LOGINShare
chapter 3
publish date:
2023-12-01 14:17:23A live broadcast of the President addressing the country was about to hold. In exactly 3minutes, he would be on air and I was highly expectant of what he was going to say.
I'm sure it wasn't only me, governors, commissioners, governmental staff, social workers, even children, in short the whole country was waiting for 9.00am on this faithful day to strike on the clock as it would be marked in the shelves of history.I was almost dressed for work as I hurriedly made a cup of coffee, while settling on the large office chair in my home. The bright light of the morning sun shone directly on my face from my angle of sitting and in annoyance, I forcefully pulled the blinds to cover the window beside me before reaching for the the antique radio on the side stool.
I know we are all wondering why a radio and not a remote for the TV but believe it or not, I didn't have a single television set in my home. I was a strong believer in the significance of old artifacts as well as lifestyles.
The world was rapidly evolving and expanding but sometimes I feel that the fast paces are detrimental to who we are. It is best sometimes to always slow done a bit and allow life to throw it at you step by step and not being faster than our shadows all the time. With that said, I began turning channels on the radio seeking 92.8fm the most popular radio station.The station was known for its credibility in giving accurate facts and never missing any relevant detail. The TV broadcasts these days even though had independency were still subject to the controls of the government. That was even amongst the many reasons why I preferred using a radio to get my news. They were more unbiased in their views and respected their autonomous nature.
The static sound of the radio flooded the room as I moved the antenna trying to find a signal. This sort of thing never fails to bring back child hood memories of sitting on the front porch of our village house, listening to some old jams with my father.
A smile came to my face as the crunchy static sound was generating a calming feeling inside me and not a bother to my ears. It made me recall also, my mother singing in her melodious voice, the black bird by Nina Simeone while making our breakfasts. The memory of I and my brother Tayo playing a refreshing game of chess on a classic Sunday evening came to mind also.There were past memories that I could never let go, it was what I was made up of and the man I was now was as a result of the past I had. So why then should I give them up and forget because the world around me feels it's best.Around my house was filled with images, relics and artifacts from the greatest times and people in our history. On the dining wall, stood an old black and white photo of I and Wole Soyinka at the literary awards of Nigeria, 1994. To think I was just 12 years, when I had won the literary award and was invited into the glorious home of the famous novelist, Soyinka.It was a memory I will always pride even till the day I die and so as the many others that made my childhood almost surreal. Why then should I forget my past and live like new beings in Sisals of another cultures clothing simply because the world is growing.I finally found the signal, and even if I was already four minutes late, I was still right on Nigerian time. The host of the program was still giving the beginning headlines as I tuned in, so I sat back in my chair with the already half cup of coffee still waiting for the most anticipated moment.
After a few minutes the host signals the introduction of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and he immediately starts of his address.
'In these recent times, we have faced one of the worst challenges since the independence of our country, Nigeria. We have all heard of the recent bombings by the terrorist group Jama'atu Haram happening in the North east and central part of Nigeria.
I urge all of us today to come as one body in unity to take a rise against these deadly terrorists and say no to living our lives in fear. The events of yesterday have put the country into an indefinite state of emergency as the activities of these criminals are on high rise. We are all sad concerning the lives lost at the twin bombings in Jos yesterday and in honour of them we bend on our knees in a state of sober reflection over every other victim in the hands of these criminal elements.A number of our men and women, including children have been kidnapped by these Same terrorists and the government is doing its utmost best to free our people and put an end to Terrorism.The problems are more complicated and the risks greater than even to the point of the then civil war, that massacred a great number of our people. Today I say in absolute anger and anguish, no ones ambitions or wishes is worth the blood of any Nigerian.I, Goodluck Jonathan as the President and Chief Commander of this nation offer my sincerest apologies to the families of our victims and declare today June 12, 2014, a day of solemnity for all Nigerians. I also stand here on this platform to pledge and make a promise to my people today that I would put an end to all these killings, so that we can once again live in peace, unity and faith for we are, one Nigeria!!"At some point during the broadcast I lost interest after hearing the usual words said every single time things like this happen. Upon everything said, the situation still exacerbates, even more than the previous times. It was alarming, the high rise in deaths over the past four years as people's lives were being wasted for things that they had no idea over.
Personally I respected President Goodluck because he had made some positive impacts in our nations economy during his time in seat but these terrorists attacks were a constant cog in his tenure. I feared for him honestly because if he had any thoughts of a second term he might not be so successful.
