Subsidy Removal 2

Papa Ema returned home in the early hours of the morning. His family and some neighbours who stayed back in his house were up, waiting. The electricity was still out and the light from the lamp on the table was dim and flapping because the kerosene was drying up. The Men stood outside all night waiting for his return while the women and children stayed in the house. In the densely populated area where they live, armed robbers operate erratically and most residents would be locked up in their homes behind bars of iron serving as burglary proof. No one dared to stand outside unless he had a death wish. However, the dire situation they found themselves in, as a result of the information they received from the police some hours back, caused them  to care less for their safety.  Papa Ema walked past the men outside his house like a Zombie. He walked like that  all the way home from where the police dropped him Miles from his home.  They blamed the poor state of the roads in the slum, claiming that the bumps and potholes on the road would damage the shock absorbers of the Peugeot 406 they used as their patrol car. Sighting her husband enter the house, Mama Ema looked at him with hope, even though her Faith was failing her. She saw Emabong tuck her ID card into her handbag that morning. she wonders in a flash, “It could be a mistaken identity; she could have possibly dropped her bag making a run from the bullets”.

Puffy eyes, obviously from crying stare at him. Beads of sweat formed on the foreheads of the people inside trickled down their faces. It was hot in the house, even though the windows and curtains were up. The area was congested, houses were built too close together, the reason they needed electricity to power their Fans since they were not getting any natural air. Then again they suffered more from power shortage than less congested areas. Papa Ema’s mouth moved, he was trying to speak, but he couldn’t. His mouth twitched violently, almost like he was having a seizure then he blurted out words so sharp that could pierce a heart and divide it into two “Emabong Dead” that was all he muttered.

The house shook to its foundation as the people in it burst out crying almost screaming  their lungs out. “Emabong dead” Mama Ema said in disbelief- now that it was certain, it felt unreal. Vivid pictures of the last moments with her daughter relayed in her mind’s eye. She became a spectator of the debacle that went down between her and Emabong the morning she left the house. She traced the images and voices to the point she was held back by Mama Lele, and then she stood watching Ema walk away without looking back to say goodbye. Her words “If you leave make sure you don’t return here," reverberated loudly, ripping her heart with pain.  She screamed, then she collapsed.

Mama Ema woke up hours later on her bed at home with her children sleeping by her side and on the floor. The sense of sorrow enveloped the house; she hears movement around with people talking and some crying. Still feeling drowsy she remains in bed, sobbing quietly. She’s never felt so much pain before-pain she can never wish on anyone, not even to her enemy. Her daughter, Ini hears her cry and sits up looking at her “Mama, are you hungry, there is plenty of food in the house,”

“No, I am not hungry Ini.”   

 “So why are you crying? Since you people started crying people have been coming to the house with food”. Her Mama looked at her, unable to reply. Ini didn’t understand much of what was happening, she would explain to her, but at that moment she too needed  explanations.

“What about you Ini have you eaten?”

“Yes, Mama.  I am the only one who has eaten”. You, papa and my brothers haven’t.

By evening, the  news of Emabong’s passing had spread like wildfire. Family friends and relatives began trooping into the residents of the Issongs. The student union of her university along with some of Emabongs classmates and friends also arrived to sympathise with her family. As weak as her mother was she had to go to the sitting room to receive visitors, Papa Ema and the men were seated outside of the house. Amara, Emabongs best friend for many years and well known to the family, knelt by Mama Ema, she said “I was supposed to meet Embong that morning; she got there earlier than the rest of us and was way ahead of us.She was part of the people that formed the front line of the procession. We agreed to meet when we returned to the takeoff point. But the soldiers arrived and about 9:15 am the guns went off and we all dispersed. After we had scrambled to safety, we called Ema’s number severally but she didn’t answer until it became unreachable. I never imagined Emabong got shot,” she  cried and Mama Ema cried too.

