The Decisions

The duo of Dr. P and Pine had earlier approached Okra in a bid to persuade him to run for the GG position as a direct heir to Igwe Omemma whom it became obvious wasn't ready to make a U-turn on his decision not to contest in the forthcoming elections. Both men believe that Gentle who aside from being their colleague in the current administration was the closest to Igwe amongst the reps. In addition to possessing the level of leadership experience expected of a GG, both were awed at the enormous followership he had as he commanded maximum respect from both his county Ogele, and across the entire state. Citing these laudable attributes, Pine and Dr. P encouraged Okra to contest insisting he got a very high chance to get the support of the electorate to seamlessly continue with the achievements of the current leadership. Having also repeatedly mentioned his support to whomever among them opts to contest for his position, the reps Eloka, Osita, and Ngozi as well as Obindu, Igwe's deputy were aware that the GG would be much happier if Gentle could take over from him.

"I don't think I'd run for any other political position after this very one," Okra had told Pepper and Pine, "neither as a rep nor a GG. The only exception for me to consider giving my current position another shot is if Igwe were to contest."

"But Mazi," argued Pine, "you have all the leadership qualities needed

for the position of a GG."

"That's true, Sir," concurred Dr. P. "Pine was right. Your candidature will appeal to Igwe and the entire Ajira people."

"Gentlemen, you guys don't get it yet," Okra differed. "First, those words are your personal views as Ajiraland is blessed with a lot of potential leaders to which you both belong. Secondly, I'm aging just like Igwe and Obindu and wouldn't want to go through the stress that is inevitable with an entirely new team. I believe an advisory role would suffice if the incoming leadership deems me fit. But don't get ahead of yourselves yet."

"We do understand, Mazi," reasoned Pine, "but we don't think you'd be alienated. I don't think such stress would arise since we your colleagues, plan to join in the race for our current positions and our chances of being returned are highly boosted by the confidence the people have in the incumbent leadership."

Okra never minced words about his unwillingness to run for any political position without Igwe at the helm. He believes Igwe's approach to administration makes work easier for other crew members, especially the reps. Since he was sure Igwe was not ready to backtrack on his decision which entailed the duo's pleas would be in futility, Okra concluded that it was time they began to explore other options.

"We have only a few hours left to meet with Igwe and convey our decisions to him," he reminded them. "Since none of us seems interested, a situation Igwe just has to accept, I suggest we give our support to Rufus Ike."

"Why him Mazi?" queried Pine. "That man is my kinsman, you know. He's barely known in my county let alone Ajira because he had never in any way cared to contribute to the county's development despite all the talks about his affluence. Based on the information I got from a reliable source, he's only known to his loyalists.

Okra wondered why the people of Ikwuano would expect any goodwill from someone so derided as Chief Ike who in addition to being tagged 'unscrupulous', people see his wealth as 'ill-gotten'.

"But if he is truly philanthropic as indicated by Pine, then Ike may as well have some good sides," he pondered.

"Are there no other candidates?" asked Dr. P.

"Others are for now mere rumors as there are no postcards yet to substantiate such claims," replied Okra. "But I recently met someone who attended Ike's campaign inauguration. I guess such moves indicate the news about his candidacy wasn't just a rumor after all. You should equally know Toby Agina. He's Pine's kinsman and from the information I got, Ike has made him his campaign coordinator."

"There are others as well though," noted Pine. "I know of Captain Ben from Achara, Mrs. Karen Chika from Ikwuano, and one other guy, eehhm…eh hmm, yes, Joe... Joe what…what…I can't remember his surname but I heard he's from Ogele, your place, Mazi Okra. These are contending for the seat of the GG. Aside from these, many others are rallying to replace us in their respective constituencies."

There was calm. Dr. P was focused on Okra whom he expected would react to Pine's last comments. Since it appeared there was nothing to say anymore, Eloka spoke up, "Does your silence mean you have accepted our proposal Mazi?"

"There's no such thing," Okra replied. "I still stand on my decision. If Igwe opts in, I do the same, otherwise, I'm out. And since Igwe's mind is already made against our wish, let's get him an aspirant whose candidature isn't in doubt as we have only a few hours left to see him. Instead of seeing him without any candidate, let us tell him about Ike whom we're sure has flagged off his campaign already - a sign of seriousness. I believe with Toby being the coordinator of his electioneering campaign and with a good reputation, Ike might have the chance. Igwe just deserves not to be tensed up at the moment."

