"GOOD MORNING, BROTHER," was a voice that called out just behind Udoka as he trekked home from a meeting that had been convened by some youth leaders in the area. Though not invited, he had gone over to listen and be acquainted with the younger generation since the gathering was in an open field, which accommodated as many attendees as possible. Udoka had wanted to ignore the greeting thinking it wasn't directed to him since he barely knew anyone, but his familiarity with the word 'brother' also emanating from a familiar voice made him turn around and without any second thought, threw his arms around Ebere and hugged him.
"Wow! G! Is this really you? Where have you been? How are you?" Udoka could not contain his joy as he rattled many questions all at the same time.
"I'm fine bro," replied Ebere with a bold smile.
"O man, there you go again! You still do this 'bro' thing eehh. That alone sure confirms it's really you." And they hugged again.
"Since those years in the university, that's over five years, you know? Would you ever grow past it?" teased Udoka referring to Ebere's constant use of 'brother' or 'bro' when exchanging pleasantries with a familiar male.
"Sure I will, with time I guess," replied Ebere. "Maybe I need more responsibilities to take it off me."
Udoka felt a huge relief seeing Ebere, someone almost his age.
"Now I wouldn't have to seek Okra out anymore to keep me company," he thought. "I just can no longer put up with his 'outdated' way of thinking. Even though we may have been apart for long, Ebere is at the moment the 'right' person to mingle with as he would still be thinking in his 'right frame of mind'."
Ebere and Udoka had been the only closest relatives back in the
university days except occasionally, probably twice in a session when
Okra would visit Udoka. Aside from being in the same school, both were
also, coursemates studying Public Administration before Udoka
opted out and went for accounting instead.
"I have to study a course that'd give me the opportunity to have the steady feel of currency notes, real crispy notes," he had told himself
with the unfounded ideology that "the more I touch money, the
more I have it." He then later lost contact with Ebere who got a job
immediately after graduation in Ibuku while Udoka had to cope with
some months delay before getting his at McRussels in Obaro, more
than a six-hour journey from Ibuku.
"I had asked a few persons I felt could give me a clue about your
whereabouts but all the efforts had failed," Udoka whose face was
then beaming with joy stated.
"But guy, you look good. I guess your office is really doing a nice job
on you."
"Thanks, brother. Even you look good too," Ebere replied.
They both talked at length but a lot still needed to be discussed and
definitely not on the street. They then parted ways but not without
Udoka gaining Ebere's promise to join him at Okra's house on
Sunday. Udoka had only until Tuesday after the Sunday meeting with
Okra to return to his work at Obaro since he had only a five-day off.
The thought of Obaro gave him some real goose pimples. Ever since
he 'achieved his main purpose' of joining McRussels as an
Accountant, he had suddenly become uncomfortable at the
consulting firm but hasn't yet got any cogent explanation for wanting
to leave. He has even gone as far as doctoring his identity card and
now, he needs to leave as soon as possible.
"I think I'll start considering a return to Ajira," he pondered. "Maybe
there could be an easier way to succeed here. I am surprised that
despite the booming of Ajira's economy, people still exhibit some
conservative mentality and live averagely. Average houses, average
cars, average meetings… even average spending. There is no class!
13A Novel by Nedum A. Anthony
But with that young lad at the meeting, what is his name… E...ka…?
Yes, Eka. If he could pull such an enormous crowd, it means he has
some supporters that equally think like him. Yes, people who want
to make it big! Not dullards!"
Eka, a young man in his early forties and with so much youthfulness
evident in him, had made Udoka's day. His words were direct and
despite all the commendations and praises the incumbent
administration had received from the masses, Eka maintained that
some other persons could do much better. He had insisted during
the meeting that the youths should be thinking of living a life beyond
the "average that has become commonplace in Ajira, a lifestyle
which 'steals from them' that desire to be ambitious and aim higher
like their counterparts in other states."
"Having said that," Eka had said, "the idea of asking the incumbent
for continuity is misleading and I don't expect vibrant and ambitious
youths like you to join their bandwagon as our train would certainly
overtake theirs."