Two days after Emabong was killed, she was laid to rest. Questions about her death lingered in the minds of her family, friends and a lot of others. There were too many questions and yet no answers coming forth. It was frustrating, particularly for her Family because they didn’t know where to get answers from. The police weren’t helpful -Papa Ema went to the police station right after the burial to ask for Ema’s belongings because that’s where they must have gotten her ID card from though none of her possessions was released to them with her body. He was sent off with nothing. “The police is your friend they say until they turn out to be your worst enemy!” Papa Ema pondered.

Unabated by the killings, the protests continued. The government, relentless on reversing their decision on fuel price stayed mute. About the irreplaceable damage the trigger happy police officers had caused in some families, the government stayed mute too. Also Despite campaigns by the government on the benefits of subsidy removal on petroleum products, Ranging from the development of some sectors of the economy to job creation, road construction and many more, the protests grew bigger. They did not believe that the government that had proved to be irresponsible and extravagant, over and over again, in the management of public funds could set up a body that would effectively manage money accrued from the removal of subsidy on petroleum products.

The electricity came back on in the evening of the burial. As usual, the current very low barely able to power their television. The residents of the area were fine with it; they would make do with it. It is by far better than nothing. Effiong Switched on the television in the living room, “Put the news channel on” Papa Ema told him. They had been aware that some news channels covered Emabongs funeral, at that time too grieved to bother. They sat in silence as the newscaster read the news “one of the six slain two days ago, protesting in front of the ministry of petroleum resources against the removal of subsidy on petrol, Emabong Issong, 20years, was buried earlier today. Speaking at the funeral, her father MR Issong had this to say”

“Unlike when you lose a spouse, parents, there is no word to describe a parent who loses a child, because there is no word to describe the kind of pain I feel right now.…………..”

The newscaster then introduced the next news “a new video has emerged of the last moments of the slain protesters. Sources reaching us said the video was uploaded on YouTube on the account of one of the injured protesters John Umoh. He was shot twice, once in the arm and leg. He is said to be recovering at the university teaching hospital”. After the video was aired the residence of the Issong’s erupted with crying. Their wounds were opened afresh. Seeing Emabong at the front of the procession holding high her placard that read “No! No! No! To subsidy Removal”, chanting “we won’t agree oh, we won’t agree, subsidy that’s what we want.” The camera then turned to the police as six of them jumped down from the dark blue Hilux truck with machine guns on hand. The police announced “Clear off now” but the crowd kept marching forward and chanting. They announced again “Last warning. Everyone clear off” this time pointing their guns at the crowd. The crowd appeared to reduce their pace and singing but kept moving. Then the  police blazed off their guns. The video becomes unsteady from rapid movement but the voices remain audible. People scramble for their lives with bullets from the Machine gun flying into the crowd, hitting some and they drop to the ground. “Emabong, Emabong, Emabong,” a male voice called out before he went silent, shortly after the shooting stopped.

Homes across the country watch as the firing squad style execution was meted out on unarmed, peaceful protesters. A variety of Emotions spawned from the minds of people- fear, hopelessness, anger, betrayal- The government, they elected to protect them had turned to desecrate and reduce them to animals by slaughtering them at will. 

Amara sat by the Television in her home watching the news. The name John Umoh took her back to the conversations she and Emabong had recently. Ema spoke about him a lot, she met him recently and they were fond of each other. In fact, he was her new boyfriend. Emabong always talked about her best friend meeting her boyfriend, but she didn’t say he will be coming along that day; she probably wanted to surprise her. Her thought was interrupted by the voice of the police spokesperson “For the last week and a half we watch these protesters build up every day being a nuisance on the streets, keeping willing workers away from their offices, harassing business owners to keep their businesses shut thereby shutting down the economy gradually. Tomorrow the riot police will be on the streets anyone caught moving around aimlessly will be arrested.”  “Or shot” Amara added. “We have not come this far to back down now. It’s either the subsidy is restored or protests continue,” She paused, sighed and then continued. “Your death will not be in vain Emabong.”