Gentle went on to convince both men to support him when presenting

Ike's case to Igwe.

"Only Mrs. Lemon is left but I'm sure she would accede to the idea when briefed," Okra had noted.

Pine only yielded to Okra's idea reluctantly due to a lack of time to get to know other candidates as Igwe needed a response urgently. He believed that even though the response might sound sour to Igwe who has an insatiable taste for quality, it'd be better than meeting him without any alternative as 'rightly' pointed out by Okra. As for Chief Ike's candidacy and despite that both of them were kinsmen, Pine knew he wouldn't achieve any success on the grounds of 'ethical' lobbying and fair campaigns.

"If he eventually did win," thought Pine, "his regime would be detrimental to Ajira's economy as he would - the businessman that he is - definitely want to recoup his 'hard-earned money' used for electioneering expenses and possibly with 'good interest'. The only chance he might have to get up there is 'putting his wealth to use' in 'buying over' votes from the electorate, in particular the youths who are beginning to develop some fondness for personal wealth and flamboyance." Pine believed such new trends especially among the youths were influenced by the lifestyle of gloat by their peers in the neighboring states where economic inequality thrived, some persons being economically superior to others. Such an attitude understandably contrasts with Igwe's idea of economic viability and equality in which comfort and access to resources remain equal. This approach of leadership and governance has made the margin between the rich and the poor in Ajira very thin along with being a state where such superiority rarely existed, was seamless and non-intimidating.

'Taking Ajira to the next level, which was the campaign slogan coined by Chief Ike, shouldn't just be a political statement according to Pine. He felt it should be backed with actions especially seeing what was already on the ground courtesy of the current regime. "So I hope we don't end up seeing it as a barren manifesto as it was before Ajira's autonomy," he pondered.

"That's alright," Pine finally replied. "Let's suggest him to Igwe as you said and then wait for his response. We could also reconsider if any better candidate shows up."

The trio then sought to meet Ngozi Olisa who wasn't yet at work when Okra earlier stopped over at the Fruits section hoping to see and brief her. They planned to update her with their decision and if acceptable to her, would proceed to see Igwe.

The 72-hour mark elapsed at 9 AM the next day and they had agreed the meeting would kick off at that time. Gentle found solace in the fact that he was instrumental in proposing the idea that they were to table before Igwe especially when his wife, Nyangai gave her support after he finally explained to her the whole situation and reasons for the recent occasional depressed moments she had observed about him. Admitting she didn't know Chief Ike so well, Ngozi welcomed the idea as Pepper and Pine did, basically on the grounds of her familiarity with Toby, whom she described as a trustworthy fellow. She believed Toby must have had his reasons for opting to support Chief Ike as he wasn't the kind of person that could easily be coaxed into engaging in unprincipled activities. "Though I would have been more comfortable if Toby were the primary candidate and not just a supporter," she said.

Udoka had returned to his work in Obaro and had been pondering over his ephemeral visit to his former hometown, Ajira which has now become a state, his exploits, the areas he visited, the people he met, and especially how he was able to mingle and make new acquaintances with some of those he came across.

"The youths especially liked my style," he mused.

His only antic which failed to yield the expected result was Udoka's 'advice' to Okra. Before they left his house that Sunday evening, both of them had excused Ebere for a few minutes and he had engaged Okra in a counseling session that'd supposedly changed his life positively but Gentle did not care a bit.

"He's been brainwashed by the 'nonsense' philosophies of Igwe Omemma," the embittered Udoka thought, "always talking about how 'we work for the benefit of all Ajira people.'"

The news about Igwe's decision to go contrary to the people's wish to declare for the governorship race had come rather late - on the eve of Udoka's planned return to Obaro. According to the news, Igwe Omemma decided to make it public as the demand of the people for a campaign kick-off date had intensified. The news came as a huge shock to the dwellers and caused so much tension that Monday evening to the extent of creating heavy vehicular traffic on the major roads. It was talked about in almost every gathering.

"If only Chief Ike or any other 'with my mentality' could take over that seat," Udoka pondered, "I think it won't be a bad idea to return home and give politics a try."

