By Swill Mavua
In the heart of Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, a prominent Fulani politician, Senator Abdulkadir Mohammed, sat in his luxurious office, surrounded by the trappings of power. He was a man consumed by his own ambition, convinced that he – a member of the inner circle of the Oligarchic North – was born to rule Nigeria. His eyes gleamed with an unyielding determination as he pondered his next move to secure the presidency.
As he sipped his “fura” from a gold-plated China-ware cup, a sudden knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. His assistant entered, looking flustered, and announced a visitor. “Senator, there’s a man here to see you. He says it’s urgent and refuses to disclose his identity.”
Senator Mohammed’s curiosity was piqued. “Send him in,” he instructed, his voice firm but intrigued.
The door opened, and a tall, imposing figure clad in traditional Fulani attire walked in. His face was shrouded in shadows, making it impossible to discern his features. Senator Mohammed felt a shiver run down his spine as the stranger approached.
The mysterious figure spoke in a low, measured tone, “Senator Abdulkadir, I’ve been watching you. I know your dreams, your ambitions, and your fears. You’ve always believed you’re destined for greatness, that Nigeria is yours to lead, just as your other kinsmen feel..”
Senator Mohammed’s instincts screamed caution, but his curiosity got the better of him. “Who are you?” he demanded. “What do you want?”
The stranger smiled, revealing perfectly aligned teeth. “I am someone who knows the path you’re on, Senator. I can see the threads of destiny that weave your life together. You are indeed a man of great potential, but are you prepared to pay the price for power?”
Senator Mohammed’s eyes narrowed. “What price?” he asked warily.
The stranger’s smile grew wider. “The price of your soul. You see, Senator, power comes with a cost. The higher you climb, the more you must sacrifice. Are you willing to give up your integrity, your relationships, your very essence for the sake of power?”
Senator Mohammed hesitated, taken aback by the stranger’s words. He had always believed that the end justified the means; and that any sacrifice was worth it if it meant achieving his goals – a true student of Niccolo Machiavelli’s book; ‘Prince.’ But the stranger’s words struck a chord deep within him.
As the stranger turned to leave, Senator Mohammed felt a surge of panic. He didn’t want to lose this mysterious figure’s guidance, not yet. “Wait!” he called out. “What do you want me to do?”
The stranger turned back, his eyes glinting with an otherworldly intensity. “The choice is yours, Senator. You can continue down the path you’re on, or you can take a different route. But know this: the path you choose will determine the course of your life and the fate of Nigeria.”
With that, the stranger vanished, leaving Senator Mohammed to ponder the weight of his words. The politician’s mind reeled as he grappled with the implications of the mysterious encounter. Would he continue to chase power at any cost, or would he take a different path?
As Senator Mohammed sat in his office, the city of Abuja bustled outside, unaware of the internal struggle unfolding within him. The fate of Nigeria hung in the balance, and only time would tell which path Senator Mohammed would choose. The mysterious encounter had set him on a journey of self-discovery, one that would ultimately determine the course of his life and the future of the nation.
In the end, the choice was Senator Mohammed’s to make. Would he heed the stranger’s warning and alter his course? Power has been sweet, making stupendous wealth through looting of the Commonwealth has been worth the while. Would he press on, driven by his ambition? Only time would tell.
- The Straight Talk.
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