Subsidy Removal By Zara Iko

"Emabong if you leave this house, make sure you stay there, you cannot return here," Emabong's mother reprimanded her. 

"Mama, I really want to be among those out there. I have to experience this, even at the university nothing as significant as this happens.  See the crowd of people trooping out. Watch out for me on the news tonight mama, I will make sure I stand by the cameras."

"I am just back from what I call a job, which you know nothing about. While sweeping the road this morning, do you know the kind of things we trashed? Unthinkable! I saw many Men out there, but I did not see one responsible girl"

Mama the struggle is becoming more intense. Young people have to go out to show the government how serious we are. How many of our Government officials fuel their uncountable cars with their hard earned money? I am going out there for you, for Papa, me and my siblings. Think about what the subsidy removal will result to- increased food, transportation cost and many more, and with all this increases, salaries will still not be increased. I am going"

"I already told you go, but stay there, don't return. I have seen the bag you packed. What do you need a change of clothes and underwear for, you even have your lotion and bath sponge will you have a wash on the streets Emabong Issong?  Do you think your mother to be a fool?"

"Bye bye Mama, see you when I get back."

Emabong walked out of the house with her Mama behind her. Her Mama was screaming for her not to go, passers-by stopped to watch, people living around them came out to see what is causing so much noise.

 "Mama Ema, you can't follow her, you have your other children to look after. Let her go, she will come back." Mama Lele her friend from the market held her back.

"What if she doesn't return home? She replied. Mama Lele could see the genuine concern in her eyes. But she  helds her back to stop her from going after Ema. She screamed, cried, struggled to free herself, but Mama Lele held her back. With all this, Emabong didn't even turn back  until she disappeared into the distance.

 The demonstration against the fuel subsidy removal had been going on for three days and the government still didn't relent when Emabong left home to Join in. Her father returned from work some minutes past nine in the morning and met his wife pacing around the house.

" Papa Ema your daughter has gone. she says she has gone to fight for me and you" Mama Ema informs her husband. Very exhausted after keeping guard all night, he soaks in the information and without uttering a word, gets on his bed for a rest. Able to sense his mood, his wife lets him off, she knows that if she pushes further, they might end up having a fight. She holds her peace and lets him sleep, she keeps checking from time to time to see if he is awake, he isn't but she can see his sleep is not restful. He is tossing and turning and even talking in his sleep. Usually when he returns from his Job as a night guard, his snoring is so loud one could hear from two houses away, but today he makes no sound. The houses are so mashed up together, that when they first moved in, the neighbours would query the Issongs about the loud snoring. Seems they have gotten used to it because they didn't make trouble anymore.

She mutters "this man is not enjoying his sleep," then she calls "Papa Ema"  he doesn't reply so she gives him more time. With their other children still in school, she is alone and her mind begins to wonder. it's on  Emabong. So Emabong has grown bigger than me now, she's now out of control. She still cares for her child though, she shuts her eyes and prays for Ema oh God bring my daughter back home, please.

 Mama Ema checks on her husband, two more times and she meets him till sleeping. The third time she sees him sitting on the bed. His elbow on his lap and his palms on his cheeks. "You're finally up papa Ema," she asks.  " when You and your daughter would not allow me to sleep" he replies.

They sit quietly for a few minutes, then he asks "what's the time" "1:15pm" she replies. They sit quietly again for a few minutes and then he demands "where is my food woman.” She stares at him perplexed. "how can he even ask me that" she's thinking“ I didn’t cook anything” she replies. He shakes his head, he is feeling his temper rise, but he tries to keep his cool, he drags air into his lungs and His wife considers it  a threat and goes on the offensive. She starts screaming  “I told you our daughter left home this morning and still you say nothing........”. He listens to her, but he's got his palms on his ears trying to protect his eardrums from bursting. After screaming her heart out she sinks into the wooden armchair by the bed.

