A STATE WITHIN A STATE
(The youth want
to create one, but can they rule it?!)
By RENE BATETAKANG
“A
state within a state” is a story about the people of Bakassi
region of
Living
around a frontier, in a disputed territory between
Often
times, the desire for autonomy increases as a result of frustrations faced by
the local population. The Bakassi people found
themselves humiliated by their own military forces, who abandon mines on their
farms, which later explodes, killing their cattle and casing a lady’s limb to
be amputated. The Ekondo Titi
police, which exercises jurisdiction over Bakassi
people, unjustifiably detains their most popular local news writer. After the
Cameroon-Nigeria confrontations ended, through the International Court of
Justice’s ruling, the
The
two protagonists of this story -one male and the other female, form NGO’s and CIG’s, and use their wealth of experience in agriculture
and Human Rights respectively to save the people from Human Rights abuses and
poverty. They both finally form rival political parties, which the male-dominated
Human Rights and Democracy Party wins a recent election and forms a
representative government which includes two strong women from the opposition
front.
Kingson Effiong, the male
protagonist, assumes the title of High Commissioner, and governs Bakassi region. He gets married to a simple girl Sylvie,
who formerly was a hair-dresser.
However,
what continues to astonish
Finally,
A STATE WITHIN A STATE
PART ONE
CHARACTERS.
Kingson
Indira
Constable 1
Constable 2
Shey
Ngeme
Inspector Toko
Chief Effiong
Chief Ekong
Chief Ekali
Chief Esua
Chief Ozoh
Major
Mindja
Benji
Javis
Majolie
Esther
Ma Cecilia
Ma Debo
Ma Nteki
Ma Vero
Maria
Bekali
Sylvie
Eleane
Sirri
Ejike
Bassong
Nguess
Villager 1
Villager 2
Villager 3
Ruth
Nurse
John Issa
Klaus Tengo
Journalists
(1-12)
Soldiers (1- 8)
Students (1-3)
Guard 1
Minister
Hon. Normen
Christian Mbondo
Jean Paul
Sarah Anyi
Peter Kale
Toh Mercy
Drusila Nanga
Bessem Ayuk
Beltus Chia
Mbu Simon
Hoaves
Mr. Shamil
Bini
Samuel
Tebit
Jerry
Johnson
Child
Pa
Benedict
Carlson
Andrea
Martin
Woman 1
Woman 2
Woman 3
Borris
Hoaves
Pamela
Ruth
Jacky
Corina
Nathalie
Zimo
Tchami
Salome
Mvogo
Judge
Ching Lee
Wong Su
Moussa
Kurt Palmer
Dr. Eyabi
Dr. Wincook
Mrs. Musanga
Jacques Mbida
Mr. Nlend
SCENE 1
KINGSON talks with
KLAUS while they walk on the street.
Kingson: …I’m foreseeing a state within the
state of
Klaus: I
thought when you talked of 'a state within a state', you considered the ten regions
of Cameroon as states, and Bakassi would become one
of the states bordering the south
west region, making it eleven states
altogether.
Kingson: You can take it either way, but what I want us to go
in for is the type which has to have full autonomy.
Klaus: So,
we’ll have to deal directly with Yaoundé government without having anything to
do with the governor of the south west region where are?
Kingson: Yeah.
Klaus: Kingson, what if the International Court of Justice’s ruling
turns out otherwise?
Kingson: That’s far-fetched. The I.C.J can never hand sovereignty of Bakassi to
Klaus: But
we’re dealing with law. It also depends on
Kingson: Yeah, yeah. But the I.C.J is at a level where law is
not manipulated the I.C.J is one of the most functional organs of the UN which
I admire so much. All its members are jurists of high standing- People who hold jurisprudence at
heart.
SCENE 2
At a police check point
in Massaka
village.
Insp. Toko: Hei Madam! Where are you
heading to?
Jennet: I’m going home.
Insp. Toko: And you answer so courageously. Don’t you know that you are
not supposed to be out at this hour of the night? (Jennet makes faces). Can I have your ID Card,
please?
(Jenet removes the ID from her handbag and
gives it to the policeman). From where are you coming?
Jennet: I’m coming from Ekondo Titi.
