our bags and transfer all our assets to foreign bank accounts”
He got a general grunt from the people in the room
“Or we could do the unusual, save the nation and become forever living heroes, we could become Immortals” Ven Jite Supplied

“I am sorry Mazi Jite but this is no new news, the economic committee has been looking at possible options to mitigate against the country's gradual decline into recession” Supplied one of the senators.

“And did that committee inform you as the chairman, that it might just be a pipe dream as we currently have a negative credit rating with the international financial institution?

Just after we missed the last loan repayment” supplied one of the Generals.

“We did?” asked the Senate President in shock “But there was an executive order that the funds should be withdrawn from the Emergency Account, What happened?”

“Well for one, the finance minister forgot to inform you that his ministry cannot account for over $50billion in the Nation’s Emergency Funds Account.”

“And I am sure you do have the details to where that money is” Inquired Alh. Ilela, the richest man in the country.

“Alhaji, it would interest you to know that the money was used by pay the rebels that shut down your multibillion-dollar factory in Cameroun, And it would also interest you to know General Toju that part of the funds was used to force you and your business associates out of the Nation’s ports”

Yes, that struck a nerve, he could the brief winch of pain on the face of the generals and one of the billionaires “We all know how much that cost the conglomerate.”
“Oh we do, that cocky bastard cost us a fortune” Supplied Chief Amadi, the second richest man in the country.

“And Senator Richard, it may interest you to know that part of that fund was used to finance the campaign of your opponent, I need not remind you of the effort I had to put in place to avert your lose.”

The Senate President gave a slight nod in acknowledgment of what the Party Chairman just said.
“So what do you have in mind Mazi Jite? “Asked one of the generals.

“Gentlemen slide to page 72 on your iPad, I am sure you will like what you see.”

He did not have to wait too long, the looks on the faces of those around him told him that he was on the right path, he had gotten what he wanted. “All was now in motion”.

If there was one thing she hated, it was when people looked down on her and treated her like she was a nobody. She was and is the unofficial richest human being in the country at present. Unofficial, because most of her assets were unquantifiable assets on the streets. She owned 10 percent of every naira that runs around the country’s economy. She is enacting the force behind every financial law, every policy, and every goddamn decree that has kept the country together. She is the Ubangida of the four cardinal points of the country as a whole, and this was her city, her home base. Nothing happens in the digital Underworld without her consent.
Somehow, it seems the Chairman of the ruling party thinks she is not worth her words and has decided to take her out of the equation. “How the fools forget;” She thought to herself as she watched the meeting that was taking place miles away on her IPad.
“Please get me a cup of my morning tea” She said to her PA
“Black or with Cream”
“Black”
“Croissant or Biscuits”
“A mix of Both”
“Anything else Ma’am” Her PA asked
“Declare the Hackathon open and increase the reward price for anyone that completes the task before the stipulated deadline”
“Noted Ma’am”
“Also, cancel my engagements for this morning, and please get me a meeting with Egbon”
“Okay Ma’am”
With that, her PA left the room, leaving her to pay attention to her mobile device and her writing pad

The meeting was finally over and the participants were leaving in their different modes of transportation. Walking with the Generals was Sen. Richard and Alh. Ilela, as they arrived at the Sixteen-vehicle convoy that would whisk them 75 miles back to the Airport. The five men got into the armored limousine so they could reach a final agreement before they boarded their different flights
Once in the back of an armored Mercedes G63 AMG, the five men looked at each other for a long moment.

“Your thoughts Generals?” Asked Alh. Ilela

Gen. Aminu RTD. lit a cigarette and replied, “Jite thinks we will fire a few warning shots into the Neighboring countries and the world community will step back and allow us to proceed unquestioned.”

“And you think?” Alhaji asked

A sly but genuine smile crossed his face as he passed the lighter to the other generals. “I think we are going to war.”

“War with who Sir?” Asked Senator Richards

Gen. Aminu shrugged. “The whole West African countries, Who else?”

“Pardon me for saying this General, But you do not sound fazed or worried.” Asked Senator Richard

The generals laughed aloud behind a cloud of smoke. “We welcome the endeavor. We are ready, and only by bloodying the nose of those fucking retards with quick and decisive action, will we be able to pursue all of our goals in that region.” He paused, as his face darkened a little

“We are ready . . . only if we act now. Jite’s four-year plan is foolhardy. All the objectives He stated needs to be met within the next two years, or the opportunity might be lost. We attack quickly on all fronts, create a new reality on the ground that will have our sister countries and the world at large begging us to take charge of the situation. That is the only way to succeed.” Supplied Gen. Sanusi

“But will the French government permit this?” asked the Senate president.

“Of cos, once we have them included in the gas pipeline deal that connects from the refineries to their country, we can be sure to have their support. Moreover, we are only taking over a little portion of their daughter nation, the most rebellious part for that matter” Answered Air Marshal Gustav

“Will the Senate go along with this” asked Alh Ilela looking at Sen. Richard

“I can assure you Alh. Ilela, our colleagues won’t be a problem,” replied the senator with a knowing smile “my only concern will be the state Governors”

“Oh those are already in the bag,” Answered Air Marshal Gustav

“Will Mazi Jite agree to this?” asked Gen. Sanusi

Gen. Aminu shifted his large frame in his seat to look out the window as the sixteen-vehicle motorcade headed west towards the third mainland bridge.

With determination, he replied, “No. Therefore, we will have to create a reality that he will have no choice but to accept.”

