PART I – Chapter 1: the wave

A year earlier...

A live broadcast of the President addressing the country was about to hold. In exactly three minutes, he would be on air and I was highly expectant of what he was going to say.

I was sure it wasn't only me; Governors, Commissioners, Governmental staff, social workers, even children and in short, the whole country was waiting for 9.00am on this fateful day to strike on the clock as it would be marked in the shelves of history.

I was almost dressed for work as I hurriedly made a cup of coffee, while settling on the large office chair in my home. The bright light of the morning sun shone directly on my face from my angle of sitting and in annoyance, I forcefully pulled the blinds to cover the window beside me before reaching for the antique radio on the side stool.

I knew we were all wondering, 'why a radio? Instead of the popular modern electronic gadgets but believe it or not, I didn't have a single television set in my home. I was a strong believer in the significance of old artifacts as well as lifestyles.

The world was rapidly evolving and expanding but there were times when I had felt that the fast paces were detrimental to who we were. Surely, the best approach would have been to downtrend and allow life as well as the jointed effort of destiny, to whang it at us unhurriedly, instead of being faster than our shadows all the time. With that said, I began turning channels on the radio, seeking 92.8fm, the most popular station.

It was known for its credibility in giving accurate facts as well as never missing any relevant detail. Also, TV broadcasts these days –– even though they had independence –– were still subject to the controls of the government and that was even one amongst the many reasons why I preferred using radio broadcasts to get my news. They were more unbiased in their views and always respected their autonomous nature.

The static sound of the radio flooded the room as I moved the antenna trying to find a signal. This sort of thing never failed to bring back childhood memories of sitting on the front porch of our village house, listening to some old jams with my father.

A smile came to my face as the crunchy, static sound had begun generating a calming feeling inside me and was not at all a bother to my ears. It made me recall also, my mother singing in her melodious voice, the black bird by Nina Simeone while making our breakfasts. The memory of my brother, Tayo and I playing a refreshing game of chess on a classic Sunday evening came to mind as well. 

They were the past memories that I could never let go. It was what I was made up of and the man I was now was as a result of the past I had. So why then would I give them up, good or bad and forget because the world around me felt it was best.

Around my house was filled with images, relics and artifacts from the greatest times and people in our history. On the dining wall stood an old monochromed photo of Wole Soyinka and I at the literary awards of Nigeria, 1994. To think I was just 12 years when I had won the award and was invited into the glorious home of the famous novelist, Soyinka.

It was a memory I will always pride even till the day I die and so as the many others that made my childhood almost surreal. Why then should I forget my past and live like a new being in the sisals of other cultures clothing, simply because the world was growing.

Nevertheless, a part of me knew that that wasn't all and deep beneath the satisfying memories stood a gut-wrenching tale that seeked to resurrect like the raucous sound of an unwelcomed echo.

I finally found the signal, and even if I was already four minutes late, I was still right on Nigerian time. The host of the program, Good Morning Naija, Stella Ikeji was giving the beginning headlines as I tuned in. Patiently, I sat back in my chair with the already half drunk cup of coffee still waiting for the most anticipated moment.

After a few minutes, the host signaled the introduction of the President, Goodluck and he immediately started off his address.

'In these recent times, we have faced one of the worst challenges since our independence. We have all heard of the recent bombings by the terrorist group, Jama'atu Haram happening in the North east and central part of Nigeria.

With hearty feelings, I urge all of us today to come as one body and in unity in order to take a stand against these deadly terrorists and say no to living our lives in fear. The events of yesterday have put the whole country into an indefinite state of emergency, as the activities of these criminals are on high rise. We are all sad concerning the lives lost at the twin bombings in, Jos yesterday and in honour of our fallen brothers, we go on bended knees, swathed in complete states of sober reflection. For them and for every other victim in the hands of these criminal elements!

Even a number of our men and women, including children have been kidnapped by these same terrorists and although the government is doing its utmost best to free our people and put an end to Terrorism, we still solicit for your support.

The problems of this age are more complicated and the risks, even greater than that of the then civil war that had massacred a great number of our people. Today, I say in absolute anger and anguish, that no one's ambitions or wishes is worth the blood of any Nigerian!

I, Goodluck Jonathan, as the President and Chief Commander of this nation once again offer my sincerest apologies to the families of all the victims and henceforth, I declare this third-quarter of 2014, a period of solemnity and sober reflection for all Nigerians. I also stand here on this platform to pledge and make a promise to my people on this day that I would put an end to all these killings, so that we can once again live in peace, unity and faith for we are, one Nigeria!!"

At some point into the broadcast, I had lost interest after hearing the usual words said every single time things like this happened. Upon everything said, the situation still exacerbated, even more than previous times. It was alarming, the high rise in deaths over the past four years as people's lives were being wasted for things that they had no idea over.

Personally, I respected President Goodluck because he had made some positive impacts in our nation's economy during his time in office but these terrorist attacks were a constant cog in his tenure. I feared for him honestly because if he had any thoughts of a second term, he might not be so successful.

The newscaster had begun reading people's comments to the just concluded speech, as I adjusted the collar of my white dress shirt and later, the cufflinks at the tip.

"We appreciate the President's words but how long do we listen to the intangible promises that have never been met with positive outcomes."

"Six hundred in 2012, highest ranked in the world in lack of security and the highest rates of kidnapping in three consecutive years!!..."

"The nation is falling, do something before a worse history repeats!"

"The Italian national in kwara. Lebanese national in Kaduna and now, 250 of our girl students have been abducted, how long do we wait on your promises and pledges!!"

Click!

I had to turn the radio off because I couldn't listen anymore as citizens clamoured and poured out their hearts in their words. The immense pain and desolation too significant and too noticeable to be ignored. I knew first hand that these weren't the best times, people were suffering but from my perspective only a few cared and put in their absolute efforts in trying to alleviate these ordeals.

I worked for the ICS, a Governmental organisation consisting of special forces and private investigators and whatever happens at the top of the ladder, it never skips our sights and ears. We were a sought of third eye for the government in terms of security, only summoned in state of emergencies and this was one of them.

Yesterday the chief of Defence had called for a meeting today at the armed forces barracks, inviting the special forces, NSC, SARS, ICRC, Homicide Bureau and of course the ICS. 

It would be a lie if I said I wasn't wary of the news or fate we were all about to face today. Up until now, I had never been on the frontiers of a battle, as I and my team just handled and settled subtle incidents around the country. 

Now, we had been called and it could only mean one thing, we were all going to face the brewing storm finally.

Seeing as time had gone far and was nearing dangerously to 10am, I quickened my steps. The meeting was supposed to be held at 11am sharp and I was expected to be there before the time for the daily briefings arrived. Hurriedly, I put on my shoulder gun holster, not forgetting the Glock 42 and then, my black long trench coat thereafter.

Anyone who saw me now would notice from a mile away that I was on edge, so I paused for a while to regroup before I resumed my quest to leave and figure out what the anticipated speech two of the day was.

I had skills such as strength, flexibility, planning, even down to a technical and problem solving capability. I was a veteran in my profession, as I had had more experience both in and out of it and I was going to trust those skills today.