Insp. Toko:
Please, get into
this car and wait for me inside.
Jennet: Excuse
me, sir; what is all this? For what reason are you keeping me
here? I say I’m going home, and you are telling me to get into your
vehicle! Please can you return my ID Card to me?
Constable1: You are not even afraid to walk in the dark? At 11am!
Jennet: Excuse me, officer; I don’t know whether it’s because you know me...Is it because I refused to dance with you the other day, that’s why you are worrying me?
Constable 2: Haven’t you read the recent communiqué from the Ministry of Defense, which forbids residents of Bakassi to stay outdoors after 12pm?
Jennet: But what is the time, officer? (Looking at her wristwatch). Isn’t the
time seven minutes past 11pm?
Insp. Toko:
Please get into the
vehicle and ask no more questions.
(Police officers force
Jennet into their car and drive her to their station at Massaka,
where they lock her up by 11:20pm).
SCENE 3
Some youth of Bakassi Peninsular
gather to talk about their N.G.O and Common Initiative Group.
Kingson: I think it is high time to develop a
comprehensive and systematic way of living. There is no society where people do
not live by principles and set up concrete objectives through which they will
use to achieve certain goals.
Klaus: Truly,
I think the Human Rights principles which our leader – Makki
Kingson, has briefed us on are the very fundamental principles
that should govern and guide human conduct and freedom in every society all
around the world.
Kingson: Being the founder of my NGO- “Watch
Our For Your Rights”, I have decided to allocate the
following posts to you people:
Public Relations Ofifcer
- Klaus Tengo
(He stands up, raises his hand
and sits down).
John Issa
– Treasurer
Benedict Tahla
– Secretary
Pamela Sama
– Social Affairs Agent
Carlson Loh – Education Officer
Diengo
Max – Communication and Statistics.
Paul Asomo -
Sports
Dilan
Toko – Health
Alloh
Festus – Defense.
So, ladies and gentlemen,
our N.G.O doubles as a Common Initiative
Group
whose documents have already been forwarded to the nation's capital – Yaoundé. These are the
letters of approval from the Ministry of Agriculture. (KINGSON takes them up for everyone to see. There’s an applause the
follows).
Klaus: Before
our leader and founder – Makki Kingson
Effiong exhausts his point, I would like him to tell
us the more special thing which he promised telling us
today. He told me just before this meeting began, that he has a secret to
divulge to us. At least, concerning the matter of C.I.G, we all saw it in our
invitation letters, so we are not very surprised by the creation of a new
C.I.G. Without much a do, I give the floor to Kingson
Effiong.
Kingson: Recently, I went to
SCENE 4
Elders of the five villages that make
up Bakassi Peninsular gather to
discuss issues.
Effiong: Elders of Bakassi
region, we have gathered here today to address basically two issues…First and
foremost, we are to carefully examine the transition that seems to occur soon
in our region. Secondly, we have to decide on how to govern the people, and who
to govern them. We all know that the International Court of Justice is soon to
give a ruling on the Cameroon- Nigeria border dispute; and my son also told me
that he has formed a political party…As far as I can foresee, these are roots
they are setting, which, by implication, shall likely create a parallel rulership in Bakassi Peninsul.
Ch. Ozoh: (Claps his hands three times before
speaking). Elders of Bakassi, I greet you people. I,
Chief Ozoh, chief of Abana,
has noticed a blowing wind in Bakassi,
that is moving towards a certain direction. Though at first it occurred like a
daydream, it is becoming more and more virtual, and may become the
mainstream…The youth of our region are organizing meetings quite too often
nowadays. Like HRH Chief Effiong just said, I am
becoming very skeptical about their forming a political party.
Ch. Ekali: (Claps his hands thrice and clears his
throat). I, Chief Ekali of Massaka,
have noticed the precipitating events taking place in Bakassi
land. It appears as if the youth are aware of the International Court of
Justice’s ruling, coming up soon, and are foreseeing that this region will be
handed to us the Cameroonians.
(Participants node and seem to approve the comment).