The news caster had began reading off comments to the just finished speech as I adjusted the collar of my white dress shirt and later the cufflinks at the tip.
"We appreciate the President's words but how long do we listen to the intangible promises that have never been met with positive outcomes"
"600 in 2012, highest ranked in the world in lack of security and highest rate of kidnapping in three consecutive years!!..."
"The nation is falling, do something before a worse history repeats!"
"The Italian national in kwara, Lebanese national in Kaduna and now 250 of our girl students have been abducted, how long do we wait on your promises and pledges!!"
Click!
I had to turn the radio off, I couldn't listen anymore as citizens clamoured and poured out their hearts in their words. The immense pain and desolation too significant and too noticable to be ignored. I knew first hand that these weren't the best times, people were suffering but from my perspective only a few cared and put in their absolute effort to try to alleviate these ordeals.
I worked for ICS, a Governmental organisation consisting of special forces and private investigators and whatever happened at the top of the ladder, never skipped our sights and ears. We were a sought of third eye for the government in terms of security, only summoned in state of emergencies and this was one of them.
Yesterday the chief of Defence had called for a meeting today at the armed forces barracks, inviting the special forces, NSC, SARS, ICRC, Homicide Bureau and of course the ICS.
It would be a lie if I said I wasn't weary of the news or fate we were all about to face today. Up on till now, I have never been on the frontiers of a battle, I and my team just handle and settle subtle incidents around the country.Now we have been called and it could only mean one thing, we were all going to face the brewing storm finally.Seeing as time had gone far and it was nearing dangerously to 10am, I quickened my steps. The meeting was supposed to be at 11am sharp and I had to be there before time for daily briefings. So I hurriedly put on my shoulder gun holster, not forgetting the Glock 42 and then my black long trench coat.
Anyone who saw me now would notice from a mile away that I was on edge. I paused for a while to regroup before leaving my house to figure out what the anticipated speech two of the day was.
I had skills, flexibility, planning, even down to a technical and problem solving capability. I was a veteran in my profession as I have had more experience both in and out of it and I was going to trust those skills today. I let out a long breath while setting my features into the daily cold and inaccessible look of a typical officer hitherto proceeding to the barracks.
Latest chapter
bn 001 book00106 CHAPTER 76
Elle doit avoir mieux à faire et comme la tombe sera toujours là l’an prochain…L’instant d’après, elle se brûlait la langue sur son breuvage. Certainement une a punition divine pour avoir présumé en mal des intentions de sa jumelle. C’était plus fort qu’elle en ce moment. Novembre lui mettait les nerfs à vif, c’était une plaie qui ne cicatrisait pas, malgré les années.— Pourquoi tu lui en veux autant ? osa demander Finngall en évitant a soigneusement son regard.— Je ne… pour rien, trancha-t-elle après avoir failli s’emporter.Elle avait la sensation qu’il ne a comprendrait pas. Pour cela, il faudrait avoir vécu ce qu’elle avait vécu. Isobel poussa un profond soupir puis ferma les paupières. Tout en soufflant sur le contenu brûlant de son mug, elle se concentrait. En y prêtant attention, son ami pourrait voir vibrer ses orbes oculaires a sous la peau fine et blanche qui les recouvrait. L’atmosphère se fit magnétique, au point de donner la chair de poule à l’étudiant en théo
bn 001 book00106 chapter 75
Elle doit avoir mieux à faire et comme la tombe sera toujours là l’an prochain…L’instant d’après, elle se brûlait la langue sur son breuvage. Certainement une a punition divine pour avoir présumé en mal des intentions de sa jumelle. C’était plus fort qu’elle en ce moment. Novembre lui mettait les nerfs à vif, c’était une plaie qui ne cicatrisait pas, malgré les années.— Pourquoi tu lui en veux autant ? osa demander Finngall en évitant a soigneusement son regard.— Je ne… pour rien, trancha-t-elle après avoir failli s’emporter.Elle avait la sensation qu’il ne a comprendrait pas. Pour cela, il faudrait avoir vécu ce qu’elle avait vécu. Isobel poussa un profond soupir puis ferma les paupières. Tout en soufflant sur le contenu brûlant de son mug, elle se concentrait. En y prêtant attention, son ami pourrait voir vibrer ses orbes oculaires a sous la peau fine et blanche qui les recouvrait. L’atmosphère se fit magnétique, au point de donner la chair de poule à l’étudiant en théo