Though Eka welcomed the economical advancement the now
independent state of Ajira has recorded under the current
administration, he said some policies have restricted many
individuals, especially the youths from 'making their own monies
personally' without having to work for the state. "People should be
able to make their own monies by selling their products themselves
without any form of restrictive regulations from the government of
Ajira," he had earlier campaigned, "which is why I keep pressing for
the enactment of new policies that would accommodate such
flexibilities in trade while the restrictive ones are invalidated."
"I have a concern," began Igwe as soon as Dr. P declared the
meeting open with a brief prayer. Obindu, Igwe's deputy, and all
four regional representatives were present as requested by Igwe
through Kola. Their hearts pounding, mouths gaping, and ears
itching to hear what next Igwe had to say. Igwe paused as he could
feel their uneasiness. Calm filled the compact but modest office in a
building annexed to Igwe's family house in Ochendo. It was initially
designed to serve as an 'Obi', but Igwe was not interested.
Immediately he got the mandate as Ajira's GG and being an
economist and staunch advocate of a sustainable environment, he had
14The Vain Garden
to convert it to some sort of 'home office' to at least accommodate
him and mainly members of his 'inner circle' during certain mellow
discussions in a bid to move the state forward.
Igwe's mastering of the art of economics made him an automatic hater of wastage and a good advocate of a sustainable environment. To his crew and at
public functions, he always preached the need to deal with wastes
accumulation through the adoption of the 3Rs – Reducing wastes
through Reuse or Recycling.
"All generated revenue of the state ought to be appropriately
utilized," he had once told the lawmakers when there were
suggestions to construct a meeting hall for the executives. "We ought
to ensure no resources of Ajira are wasted. We could make do with
whatever is handy and channel our resources to more
challenging, critical, and urgent needs that have no alternatives yet.
What's the gain in constructing a meeting hall when at the moment
there is a befitting option?"
Mrs. Lemon had arrived much earlier than others had, twenty-five
minutes to the 9 AM kickoff time of the meeting. That was expected
since she was Igwe's co-host of the meeting both having hailed from
the same county of Ochendo. Everyone present had tried to beat Igwe's
arrival as they were aware no flimsy excuses of lateness would be
condoned - a reason why he sent out the notice early enough and had
asked Kola to wait for a response before returning.
"As we all already know," Igwe continued, "our administration is
already three years and as our constitution stipulates, all electoral
processes ought to be completed with the candidates-elect for the
various offices. These have to be in place at least two months before the culmination of the administration's fourth year which ushers in the
inauguration of a new administration within twenty-four hours."
They all nodded in affirmation with Okra and Ngozi showing some
glimmer of enthusiasm that Igwe may have gathered them to
announce his readiness for the upcoming polls. Others though
remained passive. For them, Igwe was only introducing the session
and had said nothing to make them react yet.
"I must commend you all that despite the fact we emerged as
winners during the previous election from different political
platforms for the varied positions we now occupy, we didn't
politicize the services the electorate demanded of us to favor our
individual parties or ourselves. We have selflessly passed bills and
policies that would be of benefit to our people and as everyone, even
our neighboring states can see, we as a formidable team made good
decisions in the active bills, which have continued to pay off. This is
a dedication to duty. This is selfless service. This is patriotism. Once
again, I commend you all."
There was a pause as Igwe's wife Chigasa greeted them in the local
dialect, "Nnoo. U nu abiala ee?" As soon as the guests responded to
her greetings, she excused herself to whisper something to Igwe.
"Oh dear, thanks for the reminder," Igwe responded while taking
the drugs being dispensed by Chigasa according to the prescriptions
of his orthopedic doctor. The doctor had instructed her to remind
him, as the administration of the drugs should not be skipped. Due
to Igwe's all-around engagements, it was highly probable he would
skip them, so needed a reminder, and asked her to "act as Igwe's
home nurse."