I don’t have much more to
say…
Ch. Effiong: Chief Esua of
Odiong, I see your hand up. You have the floor…
Ch. Esua: Elders of Bakassi,
our host HRH Tata Effiong
of Amoto village, I greet you all. To go straight to
the point, I have heard that two factions are already
existing in this
Ch. Effiong: Fellow elders, I have a question in
mind. We are all
Cameroonians, aren’t we? (Everybody
answers “we are”). We would have to bring the youth to us and ask them
precise questions (All members approve
the comment verbally).
SCENE 5
At an army Colonel’s
residence INDIRA is led in by a young Major.
Mayor: Colonel,
a lady called Indira wants to see you.
Mindja: (Smiles) let
her in. (As INDIRA comes in, COLONEL
MINDJA jumps to her and embraces her, kissing INDIRA at the same time).
So, how are things going?
Indira: Life is moving on fine. I’m getting to a
very tough stage in my life, which is showing me that I would have a very long
way to go.
Mindja: About how many miles? (They both smile and soon laugh).
Indira: Colonel Mindja,
don’t take it lightly. Everyone has his or her own path to move on in life. I’ve
just applied to run an N.G.O, which will be functioning alongside my C.I.G.
Mindja: I’ve forgotten the name of your
C.I.G.
Indira: Women’s Agricultural Society.
Mindja: Yes, it has come to my memory. I just
forgot…That’s interesting anyway. Carry on with it…I give you all my
encouragements…
Indira: You know,
the International Court of Justice has not yet passed a verdict on the disputed
Mindja: (Nodding) I see. I see. Anyway it’s
normal to react the way they do.
SCENE 6
COLONEL
MINDJA and INDIRA are moving outside at the Colonel's yard.
Indira: Colonel, do you know one thing?
Mindja: No, except you tell me what you mean.
Indira: What if a bomb or bullet just volley about and strike a
battalion…your battalion
(Silence)… when you are in the battlefield.
Mindja: Well, lady, if we plant such thoughts in
our minds, we would never enjoy life. When you are in the battle ground, you
only think of victory. I won’t tell you a lie… There’re moments that you wish
that your enemy withdraws from war, or a peaceful negotiation be conducted by
the belligerents.
Indira: (Giggles) May God protect
you never to be injured in war.
Mindja: Thank you so much…Do you know one reason
why I very much admire you? You display not only remarkable intelligence, but
also some intense affection.
Indira: Thanks for the compliment.
Mindja: Please, Indira,
we’ll soon part. My guards are already looking at us keenly. I hope you will
call around before it is seven days.
Indira: Okay, okay. Bye.
Mindja: Good-bye.
SCENE 7
At CHIEF EFFIONG’S Palace. He talks with his son
KINGSON.
Ch. Effiong Kingson…Kingson…
Kingson: Yes, Daddy. I’m coming (Kingson comes to the parlour.)
Ch. Effiong:
Please have your seat. We have to talk about
some serious issues right
now. Listen attentively and share your opinion in the best way
possible. The issue is about leadership and control or governance of Bakassi…
Kingson: I’m listening, Daddy.
Ch. Effiong: Which
person according to you can best rule this sub-region? Is it the elders who
have been exercising control this far, or you the youth?
Kingson: Pa, after a careful thought,
and looking at things with a prospective view, in the modern world that were
are, I think the youth who have dignity, integrity and intelligence will best
rule our land.
Ch. Effiong: Why
don’t you think the elders can as well rule it?
Kingson: Pa, let me state a point which will depict
a weakness on the part of the elders'… Pa, take into consideration the fact
that Bakassi Peninsular is given to
Ch. Effiong: Makki Kingson, my son.
Kingson: Yes, Daddy, I’m listening…
Ch. Effiong: What
you have just said doesn’t need further explanation. That is what I have spent
two weeks thinking about. I regarded all the tiresome labour
and stress we would have to go through, if we the elders decide to rule Bakassi formally.
Kingson: Daddy, we the youth also spent some time
examining this same issue. We concluded that we cannot work as a mixed
generation of people. If
Ch. Effiong: Kingson, though you are still at the start of your endeavour, I’m tempted to give you my blessings immediately.
Come. (KINGSON moves forward and
prostrates, with his knees touching the ground. His father places his horse
tail three times on his back, then, the boy gets up).
Kingson: Thank you, Daddy.