It was past 11 am in the city of Lagos but to Kb, it was just three more hours to go with the hellish boring team review meeting in this slave camp called his workplace. The meeting had been on for two hours now and all the principal officers in the Firm had all had their turns sucking it up to the Boss, how magnanimous he was, how brilliant and creative he is and how lucky they were to be under his tutelage.
“Yepedi yen yen yen” Kb thought to himself as he watched his department head take a bow towards the Boss before taking his seat.
“Thank you Mr. M, that was quite insightful” Announced the HR manager, A fun-looking pretty lady with a very attractive smile. But, don’t be deceived by her looks because there was absolutely nothing resourceful about her. She represented a large percentage of other HR personnel that believed more in making the Boss look good and reducing the cost overhead per personnel for the firm. “To her, it was more about in what new ways can I add up to your worklo0ad without increasing the Firm’s responsibilities to you.” She is quite good at it, now it was time to watch her blow off their Boss in her Mind” Kb Thought with a smile as he adjusted himself on the seat.
The Introduction from HR did not take too long but the accolades and encomiums took around seven mins and 42secs. Now you may be thinking, it is either KB hates his boss or he is jealous of him, the truth is yes you are right. He both hates his boss and is jealous of all he has been able to get away with.
Dr. Nduka; A seasoned bully and an all-around user that thinks and feels the world of his employees should revolve around him, he is an over-grown big baby and the greatest violator of intellectual rights in the country but to the world, he is the pioneer of information technology in Nigeria. Heck, he even got honorary doctorate degrees from three tertiary institutions in the country. The simple fact that KB is not able to do all that Dr. Nduka does and gets away with irks me to the extreme.
This bully built a platform where young minds could openly share and discuss their tech ideas all in the hopes that Dr, Nduka would catch on to their discussions and help them bring such ideas to life. However, Nduka had other plans. Once he catches on to a bright idea, he reels in the originator or originators with the talks of mentorship. Meanwhile, his hoard of lawyers starts working on patenting and trademarking such tech ideas under the cover of several shell companies that cannot be traced to him.
In appreciation to the innocent victims, he offers them internship employments with clusters of contracts that would have them working for him for the rest of their career lives cos they would have to forget about the IT industry if they ever decide to leave his establishment.
As KB sat quietly to listen to the inspirational ramblings of his boss, he felt his phone vibrate and decided to have a look at whom or what it was. It was an encrypted message from the Hub “Now this is worth my time” KB thought with a smile as he decrypted the message.

If there was one city she disliked passionately to a maddened point of conviction, it was the city never sleep, the self-acclaimed mega-city surrounded by many water bodies that could have a researcher busy for a whole school session with the cultural history tied to each water body, and that city was Lagos State. A coastal state blessed with a super fauna that could rival any other city in the world, it has a nice blend of the different social strata and an unrivaled amount of the unreasonable senile. This city has the tremendous power to turn a normal law-abiding human being to either become a deluded self-destructing robot, living its day on a very fast clock that never seems to sleep, or a seasoned life champ that had gone through the worst and came out right there at the top.

Unlike other cities in Nigeria, Lagos had a soul and timeline of its own, the city would uncaringly throw everything at you all in a bid to give you a warm welcome. To an average Lagosian, you had the choice of bracing yourself for the impact of the blow or you took the initiative and go with the flow. Whatever choice you choose, you can be sure to get a wild ride that would live with you for the rest of your life. That was the Lagos she knew, and that was the Lagos that got her attention.
Despite being the commercial nerve of the country with a loud brand of sophistication, one could still feel the crude vibe flowing in the air once you step into the city. In all, the city of Lagos had a way of upturning your already perfect plans into something you were not expecting.
As Adeola stood at her Grade A office staring down at the city below her, she couldn’t help but smile at how things had changed since the very first time she set foot at this very floor while it was under construction some twenty-something years ago. Standing in front of the glazed glass of her office, She whispered a silent but very intent prayer.
“Pardon the intrusion Ma” Called her P.A from behind her desk
“The Applicants are ready for you”
“Thank You Seun” She replied still looking down at the city in front of her
“Tell them I will be there in a minute or two”
“Yes Ma’am”
Her Morning had been busy, learning about the secret meeting at the beach house had caused an unprecedented chain of events that had her moving up events on her calendar “Gosh she hated being rushed, it was a family something”

Adeola Kelly is fifth-generation blue blood from one of the richest families from the Southeastern part of the country. Her family had been relevant in society before the era of the Colonial master. Starting first as slave traders, the family soon evolved to prominent farmers as soon as the slave trade became abolished after which they transitioned into owners of unregistered Credit houses that gave quick loans to farm-owners interested in getting money fast, not minding the terms and conditions of repayment.
It was during one of these deals a troubled business owner of a commercial bank had walked into her grandfather’s credit house around the Lagos Marina and requested some financial aid to save his bank from going under. Her grandfather who had been looking for a way to legitimize the family business had instantly jumped on the opportunity, and pumped in liquid funds into the commercial bank in return for company shares. To make sure he succeeded with his plans, he had coerced other shareholders to sell off their shares to him until he became the largest shareholder of the commercial bank, pushing out the original owner.
Everyone had expected the bank to crumble under Grandpa Kelly but the old man surprised all his critics when the bank declared its profits after the corporate take-over. It was an industry shocker; one that the so-called industry experts had not expected from a bank managed by an uneducated Loan shark.
The business had grown from a simple commercial bank to a strong multi-faced financial house with interest in real estate, manufacturing, and technology, surviving through the ever-changing business climates in the country as a result of the relentless efforts of the Kelly family. It was no big deal to the family, their philosophy had always been, "For the Money, To the Family, From the People”.
With her shoulders squared and her head held up straight, she turned away from the view of the city and walked to where her secret safe was, punched in the codes, and pull out a burner cellphone from the lot that was in the safe.