“ I was relieved of my job this morning,” he tells her after she let out her frustration.

“Ah! Hey hhhey O God. Where are you! My world is crashing down this morning,” she starts off again

“They went from peaceful protestors to ravaging rioters. They broke in, looted all valuables and could have set the building on fire” he continues telling her

“ I guess These are the same people our daughter has gone to be with, So Emabong is also a thief now” Mama Ema starts lamenting again.

Papa Ema sees he is causing her more grief so he ties his wrapper properly, puts on a vest, then leaves the room. He wants some quietness and besides the room is too small for all the noise she is making.He sits on a wooden stool outside the house and his mind begins to hover until the rest of their children return from school.After marriage, it had taken them over six years to conceive Emabong, after mockery from some family members, friends, and even strangers. All doctors they visited confirmed both of them to be fertile, their families had insisted it was spiritual and brought every kind of concoction for them from different herbalists, which almost killed them, did Emabong arrive to restore Joy to their family.Effiong their second child came another six years after Ema and was only fourteen. The next, twin boys Bassey and Edo were three years younger than Effiong. The last, a girl Ini, came when they thought they were done with child bearing Five years after the twins. “Good afternoon papa” they all chorused.” “ My children you are welcome. Effiong, keep your school bag, take this money, buy us some garri, groundnut and sugar. Be fast, your papa is hungry.” Ini rushed into the kitchen, brought out a large rubber bowl. It has happened before, they will all eat soaked Garri from the rubber bowl and whenever this happens, whatever they ate tasted more delicious than when their mother cooked rice, stew and chicken. It was enjoyable dipping their spoons into the bowl to fetch garri and groundnut swimming on top of the bowl. Their Mama, being curious that none of her kids had come in to ask for food, came out and met them eating with their father. She picked up a spoon too and joined them and for a short time forgot the pain Emabong had caused her.

Later that evening, Mama Ema had found strength so she cooked dinner for the family.While they ate, she and her husband discussed “ I have been considering, it may not be a bad thing I lost my job today. It's been more than five years I sat down in the evening like this to eat dinner with you and the children. The cooking business you had to stop when Ema got admission into the university, we can revive it. I will help you out. When you go out to sweep in the morning I and the children can begin until they leave for school and you return home. We could get a few chairs and tables, bring out all the abandoned pots and food warmers. My days as a night guard is over”

“God Forbid, I can not have my husband, cooking and selling food.” Mama Ema rose up  saying. “ You will look for another job, as soon as possible.”

“Look at me. I am not a young man anymore, most people would consider me a liability to employ” he responds.

“What will other men think of you, what will the women be saying of you!- look at him like a woman…”

He cut her off “ who cares what they think or feel. What bill has my job as a night guard  paid off since I started. Every month we still have to beg, we are heavily indebted. Last night I got lucky I did not get killed. You know why the company was vandalised? because it belongs to the minister of petroleum.And today I was let off with no pay.”He adds

“My husband selling food” she exclaims

“Yes and if you chose not to do it, I will do it myself. I Know my children will help me,” he insists.It was a very hot night and the electricity was out, so after washing up they all sat outside listening to the news on radio when the news of the death of ten protesters was announced, reason being that they had gone violent, destroying state property. They were all listening attentively when two policemen walked into their compound.

“Please where is the house of Mr Issong” one of them asks

Being very afraid he responds trembling “it's me sir”

The arrival of the policemen to the residence of the Issongs did initiate a gathering of men and women who were eager to scoop the gist of what was going on. “Can we talk to you alone?” the policeman says. Papa Ema leads him into his house, lit by a lamp placed on the table.

“This identification card was found on one of the girls killed today at the city center. It apparently belongs to your daughter Emabong Issong”

Papa Emabong screams loudly and his wife rushes into the room.

“It’s Ema. Emabong……”

Mama Ema starts Wailing too and the rest of their children understand the news and start crying too.