Ch. Effiong: At
thirty-seven- years- of- age, and being a holder of a Masters' ' Degree in
History, you are capable of handling whatever post of responsibility that is
given you. It would be a great thing for me to see you people at the helm of
administration, if ever that will happen.
Kingson: Thank you, Daddy. In fact, we have a lot of
plans, and we are determined to do great things.
SCENE 8
KLAUS TENGO and PAMELA SAMA are
in a drinking spot. They are sitting opposite each other, sipping their
drinks.
Klaus: I mean what I said. You look charming!
Pamela: (Looks as
if surprised) .What suggests that?
Klaus: So,
you want me to give you a complete portrait of yourself? It takes a sensitive
guy only thirty seconds to scan a “Diva” and sort out every element of her
beauty.
Pamela: Klaus,
do you know that you guys use every means to flatter ladies? Just to get one
thing?
Klaus: And
what’s the thing?
Pamela: A
three-letter word.
Klaus: My
dear, spare me out. Exclude me from such nasty intensions. I go in
whole-heartedly for a four-letter word. The one that begins
with letter “L”.
Pamela: True
Love?
Klaus: Of
course…I want us to digress a little bit…I don’t know what you think about Kingson Effiong. How do you see
the guy?
Pamela: You are his right hand man, you
should know him better.
Klaus: Please
make a comment. Don’t be reticent! You’re now a politician. You should keep
away this cool attitude of yours. You must learn to make instantaneous comments; I mean, be ready to
react to issues as they arise.
Pamela:
Really?
Klaus:
You’ll hardly become a successful politician if you maintain this cool,
gentle ways of yours. (Pamela laughs)
Pamela:
I think you know that, right from school, I’ve often been this modest type of
person (she takes a deep a breath). Well,
on your question: Politically, Kingson is a tough
politician; socially he is a nice guy.
Klaus: Wait,
wait a second! Do you know that Kingson is
befriending a mere hair-dresser who goes by the name Sylvie?
Pamela: Wow!
But that’s his choice! Do you have another girl for him?
Klaus: I
mean, even if all has to come to the worst, I can’t go in for a girl who can’t
measure up with my standard. Instead of talking with a chap like Indira, he goes and meddles with a girl who’s not learned
at all!
Pamela: Well,
every eye has its own focal point and every decision has its viewpoint.
Klaus: Pamela,
lets get back to this issue : (Klaus takes a deep breath). Concerning
our relationship, you’ve not yet given me a green card. (Pamela smiles). I wish to know if I would leave this
place jubilating or lamenting?
Pamela:
You personally have to make your own look. You can keep a positive look, after
all appearances are deceptive.
Klaus: Pamela,
you’re kind of keeping me in suspense. You hardly say “Yes”.
Pamela: Klaus,
I think psychology studies reveal that about eighty-five percent of human
communication is none- verbal.
Klaus: Ladies…Ladies…You
and intuition. I doubt the day you people will break away from that word. You
examine things by intuition, you understanding mostly by intuition…your
intuition level is very high!
Pamela: I
think all you mean to say is that intuition is natural, isn’t it?
SCENE 9
The
talk about the recent creation of political parties is the order of the da in Bakassi. At the office of
THE INFORMER – the local news brochure, three writers are discussing, facing
their computers, while developing articles to be published soon.
Benji: Do you know that the women’s wing is
a pro- agriculture party that is aiming at fostering agricultural growth in Bakassi?
Javis: What type of agricultural growth?
Benji: I mean, improved farming conditions,
faster growth of crops, better farm products, diminishing pest effect, and to
some extent channeling farm produce to the markets.
Javis: I have understood you. Thanks for the
explanation.
Benji: We have to print and supply our local
paper every three weeks or month. The
Informer is conceived to disseminate information across the entire Bakassi region and its environs.
SCENE 10
Today is June 6th,
2002. Members of INDIRA’S N.G.O. assemble in a conference
room.
Majolie: Dear members of the Women’s Agricultural
Society- WAS. Miss Indira has clearly briefed us on
our programme of activity, which is: to sensitize
farmers on growing better crops, supply pesticides, and encourage large – scale
farming and increase productivity. At this juncture, I’ll like Miss. Andrea,
our acting secretary, to come forward and conduct the voting exercise.
