|Matters Arising|
For this 21st Century, you still get mind send person your nude.
Hmm, una get mind oh.
You were go leak nude, for your mind na fun.
Truly this street nor send your mental health.
People will do a lot in the name of fun.
You think it's okay because it makes you feel good.
I think you are an ass for letting your human empathy down.
You fucked up big time!
You insensitive being, wrapped around the chains of the social mirror.
They uphold it therefore it makes sense to you.
It's how you let social paradigms dictate actions that would cost you a lot.
You let them tape that goddess's body
How little you think of yourself.
You sent him your most priceless physical asset
How clueless you are.
You said
"I only saved them in my phone na"
Omo to do what with it?
Oti ya wèrèy?
_____________________________________
Mr ACHEBE's RESIDENCE, ABUJA|
" Adaora walks into her Chambers"
CHIBUIKE
(He switches on the reading lamp as he relaxes on her pink-coated leather couch)
Congratulations, Sister.
ADAORA
What are you doing here, Chibuike?
CHIBUIKE
Relax, Sis.
I will leave but first, I want you to see a short movie with me.
(He pulls out his phone from his front pocket)
ADAORA
Get out!
(She points at the door)
CHIBUIKE
(He plays a sex clip of Adaora and a female employee)
Wow, I didn't know you had a full breast.
Wow, they can't see the ground too.
It's such a pity that you choose another like you to suck on them.
ADAORA
(She rushes to Chibuike)
How did you get hold of this?
CHIBUIKE
It doesn't matter how I got it the most important thing is that I have it and I can do a lot with it.
(He gets up and adjusts his suit)
ADAORA
Why are you doing this, Chibuike?
What do you want?
CHIBUIKE
I would be straight with you, sister.
Step down and tell Dad you can't lead the company.
ADAORA
So you want to destroy my life because you want be Chairman?
CHIBUIKE
Don't try to guilt-strip me.
We all have passions that we would do anything to hold on to.
You know you don't deserve that position.
ADAORA
And if I don't?
CHIBUIKE
A leaked controversial sex tape will make headlines tomorrow morning.
Just imagine the looks on Dad's face when he sees this.
ADAORA
I don't care about the tape I will not give up this position for anything.
What's the worst that could happen?
I will trend for days and people will forget this ever happens.
CHIBUIKE
(He smiles)
For a usual sex tape, yes!
But this is different.
This will change your identity just imagine the public finding out that First daughter of the president is a lesbian.
(He walks towards the door)
ADAORA
Chibuike!
CHIBUIKE
(He turns to Adaora)
Wow, so you can address me with such a polite voice?
ADAORA
Give me time to think about it.
CHIBUIKE
What's there to think about?
All you have to do is ask yourself a simple question.
The secret of my sexual identity and my desire to be the Chairman of the company, which is more important?
ADAORA
This isn't fair, Chibuike.
CHIBUIKE
What isn't fair?
The fact that you choose to get sexually involved with men or the fact that are an illegitimate child with no rights?
ADAORA
So you are just going to do this to me and feel no guilt?
CHIBUIKE
You did this to yourself!
You've got forty-eight hours to make a decision
(He walks out of the room)
_____________________________________
FESTAC CENTRAL HOSPITAL|
"Maria clings to Mrs. Aisha's right hand, covered in blood, as they roll her into the emergency ward."
MARIA
Granny, stay with me, please. I'm sorry for everything.
(Tears roll down her cheeks.)
Dr. MABEL
(Rushes into the scene)
What happened?
TAIWO
She was shot.
Dr. HENRY
Okay, don't worry, we will take it from here.
MARIA
No, I want to go with her. I can't leave her alone.
BAYO
(He holds onto Maria as she struggles to follow Mrs. Aisha and the attending doctors.)
Calm down, Maria. Everything will be fine.
Mrs. B BALOGUN
Exactly! Nanny will be fine.
MARIA
How can you ask me to calm down? No, I can't lose her.
(She screams out.)
BAYO
Maria, please relax. You have to be strong for her.
Mrs. B BALOGUN
What's wrong with that Simi? How the hell did she even get a gun?
BAYO
(He turns to Bisola)
Mother, not now!
"Taiwo rushes onto the scene alongside Temilade and Kate"
TAIWO
What happened? Is she fine?