"She's been judicious in carrying out the doctor's instructions," Igwe
joked as she walked away.
At this interval, Pine had reflected on Igwe's short speech so far and
wondered how they were able to blend so easily, having come from
different platforms as rightly observed by Igwe.
"It's the result of good leadership," he murmured to Dr. P who
seated next to him. "I guess Ajira may have been in bad shape if
someone whose leadership views are contrary to Igwe's had
mounted the saddle."
"You're on point," responded Dr. P. "Igwe's leadership qualities are
second to none…but…I don't think Igwe convened this meeting
just to commend us. I think there's more to it."
"But you could see the speech was interrupted. He would probably
continue shortly after he had had his medications. Remember his
earlier brief comments concerning our tenure that is about to end
alongside the upcoming elections. So let's hear him."
Igwe spoke at length as he made it clear he would support any of
them who was willing to contest at any level since they were all eligible
to do so.
"Yes. Not to bend the rules or alter the flow of the electoral process
- far from that - but I will simply ask my supporters to vote for the
person. Having worked with you for three years now, I can
confidently vouch for any of you that shows interest, especially in the
position of Governor-General (GG) which I am currently
occupying. Already, I got a grapevine that one of the candidates is
Chief Rufus Ike from Ikwuano. I guess Pine should know him. They
are kinsmen."
Rather than getting excited on hearing that a kinsman was vying for
the GG seat, Pine looked even more perturbed, and as his eyes met
with Igwe's, he just nodded and muttered…"Yes, I do. I know him
but slightly."
"Is that all you've got to say, Pine? Tell us about him. Talk to us,"
demanded Igwe blithely.
However, Pine insisted he did not know Chief Ike as much as being
able to give details about him. All he could say was that he saw him
from afar and he looked like "a clumsy-looking old fellow."
"But Igwe," Pine who could not hold himself back anymore from
finding out why Igwe was making such a request spoke up. "You're
entitled to contest for the second term according to our constitution
and this is just your …or…okay…our first. I think it will be ideal to
retain you at least, at the helm even if not all of us get a return ticket
from our respective constituents. Of course, the people have
confidence in you and would definitely return you at the polls for
you to consolidate on your achievements so far."
"Point of correction Pine", Igwe retorted. "It is our achievements, not
mine."
"Okay. Sorry about that. Our achievements," Pine continued as he rephrased. "So I'd suggest or rather appeal that you contest again. Ajira needs you, Sir"
Pine went on to tell Igwe that even if his team members seated there
were not lucky enough to be returned by their respective
constituents, such persons would still offer their unflinching support
to their potential successors.
"Sir, all around town, there is a clear indication you are the first and
only choice every Ajiran has and so asking us to become your
opposition sounds rather weird. No sane swimmer would opt to go
against the tide."
He paused for a while as everyone thought he had finished and then
he capped off his comments with these last words, "everyone in
Ajira appreciates the developmental strides so far and such successes
don't come by chance but is dependent on the person at the helm of
affairs which at the moment is you. Do it again Sir."
If there was anyone who Igwe's speech and Pine's appeals had put
to a freeze, it was Okra. He knew Igwe better than every other
person seated there, a closeness that warranted Igwe's initial decision
to pick him as his running mate but for the former's desire to
represent his own constituency Ikwuano. Even though Igwe had
neither stated his reason for his indirect but a clear unwillingness to
contest, Okra believed it may not be unconnected to his bone-related
health challenges. He felt it would be unfair to persuade Igwe in that
condition to run for the second time as was allowable by the
constitution. Therefore, instead of him making the request, he saw
Pine's appeals as having come at the appropriate time.
Being a renowned scholar in the agricultural sector, Igwe was
privileged to have traveled to many foreign countries and he had had
a mix of experiences regarding the leadership of some of those
countries. Most were the case of bad leadership similar to what was
happening in Baratan before Ajira's independence, an experience
that made him vow to support Ajira – an unfinished project - in his
entire life.