With her shoulders squared and her head held up straight, she turned away from the view of the city and walked to where her secret safe was, punched in the codes, pulled out a burner cellphone from the lot that was in the safe.
Oh Lord, I know you can hear and see me, Help me today to do what is right. I know it is odd coming from me, but Lord just help.”
With that prayer, Adeola dialed a phone number only known to 4 people in the whole world.
“Morning CodeX”
“Morning Adeola” replied the voice on the other end “how is my favorite girl today?”
“Very Fine and You”
“Better than yesterday, I have read your report, and I must admit it gives a lot to worry about.”
“Okay?”
“ I have had my analyst take a look at the numbers and the suggested model of recovery, it may interest you to know that they are all in support of your plan, You said you got this from the Ministry of Finance?
“Yes CodeX”
“Hmmm, I want you to continue with your plan. We cannot afford to fail.”
“If everyone plays their roles right, we will have no cause to fail.”
“Thank you Adeola, you will have all you need and don’t hesitate to reach me when you hit a brick wall.”
“I will do just that.”
With that, the line went off, Adeola took the burner cell and broke it in her hand “That went well, now to the recruits, a little bit of hazing should lift her spirits this morning.”

Presidential Villa

“Good Afternoon Mr. President” chorused the Director of Secret Police and the Chief Press Secretary as they both walked into the President’s Office with the chief of staff
“Good morning Gentlemen, please have your seat, will join you in a minute” The President replied from his work desk
Both taking their seat, the president’s steward rolled into the office with the afternoon banquet and skillfully arranged the meal in front of them. Not knowing why they had been summoned, both men thought it best to quickly go through their thoughts, ignoring the sumptuous meals placed in front of them.
A knowing smile played on the lips of the chief of staff, ‘they had no idea how screwed they were. But then, why should she feel any iota of pity for them, if they had done their jobs properly, everyone will be having a little less pressure than they are having at the moment.
From where he sat down, the president could see that both men were lost in their thoughts, “Poor Sods”, wanting to catch them unaware, he gently stood up from his work, picked the green folder he had been going through, and drop it in front of the guest, snapping both men back to reality.
“Gentlemen, thank you for coming on such short notice,” The president said holding their gaze “Brunch Anyone?”
“Oh thank you, Mr. President, I had a late breakfast at the HQ this morning” Replied the Director of Secret Police.
A knowing smile on the President’s Face “Sure you still have space for a little more, you can’t leave us with all this? ”
“Ok Mr. President, I will have some juice”
The chief of staff quickly filled a glass cup with juice and handed it over to the Director of Secret Police
“Now that is a good man sitting right there,” the president said as he watched the exchange between his Chief of Staff and the Director “And You, Oga Press Secretary”
“I woke up with a very good appetite today Mr. President and I am yet to have any decent meal since morning because I have been handling different the press hornets” supplied the Chief Press Secretary
“Then dig in, we have a lot to cover before my next meeting in two hours”
“Okay Mr. President”
“So Dr. Mahmud,” The President said while taking a bite off his plate “Sure you read the papers this morning?
“Yes Mr. President I did”
“Want to tell me how that kind of information slipped past you and was allowed to be printed or shared?”
“Ermmm Mr. President, we are looking into it, it was a shock and I take full responsibility for the slip”
“It is okay, at least you are not going to bamboozle me with tales of being short-staffed and how the Press company involved belonged to my Party Chairman. Oh and not forgetting that you spent the night with your new squeeze who happens to be the Chairman’s mole.” The President said with his trademark smile that completely reads as ‘You Blithering Idiot’ while staring at the D.G Of Secret Police
Feeling Unsettled now, the D.G Of Secret Police gently dropped his cup of juice and look down at his folded hands “I am very very sorry Mr. President, a total slip on my part”
“As I said earlier, it’s okay as long as you promise to deal with it”
“You have my word”
“And Oga Press, care to share with us how you intentionally ignored the call from your reporting desk during work hours just because you were busy playing political wrestle mania with your State Governor.”
The CPS went all white in an instant not believing what he just heard from the president. From the corner of his eyes, he could see the Chief of Staff with a wide smile on her face. "That Bitch" He swore under his breath
“Is it because you are interested in becoming the next governor of the state while he wants his distant cousin?” Asked the President
“Mr. President Sir, I deserve that seat. I worked with Hamza to kick out the former Governor plus we both agreed that Insha Allah after his tenure, he will make sure I become the next governor but all of a sudden, he is saying I am not qualified.”

Well get over it, if you follow stay with me, you will be occupying a higher seat of power by the next electoral year. Now, I am sure we have all read the papers so there is no need to go about why you are here”
“Oh Sir If you are talking about the Ulima genocide case, I want to assure you that I and my men are handling it” Supplied the DG of Secret Police Dr. Mahmud
“I am sure you do but this is more than that case, with that information slipping out. You can be sure that the initiator has a whole lot more in stock for us to handle.”
“But Sir, Shouldn’t we be more concerned with sudden overzealousness of the police especially in the Southern parts of the country rather than a story that has absolutely nothing to do with the current dispensation.” The CPS asked
“Hamsa my vibrant-minded friend, in order to avoid a national disaster, which we don't want right now especially with the program we have in view. So, we need to divert the attention of the public from these bad stories to something more entertaining.”
“Okay Mr. President”
The President could see the COS looking at him now and He subtly gave a slight nod towards her; instinctively she picked up the green folder on the table and distributed its content to the men seated opposite her.
“Uduak is handing over some very sensitive information to you, for your eyes only. On those documents are website addresses to online FTP servers with contents that will spike up your interest.”
“We want you to put in your full effort on this, as the next few weeks are going to be very crucial if we are going to get the senate to swing in our favor” The COS quickly said
“And not forgetting that we all have a stake in seeing this program come true, and if everything goes well, we will have another six months cover to face some serious issues”
“But sir could tell us what exactly we are dealing with here,” asked Dr. Mahmud
“Believe me when I say you don’t want to know but to satisfy your curiosity, yes we were involved in the Ulima Genocide. And Yes we were paid to cover up the implicating evidence but one thing you might not know yet was that the principal actors involved are now using the case as a tool to blackmail my government to succumb to their tyrannical needs”
The President paused for a while to view the reaction of the men in front of him, they were both shocked at what they had just heard. Dr. Mahmud recovered first but Hamza was having a guilt crisis that he just couldn’t recover from easily.
“So on that document are interesting cases that should take the heat off our hides while we quietly deal with the Ulima case. And I want both of you to work hand in hand on this, no stories”
“Alright Mr. President” Both men replied
“So if you don’t mind I have some guests waiting on me, Uduak will take you over to her office so you can discuss the Roll out plan and other modalities, Thank you very much for your time gentlemen” the President stood up to shake both men as they walked out of his office following Uduak.
‘Well, that went well, now to deal with those sons of bitches’ The President thought to himself.