(He approaches Maria.)
MARIA
(She drops her trembling right palm on his left cheek.)
Stay away from me! You did this to us. You and that animal you call a wife.
TAIWO
Maria, I'm sorry.
MARIA
Get out! I don't want to see you. And tell your wife if anything happens to my Grandmother, I will hunt her down and kill her. It's a promise.
TAIWO
I'm sorry. I didn't mean for...
MARIA
Get out! Just leave! I don't want to see your face.
Mrs. K BALOGUN
(Turns to Taiwo)
I think you should leave, please.
BAYO
I agree with Granny.
TEMI
Taiwo, please.
TAIWO
Fine!
(He sluggishly walks out of the scene.)
TEMI
(She pulls Maria to herself.)
My love, everything will be fine.
MARIA
They want to kill her for me.
Mrs. K BALOGUN
Let's be positive. She will be fine.
Mrs. B BALOGUN
Hmm, let's pray her old body will survive this.
BAYO
Mummy!
MARIA
(She turns to Bisola)
What's that supposed to mean?
Mrs. B BALOGUN
We all know she's old and...
"Dr. Yemi walks into the scene, wearing a sad face."
MARIA
(Rushes to Dr. Yemi)
Doctor, how is she? Can I see her now?
Dr. YEMI
(Shakes his head and sighs heavily)
We did all we could. I'm sorry.
MARIA
Ahh, No! No!!!
(She falls to the ground in agony.)
"Temi holds tight to Maria as tears gush down her cheeks"
_____________________________________
"Simi rushes into Ayoola's car."
AYOOLA
Simi, what is the problem? Why are you sweating so heavily?
SIMI
Help me, please.
AYOOLA
Calm down and talk to me, Simi. What happened?
SIMI
You know the gun you gave me for protection a few months back?
AYOOLA
Yes, what about it?
SIMI
Out of frustration, I decided to take matters into my own hands and get revenge for what Maria did to Taiwo and my marriage.
AYOOLA
Oh God, what did you do, Simi?
SIMI
I was going for Maria, but Mrs. Aisha jumped in and took the bullet for her. I didn't mean to, Sis.
(Tears roll down her eyes.)
AYOOLA
Simi, why? Where is the gun?
SIMI
It's in my bag.
AYOOLA
Alright, what about Mrs. Aisha? Did she survive?
SIMI
I don't know. I ran out of fear.
AYOOLA
Jesus, this is serious. What were you thinking? Do you know how dear that woman is to the Baloguns? She has been with them for years.
SIMI
I know that is why I'm worried they will come for me.
AYOOLA
Relax, I will think of something.
(She turns on the car engine.)
_____________________________________
MRS. ADESOJI'S RESIDENCE, VICTORIA ISLAND, LAGOS|
"Tony walks into Mrs. Adesoji's chamber after knocking several times and getting no response."
TONY
Good morning, Mum.
Mrs. ADESOJI
Good morning, Tony. What do you want?
TONY
Hmm. You have a visitor.
Mrs. ADESOJI
I don't want anybody. They probably just want to confirm the news of your sister's death that has been making headlines.
TONY
I think you would want to see this person.
Mrs. ADESOJI
(She snaps) What part of
"I do not want to see anyone"
do you not understand, Tony? I want to be left alone! Don't you get it?
Fi mi silẹ!
TONY
Hmm, fine.
(He walks out of the room.)
_____________________________________
"Tony walks into the living room."
TONY
I'm sorry, ma. She doesn't want to be left alone for now.
LOLADE
Did you tell her I am the one who wants to see her?
TONY
She didn't give me the chance to. Sorry, maybe you should leave for Abuja without her. Losing Stella really got to her.
(He picks up his bag to leave.)
DANIEL
And where are you going?
TONY
Work!
DANIEL
Stella is dead, and all you could think about is work?
TONY
Look, Mr. man. I feel the pain everyone is feeling, but someone has to go out there and look after the company. As you know, we might go bankrupt soon. Our sister has been laid to rest, what else do you want me to do?
LOLADE
I will go to your mom and see if I can get her to go with me.
(She walks out of the scene.)
DANIEL
(Walks towards Tony)
Is this really about the business or you trying to escape your own conscience and guilt?
TONY
What's that supposed to mean?