18The Vain Garden
"And after all the struggles for autonomy and afterward the hurdles
the state had to go through for proper recognition by the international community, having now a dissident or someone whose source of wealth remains questionable in the person of Chief Rufus Ike taking over as the GG of Ajira would be a costly mistake and such a situation needs to be avoided from the onset," he pondered.
Igwe had seen all the nods from all present in support of
Pine's suggestions. He had in particular observed Okra who did not
necessarily nod but had his countenance suddenly brightened up
compared to his downcast looks prior to Pine's speech.
"Thanks, Pine, and you all for thinking well of me. I wish to
emphasize that I don't need to opt out of the race before any of you
could indicate interest," Igwe noted. "That would be tantamount to
bias." He went on to say that in the spirit of fair play, even siblings
could challenge each other in a game without any grudges whether
won or lost. "That's food for thought anyway," he continued. "Yes.
My reason for not wanting to join in the race for the GG candidacy
was laid bare a couple of minutes ago when I took my medications.
As you may have observed these past few years working together as
a team, I do my job better by being always on the move, yes, being
active. I'm not that disposed of any longer to be as active as I had
always been." He paused for a moment and went further to ask them
to bear in mind that if he were to contest and eventually returned
through the polls, those who would have supported his candidacy
with their votes would most likely support them in their respective
constituencies for the singular purpose to retaining their team. "So
it's not just about me but us - our team," he said.
He encouraged them to take a chance because "each of you has what
it would take to emerge a GG and by extension, a productive
administration." He reminded them that by successfully
transforming their state into a self-sufficient economy by their
administration, he would rather give his support to any amongst
them whom he believes already understand the business of running
the affairs of Ajira more than "anyone out there." As they were about
to round off the meeting, he prompted his team that the future of
Ajira lies partly in their hands depending on the position they will
eventually take.
"While you still contemplate on what position to take in this matter," Igwe continued, "note that it would be much better to continue building on our achievements by one amongst you than allow an inexperienced person who's devoid of good plans for
the people to destroy all that has been achieved over the past three
years and…"
He was interrupted by some show of uneasiness among them, which
made him even more uncomfortable, but there was nothing he could
do to remedy the situation, which he believed, was beyond him. Igwe
wished he could help the situation but that was only a wish. While
concluding his address, Igwe said, "Once again, I sincerely appreciate
the confidence you repose in me but remember my opting out of the
race was mainly on health grounds."
Obindu, his deputy has been silent. He understood Igwe's plight as
he himself had on three occasions sent out emergency calls to Igwe's
doctor on his behalf. Moreover, as for his contesting, that was very
different, as he was not also disposed to do so having been advised
against any further stress on his health, being five years older than
Igwe. Though he was upbeat, any of the reps who decided to contest
for the GG position would certainly emerge as the winner, as
enormous support was obvious.
Meanwhile, in Ikwuano, Chief Rufus Ike had kicked off an
electioneering campaign to formally announce his candidature for
the GG of Ajira. Ebere had been approached by one of Ike's
adherents and his primary school mate, Toby Agina to be in the
the meeting, which according to him, sought to use younger Ajira people
as a campaign strategy to give Ike the majority of the votes by the
electorate. Chief Ike with his affluence had decided to inaugurate a
campaign team earlier than other candidates.
"…I hereby present to you Toby Agina as my campaign coordinator with the
hope that through him, you will give me the necessary support for us to 'take over
the leadership of Ajira and together, move our state to the next level."
Ebere was baffled hearing Chief Ike bellow the above concluding
words as he approached his campaign inauguration venue. It was
obvious that the facetious remarks ebulliently made by Chief Rufus
intermittently was due to the huge turnout - of mainly the youths of
course - which had made him exude some confidence as he teased
them to at least win their admiration.
"But that jollying is only superficial," thought Ebere.
Ebere was bewildered that the Chief who some people believed was
being derided by the majority of Ajirans due to his alleged
unscrupulous lifestyle could summon the courage to jostle for not
just any position but that of the GG as well as pulling the crowd he
was beholding. He wondered what the Chief has to offer to the
people especially when he came across such catchy words as 'moving
Ajira to the next level' in his campaign posters and placards.