"From what I've heard about Rufus, he sees what he wants and goes for it outright. Leveraging his wealth to do that isn't a problem for him. That's the mindset of a real businessman. That's the pathway to financial stability. He's sure my type and I need to meet him!"

Udoka was with so much enthusiasm.

He thought for a while that he could take a chance on getting into Ajira politics now fate has caused his path to cross with Ebere's who was also a very close friend of Toby's. He was optimistic that as Igwe had finally officially opted out, Ike could stand the chance of succeeding him since he seemed to have the resources at his disposal.

"I think I could be useful to him' or rather, we could be to each other. Yes, this sounds better. We could be useful to each other," Udoka giggled as he continued pondering.

"Though we haven't met each other yet, I can't help but marvel at his ways of operating. I thought I could have easily achieved that if I had aligned with Okra hence my efforts trying to convince him to contest for the GG position. I'm not well known in Ogele to the point of getting the votes of the electorate to represent the constituency. But that plan failed. I should have known earlier that dealing with Gentle was a subtle way of wasting my time."

Udoka concluded that he may have even ended up wasting all of his efforts had Okra accepted to run and eventually become the next GG. He felt that Okra's administration would not have been of any benefit to him as he sees the former as a miser.

"Man needs a sweet home with all the goodies money can afford," he mused, still at a loss why Okra had become so stoical and impassive at a 'not-too-old' age. "I think he must have been influenced by his boss Igwe and from every indication, Mazi Okra even as a GG would still stick to his bosses' stolid, holier-than-thou attitude having worked with him over the years."

He tried to catch some sleep but couldn't. Since he's been looking for a way to resign from McRussel, he felt the opportunity had finally arrived and he needed to act swiftly before 'his sins find him out'.

All of a sudden he got to his feet, and walked around the room nodding and soliloquizing, "This is the time. Yes, time to leave Obaro and return to Ajira as the campaigns may have heated up by now. This is the time one needs to plug into the political realm with a promising team."

Udoka began to feel an intense nostalgic vibe as his mind constantly dwelled on Ajira. He felt the need to quickly get to Ajira first to learn about Okra's reaction regarding Igwe's unexpected declaration since both of them failed to meet again before his departure for Obaro. He thought of also using his planned Ajira return to get acquainted with the local politicking.

"That'd help me find my footing as quickly as possible," he thought.

That weekend, he visited Ebere to encourage him to work with Toby. He had been neutral when Ebere told him shortly before he returned to Obaro that Toby had sought his approval to be drafted into the campaign team of Chief Ike. However, Ebere had responded to Toby by asking him to allow him to settle down a bit since he just returned to Ajira and promised to give him feedback in a couple of days. Ebere had planned to turn down the offer as it would look rather foolish 'swimming against the tide' since Igwe Omemma's return to the seat was much anticipated. But as the news about Igwe's objection spread, Udoka felt that Ebere's perception may have changed and if so, should be in favor of Chief Ike. He had wished there was a telecommunication service in Ajira which would have been much easier for them to communicate.

"Noo! That's a flop. Maybe Igwe and his team have failed in that regard. Man and his imperfections," Udoka thought, holding it as a key point against this current regime but one of the factors that would form the manifesto of whomever he was going to support. "This is a core need in Ajira now and this is the right time to leverage it."

"Toby needs your assistance in this electioneering campaign," Udoka told Ebere who was still surprised at seeing him back in Ajira. "The little I have observed about politics in this area so far is that aspirants use the campaigning period to assess their supporters and determine those they'd wish to assign some portfolios if elected."

"Yes Udoka," replied Ebere. "You might be right but I still have the feelings Igwe might change his mind and honestly, I wouldn't want to be seen as one of his oppositions."

"C'mon Ebere, Igwe isn't changing his mind," Udoka insisted. "How do you even think such a thing is possible? The news wasn't a grapevine, mind you. It was officially broadcast by the media."

To be cocksure of all the drama, Udoka waited till evening before he left for Okra's house even if he had to wait for him to return from work.

"It'll be so daft of me to meet him at work because he won't give me any attention," he thought.

He was just about to step out of Okra's gate to a nearby pub having been notified by the guard that both Okra and his wife weren't in when his car pulled up to the gate.

"Udo, are you still around? I thought you left for Obaro last Tuesday

as you earlier informed me?" enquired Gentle.