(Each of the ten members that make up the WAS executive come forward
and do the voting. About fifteen minutes later, MAJOLIE ETANG reads the results
as follows:)
The President elect is…Indira Musanga. (Applause)…For the post of Vice –
President, the V.P elect is Honora Ekpe …The rest of the list is as follows:
Public Relations Officer
– Gladys Tande
Economic Supervisor -
Ruth Aborang
Public Management & Dev.
– Mr. Paul Danze
Defense & Security –
Mr. Henry Kom
Scientific Research –
Mary Nkpara
Education - Laurentine
Aboro
Sports – Liza Nkeng
Communication – Majolie Etang
(Applause)
At this juncture, I’ll hand
the microphone to my able President, Miss. Indira Musanga.
Indira: Dear comrades (Applause) Please, allow me to speak…You may not know why I decided
to address you people specially today as comrades. This
day, 6th June, 2002, our women’s dominated party has been formed. These
are the authorization documents (Raises
them up) which were signed two days ago in
Executive: Investment,
massive production, reforms (Applause)
SCENE 11
At a newly opened community farm. Women are working happily, singing
and ploughing
with their hoes. Some
explosions are heard, soon sudden screaming follows. Something seems to have
happened! Some women rush to the spot of the explosions to rescue the fallen
victims, while majority of them run away from the plot. Two victims are being
pulled out of the farm.
Esther: This
is unspeakable and unacceptable!! What ill luck is this? Bring some ropes and
splints for me to tie the legs and hold them in place. (Two women are suffering severely. Ma Nteki is badly injured. Ma Vero is not very badly injured but she cannot walk
either).
Ma Cecilia: They
were hit by bombs! More bombs might soon explode, so let's keep a safe distance
from this place!
Ma Debo: Let us carry them to Chief Effiong.
He would drive the victims immediately to
Maria: This
is an abomination! The army came and planted bombs on our lands?!
Bekali: It might be Nigerians who planted the bombs on our
land.
Esther: No,
Nigerians have never got right to this area. We shall withdraw from this
Bekali: In our own country.
Esther: A
region with not tarred roads, nothing. No administration…We shall form our own
government, if they think that we cannot form one.
Ma Cecilia:
Let us take the victims to the Amoto military camp
before conveying them to the hospital. We have to show the army what they have
caused to us! (They’re going along with
the two victims).
Esther: We
can't go to the Amoto military headquarters at this
point in time. A lot of blood is flowing from Ma Nteki’s
legs…Ma Nteki (She
barely answers).
Belali: Please, after applying First Aid at
Chief Effiong’s palace, we shall have to rush the
victims to the nearest hospital.
(CHIEF EFFIONG does first aid on the
victims and soon drives them to Ekondo Titi
General hospital. There is a wave of widespread consternation in Bakassi's
five villages).
SCENE 12
At Sylvia Beauty
Saloon.
SYLVIE ,
ELEANE and SIRRI are conversing about a recent happening.
Sylvie: I
went to Ekondo Titi to see
it for myself. Ma Nteki was lying in a private ward.
The doctor said, her right limb that was more injured
will likely be cut off.
Eleane: What! That Ma Nteki’s
right leg will be cut off? Is that how serious the issue is?!
Sylvie: Yes.
I heard of it from the horse’s own mouth. The doctor said, except we are lucky,
then the leg won’t be amputated.
Sirri: So, an individual who has lived her
whole life, only struggling to cope with dregs of life; at this age of about
sixty years, her leg has to be cut off?!
(Claps
her hands. A phone rings. It's Sylvie’s).
Sylvie: Hallo…
Kingson: Hallo, my girl… How are you today?
Sylvie: I’m
fine. And you?
Kingson: Well, I’m okay. Any news
for me?
Sylvie: (Amused) No. No.
Kingson: Would it be possible for you to pay
me a visit tomorrow?
Sylvie: Where?
Kingson: At my family residence.
Sylvie: You
know, I don’t like being in a big man’s house. You know,
all the issue of palace, paramount chief’s residence; everything is in strict
control. One can’t even cough freely inside your family home…
Kingson: Ple-as-se, come
on. In a year or two I’ll be living in my own house…So, will you come over?