"As far as I'm concerned," Ebere thought, "that jollying with the
youths is only a make-believe. Ajira has already moved up the ladder
of development, courtesy of Igwe Omemma and more projects such
as the anticipated telecoms services of which Igwe's administration
had already set the groundwork are on the way. All eyes could see
the positive trends that followed the incumbent administration of
Igwe Omemma."
He concluded that such statements are common among the most
aspiring officeholders especially politicians and the majority of them
do not live up to their bidding, abandoning their so-called
manifestos once they succeeded in mounting the saddle of
leadership.
He pondered, "Such deceptive promises have been the trend right
from Baratan's colonialism and now that our people are beginning
to get some breath of fresh air through Igwe and his crew, another
killjoy in the person of Chief Ike wants to take us back. That won't
happen."
After being distracted briefly by the sight of Toby whom he may find
difficult to approach at that moment due to the crowd, Ebere
recalled how good friends they have been from childhood and
wondered if truly Chief Ike was as bad as people portray him,
his friend Toby would not have associated with him.
"Toby has always been a good guy from back in the days," he
thought, "and he seems to be comfortable mingling with the Chief.
It is true people do change as we have been miles apart for so many
years now. Maybe I am wrong. Maybe the people are only being
priggish. Nevertheless, Toby needs to convince me why I should
give my vote to his boss rather than the man of the people Igwe. O
yes."
The thought of Igwe Omemma made Ebere suddenly realize that no
declaration about his intent to run for the second term has been
officially made by the respected GG. He wondered why the Igwe was
unusually silent over a matter as serious as the Ajira general elections.
He was still lost in thought when he was brought back by the
resounding applauses from the youth-filled venue as they welcomed
Toby who had just mounted the podium for an acceptance speech
to lead Ike's campaign train. From all Toby had to say in his speech
and thanking "all present for responding to my invitation on behalf of
Chief Ike", it became clear Toby Agina was the reason why such
a crowd gathered.
Gentle had just stepped into his "Obi" after a sumptuous lunch of
Akpu and Oha soup. He had not taken any meal yet that day, not
even breakfast as he left for church early that Sunday morning but
had the previous night instructed his wife he would prefer to have
that dish, being his favorite. He had told her he wanted to have
something different from the usual white rice and stew which has
become the menu in almost every home on Sundays, not in Ajira
alone but the entire southern region. Nyangai herself has become
very good at cooking such native dishes since she learned the skills
from some Ajira women with whom she was able to associate. Okra
had to cope with her in the first 48 months of their marriage eating
mainly Tanzanian dishes, which his wife was used to. Even the few
times she tried her hands on the local dishes, she had made a mess
of the meals but was lucky in some cases when Okra's kid sister,
Akunna who wasn't yet married then or any of her Ajira friends
would come to her rescue.
The numerous activities in the church that Sunday had drained him
of his last ounce of energy hence famished. A nicely rounded hut
made from the red earth, his "Obi" was a legacy, which he alongside most
men in Ajira and its environs usually inherit from their fathers. Despite
the modern structures that had begun to sprout randomly within
Ajira communities - one of the signs of modern development - red-
earthed huts with thatched roofs still remain the best aboard for any
22The Vain Garden
man who at times would have the need to be excused from the
'domestic troubles'. It is such a place that men find the most
comfortable atmosphere for deep-rooted thoughts especially when
serious decisions are to be made. For that reason, those who were
not fortunate enough to receive such an inheritance from their father
end up constructing a rather modernized "Obi" as they are without
red earth and thatched roofs thereby missing the coziness the
former offers. Okra had desired at that moment to relax and wait for
his food to digest. He had not yet told Nyangai about the outcome
of the meeting with Igwe the previous day even when she inquired a
a number of times.
"The meeting went well," was Okra's response when Nyangai asked
and while suspecting she was still expecting more details he said,
"you know the usual meetings we the reps do have with the Igwe."