"Yes I did but then returned today to get some items I accidentally left behind," replied Udoka.

Moments later after he walked in to join Okra, the latter excused himself to have a bath as Nyangai arrived home, also expressing surprise at seeing Udoka.

"Coming home twice in two weeks after many years in Obaro, that's surprising," she joked even though Udoka didn't find it funny at all.

As Okra returned, both talked at length with Okra admitting that the news about Igwe's withdrawal from the oncoming elections was true. He also narrated how they'd planned to support Chief Ike which was followed by Igwe's vehement objection as he lamented that the four reps have failed him since none was ready to take up the challenge.

"He has given us another 48 hours to 'rethink' and come up with a 'better suggestion'," Okra noted. He paused for a while as if he momentarily lost an idea of what he was about to say.

"Udo," he continued, "Igwe said that even though he doesn't know Toby that much, most people have affirmed him to be a good guy. He said he was not comfortable with the idea of supporting Rufus because

he seemed to tend to easily boss over anyone that tries to stop him from doing something wrong. Igwe said that even if he finally succumbs to the pressure and supports Ike's candidature, he would still feel the need to have more of his kind in Ike's team as Toby might not be given the room to make meaningful contributions. I told you and Ebere last week that it's time for you guys to start thinking of a full return home. I'm glad Ebere is already doing that as I have been seeing him around. What about you?"

As a way of distracting Okra from predicting his plans, Udoka asked,

"What about other candidates? Are they not good enough?"

"Captain Ben is an ideal candidate next to Ike but there're doubts due to his bias disposition," Okra suggested. "His previous prejudiced comments revealed his insatiable quest to have every key infrastructure sited in Achara his hometown. Such moves were unacceptable and had angered the people."

Gentle continued by saying that Captain Ben was careless with his words and would eventually lose the votes of the electorate who according to him, don't easily forget such negative statements.

"Even though he debunked it publicly shortly before announcing his intent to contest in the elections, such a step towards a redress was a mere afterthought and came rather late. He's also known as a no - respecter of people since the gene of the Navy still runs in him even when already retired. Consequently, people believe he's got in him the flare to brutalize," Gentle concluded.

"But I saw a poster of one Mrs. Karen Chika. How could a woman vie for such positions?" queried Udoka. "She ought to have vied for a rep position instead."

"How do you mean?" asked Okra. "That's one of the reasons why

everybody wants Igwe to continue as his administration remains all-

inclusive. There's no room for inequality. Every citizen of Ajira has got the right to vote or be voted."

"Oh," Udoka nodded and smiled sheepishly saying, "I see."

"That woman whose image is on the poster; Mrs. Chika is a worthy contender. The only challenge she may face is having come from the same Ikwuano constituency as Chief Ike. So most of the votes she would have hoped to get would either be shared or she'd get less due to Ike's more extensive campaigns owing to his financial muscles. P prefers her over Captain Ben as an alternative to Chief Rufus and I think Igwe does too."

Udoka pondered over all Okra had said and concluded that associating with a 'moneybag' such as Chief Ike was the kind of opportunity he didn't have to let go.

Looking for a way to inadvertently pass a message to Okra about his planned return to Ajira, Udoka said, "With all these contestants, some wealthy and others popular, do you think we the middle class have any chances to progress in Ajira's politics since you always ask Ebere and me to return home?"

Okra replied, "You first have to start building your administrative skills like Toby is already doing and there's no better place to do that than your locality."

Udoka contemplated briefly and said with a contorted expression,

"I...I... think I have an idea that may help. It's only a suggestion oo." "Go ahead, Udo. What's it? Tell me," replied Okra

It worked - just like magic!

"Can you now see why we want you guys around," Okra exclaimed gaily? "Smart people we've got in Ajira!"

In the meeting with Ebere and Toby, Udoka's suggestion bridged the gap between Igwe Omemma and Chief Rufus. Before the expiration of the 48-hour grace given by Igwe to the reps, a quick meeting between Igwe Omemma and Chief Ike was fixed. There wasn't ample time for the rigors of scheduling appointments and so Toby had quickly informed Chief Ike about the need to meet with Igwe since the latter would appreciate such a show of respect which would further bolster Ike's chances of winning at the polls.