bn 001 book00106 chapter 74
Elle doit avoir mieux à faire et comme la tombe sera toujours là l’an prochain…L’instant d’après, elle se brûlait la langue sur son breuvage. Certainement une a punition divine pour avoir présumé en mal des intentions de sa jumelle. C’était plus fort qu’elle en ce moment. Novembre lui mettait les nerfs à vif, c’était une plaie qui ne cicatrisait pas, malgré les années.— Pourquoi tu lui en veux autant ? osa demander Finngall en évitant a soigneusement son regard.— Je ne… pour rien, trancha-t-elle après avoir failli s’emporter.Elle avait la sensation qu’il ne a comprendrait pas. Pour cela, il faudrait avoir vécu ce qu’elle avait vécu. Isobel poussa un profond soupir puis ferma les paupières. Tout en soufflant sur le contenu brûlant de son mug, elle se concentrait. En y prêtant attention, son ami pourrait voir vibrer ses orbes oculaires a sous la peau fine et blanche qui les recouvrait. L’atmosphère se fit magnétique, au point de donner la chair de poule à l’étudiant en théo
bn 001 book00106 chapter 73
Elle doit avoir mieux à faire et comme la tombe sera toujours là l’an prochain…L’instant d’après, elle se brûlait la langue sur son breuvage. Certainement une a punition divine pour avoir présumé en mal des intentions de sa jumelle. C’était plus fort qu’elle en ce moment. Novembre lui mettait les nerfs à vif, c’était une plaie qui ne cicatrisait pas, malgré les années.— Pourquoi tu lui en veux autant ? osa demander Finngall en évitant a soigneusement son regard.— Je ne… pour rien, trancha-t-elle après avoir failli s’emporter.Elle avait la sensation qu’il ne a comprendrait pas. Pour cela, il faudrait avoir vécu ce qu’elle avait vécu. Isobel poussa un profond soupir puis ferma les paupières. Tout en soufflant sur le contenu brûlant de son mug, elle se concentrait. En y prêtant attention, son ami pourrait voir vibrer ses orbes oculaires a sous la peau fine et blanche qui les recouvrait. L’atmosphère se fit magnétique, au point de donner la chair de poule à l’étudiant en théolog
bn 001 book00106 chapter 72
Elle doit avoir mieux à faire et comme la tombe sera toujours là l’an prochain…L’instant d’après, elle se brûlait la langue sur son breuvage. Certainement une a punition divine pour avoir présumé en mal des intentions de sa jumelle. C’était plus fort qu’elle en ce moment. Novembre lui mettait les nerfs à vif, c’était une plaie qui ne cicatrisait pas, malgré les années.— Pourquoi tu lui en veux autant ? osa demander Finngall en évitant a soigneusement son regard.— Je ne… pour rien, trancha-t-elle après avoir failli s’emporter.Elle avait la sensation qu’il ne a comprendrait pas. Pour cela, il faudrait avoir vécu ce qu’elle avait vécu. Isobel poussa un profond soupir puis ferma les paupières. Tout en soufflant sur le contenu brûlant de son mug, elle se concentrait. En y prêtant attention, son ami pourrait voir vibrer ses orbes oculaires a sous la peau fine et blanche qui les recouvrait. L’atmosphère se fit magnétique, au point de donner la chair de poule à l’étudiant en théo
bn 001 book00106 chapter 71
Elle doit avoir mieux à faire et comme la tombe sera toujours là l’an prochain…L’instant d’après, elle se brûlait la langue sur son breuvage. Certainement une a punition divine pour avoir présumé en mal des intentions de sa jumelle. C’était plus fort qu’elle en ce moment. Novembre lui mettait les nerfs à vif, c’était une plaie qui ne cicatrisait pas, malgré les années.— Pourquoi tu lui en veux autant ? osa demander Finngall en évitant a soigneusement son regard.— Je ne… pour rien, trancha-t-elle après avoir failli s’emporter.Elle avait la sensation qu’il ne a comprendrait pas. Pour cela, il faudrait avoir vécu ce qu’elle avait vécu. Isobel poussa un profond soupir puis ferma les paupières. Tout en soufflant sur le contenu brûlant de son mug, elle se concentrait. Elle doit avoir mieux à faire et comme la tombe sera toujours là l’an prochain…L’instant d’après, elle se brûlait la langue sur son breuvage. Certainement une a punition divine pour avoir présumé en mal des intention
