"PEEM….PEEEM," HOOTED the van as it arrived Vegetables section.
"Watch out, pal!" called out the driver to a passerby signaling his intent to park the van as he pulled over.
Ajira community has been naturally endowed with arable lands that made it stand out among others in the production of a large quantity of high-quality fresh farm produce. The farm produce was classified, grown, and managed by different sections of the general farm. Since becoming an independent community having gained autonomy from its former colonial ruler Baratan, Ajira under the administration of an astute, industrious and ideal leader, Igwe Omemma has been nurtured as a fledgling community into becoming the famed "Garden" which other communities both far and near depend on for survival as it boasted of the best quality of food crops within and around its geographical space. Igwe Omemma had been carefully elected by the people considering his pedigree as one who grew in the ranks to become a successful farmer of repute. They believed that as a young community, only self-sufficiency through a functional economy would develop and sustain the budding state.
Igwe, as he was fondly called by most of his admirers, also made no mistake in his appointments as he made sure he opted for the right people for the coordination of activities in the four respective sections of the farm, each section located in each of the four regions that made up the community of Ajira. Knowing that the development of Ajira wholly depended on the farm exports of the state, its constitution had stipulated that each of the four farm sections be managed by the representatives of each of the four counties that make up Ajira, a selection to be done through the electoral process. As representatives of the constituencies, they would also act as subordinates to the Governor General popularly shortened as GG, and his deputy in the enactment of new and amendment of existing laws of the state, making key decisions and in the development of policies. Each section leader also reports to the administrator of the activities of their sections and ensuring
productivity and sales of products continued to be on the increase.
Igwe who understood the plights of Ajira and how desperately the
the community needed development after being deprived of such
benefits for such a long time by their colonial masters were fortunate
to have had the electorate of the various constituencies elect persons
with impeccable characters, inherent knowledge, and relevant
experiences as their representatives and by extension, in charge of
the state's farm sections. The effect of having square pegs in round holes
as was experienced before achieving autonomy was still very fresh in
his memory and Igwe had vowed to make a difference with the
the formidable team at his disposal.
Igwe as his running mate had taken Obindu Amadi, a nobleman
from Ogele, the most populated region in Ajira. In one of his
speeches, Obindu had had cause to count the administration so lucky
to have as elected members of Igwe's workforce, responsible,
hardworking and illustrious sons and daughter of Ajira.
"Igwe knew how important it was for the state to have such amiable
people elected into important positions," he had once remarked
believing that mother luck had been on Igwe's side to succeed.
One key attitude Igwe exhibited that got him more endeared to the
Ajira people was his unbiased stand throughout the election of the
reps. His focus was on searching for credible candidates. He would
not have ever thought of compromising the electoral process but can
give necessary support only to candidates of candor by rallying
around and canvassing for them the votes of the electorate. In other
words, it was expected when the majority of the electorate pinched
their tents with one of the most respectable sons of the soil alongside
his reputable deputy in the electoral race. So when the electoral body
coordinating the Ajira elections for the representatives of the four
constituencies declared Gentle Nebo (Okra), Eloka Ubani (Dr.
Pepper or Dr. P), Osita Olunna (Pine) and Ngozi Olisa (Mrs Lemon)
winners for their respective constituencies, it was a fiesta.
Okra, a man in his early sixties was to take charge of the Vegetables
section, which was located in his county.
Being a researcher and a nutritionist by profession, he became
famous for his works in pioneering the introduction and nurturing of
high-quality species of seeds in Ajira while it was still under the
control of Baratan. In like manner and by virtue of being an indigene
of Achara the host region of the Spices section, Eloka Ubani who
represents this region became the supervisor of all the Spices
produced in Ajira. Preferably called Dr. Pepper or simply Dr. P by
his admirers, a nickname he got due to his concentration in the
growing of peppers, gingers, uda, etc, which he had inherited from his late
father acres of land and being the only child, his father asked him
to return to Baratan after his studies in Europe so that he could be
closer home and take care of things as he was already aging. Mrs.
Ngozi Olisa, the only woman on the team was to oversee the affairs
of the Fruits section while Osita Olunna was managing the Flowers
section. The Fruits section was located in Ochendo region, the home soil
of the Governor, Igwe Omemma, and Mrs. Lemon while Flowers
the section was just a couple of minutes' walk from Pine's house in
Ikwuano, its host region. Mrs. Lemon, also known by her native
name Ngozi, a nutritionist by profession had vast experience in food
and nutrition and had worked in different capacities in the past while
Pine, an Agricultural Engineer, and a known florist hence the name,
was a manager in one of the biggest known flower shops in Belgium.