Equipped with the knowledge that Igwe begins his daily routine rounds at the Fruits section which is in his locality, Ochendo, Chief Ike had gone there ahead of him for an "arranged" negotiation for large quantities of fruits to be purchased, a ploy to meet with Igwe. Mrs. Lemon had ensured Igwe arrived when Chief Ike was still around and would have the "unusual" privilege of meeting him. Igwe on his part felt elated at the honor Ike accorded him when he said "I have been looking for a way to meet you and this coincidental meeting 'shows it was divinely ordered. Your Excellency, may you give me audience for a few minutes at your leisure?"

That prompted them to quickly schedule a meeting for the evening of the same day at Igwe's house.

It was such an imperceptible gambit that when the reps and Obindu gathered at Igwe's house Sunday afternoon on his urgent request, it was a mere gathering. Igwe narrated to them with Mrs. Lemon as a witness how Chief Ike had met him at the Fruits section and further visited him in his house that same day.

"Though I still have my reservations," Igwe had told them. "I'd have preferred Mrs. Chika but for Toby and Udoka who are on Ike's political train, I seek your support on his behalf after having listened to all the 'good plans' he has for our state. According to him, such plans are some of the reasons why he sought to work with the youths mainly. It doesn't matter who climbs up the seat as long as the person is willing to sacrifice everything for Ajira and put the peoples' welfare first in all dealings."

Igwe concluded by saying he wished to give Chief Ike the benefit of the doubt while giving him his support "trusting the decision does not boomerang but rather end in favor of our people."

As the polling day drew closer, other candidates became known and so was the intensity of the campaigns as each tried to outwit others with a lengthy listing of manifestos. The 'Master Planner' which had suddenly become Udoka's nickname courtesy of Okra due to his role in Igwe and Ike's meeting had finally returned to Ajira after his resignation at McRussels Consulting, Obaro. Chief Ike had shortly after Igwe declared his support for him pleaded for more support to Toby his campaign coordinator and other members of the campaign team.

"That sounds like a good offer at the right time," Udoka thought.

Okra and Mrs. Lemon equally played important roles in ensuring the meeting between Ike and Igwe was held but were oblivious to Udoka's real intent. They however were happy that they've been able to achieve a milestone, especially for Igwe, and were not perturbed whether or not they served in the next administration.

"I'd be glad to advise if approached," Okra had assured Ike in one of their meetings in which the Chief 'pretended' to seek their advice, a tricky way of getting their confidence.

"I trust the younger ones can do much better," Rufus had said. "I've to give them the chance they deserve."

While Okra did not just feel he could work with any other GG outside Igwe, others felt the same way too alongside the feeling of being deprived of the time they needed to attend to their personal needs while still representing their constituencies.

"I've been quite nostalgic about our term that's about to end," Mrs. Lemon had told Pine and Dr. P on the day Igwe made it a public awareness that he wasn't going to contest again at the polls. "I just can't wait!"

She had decided it was time to cool off after four years serving Ochendo at the Flowers section and Ajiraland in general. At least, she'd have some time for her family.

Back home, Nyangai and her husband, Gentle were just seated in his 'Obi', chatting. It has been 6 weeks that their son, Victor went back to school in Tanzania for his 300-level exams. Gentle his father had made sure he attended his Alma Mater. Their daughter Ezinne, who got married the previous year had worked for two years and was with her husband, Izzi in Europe. Okra enjoyed his stay in Tanzania and thought having his son acquire his university education there would not be a bad idea but rather help to strengthen his relationship with the in-laws.

"So you mean Udoka is fully back home?" Nyangai asked.

"Yes he is," replied Okra. "He has finally decided to come back home and team up with Ike. Not a bad idea though. He needs to be closer to home, especially being the first son of the father. Since he and his wife, Ugo have not been able to have a child since they got married, it might help if they could stay closer home. There are chances the orthodox medications here would help."

"That was so quick," exclaimed Nyangai. "I meant his swift bonding with Ike."

"Yes, it was. But what did you expect from a 'boy' as smart as he? He has made the right decision," replied Okra.

"He seldom visited Ajira," Nyangai continued, "and it was such 'arrive at dusk, leave at dawn' kind of visit. He never had a good opportunity to mingle with the locals."

"The guy has got guts," observed Okra. "As his Godfather, I had always known him as a desperate kid, up to his teen years, though I've not found out how much he has changed since then."