He did not seem to know what to tell her at that moment despite
their closeness. Igwe had left them and Obindu his deputy in
a dilemma as none was prepared for the GG seat. Aside being the daunting task that the prospective GG has to endure for four years, they would rather Igwe complete the second tenure allowable
by law as it seemed difficult to get someone else whose 'feet can
properly fit into the big shoes' he was about to leave behind. They
had thought Igwe's accomplishment in so short in time would earn
him a direct return ticket to the seat this time again, but they got the
shock of their lives when he declared otherwise, instead pledging to
support those, especially from their 'stock' who would. Since no one
was courageous enough to take such a challenging decision in that
meeting, Igwe had given them seventy-two hours to return to him
"with some cheering news."
Considering his health condition, the least news Igwe would wish to
hear was a contradictory opinion to his from those he has always
counted on.
"Maybe tonight," thought Okra. "Yes. I think it will be a good idea
to let Nyangai know about Igwe's decision. She had made
suggestions in the past, which indeed paid off. After all, they say that
two good heads are always better than one. I think I could tap from
her intelligent suggestions once more."
23A Novel by Nedum A. Anthony
Okra gradually became euphoric at the thought of nice suggestions
his wife would seemingly proffer that he napped only to be woken
by the voices of two men as they stepped in.
"O dear, you're welcome. Please do sit down," Okra responded to
they're greetings as he gestured to both Udoka and Ebere to a three-
seater cushion fitted into a locally fabricated wooden frame.
"Thank you Mazi," they responded.
"Are you alright?" asked Udoka. "You look tired."
"O yes. Somewhat! Just came in not quite long ago and decided to
chill out here," Okra said as he stretched up and gave out a high-
pitched sigh to ease his nerves.
Udoka chuckled and said, "It's necessary."
"Sure. Sure," admitted Okra. "So how do you do gentlemen?"
"Great!" Udoka was the first to respond as he giggled at Okra who
has fixated his eyes on Ebere with some look of curiosity. "Trying
to figure out this face, I guess?"
Ebere chuckled, keeping cool to see if Okra could guess right.
"I'm not good at solving puzzles, you know," Okra declared. "But
sure I had met this face in the past but can't just figure it out now."
Still, staring he asked, "Is it possible that Udoka knows some people that I don't know in this state? Help me out, Udoka!"
"Alright, guessing time's up," joked Udoka. He then explained to
Okra how he had met him and Ebere when he visited him in school
years back.
"That is right! That is right! It is clearer now. Yeah, the son of late
ehmm...eehhh, Udodiri of Achara. Do forgive me Ebere. I'm not
getting any younger as you can see."
After all the pleasantries with Ebere, Okra turned to Udoka, "it really
seems you're making the best out of your ephemeral stay in Ajira
visiting places. That is very good, for, without that, both of you may
not have bumped into each other. It's always good to get acquainted
with your kin as you'll someday have to return to your homeland."
"That's true, Mazi," said Udoka. "I had to park my car to walk to all
the places I've been. Since I do not know many people, I go to the
pubs for some drinks. In that way, I hear all that is happening in
town. What is trending now is the upcoming election. Everyone talks
about it and from what I could fathom, you guys along with the GG
would be returned to your respective seats."
"Yes, that's true," affirmed Ebere. "I even attended Chief Ike's
campaign inauguration yesterday. My childhood friend Toby invited
me and he was unveiled as the campaign coordinator."
Gentle became sober for a few seconds on hearing that.
"O yes," spoke Udoka. "Many of the candidates are already jostling
for varied positions, especially those vying to represent their
respective constituencies. Only a few are interested in the GG seat."
"On that note, though I see it as a waste of time and resources,"
observed Ebere referring to those considering the number one seat.
"Sir, we're behind you and your team. You guys have done so well
and the people feel you still have more to give to our state. We'll
support you."
Okra at that moment remained fazed, as he did not know what to
respond to the young men.