Sylvie: Well…I
prefer seeing you at your N.G.O secretariat.
Kingson: Umm... Do you know that the former
N.G.O secretariat is now called Party Secretariat?
Sylvie: No,
I don’t. Why the change of name?
Kingson: I have formed a political party of which I’m the
president.
Sylvie: Wow!
Congratulations!
Kingson: Thanks for your appreciation. So,
we’re very busy laying ground work. We are organizing the way we have to
function. That is, our sources of income and how we would have to be spending
the money.
Sylvie: Okay,
I’ll come to your family residence. You said tomorrow, confirm?
Kingson: Yeah, tomorrow by 4pm .
Sylvie: Have
a nice day!
Kingson: Same to you, and
take care.
SCENE 13
At His Royal Highness CHIEF TATA
EFFIONG’S Palace, agitated and
disgruntled villagers of Amoto village have gathered,
ready to react
according to a plan of action to be decided on by their paramount chief.
Ch. Effiong: Elders
of Bakassi…Where is Chief Ekong
of Archibong? What of Chief Esua
of Odiong? Kingson, get my
cell phone for me (Kingson goes into the house to get the cell
phone).
Villager 1: Please,
listen to your paramount chief.
Ejike: His Royal Highness, if I get to that
camp and nobody gets hold of me, I will cut off a soldier's nose. Should my
elder sister have to spend the rest of her life hopping like a chicken?
Ejike: I am not going anywhere. I have been
there already. We have all seen my dieing sister, but we have not yet seen the
people who planted the destructive bombs on our farms.
Kingson: Please, Ejike, we
are reporting this situation to the
(Ejike
is brought to calm. Two chiefs are seen talking with him).
Ch. Effiong: Let
no one carry along any sort of weapon! I don’t want sticks! Take along only
your farm tools. Hold spades but no spears…
Kingson: Please, let all our acts be non-violent.
That is the weapon we have to use in order to triumph. Don’t be the first to
act in any way violent!
(Villagers of Amoto and some others that have
come from neighbouring Abana
and Massaka, join in the two kilometers march to the
military headquarters).
SCENE 14
In front of the headquarters of Bakassi
Central Battalion.. Only a three-rolls
barbed wire fence is separating about thirty armed soldiers on one side, and
about two hundred villagers on the other side.
Bassong: Get ready! The villagers are coming! None
of you should fire any bullet at a villager, except they decide to wage a war
against us, or they infiltrate into our premises.
Soldier 1: By
your orders, sir.
Bassong: Keep your eyes on me, and act only
upon my signal! Don’t shoot anybody, Captain Nguess,
let's be at the front!
Nguess: Behave as if you seem to neglect your
guns…The wingers, don’t take your hands off your pistols!
(The villagers march forward HRH CHIEF EFFIONG moves forward, looking
very furious. The villagers rush to the fence, almost learning on the barbed
wire). Some of the soldiers begin making phone calls, either calling for
backup, or giving a minute-by-minute report of what is happening).
Ch. Effiong: Senior
soldiers, we have come here to protest against the issue of mines littered on
our farms. At first it was our cattle that had their legs cut off before they were
later slaughtered. We could not even transport them to our residential areas.
We had to go to the farms to slaughter only one out three cows… In fact, we
were even afraid to go near two of the affected cows that could no longer walk.
Finally, they got rot. You can imagine the horrible stench that enveloped our
entire land…Now it is human flesh. Yesterday, two women stepped on mines and they’ll
soon have their legs amputated at the
Bassong: I’ve heard from HRH Chief Effiong.
Actually we got news of what you have just told us, this morning. We are
equally compassionate and sympathetic to you people. We have to carry out
investigations in order to know the source of the mines and their impact.
Ch.Ozoh: Senior soldier, this is not a matter of
investigations and postponements! First, you people should go and remove all
those bombs from our farms and plots.
Villager 2: You
the army have
to go and treat the two women whose limbs are soon to be amputated. Leave
behind monies for their bills…Use even your own doctors to give those patients
medical attention!
Villager 3: What
we need is not words like “we are going to carry out investigations”
Ch. Ekali: Captain, this situation requires prompt
action! If possible, let your military ambulance be shuttling from Ekondo Titi hospital to Amoto village till those women are cured completely.
