The king, the broken bridge
The king set his concern on the destroyed bridge and the on-going fight. On the next day, it was discovered by the villagers that their bridge has been destroyed. The king called for a meeting and discussed how to settle the fight that ensued at the football pitch because, both communities must be at peace and fix every single issue. The people gathered into a crowed, caving in towards the king. The king gave an opening speech: "Elders and good people of our land, I greet you all. It came to my notice last night that there was a fight yesterday involving our youths and the other community. And I couldn't sleep due to that. Right now, we have been summoned by the good people of our community and the neighbouring community to settle this matter. That is the sole reason I called for your presence, so we can resolve the matter immediately." The people in the crowed responded nodding their heads in agreement. The king continued:
As we know children are always children, and youths are always youths. We have been in situations as this before. We cannot deny that fact and we cannot totally avoid fight among these people; because once they play they must always have misunderstandings from frictions either from women or money and so on. But that is not why we are here. From the crowd a parent, Mr Justice spoke interrupting:
Yes! True that isn't why we are here. And yes, truly we were once like them but not always engaged in fight! Fight!! All the time fight! He complained unhappily.
Youths of this day are different.
Someone cuts in, identified as Mr. Frank, while the speaker paused as others turned to look at him whose voice emanated from behind the crowd.
Mr Frank: During our days we were matured, always busy farming and we quickly transited into adulthood. These days our children have put up very terrible habits of uncontrolled nature, such as smoking, womanising and all sorts of atrocities, destroying the culture of our land.
Mr. Justice: "You have taken over this discussion Mr. Frank, can I be allowed to land please? A little distraction ensued. Okay land! You are allowed Mr. Frank said
The King: I opened this conversation! Hey, hey stop!! He cautioned them against arguing. As I was saying, I learnt already four people have died, attacked by crocodiles as a result of these destroyed bridge. We know very well, that the bridge was fragile as it was jointly built and used by both communities. We also know that your negligence, you all (pointing at the crowed) have caused it to remain like that. That to me is a matter of urgency. So we must fix it. The king spoke.
Okay our King! They jointly responded. Igwe, Igwe we agree. The village fathers agreed jointly as they echoed Igwe igwe from all directions. Because we don't know who is missing now and who will be next. The king emphasised: so fix it. That's all.
Silence became the order of the minutes.
Any question, suggestion or objection? The king asked.
Rumpey's father:
My king. Rumpey has not come back home since yesterday.
The King: Rumpey or Rudey?
Rumpey's father: Actually your highness he is known as Rumpey. But they call him Rudey because some say he is rude. (General laughter from the crowd)
Sorry to say, so that rude boy is your son? The king asked and mocked Rumpey's father.
Whatever they call him, but I named him Rumpey. Yes he is my son. My king he is my son. Please let's look for him. His mother is old and fragile and am tired of consoling her. Please my king help find him.
It is okay: let's conclude this meeting. In fact, I have concluded this meeting.
My king. My king. My boy… Rumpey has killed me. he placed his hands on his head, hopelessly crying and lamenting for the whereabouts of his son, Rumpey.
Rumpey's father lamented placing his hands on his head hopeless and thinking his son Rumpey is dead. The king continued after having pity on him: Anyway, in conclusion; tomorrow, we shall call the youths and ensure they all come to a peace truce and also make efforts to build the bridge. However, this must be discussed first with all involved.
The king: my people, do we all agree to this?
Yes, but your highness, who will approach them; the youth? How do you mean, who would approach them? The king quickly asked. The young man continued: They are worse off these days. I hope you know. They are always angry and disgruntled, like people who are always against our culture with signs already being displayed. No reference to our traditions, some of them don't greet elders anymore and you know, my king, even our female children prefer to stay all day with them than us their parent.
Greet elders? The king muffled and continued: "Why will they stay with you? You cannot parent their lives all through. Aren't they adults? Besides most of your girls, your daughters especially, complained of not being fed well." here you are talking about culture and values. Greet elders!
Aha ahaha ahhaha (General laughter from the crowd). You don't know that it will take collective efforts of parenting, else these boys will be uncontrollable. If I were not strong, I would have left this kingship and forsake my kingdom.
The man continued (ignoring the mockery):
Well, just yesterday, we had a fight, involving youths from boths communities as you already know, my king. We saw what weapons they carried just because of a football match. A playing ground as such.
The king: Well said, but shall we now run away from our land? A land which we are supposed to govern? Shall we run because the youths are stubborn? Common!
Crowd: No, no, why should we run? They murmured.
The King: We can't leave the village for them to run. They will have to behave or we set out punishment in full measures. No matter whose child it is meted out upon! No matter whose ox is gored!
happily they extolled: Igwe! Igwe!! In joyful expressions.
The king (continued): All I need is you people, to come up with your concrete plan, and pass it to the messenger to deliver to the other community.
Igwe! Igwe!! They hailed him as he continues.
Remember, no more fighting and please use wisdom as you pass your message across. But then, both communities must agree to jointly fix the bridge. All the youths! Igwe! Igwe!! Find a way to deliver the message to the other community messenger.
My king, next week, I suggest that we have a meeting again with members of the other community. Alright then! The king said and stood up. The people dispersed.