Aside from being in charge of their respective sections of the garden, these
reps also made laws and policies that would help to advance the state
if appropriately honored through implementation.
Gentle got his nickname 'Okra' many years back and always felt
proud telling some of his acquaintances who cared to know, how he
got the name and it was always a hilarious moment.
"You see that name Okra, it was given to me way back in the
university," he had once told one of his kinsmen who demanded to
know why he chose such a name among other 'better' nicknames he
could use. He had narrated to the inquirer how he introduced a
unique specie of the Okra seed which didn't have to grow tall like
those found in Tanzania at that time but with a height as low as two
feet, it would have started yielding. He said the claim had caused
many controversies and arguments that he had vowed to prove it to
them on his return after the school break. That was exactly what he
did. After he eventually won the contest, he was nicknamed Okra to
keep the memory alive.
"If you get to my alma mater now," he boasted, "you would still find
a picture I took with the Okra plant and its many fresh pods."
Eloka had also got involved in serious arguments with his
campaigners. "But it describes you better," was the response of his
campaign coordinator whom Eloka had confronted over the
electioneering campaign placard that read, "Vote Eloka Ubani (Dr.
Pepper)! Vote true representation! He's sure the right choice to take care of our
peppers".
Though Eloka would have been better off with 'Spices' than
'Peppers', he had to accommodate the ideas and thoughtfulness of
his supporters who insisted that pepper was the most commonly
used among other spices and those at the grassroots would feel
'good' to vote for the one who understood them well. Moreover, such
acceptance has brought about some sort of healthy familiarity and
the bond between the reps and their constituents.
"It sounded weird initially," observed Ngozi in her response to an
interview question as to how she feels when addressed as 'Mrs.
Lemon'. "But it has become part of our lives and most people now
find it rather difficult to remember our real names. It has really
become a household name, I must say."
"Get the products quickly loaded into the vans," instructed Okra as
he gestured to the two young loaders who had earlier tried to find out
from him when to begin loading the vehicle. "Start with the
tomatoes and cucumbers as more vans are on standby to load the
carrots, cabbages, and lettuces".
The loaders had taken loading of vehicles as their part-time jobs. At
any given time, a couple of them who may be less busy with other
responsibilities hang around waiting for instructions to do some
menial jobs. Aside from the stipend they sometimes get from the loading,
their motivation was mainly their passion and hunger to do
something positive for the State. They get overjoyed whenever they
were able to exhibit some patriotic gestures. Igwe had always made
it clear that every native of Ajira has one or more things to do for
the State and the earlier one identifies and does that, the better for
everyone.
The activities of the loaders had engrossed Okra's attention as they
loaded the vans. Okra knew his presence would make the loaders
conduct themselves properly and become more careful to avoid
unnecessary damages to products, which would amount to a loss of
revenue. Aside from the documentation of the movement of every item
sold, he also counted baskets and bags and took note of rejected
items while facilitating their replacements. People have wondered
why and how he displayed such undiluted levels of commitment and
accountability, an attitude that had successfully permeated the
lifestyles of almost the entire staff. It became clear that the high
sense of responsibility experienced among the reps was because of
Igwe's influence on them, making each person realize that
transparency breeds accountability, which in turn yields good
leadership hence, a developed State.
"So this is how you do it?" asked Udoka as the first van zoomed off,
making way for the second van. He had been with Okra since
morning but got no attention, as Okra would not compromise his
dedication to his job.
Udoka had been watching him coordinating activities but was
dumbstruck when Okra vehemently rejected some cash payment
made by a customer for goods purchased.
"We've been very firm in our payment and other policies," Okra told
the customer.
"Yes I know," replied the customer "but just that …."
"Sorry I can't do anything about it," Okra interrupted. "Go to the
bank, do the needful and return with your proof of payment, then
we shall attend to you."
Igwe had been very strict in ensuring that his subordinates do not
for whatever reasons accept cash payments from customers and he
continuously made conscious efforts in ensuring that every payment
made for each transaction remitted directly into the State's account.