Driving in the afternoon heat on the roads of Abuja was a feat best avoided, as Dr Mahmud sat brooding comfortably at the back seat of his official car, he was still in shock at what he had just seen at the Villa. “Could it be?” He thought to himself, ‘is this what the founding fathers of this great nation had in mind when they came together as one. But then it was true, the pictures and videos on the secured server had been so real, it just had to be true. The thought of the innocent men, women, and children murdered mercilessly on a land they thought was theirs was too much to handle.
“Stop the convoy” He whispered to his Aide de Camp, a Military Captain.
The ADC spoke into his walkie-talkie and within seconds, the convoy eased up and stopped by the roadside. Not wanting to soil himself, Dr Mahmud jumped out of the vehicle and threw up by the roadside
“Oga, are you okay” Asked his ADC stand right next to him with a small pack of bottled water
“I am fine Frank, just something I ate”
“Okay Sir”
“Have someone call the office, tell them I want to have a live web Call with the Port-Harcourt Office”
“Okay sir”
“And inform the Director of Operations and the Director of Intelligence that I want them back at the Headquarters immediately. Some very important and urgent just came up”
“But sir, the DI is out supervising the new information line on the Herdsmen”
Angrily Dr. Mahmud looked at his ADC “Then make sure that all arrangements are made to get him back to the HQ in 2hrs, now get me the heck out of here”

PRESIDENTIAL VILLA

The Chief Press Secretary sat in his office fingers crossed, regurgitating everything he had just seen on the FTP server. ‘What had he just seen? A group of men deciding the fate of a whole tribe as if they were conducting a simple business deal.’
Well, it was a business deal after all, one with complications that needed to be resolved before they could break ground for the commencement of the project.
But to think that those involved in such nefarious activities were revered members of the high and mighty, men and women seen as heroes and honored as one. Now, what to do with such hot juicy information, especially with the seat of a Vice Presidency in view, he could not afford to fail the president and if he played his cards right, he could very well become the next president after He leaves office
He imagined himself out on one of those political rallies, the crowd all spread out in front of him, all there to hear from him, “Ladies and Gentlemen, the man of the moment, the savior of our great nation, The Grand Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. His Excellency Theodore Hamsa. Yes, that sure felt good, with that thought in mind he picked up his Rolodex and placed a call to an old acquaintance of his.
“Hi Tony, how are you?”
“Yeah, it is been quite a long while”
“Oh yeah, You know how we used to talk about wanting the best for our nation and how we as established professionals should do that which is right no matter the resulting consequences. Well, I think I might actually have something for you, something that will blow your ratings to the moon and beyond”
“And why the sudden interest now, I thought you were part of the changing wind sweeping across our great nation?”
“You do know I am not a fan of all the beautiful nonsense going on but then if we all decide to up and leave, who will be there to make sure that true professionalism, is adhered to?”
“You do have a point there, Let us meet at the old joint.”
“Okay, Time?”
“As it says on the label of every Guinness bottle.”
He could hear his old acquaintance laugh on the other end of the call as it went off
“Disciplined professionals, so easy to manipulate once you put the right words together and did a little salute to their ego, you have them all tuned to what you have to say. Hypocritical bastards, quick to judge and criticize but never with the balls to accept their flaws. Walahi, we are all frauds in this country,” he thought with a smile as he withdrew the bottle of Chardonnay he hid in his drawer.

His real name is Alex Godwin but his professional I.D given to him by the Nigerian Police force was The Unknown Killer. A name that has earned him so much popularity that even he could not believe the number of feats that were linked to his career name. To the average law enforcement officer, the unknown killer was the spawn of the devil walking around in human form, a professional guiltless killer whose physical sight kills at least twenty victims on a bad day and close to a hundred on a very good day. They made it sound like he was one of the four horsemen in the bible, coming in from time to time to claim his victims so he could remain relevant in the minds of the religious beings. However, the reverse is the case, he saw himself as a gardener taking out the weeds from God’s beautiful garden. “And they say he is a sociopath, Uhn”
It wasn’t like he had a natural flair for trouble but somehow trouble just seem to have his contact on its go-to list. Like no matter how far he tried to avoid it, trouble always came knocking on his door and getting him involved with an event that had absolutely nothing to do with him. And when he tried doing some good to society, fate will look for a way to just stroll in and rain on his parade.
As he sat on the floor of the cell, looking at the brute speaking down on him, He couldn’t help but smile at the amount of damage he was about to implement of the Brute’s body. ‘A quick jump from the floor will drive his head into the Brute’s windpipe, leaving him gasping for air, Then he might decide to break a bone or two before turning his attention to the loudmouth sidekicks, standing behind him.
The sweet feeling of seeing pain on people’s faces, a pain caused by him, brought some a nostalgic thrill that he could not resist. Better yet, he would have loved it if he could watch them die, seeing the light go out of their eyes with the sudden realization of knowing this is the end. The slow flow of life easing out of their bodies. But hey, they weren’t his target. “Hmmmm, that is the feeling”
“Alaye, I say who you be?” The Brute asked him one more time
“Presido je ko mo, Make we use am do quickie” One of the Loud Sidekicks supplied
“You no wan answer abi, Ogun go kill you and your generation”
The Brute made the wrong move just as he had expected, he was bending down to push him by the shoulder. With that, he made his move, straight for the Brute’s Windpipe as he had planned, a quick kick to his bent knee and a nicely connected knockout punch to his exposed temple. “Yeah he could hear the bones snapping” and the brute was out cold on the floor
Standing up straight now, he took a quick look at the sidekicks, watching their moves. He could sense the fear in them. They stood back looking at each other, wondering who is going to make the first move
“Sissies. How far, should we start?”
“Champion, e don do now. The supposed second in command replied him “Just stay anywhere wey you like, no problem”

