THE VOTE CHRONICLES If I had scoffed at seeing this essay topic the day I saw the advertorial on the internet, it was my choice and if I did stop by to give contesting nothing but a thought it was my choice too. If I went ahead to write it and then submit as it … Continue reading Making or not making choices
The incumbent governor of Alanta State received a call that gladdened his heart. In spite of his status, he jumped up and down like a school boy on receiving the great news. The tough-talking electoral officer had finally caved in. Johnson, the governor’s trusted aide had been working assiduously to persuade the electoral officer to … Continue reading No Shortcut
He could see the story vividly in his mind as he made his mental constructions and polished his angles on the way to the interview. For most parts of his adult life, he had wondered how it would feel for things to be just a little better than they were. He had known that feeling … Continue reading ‘Nigerian Roulette’
“I really liked the advertisement campaign of the DVD party.” “Hmm, I thought the advert bereft of any message, what with all the money at their disposal.” “Frank, you are an incurable critic, nothing pleases you.” Laughing, Frank replied, “When something does, even I will be the first to sing its praises to the high … Continue reading The Heavens are Silent
Jennifer glanced around the lecture room she usually studied in and then at her wristwatch. It was 6.00pm,time to head home. ‘Hello!’ She looked up to see Kayode, a 300 level student she had a huge crush on.She smiled saying nothing. ‘Heading home?’ She eagerly nodded and stood up. They chatted for some minutes while he … Continue reading Her Objective Mind
I hate elections. Well, not quite. After all, no one desires to be an onlooker when important decisions are being made. But Nigeria elections, in my opinion, are an elaborate charade woven in expensive foolery, needless violence and deliberate corruption. At twenty three, I had never voted neither did I look forward to doing so. … Continue reading Civil Robbery
He needed the money badly. No, badly was an understatement. He needed the money so…He couldn’t even find the words. How badly could you need something that could save the life of your only son? N500, 000 is what the doctor told him to bring. Half a million naira! He and his wife had been … Continue reading The Antelope
LALAM: My friend, what are you doing here? UDAMA: I have bothered myself a lot about government not doing its job. Maybe it is time I bothered myself with doing my job. LALAM: Really, don’t tell me you have started yet another business. UDAMA: No, not something serious. Only that our boss tied this month’s … Continue reading This Election Day
“Nwakwe for president!” The stout musician said loudly as part of his performance for the Nigeria’s Democratic Party presidential campaign in Abia State. Nwakwe nodded his head slowly, like he was intoxicated by the song, and indeed he was. He didn’t care if the song was monotonous and boring, or whether it was interesting; all … Continue reading In the blink of an eye
‘We have a mandate!’ he shouted, but his family didn’t understand what he meant. His ten-year-old son sat down munching his food, as he watched his father break for the umpteenth time, his rule about not talking while eating. His wife didn’t seem to care if he shouted at the top of his voice. ‘We … Continue reading Dining Electorates
She said “I want to vote”. Like I was the ballot box. I looked up, and I saw the sun. Slowly, its rays crept into my carefully inclined lids, and I saw the day had began to ripen, like the contrast of banana peel; ripening, but too early, for boole*. Then I looked down, and … Continue reading Father Of The Children
It was 4:00pm already ,yet i haven’t even taken my afternoon drugs, as a recovering patient that is still recovering from MALARIA. I was too weak even to get up and take my tablets, no doubt me and MORPHEUS had a very wonderful jouney to the dreamland. “Junior go get me my drugs on the … Continue reading Madness
As a graduate of Theatre Arts, I learnt to conquer stage fright early in life. My acting professor, late Professor Ola Rotimi, reminded us that humans were toothless bulldogs. If they didn’t bite, we had no reason to be scared of them on stage. He always said “focus on one person smiling at you and … Continue reading My President has stage fright
As the clouds began to rumble, we began to mumble. A moist scent engulfed the air and the atmosphere felt like an ocean-ride. From a distance, the hills seemed to be covered with snow. To the best of my knowledge, Nigeria had never experienced snowfalls. I actually saw that topographical-aspect as a mirage. Even the … Continue reading Behind the Dark Cloud
My son’s image looms large as I watch the political campaign on my black and white TV. Sadly, I do not feel my allegiance to him is strong enough to risk empowering him in such a manner. You see, I come from a long line of great and politically inclined men, who regally stride where … Continue reading The Gene of Greatness