Though he understood that the approach could be daunting for the
customers, it was very clear to him that it was the best conducting
business transactions of such volume. It equally helped to avoid
discrepancies encouraged transparency, and of course, kept his staff
from being allured into keeping some of the state's revenues for
'personal use'.
"O yes Udoka, sure. That's how we do it," Okra responded, with his
eyes still fixed on the second van as it parked waiting to be loaded.
He then instructed the loaders to commence the loading at once.
"This is what I do every day with the exception of Sundays."
"Only Sundays?" asked Udoka. "What about Saturdays? Do you
work on Saturdays too?"
"Yes I do," replied Okra. "Though not mandatorily but all of us
equally get busy most Saturdays for the sake of our key customers
who may have failed to make it during the weekdays. You ought to
be there for those who patronize your products. Sometimes also,
some emergencies could crop up and we need to be there, you know.
These you know, are some of the sacrifices we need to make for the
sake of our people. Leadership is nothing but a call to true service and
anyone who is not ready for its associated discomfort and challenges
then isn't worth holding any public office because he or she would
eventually fail."
It was not any funny lectures for Udoka at all, as he was obviously
unexcited and could only stare at Okra as if all he said made no sense.
"What?" Okra asked. "Are you with me at all, Udoka? You seem
lost."
Udoka replied, "I heard you Mazi. Go ahead, I'm with you," as he
grinned with the intent of hiding his bewilderment from Okra.
"So I enjoy every bit of the job," continued Okra, "especially when
I see the people, our people smile and the yields from the respective
sections on the increase. The big strides being made by the
administration in infrastructural development with more visible
ongoing developmental projects going on in the state make me
satisfied."
After a brief pause as the loading van caught his attention once again
and Udoka was rather speechless, Okra said, "So at the moment, this
is my contribution. Most foreigners don't believe we're just about
three years old as a nation and we've achieved so much, thanks to
our God-given arable land and the hardworking spirit of our people
and most especially our amiable leader, Igwe."
Okra was such in a good mood and as his lectures to Udoka
continued, he pointed out that he had to justify the salary paid him
by the work he does.
Udoka who was obviously getting bored with the whole 'lessons'
couldn't fathom why one should be happy doing a job with so much
passion and dedication while still driving a rickety old car and living
in such a small apartment as Okra did with his wife. For him, it
makes no sense to make money or have a good job if you cannot
show your worth by flaunting acquired properties, especially like cars
and mansions. As simple as that! "Look at him," he pondered as he
stared at Okra pitifully. "He had worked for different organizations
and in varied capacities for many years but yet, has little or nothing
to show for all the stress. Look at me Udoka Ajah, I work less but
enjoy more with so much cash to throw around. Anyone that sees
me could testify that I truly see and touch money."
Even as a staffer of McRussell, a firm in a neighboring state of
Obaro, Udoka felt he had made so much wealth in just three years
he had worked there compared to what Okra made in all the years
he had spent working.
"Something seems to bother you, Udo," said Okra.
"Ooh…no... Nothing really," replied Udoka as he faked yet another
smile. "I was just trying to…."
"Peeem…Peeem…"
That was another hoot from the truck. This time, the driver signaled
Okra about his readiness to leave and wanted to brief him. The
interruption pained Udoka who was about 'teaching Gentle' what he
did not know about making wealth.
"I need to lecture him too," he thought. "He had earlier thought me
how to be obsessed with work. Now is equally my turn to lecture
him, but on a much better topic: 'How to make oneself extra
income'. After all, what are friends for?"
Udoka eventually could not talk to Okra that afternoon as the latter
returned with yet another discussion.
At home that evening, Udoka kept thinking of how best to get Okra
to listen to him. He knew convincing Gentle would not be an easy task
as he had never been a pushover. Before leaving his 'ever-busy'
office, Udoka had informed him to expect him the next Sunday
evening. He knew very well that weekdays and most Saturdays were
out of any appointment for Mazi Okra and on the only day left which
was Sunday, he would most likely be engaged in one or more
activities in the church hence, the choice of Sunday evening. Every
effort Udoka had made to actually comprehend Okra's lifestyle kept
eluding him as he felt the 'old man' doesn't give himself any breaks
to wind down hence he concluded, "Mazi really doesn't have a life"!