DANIEL
Don't pretend, Tony. I know you had something to do with what happened to Stella.
TONY
I think you are crazy or probably on something.
DANIEL
She called me and told me what you did to Chinaza. You killed Stella and hid her body in a shallow grave. Don't try to deny it. I have proof.
TONY
(He laughs)
You need help, Daniel.
DANIEL
Just so you know she texted me a lot too. And told me you were after her life. Tell Mother what you have done, or I will.
TONY
And you think Mum would believe any of the ridiculous things you are saying now?
DANIEL
With my proof, hell yes. Everything is linked to you, Tony. Mother doesn't just know it yet.
TONY
Good luck with your stupidity.
(He walks out of the scene.)
_____________________________________
"Lolade knocks on Mrs. ADESOJI's door."
LOLADE
Hey, it's me. Can I come in?
Mrs. ADESOJI
Didn't Tony tell you I want to be left alone?
LOLADE
Yes, he did, but I thought I was an exception. I know this is a hard time for you, but it shouldn't stop us from going on with our plan.
Mrs. ADESOJI
(She opens the door)
So your plans are more important than my feelings as a mother who just lost a child?
LOLADE
Do you want to figure out what happened to Stella?
Mrs. ADESOJI
What kind of foolish question is that, Lolade? Please leave.
(She attempts to close the door.)
LOLADE
(She stops her)
Answer my question!
Mrs. ADESOJI
Yes, I do! Wouldn't you want that?
LOLADE
Then we must go on with our plans. Do not forget our quest for power. This will help us figure out all our problems and put people in their place. We can't stop now.
Mrs. ADESOJI
Hmm. When are you leaving for Abuja?
LOLADE
We are leaving this afternoon.
Mrs. ADESOJI
Don't you think it's too soon to take him out?
LOLADE
We must stick to our plans. We agreed to strike during the presidential speech.
Mrs. ADESOJI
I know, but I still think it's too soon. People will point fingers at us, and it will breed room for the NNC to get back at us for what we did to them during the election.
LOLADE
Nothing comes without a risk. The plan has always been for me to be president, and for you to be my vice. We must fulfill our goals. And thankfully, Mr. Achebe will pay the price.
Mrs. ADESOJI
Alright. I will join you this noon.
LOLADE
Oh, yes, you will, and I'm not leaving here until you pack up. I have to make certain that we are in this together. You have to be strong, my dear. And I'm here to make certain of that.
_____________________________________
CHIEF BALOGUN's RESIDENCE, BANANA ISLAND|
"Taiwo walks into Chief's office."
TAIWO
E kaaro, sir. You sent for me.
CHIEF BALOGUN
Yes, I did!
(He angrily throws a newspaper at him)
What's this? How did this happen, Taiwo? Do you know what this is going to cost us?
TAIWO
(He picks up the newspaper)
I don't see anything here that should make you scream at me this way.
CHIEF BALOGUN
It clearly states there that you are involved in a relationship with Maria.
TAIWO
What is wrong with that? It's the truth!
CHIEF BALOGUN
(Slaps Taiwo)
You are supposed to be the heir to the Baloguns' empire. Didn't you think of that before involving yourself in all of this? Do you realize that this might affect the company?
TAIWO
Did I ever mention to you that I was interested in the family business? Only fools like Bayo would choose slavery over freedom.
CHIEF BALOGUN
Why are you doing this to me, Taiwo? Why do you want to destroy all I have worked hard for? Why do you want to destroy your future?
TAIWO
My future was half destroyed the day I was born into your household. Everything about my life has been controlled by you. From what I eat to where I school, who I should be with and who I should associate with. Everything, Grandpa. I had no life until Maria came into the picture.
CHIEF BALOGUN
Look where that has gotten you. Maria probably hates you now, and your supposed wife has gone into hiding. If you had listened to me and stuck to the plan, none of this would be happening.
TAIWO
I hate you, Grandpa. Thanks to you, I have lost everything.
(He walks out of the office.)
_____________________________________
"Taiwo walks into the sitting room."
KEN
(Turns to Taiwo)
Hey bro, I heard what happened.
CHIKE
Are you okay?
TAIWO
(Walks to Bayo and lands several punches on his face.)
Why do you hate me this much?
