[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n the past when I spoke with the Dim Odimegwu Emeka Ojukwu, the warlord, I never put it on hands-free. But I am inviting everyone to listen to our convo today because the falcon can no longer hear the falconer. I am dialing his number.
“Hello…Hello Sir. Good morning, good afternoon and good evening. You know I don’t know the network provider on the great beyond but given the fact that I hear you clearly, I think it’s Etisalat. I have come again. You still remember my name sir? I am Martin Beck Nworah, the son of Okafor Egoukwu From Ozubulu. The last time we spoke great Ojukwu, you told me to read again, for the tenth time, your book “Because I am involved”. I read it again with a heavy nostalgic feeling and I have come to cry again…because I am involved, the future of my friends and that of our state is involved.”
Please I don’t want you people to start murmuring here. Just listen to the conversation and don’t provoke him. He is really angry. Thank you.
“Sorry I left for some seconds Sir. I invited the world as you instructed me. APGA is now a shadow of its former self. When we saw in 2010, Anambra vibrated heavily because every politician used you as a rallying point. The uniforms the politicians in Anambra State wore were adorned with your face or that of APGA. Please don’t shake your head Sir because I know when you remember all the promises and resolutions these men made to be one, it breaks your heart in the great beyond. Lady Bianca still misses you. Anambra State is now governed by Dr Willie Obiano, hope you remember him? The celebrated banker from the ancient Aguleri Kingdom. Your son Peter Obi has been sent on political exile from the party he gave his life to put up a formidable structure. Chief Victor Umeh later handed over to Victor Oye as the party Chairman. You remember Victor Oye? The talented man from Amawbia. But they have started causing wahala again and you are not here so they can’t run to complain to you as usual.”
Please someone should go and buy me airtime. I don’t want Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu to think you people don’t take care of me, the only Messenger he can rely on.
“I’m back sir. In Anambra State today, nobody believes anybody again. Nobody wears your cloth again and even to wear that of APGA is now a big burden. I don’t know, but it seems the politicians used you to gain popularity, manipulate the minds of the people who love you and right now, everybody has gone home. Why are you telling me not to cry? Martin Beck Nworah will cry Sir because this betrayal by brothers is really a great sign of disservice to the noble institute of brotherhood. If one helps a brother to achieve success, won’t he thank him and show appreciation? Sir, is it not in our culture as Ndi Igbo?”
“I am tired Sir. The election is coming next year and APGA is doing like this, like that and like this. If you were still here and strong enough, what will you do? Tell me because the amount of hatred in the heart of your political sons can kill a whole generation.”
“And what about the youths? Nobody takes us serious again. The few of us who are doing well have been bought over by different politicians to fight against ourselves and insult our elders. You need to read what people who knelt at your feet and pledged loyalty to this State are now doing to themselves and our society. Will Anambra survive the coming onslaught in 2017 Sir? Egwu na atum maka ndu na obi umu gi noo na ndoro ndoro ochichi obodo a.”
I will tell him(Ojukwu) about the good please, stop talking into the phone. Besides you didn’t bother to call him and stop shouting that thing here before he hears it. As far as this call is concerned, I am the one working here for now.
“Hello Sir, sorry oooo. Someone wants to annoy me here. No please, don’t slap him before he begins to hear from his first generation from the great beyond. Asides the bad news and divisions amongst your sons, they have made some progress as well. Dr Chris Ngige is now a Minister in the federal government. Hmmm, are you sure you want to know who is the president now? Ok sir. His name is President Muhammadu Buhari. Calm down Sir, I voted for Jonathan and I don’t know how the army general won. But your son is there and he is doing well. Dr Willie Obiano is now the governor and he is trying his best. My mum said she will vote for him again if they see no better alternative. And that’s the same thing my friends are saying. As for me, I will vote and work for whoever you tell me to work for because I don’t want you to keep being angry.”
“Your son Mr Peter Obi worked for Jonathan in his reelection and is now an International speaker. Maybe I will invite him to discuss with you when next I come because I am getting a bit confused about his political trajectory of late. But he is still the good son you have always known him to be. You still remember Valentine Obienyem? The young Barrister who wrote a book about you. Good you still remember him. He is still with Peter Obi and doing his media work. But when next I come, I will whisper something to you about an alibi. Please tell uncle Peter Obi to keep his daughter for me. Sir, you know I am reaching that age and you said you will give me someone beautiful and brainy, I like his daughter. Dr Willie Obiano has a very beautiful daughter as well oooo. So when next I come, you will help me in making a good choice.”
“Odogwu nwoke, agu Nnewi, Dim Chukwuemeka Ojukwu, I will be leaving soon. But you need to help us and talk to your sons here in Anambra State. Noooooooo Sir, don’t take any of them away please. All of them are important to us in this state and we can’t risk losing any one of them. Just beg them to find a way of resolving their differences so that this state can move forward. Whether it is 1.4 billion, 75 billion, 15 billion, 10 billion, 7 billion or 250 million, let them resolve the issues and salvage our dear State.”
“Thank you again Sir. No don’t worry, the money you gave me the last time is still remaining. You know your currency there can last longer than our own here. I am still doing what you said I should do. I have not insulted anyone nor joined to campaign for anybody till you tell me what to do. Abum Agu mbosi ano, Martin Beck Nworah keeps his words Sir. I will call you very soon Sir and I hope to come with more great news about Anambra State.
Daalu na Eke!
Daalu na Orie!
Daalu na Afo!
Daalu na Nkwo!
Nwa Okafor Egoukwu na Egbema ebeku ike dike na asi gi iyaaaaaaaaaaaaa. Adara adaba ole. Abum Somtochukwu!
(Ignore if you don’t understand these lines please)
Till we get to the Promised Land, I shall be waiting for when you will pass me a glass of water and thank God for the gift of grace for the race.
MBN.
Martin Nworah is a creativity and political strategist. He writes from Awka, Anambra State. He can be reached by email HERE.
The opinions expressed in this article is solely those of the author.