The achievements so far recorded in Ajira since its independence has
been a source of joy and fulfillment to its people and especially Igwe
Omemma. A septuagenarian, who considers age as a mere number,
runs the administration of his state credibly far more than the
younger generation could only imagine. Except for the pains he
occasionally got on his right knee as a result of the auto accident he
suffered about a decade ago which did not deter him either, Igwe
remained a force to reckon with in Ajira and its environs in matters of public
administration and transparency in governance. No one could ever
have known about the flawed leg as he was ever disposed to tackling
head-on any challenges confronting Ajira. When he mounted the
saddle of Ajira's administration some years ago just after the state
gained its autonomy, most people thought he was probably in his
early sixties.
The development of his naïve but productive nation as well as the
commitment to duty as exemplified by his formidable crew in charge
of various tasks in his administration have become a source of
strength and encouragement for him to ride on.
"Not even the great amount of energy he had used up as a revered
but the retired farmer he is known to be could wane his hunger for a
greater and more developed Ajira," Okra had told Udoka during his
penultimate visit to Ajira. The latter could have a vague
remembrance of events that took place at the then-Baratan when he
was only a child. He had been away from the community for so long
a time when he joined his now late maternal uncle Elemuo where he
eventually completed his secondary education before heading for the
university.
"Yes, I could see that," he replied, "everybody I've stumbled across
says the same thing. I read so much about him in the newspapers at
Obaro especially for his efforts toward Ajira's independence. I
remember when the campaign for our quest for autonomy heated
up; Igwe always voiced his opinion and became a daily guest to the
media houses. He also earned the support of other state's GGs as he
lobbied relentlessly."
While going memory lane a few things he could say about Igwe,
Udoka noted Okra's dissatisfaction that his popularity seems to
have waned, as he does not do the interstate visits other GGs do to
strengthen their diplomatic ties and wondered what could have
caused it.
"I guess either he may have faced off with his counterparts in other
states possibly due to his 'tight-fisted' approach to governance which
only his type would accommodate or he thought it irrelevant since
he had already achieved his dream by leveraging their support.
However, I …"
"No... Not all!" Okra cut in. "You missed the point, Udo as no such
discordance exists. Igwe has some challenges with his legs so the
reps take turns to keep the interstate ties alive on his behalf. He only
manages to do his local routinely daily rounds anyway."
Igwe's health checks and appointments with orthopedic doctors
who visit him regularly in recent times due to his patched-up leg
bone was beginning to be a source of worry to many Ajirans
especially as the elections drew closer. His exploits, the endless
listing of developmental projects in Ajira spoke for themselves and
Igwe would have definitely been sure of having an unmatched,
unalloyed massive support of the electorate to be returned to the
the administrative seat should he consider contesting. Therefore, at that
moment, any GG aspirant who made any statement suggestive of his
or her electioneering aspirations stood no chance and automatically
written off.
"Who dares contest with Igwe?" was the general opinion of the
people.
"Good morning Sir," greeted Kola as he waited for Eloka to get into
his office. His arrival had just coincided with Kola's.
"Yes, Kola. Good morning to you," responded Dr. Pepper as he
handed his briefcase to his secretary to keep. "How're you today?
Do you have any message for me because I know you don't just
come here all the way from Ochendo for nothing?"
Kola smiled broadly. He was such a likable person that all Igwe's
associates always teased him - and he liked that. After all, what else
can an errand boy ask for when he could amuse them by dimpling
up? Igwe's friend from Ibeku had once asked him if Kola ever
had anything to worry about as smiles never lacked on his face.
Without much ado, Kola quickly replied, "Igwe sent me to you, Sir.
He requests that you attend a meeting at his office on Saturday at 9
am. I had already gone to the Fruits section to deliver the same message
to Mrs. Lemon. I am off. I'll pass through the other shorter route,"
he pointing towards a partially constructed lane adjoining Achara
and Ogele regions, "to Vegetables and Flowers sections, see Mazi
Okra and Mr. Pine before heading back to the office. Igwe will be
waiting to get feedback from me before he leaves for his lunch
break."
"That's alright Kola. Please inform Igwe I'd be present at the
meeting as scheduled."
"I will sir," he replied and jetted out.
His leaving was so swift that Dr. P could not see even a shadow of him leaving when he turned back to check. He wondered what emergency it was that made Igwe fix a meeting in the morning rather than the usual evening when every transaction must have concluded without obstructions for the day.