BAYO
Ouch. What's your problem, Taiwo? What are you talking about?
TAIWO
Are you seriously asking me that? So with all that has happened, you still went ahead to reach out to Veronica just to get to me?
BAYO
I have no idea what you are saying. I haven't spoken to Veronica since we broke up.
TAIWO
(Pulls Bayo by the shirt)
Listen to me, Bayo. I don't care about the company; you can have it as long as you stay out of my way.
(Pushes Bayo to the ground.)
KEN
Taiwo, that's enough, please.
"Rukky walks into the scene holding Hope's left hand."
RUKKY
Taiwo, what has gotten into you?
HOPE
(Taps Rukky's arm)
Why are they fighting?
CHIKE
It's nothing, my love. Don't mind them. Come with me, let's have some ice cream before you leave for school.
(He lifts her off the ground and walks out of the scene.)
BAYO
(Turns to Rukky)
He keeps blaming me for what is happening right now. I have told him I have nothing to do with the scandal.
TAIWO
(Chuckles as he gazes at Bayo)
Have you taken a look at yourself lately? Your greed and jealousy are slowly eating you up. I understand why you would want to do this to me. What I don't get is why you would want to hurt the poor girl.
BAYO
Exactly! Why would I want to hurt her? I didn't do it, Taiwo.
TAIWO
Yes, you did.
(He attempts to land another punch on Bayo's face.)
BAYO
(He stops Taiwo and punches him back.)
You did this to yourself, Taiwo.
KEN
Guys, that's enough, na. See the way una they fight like small children.
RUKKY
You know what, kill yourselves if it will make you both happy.
(Walks out of the scene.)
TAIWO
This isn't over.
(Walks away.)
_____________________________________
ADEBISI's RESIDENCE, FESTAC|
"Maria cries out loud"
MARIA
No, she isn't dead. It can't be!
ONYINYE
(Pulls Maria to herself)
Maria, please stop. You will get sick.
MARIA
(Turns to Onyinye)
Onyinye, I killed her. I did this to her. I killed the being that mattered to me the most.
TEMI
No, you did not. None of this is your fault.
ADEBISI
Exactly. That Simi is to blame for all of this.
Mr. A BALOGUN
And I will do all I can to bring her in. She must pay for her crimes.
(Places his hands on Maria's shoulders)
It's a promise.
MARIA
Thank you, sir.
TEMI
Come with me. You should rest now.
(She assists Maria in getting up.)
Mr. A BALOGUN
(Turns to Adebisi)
I have to go now. I have some meetings to attend before leaving for Abuja this evening.
ADEBISI
Oh, for the meeting with the presidents.
Mr. A BALOGUN
Yes! Please take care of Maria. She's like a daughter to me. I will make provisions to tighten the security here.
ADEBISI
(She hugs Ayo)
Everything will be fine, Ayo. Please take care of yourself.
Mr. A BALOGUN
(Kisses her forehead)
I will be fine.
_____________________________________
EKO HOTEL AND SUITES |
"Chief Balogun summons a meeting with The Table Members."
Mrs. AJAYI
(Turns to Chief)
Chief, I am yet to understand why you called for an urgent meeting.
CHIEF BALOGUN
Relax, my dear friend. The time and moment will come for that.
Mr. EDOCHIE
Hmm, hope everything is alright, Chief?
GEN ABIOLA
I was about to ask that question.
"Hon. J Bola walks into the private suite."
HON. J BOLA
Good afternoon, Chief. You sent for me.
CHIEF BALOGUN
I'm sure you know why I asked you to see me.
HON. J BOLA
No, I don't, Chief. May I ask why?
CHIEF BALOGUN
(Smiles and turns to others)
As you all know, there is a brother code that binds the secret exclusive Group. And one of our own has betrayed us. It has come to my understanding that the Chief Justice of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, whom I trusted so much, has betrayed me and all of you.
HON. J BOLA
Ahh, Chief, I don't understand. What have I done to offend you or the table?
CHIEF BALOGUN
(Picks up his gun and points it at Bola)
You sold us out, and you must pay the price.
HON. J BOLA
(Falls on his knees)
Chief, I'm sorry. I was only helping your wife; she made me do it.
Mr. OBI
Chief, I think we should hear him out.
Mrs. AJAYI
I think so too. He deserves a hearing. Let's not deny him his...