A loud metal clang cut off his concentration from the men standing in front of him, it was one of the police officers on duty
“Hey You, Fine Boy. Oya come, Oga say make we release you” The officer said while working on the locks of the detention room
As expected, the ever-efficient police force was letting him go after they had just insulted his fundamental human rights, thinking they have cowered him into submission. ‘How nice of them’ He thought with a wide smile on his face as he walked out of the cell.
“Oya Follow me” The Officer said leading him to the office of the DPO, the office of the main person he had gone through all the trouble to see.

Killing the DPO had gone smoother than expected, as soon as he got into the scantily furnished office behind the officer, he quietly removed the vial he kept between his butt cheeks, patiently waited on the DPO to speak to him before he approached the man and prostrated flat on the ground in front of the stubby looking man.
In a swift move, he had poured the odorless poison on the collar of the man’s uniform, making sure he avoided his face in order not to alert the DPO or his unprofessional junior officer.
“Get up, get up, So you can be humble like this, I thought you were bragging earlier that you went to Harvard and you know your fundamental human right?” The DPO asked while looking down at him lying on the floor
“Oga no mind am, them Akube don de try hammer am for inside detention” The Officer supplied behind him with a laugh.
“So are you ready to corporate or should we host you for the night?” The DPO asked Him
“Sir I am ready, just tell me what you want me to report on my blog and I will do, Oga abeg” He pleaded with fake[C1] tears
“ You will make sure you report on your news blog that it was an accidental discharge. We were chasing armed robbers and the young man was caught in the middle of a crossfire”
“You don hear?” The Officer asked with a kick to his ribs
“Yes Sir, I have heard you”
Better, now get out of here before I change my mind

Without being told what to do next, he jumped up on his feet and brushed into the officer behind him, releasing the remaining content in of the vial on his collar too.
“I am so sorry Officer, I am feeling a bit clumsy” He lied with a false sense of fear all over his face
“Comot for here, before I use you do private project or you want make I do you like I shoot that loud mouth pikin yesterday wey no de fear” The now angered officer said while looking at him
“Oga I take GOD beg you, no vex”
The officer drag him with his ear and kicked him out of the office, “Comot here before I spoil your fine boy for you. Just go counter go collect your property and forget your wallet and wristwatch” With that, the officer shut the door on him and stayed back with the DPO.

The poison he had placed on the collar of both men was more than lethal, the odorless liquid has the same killing mechanism as a snake’s poison but with a higher rate of organ breakdown. It turns into a gas immediately it gets in contact with any fiber material, gets into the victim’s body either via inhaling or through the skin surface. From there, it starts its work, slowly eating up every organ it encounters, leaving it in a false sense of life until there was nothing more to eat. And when that happens, the victim tends to start bleeding internally, with severe chest pain and blood coming out from every possible outlet. All this process took at least one hour. But if the antidote were to be administered within one hour, there was a chance for survival, if not the victim was as good as dead. This was where He knew he had to worry, he had also come in contact with the poison so he needed the antidote if he wasn’t planning to accompany the slowpoke to the other side. By his calculation, he had spent close to fifteen minutes in the DPO’s office so he had to get to his clothes on time so he could take the antidote he hid in the canister of his Inhaler. On getting to the waiting room, he had quickly wanted to collect his properties so he could dash out of the police station.
“Fine Boy, we go miss you oh”
The Corporal at the counter had said to him with a sneer on his face
“Oya sign here and I don collect your wristwatch, the thing fit me”
“Me I don take your whiskey flask oh” Another officer supplied from the back’
“Scaly Wags” He muttered under his breath as he signed to collect his belongings
He didn’t even seem to care when he heard the officers laughing at him as he dressed up and took his leave. Once he was a few meters away from the police station, he brought out his inhaler and pumped the antidote into his mouth. He instantly felt the pressure on his chest reduce, allowing him to breathe in normally.
“Now to the Bloodsucking ticks (Po – Lice)”
He took out a small radio from the collar of his Polo T-shirt where he had sewn an extra pouch the day before. He pulled out the antenna of the radio and placed it in the direction of his wristwatch. He could hear the familiar sound now, Kaboom!!!
“Bye-bye Suckers,” He said as he made for his destination.

