by Laura Pius
I remember when the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua died in 2010. One evening, while I was sitting outside the gate of our compound enjoying the cool atmospheric breeze, an Aboki, dressed in Babariga and apparently returning from the day’s hussle, walked past me on the other side of the road. In my usual carefree manner, I jokingly said, “Ah, Aboki your broda don die o.” That was enough to cause an implosion and ignite the Third World War!
Before I knew what was happening, the Hausa man crossed over to where I sat on the pavement. He dug his hands inside each pocket of his Babariga as if searching for money…but it was not money.
Holy Moses!
When he finally found what he was looking for and brought it forth, behold, it was a dagger!
I squinted my eyes to be sure I wasn’t seeing things. No, my visions were as sharp as a cat’s at night. I was definitely not seeing things. It was real. A real dagger.
So I asked, bemused, “Aboki, wetin I talk where make you commot dagger dey threaten me for my own backyard?” The man replied. “Na your bruda I die. Kai, your bruda too I die. Laihilaihulailaihi Insha Allah.” (Whatever that meant.)
Well, my knight in shining armour was a neighbour who just strolled out of the next compound and was headed in our direction. The man immediately intervened and enquired to know what the fuss was about. When I explained everything to him, he scolded the Aboki and challenged him shoulder to shoulder…. (Hahaha, in moments like that I wanna be a woman again and again. #TongueOut)
Why am I recollecting this incident? Because I heard some elements of irredeemable value, have taken to beer parlours and local food vendors celebrating the demise of Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.
Good grief!
When they rejoice over the mishap of one man, they should remember that the early morning hour does not tell the end of the day. You could be next. Be guided!
Laura Pius is a social commentator. She is a graduate of the University of Calabar. Connect with her on Facebook.
The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author.