Chief pulls the trigger.
CHIEF BALOGUN
Let this serve as a warning to every one of you.
(Turns to Gen. Abiola)
General, you have until tomorrow to surrender your daughter to me for the havoc she has brought upon my home. As for you, Mr. Obi, I will let your son's silly act go, but there will be no wedding. Mr. Edochie!
Mr. EDOCHIE
Yes, Chief.
CHIEF BALOGUN
Get some of the boys to clean up this mess.
(Gazes at Bola, who is bleeding to death.)
_____________________________________
THE ABIOLA's RESIDENCE |
"Gen. Abiola walks into his residence"
Dr. SHADE
Ọkọ mi, welcome.
(Notices his worrisome look)
Ahh, is everything fine?
GEN. ABIOLA
(Turns to Shade)
The Baloguns are coming for our daughter.
Dr. SHADE
Ahh, but she didn't hurt any of them, na. She is just a maid. Why can't they let it go?
GEN. ABIOLA
I don't know, Shade.
Dr. SHADE
Well, I think we can come to some sort of arrangement with them. I believe we can work this out.
"Ayoola walks into the sitting room."
AYOOLA
Same here, because there is no way my sister is going to jail.
GEN. ABIOLA
Ayoola, where is your sister?
AYOOLA
Somewhere safe.
Dr. SHADE
Where? Why are you keeping her from us?
AYOOLA
Because it's the best thing to do, Mummy. The less you all know, the better.
GEN. ABIOLA
Do you realize the magnitude of the situation on the ground? She murdered someone dear to the Baloguns.
AYOOLA
So we should let them send her to jail? Rara oh, it won't happen!
GEN. ABIOLA
Chief killed the Chief Justice of the nation today right in front of the table members. Trust me, Ayoola, this is bigger than all of us.
AYOOLA
And so? Na God e be? Simi won't go to jail.
Dr. SHADE
Enough of this, please. What do we do to solve this?
AYOOLA
Well, I'm making arrangements to get her out of the country as soon as possible.
Dr. SHADE
Do you think that will stop them from coming for us?
AYOOLA
Yes, it will. If we convince them that we do not know about her whereabouts.
GEN. ABIOLA
Hmm, be careful, Ayoola. The Baloguns are dangerous people. They can wipe out a full generation just for the sin of one against them.
(He walks out of the scene.)
_____________________________________
ASU ROCK, FEDRAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA|
"Lolade walks into Mr Achebe's Office"
LOLADE
Good Morning, Mr president
Mr ACHEBE
Good morning, my Vice President.
LOLADE
Are you ready to address the house?
Mr ACHEBE
I believe so.
LOLADE
The stage is yours
(She walks out of the office)
_____________________________________
"Mr Achebe climbs the stage to address the country for the first time"
Mr ACHEBE
Ladies and gentlemen,
I stand before you today as the President of Nigeria, humbled and deeply honored by the trust you have placed in me through the recent election. This moment marks not only the beginning of a new chapter for our great nation but also a profound responsibility that I accept with utmost dedication and commitment.
First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude to the people of Nigeria for their unwavering faith in the democratic process. Your votes, your voices, and your dreams have propelled us to this moment of change and hope. Together, we have chosen the path of progress, unity, and prosperity for our beloved country.
As we look to the future, we must acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead. Nigeria is a nation of vast potential, but it is also a nation that has faced its fair share of difficulties. Our journey will not be without hurdles, but I firmly believe that with unity, resilience, and innovation, we can overcome anything that stands in our way.
My administration's core principles will be built on inclusivity, transparency, and accountability. We will work tirelessly to bridge the divides that have held us back and to ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of their background, can contribute to and benefit from the growth of our nation.
Economic development will be at the forefront of our agenda. We will foster an environment conducive to investment, job creation, and sustainable growth. Our aim is to improve the lives of all Nigerians, providing access to quality healthcare, education, and essential services.
Security remains a paramount concern. We are...
" Mr Achebe is gunned down by a hit man. The room is filled with tension as government officials and the press find safe heaven"
Mrs ACHEBE
(Knees besides Mr Achebe who is bleeding from his head)
No!
Somebody help!
"Lolade rushes to her"
LOLADE
Ma, we have to get out of here.