Klaus: Give
us even your walkie talkie. We don’t even have a good
telephone network to find out about the state of our mothers’ health.
Nguess: Dear villagers, it is not normal and also
out of place for us to give you our military gadgets. Let us try to understand
ourselves. We cannot abandon our defense engagement to look after your
patients. We are defending our country - you people.
Ejike: Defending which people? You say that
you cannot help my sister?! (Ejike charges forward, two chiefs and some others struggle
to hold his muscular body, other villagers mount up courage. The soldiers are
alert. Some hold their guns tight).
Ruth: Here
we are with farm tools but we cannot go to our farms. We need food to survive!
At first we were mainly looking for food; now we are looking for food and
medicines, including peace of mind!
SCENE 15
At COLONEL MINDJA'S residence. About the same moment that
the villagers of
Amoto are protesting at the Amoto military
headquarters.
Indira: Colonel Mindja…
Mindja: Yeah. (Both
of them looking at each other with compassion).
Indira: This is a very tense period for both of
us. My people are totally disgruntled by your indiscretion. You people made a
very big mistake. How can you people forget to neutralize mines from your own
territory?!
Mindja: Truly speaking, all occurred to me like a surprise. During
the period of sporadic fighting, we had to do everything possible to hinder
Nigerian forces from crossing certain boundaries and get into our territory. The
mines were serving as instruments of ambush.
Indira: But you ought to have demine the areas of concern! Don’t you have a map of all your operations?!
Mindja: (Places
his left palm on his face). There’s some amount of negligence on our
part…sheer negligence. But this chaos is also resulting from the frequent
change of command from one colonel to another…
Indira: Please, do something immediately!
Mindja: We have to… We shall have to act
immediately. Oh! My image has been tarnished in this region! I had gained
recognition and admiration from these five villages of this region. When I go
to Odiong people offer me fish as 'dash'. The chief
of Abana, once he sees me, he’ll just send one if his
boys to catch a squirrel or a mole for me…I eat bush meat almost every day I go
on patrol to Abana.
(Colonel Mindja and Indira
hear noises emanating from an approaching crowd. They both keep silence for
five seconds).
Mindja: Check over there! Peep through the window
blinds. (Indira
moves to the window, shifts the blind and looks
outside. She’s completely shocked).
Indira: My own people!
Mindja: Your people? (He rushes and peeps through the window).
Indira: This is my death! Colonel Mindja,
my death has come!
Mindja: (Holding Indira by
the hands). Look! Listen to me! Assume that you are not in this house. Get some cold water
from the fridge and go lock up yourself in my room! I’ll send a guard to keep
you company. Pray and trust in God.
Guard 1: Colonel!
( A guard rushes in).
Mindja: Inform Amoto
Central Battalion of the situation. Ask them for backup. You are four of you,
aren’t you?
Guard 1: Yes,
we are four of us.
Mindja: Are the masses armed?
Guard 1: They
are carrying sticks, hoes, spades and cutlasses. Many of them are holding fresh
branches containing green leaves.
Mindja: Be on alert! Let's go out and
encounter them. Act only upon my command. Don’t allow them cross the barbed
wire fence. Inform your colleagues (Wearing
his military uniform quickly).
COLONEL MINDJA and his four
military guards are outside in his compound. The villagers are on the other
side, almost leaning on the fence. parts of their
bodies are inside MINDJA’S compound. Two guards are talking on their walkie talkie.
Mindja: Good
day, people of Bakassi villages.
Villager 4: What
is good about this day? What have you done with the victims of mine explosions?
Mindja: Excuse me, His Royal Highness. I am
speaking on behalf of the entire military service involved in the defense
mission that we have come for. We beg that you people give us a chance to find
a solution to this crisis.
Villager 1: Is
it only after so have suffered casualties that you people would
then have to think of a solution?
Ch.Effiong: I
mean, this is unacceptable! Colonel Mindja, what is the
solution that you the army have decided on?
Mindja: Please, His Royal Highness, we are still
to get our feet to the ground on this issue. I am sorry to say, we have not yet
held any meeting in relation to the mine explosion problem.