“Sir, please pull yourself together, you have to come with us to identify the body,” The policeman says to Papa Emma and they get him ready to leave with them.

Valentine Blues by Zara Iko

Kamsi’s first valentine on her own in the big city looked promising. She and Nedu started dating in their final year in the university. They recently just graduated and as luck would have it got Jobs in the same city. Her parents, especially, insisted she got a separate apartment from Nedu’s; they didn’t want them living together until maybe they got married.
 Before he came over to hers to get her out that evening Nedu had been doing everything right, sending her romantic messages throughout the day. His last text got her all fired up it read “you are like the gin in the glass of cranberry juice I am holding right now, except in your case I don’t have to drink you to get drunk, all I need is a vision of you. See you in 20 x”.
Fully charged with the expectation of a great evening with her love, Kamsi was ready and waiting when Nedu arrived, she opened the door excitedly. Expecting to see a bunch of flowers, candy and maybe a present. She squeezed her brows seeing he came empty handed. He tried to hug her, but she stepped back. “No flowers, no candy, nothing Nedu!” Kamsi exclaimed
“Well, you see everyone knows that on Valentine’s Day, flowers and candy are sold out. I tried to get, but every single shop I went to had run out” Nedu replied.
“What happened to preparing before today? You could have managed a card at least?”Kamsi demanded
Nedu scratched his head and asked her “Where is my own gift”. She walked to the fridge, took out a cupcake and gave it to him. “Happy valentine’s day,” kamsi said.
“One cupcake” he laughed, pulled off the paper from the cake and pushed  the whole thing into his mouth. “Thanks darling, he forced out munching his cupcake, Shall we?” he said,   leading her out of the door.
“He couldn’t even offer me a bite” Kamsi mumbled with disappointment, rolling her eyes as he followed her lead.
On their way, taxi’s passed by, but Nedu didn’t look like he was interested in stopping one. Kamsi expected him to call a taxi, especially because she had heels on, but he just kept on walking and talking, so she asked “I know you don’t have a car yet, but we don’t have to trek to where ever we are going. What about stopping a taxi?”
 “Don’t you think it would be more romantic if we walked?!”Nedu replied her. Kamsi looked at him fuming, but she managed to get her temper trapped and walked by Nedu’s side finding support resting her arm on his shoulders and his arm around her waist. Somewhere along the twenty-five minutes’ walk to the city center Kamsi’s mood had lightened up and she was feeling excited once again. She imagined he had some wonderful surprises planned out by the time they got to where ever he was taking her to, else he wouldn't have dared the horrible start to the evening.

After the painful walk, they arrived at the city center. It was packed with some lovely places to visit, mouth watering Valentine’s Day deals were on, one of the most popular deals was for free champagne and cake for any couple who got engaged in Tapa restaurant, the poshest in the city center. Kamsi was now very anxious for the unfolding of  Nedu's  grand planned evening to salvage the catastrophic valentines she was already having. She even imagined them being up in Tapa clicking their champagne glasses  celebrating their engagement, she had a strong conviction he was about to propose to her hence the front, excitement rushed through her that she grabbed and pulled Nedu closer, giving him a long spitty kiss on his cheek; He giggled with excitement thinking she was finally enjoying the evening.

