How I Almost Killed My Beloved Mother. (Part 2)

Chukwuma Linus

The drama was at Dan Pullo Park, Onitsha. It happened when my elder brother came to see me around 3pm. We conversed at length, but when it was time to bade farewell, I watched uncontrolled tears ran down his cheek. I fought my emotions as I scolded him to be a man. Anyways, I understood him perfectly well and it was because of the family experiences. All my family members kept calling upon my calls that our bus had left Onitsha around 6pm. My only brother even rang around 1am to ascertain if I was safe. “Go and sleep” was my response. That said, I’m sure that readers would want to call me a superman. — it is not true.

To be frank, I was overwhelmed by the emotions of loved ones especially my beloved mother. I can confirm that God was the driver. At a point, the passenger seated in the front seat and myself noticed that the driver was drowsy driving and we kept him on check. It may have been a different story if all were asleep. In Benue state was also a not pleasant experience, we encountered highwaymen along Katsina-ala axis, but for the timely notification from buses coming the opposite direction few buses were not robbed. The bus I was onboard was not. All these happened, but I kept it to myself till this moment. Experience is unending, may I advise readers that the best time for travelling is during the day.

In Adamawa, life was not as people made it looked like. It took no long before I settled in camp and began to appreciate the state dreaded by many especially my mother. It was an opportunity of learning. I learned little of other tribes’ culture, religion and language. I learned punctuality and disciplined life from the military officers in the camp. Morning and evening parades though stressful but were fun-filled exercises. Social gatherings were tantamount to the depth of one’s pocket, miami market especially Mama Onyinye Restaurant is a place where if one did not have a taste of her delicacies and chilled drinks then the person cannot intrepidly say that he was posted to Adamawa state. All thanks to my roommates for making my orientation camp experience unforgettable. At the end of the orientation camp, no Boko Haram attack, crisis or any evil. The NYSC orientation camp Batch C stream 1 was a success.

Let me appreciate the effort of Hon. Chris Azubogu, member representating Nnewi North/South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency for his concern and show of love. Though I understand his hectic schedules but through Sir Tai Emeka Obasi and Barrister Emeka he was daily in touch with me. It was both by his intervention and the NYSC policy of giving automatic relocation based on insecurity, though optional, to Corps members posted to Adamawa, Yobe and Borno state that I was successfully relocated to the South. I read while I was in the camp articles aimed at smearing the image of the Nnewi-born politician, but knew it would not fly because it did not represent the opinion of many who truly know the man whose teeming supporters like to address as Mr. Project. I will in the coming days pen what he did differently that deserved to be mentioned. People who share in his vision ahead of 2021 notably Sir Pat Uchendu supported me financially after one of our meetings at Beverly Hills Hotel, Umudim, Nnewi.

I will never forgive myself if I forget to mention my Uncle, Mr and Mrs Chidi Michael Chukwuma for his support and words of encouragement. My other friends, Nkem Moses Obizlin, Michelle Nwaonu Nwagbara and family, Chioma Uhie and family, Chioma Chukwunekeh, Justina Oly Obi, Obi Trice Emeka and few others. I’m grateful for the calls and show of concern.

I recount how I was prudent enough with the little resources I have in the bank. I sensed that there is life after camp and financial support do not come often in life so I transferred the money in my account to a trusted hand(name withheld), but only abreast my mother should anything had happened. The decision saved me a great deal in the hands of female Corps members with Epicurean mindset. As Nwoke Nnewi, I avoided them like leprosy.

I remember how on different occasions I hassled my mother that I may continue my service year in Adamawa state. “Mummy Adamawa is good for business and settlement” I spoke. “Be ready for my funeral if you dare it”, She threatened. She told me that it is true there are opportunities in the north, but her reservation is insecurity.

All told, today is December 22, almost a month I left Adamawa state. I miss my friends, but not the unfriendly weather. My love for my beloved mother is immeasurable and let it not be told that Nne Nonye Journeyed to the world beyond because of my quest to exploit the land of beauty. My parents will not die till they eat in excess the fruits of their struggles. North, East, West and South there are opportunities to exploit. I better soak garri and watch her live till her maker calls than gamble for unassured riches up north.

If I may ask, what is wealth without loved ones?