The skilled labor industry has always been the largest employer of labor in any country. This collective group of individuals were always looked down on and seen as a necessary evil by the supposed industry experts and mid-level professionals. It wasn’t like they were saints or without faults but somehow they were always the one that go works done.
Nonso was one of this group, a skilled mason with a decade of practice experience and damn, did he love his job, however there was a particular moment he loved most while working, it was lunch break. It was his one moment when he could air his view and have someone listen to him, like been in the House of Commons and he was the leader of the trouble-making bunch. Nah, don’t get too carried away with his playful imagination, he was just glad the day was over so he could have his usual dose of chat with his fellow co-workers at a construction site. The discussion today started with football match between two English teams.
“See your life, my team almost trash your team yesterday” The Foreman Started
“Who side? Shey because we just let una draw untop say una don de lose for too long” Nonso Replied “Ta there, my boys no just get mind to finish una, but wait oh na so una change the play description of a full Goat”
“See this one, my goat na correct goat, no be that sleeping ororo wey dem give award”
“Who be sleeping” Another site worker interjected
“Abeg go siddon one place, him lie? your ororo legit? wetin him don contribute to him new team? ” Nonso replied with the intent of riling up more conversation from his colleague
“At least, him better pass the ororo wey we put for State House, four good years and nothing to show for it”
“Sharrap, You no de see the projects all around you, no be one project you de so” The Foreman supplied
“Na by that one, the guy don borrow borrow everything, you don hear the latest request to the senate $150Billion, plus the ones wey dem don borrow, how do we pay back”
“Small something, We round all of them up and use them for money rituals” Another worker supplied from the back
“And you think those ones will do, they are so used up, nothing de left for money ritual.”
“Well! We can ask them to donate two of their family members excluding themselves and lobatan”
“Ehnn, ehnnnn, me no de oh. Small time now, DSS go come arrest” The Foreman Supplied
“Oga Foreman, you too fear” Nonso said, joining the others in laughter.
Eh Ehnn Oga Foreman, I be wan tell you, the new sets of iron rods no be am at all. That thing is too weak for the load it is going to carry”
“My brother, na so I see am. PM say just follow the given instructions and stop complaining. Even the Site Architect de look the other way”
“Na wa for my country”
“Bros, all na Workshop”

To the average citizen, ruling a nation is not rocket science. It is applying common sense to any societal challenges that may arise. Societal matters should be given simple intellectual solutions, without the need for additional problematic appendages. But he knew better, nothing is ever that simple in a democratic dispensation.
As the Vice President of the country, he has seen simple state matters escalate a hydra of problems all based on greed and selfish wanting. The amount of time spent dancing around trivia issues while neglecting the main matter at hand can be the ratio of 500 to 1. His role as vice president was to step in whenever the president was unavoidable absent or out of the country on presidential duties. Sometimes he was left to handle the diplomatic murky waters or a last resort when things were about to go to the shitters. But one of the things he hated the most as the vice president of this wonderful nation was when he was dragged into a meeting with conniving sons of gun that thought with their belly and not their heads.
Here he was seated in a meeting with supposed medical experts requesting #82 Billion for the purchase of insecticide-treated nets and an additional #25Billion for sensitization and disbursement of the aforementioned insecticide-treated nets to the public.
“Like who does that?” He thought to himself as he listened to the ramblings of the supposed geniuses. Instead of using such a huge amount to purchase insecticide nets why not initiate programs that would ensure better drainage channel systems, improved welfare packages for medical practitioners in rural areas, and subsidized treatment for malaria patients at local health care centers.
However the senate committee and the health ministry thinks differently, their excuse is based on the fact that to successfully execute such a program, there were a lot of factors to consider.
”Lori Iro factors. All they wanted was a project that gave them the opportunity to embezzle well while looking like heroes to the common man out there. ‘Servant leaders my foot, scheming, self-centered bastards plotting their next cash out in the wee hours of such a new day”
“Mr. Vice President” called the Vice Senate president, breaking him away from his thought
“Yes Dr. Anyanwu” He replied
“Your Excellency, we would like to know if you are okay with Additional budget presentation by the health committee so we can move on to other matters”
“Oh yes Dr. Anyanwu, thank you”
He was watching the health committee take their leave to make room for the next committee when his private phone beeped, it was an encrypted message from a known acquaintance “This should be interesting” he muttered as he watched the committee on police matters take a seat.

Mere Mortals thinks a day is just another opporunity for him/her to survive. A day when fate could either smile at him or another day when he just had to weather the storm of life and anticipate for a better tomorrow. He was no mortal, he is a god, a major stakeholder, and a reckoning force that was responsible for keeping the polity of this great nation functional. 24hrs to him meant 24 possibilities of either upturning or upholding the dreams of the average being on the street. But this very 24hrs seems to have a mind of its own, this 24hrs was choosing to take a hit and go the rebellious way. And it looked like it was really going to have its way.
The day had started well with his second meeting for the day, he was having a tete a tete with the supposed religious head who was seeking his support on changing the government’s mind about taxing religious houses. He had spent four good hours listening to the many theoretical assertions backed by religious verses from the holy book. All he could deduce from their religious yarns was very simple “Tell the government to leave us alone and you will have our support in the next election.
“True, true everybody na yahoo.” He soliloquized to himself while he gave them the “I am on your side Look”.
Knowing he had them where he wanted, Ven Jite ushered his guest to the banquet room where the most sordid type of entertainment was waiting for them all. Seeing the joy on the faces of his guests he knew he was on the right track. “His guest was going to have a filled day of fun”
Taking a drink from one of the attendants in the banquet room, Ven Jite gently cupped the naked flesh of the attendant’s breast while admiring her curves. He felt his heartbeat quicken as the young lady winched in shocked embarrassment. He chuckled to himself as he let go and watched the attendant scurry off to the ladies”
“Yeah, she would do, have her cleaned up and taken to my quarters” He mentioned to his PA over his shoulder.
“Yes Mazi, will that be all Sir?” His PA asked
“Do we have eyes for this event”? Mazi asked taking a sip of his drink
“Oh yes sir, our eyes are active and present in all the rooms”
Then I better retire to my room and get started”
“Before you go, sir, there is an urgent message for you” His PA passed on a slip to him
The message was not what he was expecting, he took a look at his PA and saw the same look of worry on his face “How long ago was this”
“Two hours and counting Mazi”
“And you just showing me now, get me on a frigging fight immediately, as in now, he snarled at his PA as he waltzed out of the room

Many years ago, a remote hilly town was experiencing a high mortality rate. A new pandemic from a dangerous bacterial strand was killing the inhabitants at an alarming rate. A brilliant mind had reached out to help out with the pandemic, though he was an unknown and an untested scientist, the inhabitants of the town would not mind, he was the only help that seemed to care, he was their only hope.