Mrs ACHEBE
No!
I am not leaving my husband.
_____________________________________
LOLADE's RESIDENCE, LEKKI PHASE ONE
"Adaora walks into the living room."
OLAMIDE
Ahh, I thought we agreed to meet in Abuja. Why are you in Lagos?
ADAORA
I don't feel like going.
OLAMIDE
Why? It's your father's first official day in office. Don't you think you should be there with him?
ADAORA
(Picks up a bottle of wine from the shelf)
Wouldn't it be a crime if I don't attend?
OLAMIDE
No, it wouldn't. But out of courtesy, you should.
(Takes the wine from her)
And it's too early to drink.
ADAORA
Why are you here? It's your Mom's day too. Shouldn't you be in Abuja?
OLAMIDE
I was about to leave for Abuja when you called. Don't you remember?
ADAORA
(Sits on the couch)
I'm confused, Olamide. And I have no friends to go to, just you.
OLAMIDE
Wow, finally the bossy Adaora sees me as a friend.
ADAORA
I'm serious, Olamide.
OLAMIDE
What is the problem?
ADAORA
How would you feel if I tell you I'm a lesbian?
OLAMIDE
The same way I feel now because I know you are.
ADAORA
Wait! How did...
OLAMIDE
(Chuckles)
It's written all over you.
ADAORA
And you don't have a problem with it?
OLAMIDE
Hmm, I'm not in support of it, but who am I to judge you?
ADAORA
My brother knows and is blackmailing me.
OLAMIDE
Let me guess. He wants you to let go of the Chairmanship?
ADAORA
Exactly. What do I do, Olamide? I can't risk my identity out there. My father would disown me.
OLAMIDE
Hmm. I get it, but you know you are already exposed, right?
ADAORA
What do you mean?
OLAMIDE
I still think your brother will leak your sexual identity regardless.
ADAORA
Why would he do that?
OLAMIDE
Because he can. For the first time in his life, he doesn't see you as a threat but as a victim in his pun game. Trust me, he will seize his moment.
ADAORA
What should I do then?
OLAMIDE
Nothing. You can't do anything about your secret coming out, but if you play your cards right, you can influence and control what people think of it. Besides, social media is so gullible these days.
ADAORA
Yes, I can.
(She gets up and picks up her bag)
Olamide, have I ever told you about how smart you are? Thank you.
OLAMIDE
I guess you know what to do?
ADAORA
Oh, yes, I do.
_______________________________________
FESTAC OIL AND GAS, HEADQUARTERS |
"Chief addresses the board members at the shareholders meeting."
CHIEF BALOGUN
Since there are no other contenders for the Chairmanship, then I am recommending that we give it to my grandson.
"Bayo adjusts his suit as he wears a smile."
ADEBISI
Which of them, Chief?
CHIEF BALOGUN
(Turns to Adebisi)
Don't worry, Miss Agnis. I wouldn't risk the image of the company just to fulfill my dreams.
ADEBISI
Which of them?
CHIEF BALOGUN
Bayo Balogun. I think he is the best man for the job.
ADEBISI
Hmm, do you think that is your decision to make?
CHIEF BALOGUN
Of course not. That is why we are all here. But I believe he is the best man for the job.
ADEBISI
Well, I believe we should also look at our other options.
(Turns to the board members)
And they all think so.
CHIEF BALOGUN
By other options, you mean yourself?
ADEBISI
(Chuckles)
If I were after your company, Chief, I would be closer than you think.
CHIEF BALOGUN
So who would that be?
"Kate walks into the office."
Mrs. K BALOGUN
Me!
CHIEF BALOGUN
Kate, what are you doing here?
Mrs. K BALOGUN
I'm a shareholder too. Am I not supposed to be here?
CHIEF BALOGUN
(Ignores Kate)
As I was saying, I believe Bayo is the best man for the job.
Mrs. K BALOGUN
I don't think you are in a place to make that decision.
CHIEF BALOGUN
(Turns to Kate)
What's that supposed to mean?
ADEBISI
As of the moment, Mrs. Kate Balogun is the highest shareholder of the company.
CHIEF BALOGUN
Don't play games with me.
Mrs. K BALOGUN
It's not a game, Williams. I bought your shareholders out. Don't you notice the room is very scanty?