The city center was buzzing with couples of different ages, even some grandpa’s had brought their old ladies out for a good time and managed to get flowers for them, yet her Man who had filled her ears with some sweet jargons couldn’t manage a stem of flower. “I think most people had flowers and candy grown in their backyards this year, even granny there” pointing at an older couple close by “could manage one” kamsi queried Nedu.
 “Ah, what’s more important than this- me, you holding hands on this romantic walk, my heart beat right now is so powerful you can feel it on my palm and it's because of you,” Nedu said trying to sweet talk her.
 “You are so full of shit man. We’ve been walking for an hour now, I have got heels on, and it hurts. I pulled this look for you and you’ve decided to punish me for it” kamsi was starting to feel frustrated.
 “Haven’t I been singing your praise all evening, you look out of this world?” Nedu said.
“I haven’t been listening to your balderdash for a while now; it worked on the phone, that’s why I got dressed this up. It can’t work now, not while my feet are on fire. I am burning with anger right now,Nedu. If you speak another lie I will slap your lips out of your face. ” Kamsi shot at him.
“I know you don’t mean that. You look too good to be angry today. Don’t worry the day will get better” Nedu tried to calm her down
When? I am worn out from trekking around town. All I want is my bed Nedu, my feet are sore”
That will be an awesome end to this valentine day celebration me and you wrapped up underneath your sheets” Nedu said and winked at her.
“You know what, I have had it with you”, kamsi said. She bent to take off her heels and launched them at Nedu in rage, but he dodged them and ran off. She chased after him but couldn’t keep up, so she stopped. By then her figure hugging, short red dress had rolled on up exposing her black panty, quickly she adjusted and started to walk off. She left home without money; her clutch bag was empty she trusted that Nedu would take care of her. She thought, well, I walked here, so I can walk back, it would even be better now that I don’t have my shoes on and that annoying Nedu, she consoled herself. From nowhere someone’s hands circled her waist from behind, firming his grip on her, he put his lips to her ear and whispered “I am having so much fun baby”
 “You are so annoying, release me and see if I won’t kill you” she yelled. “Relax and enjoy yourself,” Nedu asked of her.
 “We’ve walked past several nice restaurants and other good hang out spots, but we’ve past every single one of them twice and still not decided where we would end up. I would be enjoying myself better if we had been sitting in there” pointing at Tapa “like one of the normal couples in there eating a delicious meal, champagne to wash it down and maybe a ring pop’s up magically. That would have been very enjoyable. Look at me; I am dressed for that kind of enjoyment. Not this.”
He released her, walked in front of her looking very serious. He starred at her for some brief seconds, then he burst out laughing really hard.
Kamsi continued “You did the same thing for my birthday, I can’t believe I fell for your shenanigans again. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.” She said, then slammed her shoes on the floor and walked past him. He tried to pull her back, but she released her hand from his hold and used both her hands to push him by his chest farther away from her. Then she started to run towards her house. Nedu didn’t even notice they had caused a stir, a small crowd had gathered around them to watch the lovers quarrel. Some people from the crowd yelled out “go get her dude, you are in the wrong, go get her. Nodding his head in affirmation, he picked up her shoes and ran after her. Catching up with her wasn’t so difficult; soon he was jogging behind her and talking to her “Will you stop kamsi. I brought your shoes for you, ” she turned back again and pushed him by his chest away from her and continued jogging. “You know it’s the silly things I do that makes you love me” she groaned angrily bent to pick up a stone and threw it at him but he dodged it. All the while she was running. “I bet you, this will be your most memorable Valentine’s Day,” he continued poking at her. She bent down, packed sand in her hand and threw back at him, but he dodged and continued chasing after her. “Someday our grandchildren will hear how I chased after their grandma overcoming all obstacles thrown at me- shoe, stone, sand and whatever you find next to throw at me”. But then she stopped and yelled “go away. I really hate you now” and pushed his chest again and continued running. He didn’t relent, he continued chasing after her “it is so sexy watching you run from behind Kamsi”

 “You are so frustrating, get lost forever Nedu”.


Eventually, She got to her house stopped by her front door and tried opening the door before Nedu got to her so she could slam the door right in his face, but she ended up fiddling with the keys until he caught up, he placed his hand on her hand on the door handle, she was breathing heavily because of the running “let me help you” he said  but she kept fighting him off. Calm down Kamsi, calm down! I’m sorry you didn’t see the humour in this I promise you next year would be much better, please. Still really upset yet accepting his apology she stopped fighting him off and let him open the door, and then they went in together.