The humble scientist will offer to use natural toxins and poison from venomous snakes to outwit a deadly bacteria that was killing people in their thousands. Since there was no help coming from anyone, the residents of the town had quickly accepted the help from the scientist because they knew waiting on the government was a hopeless feat, as the power in charge was busy with a civil war with their not too distant brothers form the east.
The scientist had systematically introduced the poisons into his patients’ bodies while still administering a lower quantity of anti-venom. The sole expectation of this heinous experiment was that with the dosed introduction of the poisons, the patients’ body cells will become unfriendly for the bacteria and in the process wiping them out. And once it was confirmed that there was no bacteria cell of the host, the scientist will then administer a full dose of anti-venom to the host so he/she could heal quickly.
Yes, it sounds quite surreal but more than the realness, it was a gruesome experience to go through. The experiment was successful though it nearly wiped out the entire town leaving only a handful of individuals that had one deformity or the other. But, hey they were glad to be alive.
While the survivors were happy to be alive, the scientist was happier. He had just been given an opportunity to create a biological breakthrough. An opportunity to put his country on the world map as a contributor and not a bench warmer. In this spirit of happiness, the scientist had reached out to his friend who had the ears of the Head of State. His friend had promised to help him arrange a meeting with the then head of State so they can discuss the possibility of mass manufacturing the antidote to keep in case of another outbreak. However the General and his friend had other plans, all they wanted to know was if the antidote could be weaponized and used in the present warfare. If only he knew.
Being a true Humanist, the scientist had initially refused to build the weapon, however, the General was not taking no for an answer, so he ordered the scientist’s family be kidnapped and brought into his private dungeon. Wanting a fast result, the general had the scientist’s family injected with the bacterial strands, in the hopes that the scientist will want their lives saved and that would bring about the creation of the weapon.
The scientist will succumb to pressure once he is told that his family is on the receiving end, the scientist will beg his friend to help him out but his friend will go ahead to tell his wife that her husband is dead, a medical complication from staying too long with the infected inhabitants of the remote town.
While in his prison cell, the scientist will hear about the relationship between his wife and his supposed friend. That news will break his heart and he would intentionally blow up himself and the lab while working the next day and that would be the end of the biological weapon
That friend will later go ahead to marry the scientist’s wife and adopt his daughter. He would also have kids of his own with the scientist’s wife. He would continue to stay around the corridors of power till he became a formidable player in every dispensation that ruled through the country. Then he would systematically plot his way to become the number one office holder of the ruling political party in the country, a kingmaker. He would achieve all this, knowing that his whole life was built of him betraying his friend, a secret he keeps to himself.

This is a nice fictional story!

You're doing gr8!
Endeavour to split the story in to episodes or scenes.

It will help your readers follow effectively!!!

CHAPTER 3
It was his first year as the Governor of Rivers State and he wasn’t having it funny. There was no denying that He loved the job and its never-ending dose of civil challenges associated with it, however, he could not say the same for the politicking involved in governing the state. It was like having 200kg sandbags tied to each of one’s legs while being dropped in the middle of the Atlantic Sea and expected to make it back to the shore. If you don’t sink from the weight of the sandbags, you can be sure to get eaten by the different carnivorous creatures waiting to have the last laugh. It was an amazing job no doubt, but to succeed, you have to downplay the humanity in you while remaining logical and unapologetically disciplined.
Dr. Ibi Cole was no stranger to public office and its gimmicks. Trained as a medical doctor from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Ibi opted for the public office immediately after he was offered the opportunity after his service year. He started his sojourn serving as the personal assistant to the then Commissioner of Health in Rivers State some thirty years ago. A brilliant technocrat at heart that he is, along with his deep pocket to the ever-needy political players and under lords, Dr. Ibi had worked his way up the ladder until he became the Governor of his Home State. A journey that took him two and a half decades with several millions of naira in intangible investments that can never be accounted for. It wasn’t like he was complaining, he has reaped more than he had sown to attain this seat and no greedy self-servicer was going to make a fool out of him.
Every Officeholder had a goal in mind, some were selfish, some were white elephant projects but for the very sincere few, it was leaving a legacy that left their prints on the sands of time. He belonged to the last group, he believed in leaving something behind that would be of benefit to the coming generation, a step up from the present state of things, and a platform for the incoming government to build on.
Hospitals in Nigeria are no more than mere consulting rooms, lacking in everything. Even intangible aspects as empathy are in short supply. With the poor bearing the brunt of ill-treatment from health workers, overwhelmed themselves by the daily throng of patients needing care. Patients are required to meet the full cost of treatment as the Nigerian healthcare system has literally been left to rot and the gatekeepers are more self-centered to give a hoot about it. One of the major arguments has always been on adequate funding from the government but let’s face it, even with the little done by the government, some of the medical practitioners and administrators will still look for a way to sabotage it and enrich themselves. Some call it poverty mentality, some call it lack of monitoring and control by the government but he calls it “The Now Syndrome”. An intentional greedy act by a select few who are either suffering from an inferiority complex or the greedy bunch complex. There are several situations where he has instructed that the state would take sole responsibility for pregnant women and children. However, it has come to his knowledge that most of the time, patients are made to pay some paltry sum disguised in the name of a maintenance fee or development contributions that would end up in the pocket of one CMD and his fellow cohorts. With a sizeable donation made to the commissioner for health, who would, in turn, would donate to the coffers of the political party. And with that, perpetrators were insulated from the long arm of the law and further redeployed to continue their dastardly acts somewhere else.
“Who is he to complain, he had gotten up the ladder the same way”
Sadly, inadequate funding is just one of the multi-faceted challenges plaguing healthcare delivery in Nigeria. There was a serious need to reweave the moral fabric of the society and to put in a place a reward system that promotes selfless humanitarian service rather than the present serve me-I serve you system that was put in place by the greedy few that want and need to remain in power. This was the need he was trying to address, creating a morally enriched medical institution with the appropriate level of funding from the state government over an extensive period of time. Now, this was his legacy, to make his beautiful home state the go-to destination for everything medical in Nigeria in the next decade. To get this done, he knew he had to make sure that his predecessor and every other key member of the state council are individuals that share the vision. However, it seems his legacy is about to be killed before even seeing the light of day.

