Three

It all began few days after the seventh independent. For these short times peace had reigned, but not absolute, for there were grudges in many hearts. The Kandala wealth was actively expanding overseas and changing conditions in less economically fortunate countries of Africa were visible. Some considered the independence of these African countries as blessing while others feared of neocolonialism. Such economic prosperity might not last longer as they thought. Meanwhile, many African countries that feared of a reverse were crawling, while few others were actively seeking independence from their colonial masters. Kandala was the eyes of every nation because of the speed at which it was developing. It was called giant of Africa, African thin god, the king pin. This African nation was still growing from strength to strength with its army and was looked up to defend the integrity of the continent.  It was as though that the independence granted to this African nation was a big blessing.

Because of the spirit with which the young nationalist pursued their independence, it was difficult for any outside nation to penetrate them. They wanted things done their own way. As a result adopting a Westminster style parliamentary democracy which they naturally should have inherited from their masters failed and in the second thought totally failed and no group or region seemed to concur. Suddenly they had a change of heart. They needed regional government. Each region was to survive with her resources, some slim, others growing. It was fast. No time to waste. The truth was that in the standard of Africa, the region was too small to stand alone and to manage her resources as an independent nation. They speak one language and were culturally secluded.

Gradually, old prejudices resurfaced and henceforth the foundation of a great tragedy was laid. The crumb of the comfort of this country was failing totally like many other African countries. They had stirred the old scar into a new pain.  The disagreement that had been in hiding all these years, seething silently like a wound that duly healed from outside did not let go. It was difficult to dig up what was in the heart. They could as well pretend in the eyes of the world that they were one, but they were far from pursuing the same interest. The man who received this independence gift had forgotten his pledge which was in part 'it gives me strength and courage as I dedicate my life to the service of our country'.

This prejudice gradually eats so deep that it could not be reversed. With the execution of Brigadier Zaro and the six others because of their agitation for self-government for their region and the newly promulgated British land law which they knew would disfavor many regions with minimal natural resources and environmental impact with which might result later; a new battle line was drawn. An attempt was made to eliminate the big heads and thin gods by these zealous young soldiers. It could kill the zeal at which it would be pursued. This idea failed in many regions and it became a tribal matter. They had two hearts, but living as two people in their different tenths. At a point they resorted to speak in their mother tongue in a national conference to keep others off from hearing them. As for the issues at stake it was something that came at the wrong time and at the long run caused too many damages that could never be counted.

Zaro was neutral and transparent. He knew he was innocent of the many assumption and in no way fighting the government with his kinsmen and colleagues in the military, so he maintained a dignified silence throughout the trial.  As a mouth to his people, he had only a life to live. He had been found guilty. His offence! A radio news had been aired that General Zaro and six others had been fingered over a coup against the government of General Sule and the news ended. For days, the news flash created a big enmity and hatred against this region and Zaro. Zaro had this confidence that his main objective was to save his people. What followed was the military tribunal ritual - to try these coupists. The issue was still hot and was treated as such. At first, he had no reason to fear. He was connected and knew many friends in this profession. Sadly, these friends and trusted ears failed him. They could have demonstrated concern over their thirteen months of incarceration and trial, but did not show up.