"It isn't always as most people think," he finally broke the silence.
"The power to vote is everybody's right and no one should be
disenfranchised in any way."
Okra had neither seen nor had a one-on-one interaction with Rufus.
The only knowledge about him he could remember was that he is an
Ajira business executive based in Ibuku. Of late also, Chief Rufus
made the news when the road construction project in the state
almost affected his mansion in Ikwuano but for the quick
intervention of Engineer Odinka and his team who declared it safe.
The news had it that Chief Ike threatened to sue the government had
the road construction affected his building, a comment that had
generated a lot of controversies and strained any relationship among
them. Ike himself barely visited home and his compound was most
times covered with grasses that are rarely cut. All this had made him
unknown mostly to children and recent returnees.
"Do you know him personally?" Okra asked Ebere.
"No. Not at all," replied Ebere, "that was actually my first time
seeing him. I heard he is barely known at home but Toby's efforts
and social circles helped him get the number of support he boasts
of. Being late at the event, I only witnessed when Toby was being
introduced as his campaign coordinator and then his last words that
his administration would 'take Ajira to the next level' if elected into
office."
In what seemed like a dramatic change of attitude, Okra stated,
"That is the kind of orientation that'd be expected of any candidate
for the GG position."
He suddenly paused as if questioning himself over his last
comments. Then he continued, "Such words are encouraging and
could earn him the confidence as well as the votes of the people only
if he could clear his name of his supposed 'scandalous' lifestyle and
getting people back here at home to know him better."
As the elder among them, Gentle had quickly assessed his comments
to be cocksure he was not indirectly revealing to both men Igwe's
position regarding the upcoming elections. He had to also play along
which would give him room to properly ascertain whose camp his
guests are willing to join. Nevertheless, he immediately realized he
had goofed by his statement recommending Chief Ike for GG,
which in a way suggested Igwe was not contesting. Even though that
was the case, he did not want such a declaration to come from him, at
least not now.
"But as I earlier said, none of these candidates stands a chance
against Igwe who would surely want to complete his second tenure.
I mean, that's everyone's belief," Ebere inferred, hoping to get some
hints about Igwe's opinion from Okra's response but could not still
figure it out.
Though Udoka wanted to comment on that, he was already getting
frustrated with all the talks about Ajira politics. All he wants now is
to excuse Ebere, take Okra to a corner, and teach him what he needs
to do to make extra pay for himself.
"That's why I'm here," he thought, "nothing else matters."
But having listened to and assimilated some facts about the political
atmosphere of Ajira as well as being a man given to turgid behavior
with all the fame and followership associated with such a lifestyle,
Udoka believed he could easily get by venturing into politics,
particularly in Ajira with its inviting opportunities.
"This isn't the right time though," he thought, "especially as it
seemed obvious every electorate would vote the incumbents back to
their seats."
"O yes. That's true," replied Okra as he sought to redress his
mistakes. "That seems to be the expectation of the people but as I
earlier pointed out, there's no preferential treatment as every
electorate is given the opportunity to exercise their franchises. That's
the idea."
The talk about Ike and his planned campaign was of so much interest
to Okra that his attention was fully on Ebere, prodding him with
questions about the kick-off meeting in a bid to get more facts
about Chief Rufus.
"Maaazi," interrupted Udoka. "Ebere had just mentioned he only
saw this Rufus for the first time in his life yesterday. Moreover, that
is not what brought me to your house. Both of you would have more
time to discuss since Ebere still has more time to spend in Ajira than
I do. As you know, I should be returning to Obaro in a couple of
days and I'm yet to pack up my personal effects."
Looking for a way to appease Igwe should his expected "good news"
fall short after the seventy-two-hour mark, Okra decided he would
suggest Chief Ike to Igwe for his support as he's the only candidate
so far that seemed viable. Moreover, Toby Agina was a reputed man
who has never been incriminated in any way, so associating with Ike
could mean he is trustworthy, as birds of different stock have no business being together. Toby may as well influence Chief Ike's positive turnaround.