Here he was at the State Assembly complex, watching the commissioner for Budget and Economic planning address a group of familiar foes and friends on the need for the State to approve the budget presented to them. Even though his party had the larger share of representatives in the assembly but today the numbers seem not to be in his favor presently. The looks on the face of the individuals in the room was enough to give anyone a heart attack. Reminds him of the popular saying “If looks could kill” he was damn sure his commissioner will be suffering from a heart attack right now with the unison look of betrayal on the faces of the people seated in front of him. He could not blame them, he and his team had slashed their constituency project by half so they could get more funds to start his pet project, a move that didn’t go down well with most of the state reps, especially with those that were members of his political party.
“My Honorable Commissioner, we all agree with the need to do something about our failed medical institution. If my memory serves me right, I was with the Governor when we made an impromptu visit to the State hospital at Gokana Local government area and found out that out of 78 medical personnel posted there by the state, only 16 were active and the other 62 personnel were just earning free salaries and allowances. And after that incident, there were reports of other scenarios like that happening all around the state.”
“Thank you for acknowledging that Hon Confidence” The Commissioner Replied
“However, spending 45% of the State’s budget on education and health is a little bit too much. As we have other pressing security issues that need our urgent attention, let’s not forget that we are yet to fulfill our commitment to the Power Project with the French Company and I am trying not to mention the numerous constituency projects that we are yet to implement. So please, can we readjust the budget for the benefit of all. Thank You”
“Thank you Hon Confidence, I assure you that all your concerns have been fully addressed in the present budget”
Any other questions for The Commissioner” Asked the Speaker of the house
“Yes Mr. Speaker” Replied the State Rep for Bonny local government
“Honorable Speaker, let it be known that myself and my party members and I are in tune with the new direction of the budget.”
“Thank you Hon Breakthrough” The Commissioner responded
“Our only grievance is your intent to move the project away from the initial senatorial district to another senatorial district that seems to benefit members of your political party. Could you shed light on this matter before everyone in the house? Thank you”
He had been expecting the question, while his party member was angry about the rude slash on their constituency projects, members of the opposition party were more bitter that he had chosen to take the project away from them.
“Nigerians divided we are, united we shout”. Dr. Ibi thought as he waited for the response from his commissioner.
“Hon Breakthrough, it wasn’t our intent to change the location of the project. But we had no choice but to do so when we weren’t getting the right level of cooperation from the local stakeholders.”
“What do you mean by Local Stakeholders Hon Commissioner?” Asked the Speaker of the House, intentionally pushing for more information.
“ If I may Mr. Speaker” Supplied Hon Breakthrough “ the honorable commissioner is talking about the state not wanting to settle the original landowners and the youth of the land. Even though there was a provision for such settlement within the project budget.”
“To clear the air and address any doubt of favoritism. Doing what we did was not an easy decision. His Excellency was following the blueprint laid down by the founding fathers of our great state. A world-certified medical center in each senatorial district of the state. The papers were filed, and the land was acquired with proper compensation agreed to by the family and the state government. But it came as a rude shock when we discovered that resident of the said location was intentionally relocating their family shrines and grave sites to the areas marked up for the project all in the hope of getting themselves on the settlement list.”
“Small Play” chipped in Hon Breakthrough causing everyone to laugh
“It might seem like a trivial issue but that singular act doubled the cost of the project because the resident began asking for outrageous payouts to relocate the fictitious gravesites and shrines that were not visible on any aerial pictures taken six months to project launch.”
“If I may Mr. Speaker, the Commissioner is here to defend the state budget that has been presented by His Executives, So the argument at hand is whether or not we are allowing the state executive spend more on education and health while doing little on immediate security threats and human empowerment programs” Supplied Hon Boniface representing Ikwere constituency
“Yes” Chorus other members of the house
“If any member feels slighted or cheated with the distribution of state projects, let them make their grievances known to the Bureau for Projects, Thank You Mr. Speaker
Thank you, Hon. Boniface. So if you agree with the sharing formula of the budget, say Aye. If you don’t agree, say Nay.
From where he sat with his entourage, he could hear the thunderous Nay from the Rep Members. Not that he was surprised, He knew the freaking SOBs were going to fight back for having their constituency funds slashed. Dr. Ibi turned to his Deputy, Lt. Col. Briggs Rtd, a seasoned and shrewd politician that got the heart for fixing things.
So Colonel, What do you think?
My Able Excellency, all hopes are not lost, my team has penned down the names of the principal players
But you do know that there is an external force at work, sources say that the major players are following the instructions of their National Chairman.
Jite has always been a sore loser but that’s no bother, I am sure we can find a way to clip his wings systematically.
I wish I can share the same optimism with you but these people are spoiling for a fight, something that we cannot afford right now
Perhaps, it is time to reach out to an old friend your Excellency
Hmm, you do have a point there, maybe I should. Well time to get to work. I will allow you to do your work but do let me know when you need me to come in.
Thank you, Your Excellency
See you at the Government House
Yes Your Excellency

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