Nigerian Youths and NASS voting

So in my continuous bid for a better governance for Nigeria, I would like to inform my dear readers that we should be more concerned with the NASS elections than presidency. To me and my Aunt who dropped the hint for this write-up, the NASS is more important than the presidency.

Why?

The NASS consists of the Senators and House of Representatives. And they are the heartbeat of democracy. Take note; if we are to have good governance, it all begins with the NASS.

Why?

They represent us, they review budgets, contracts, pass bills that will improve the quality of the Nigerian society. So if we get it wrong at NASS, like electing poor representatives in governance, we will experience the same reoccurring stagnancy.

Most of the previous Senators and Reps don’t meet with their constituents, no town hall meetings with youths, women, men and general respectively. Thus, why they represent us poorly because they do not know the issues at heart of the populace.

So youths, be more cautious about that particular election than any other. We are not just talking about our future here, but the future of generations yet unborn.

Vote wisely.

Photo credit : togodiplomatie.info

Perverts Reverse Psychology Alert 101

Female Teenagers; A collection of dialogues to show your family relation of the male gender, is a first grade pervert. (using a university setting as a case study)

Dialogue one

Early in the evening

A wide shot of the university gate. Undergraduates walking in and out of the school premises. Cuts to a car zooming close, then parking adjacent of the school gate. A close up shot of the man driving the car. He picks up his phone from the seat beside him, scrolls through his contact list, selects the number he wants and dials.

Uncle: Yes, I’m outside the gate. (peers through the review mirror) No, I cant see you. (sigh) No. What are you wearing? A red blouse and blue Jean? Yes the black Jeep.

Cuts to a teenager who approaches the car from behind, a mobile phone, held against her eat.

Teenager: (peeps through the window of the car) Uncle?

Uncle: (stares dumbfounded) You? (disconnects the call as he climbs out of the car.) Whoa! (His eyes rakes her form) You look so different. The last time I saw you, you were like this small (demonstrates with hands)

Teenager: (chuckles)

Uncle: Come and give me a hug (wraps arms about her in a tight hug) Hum mm. (releases her from the hug) I can even feel your boobs. When did you start growing breasts?

Teenager: Ah, uncle

Uncle: I could feel them pressing over my arm. Nice changes. Hope you are not letting all this small boys press them. In fact, I need to inspect them to make sure they are still standing erect? You know I have to take care of you. This is just one of the ways. I have to ensure that everything is still proper and set.

Dialogue two

A close up of Uncle dropping off his teenage niece at her hostel after she’d visited his family. He pulls the car to a stop some kilometres to her house.

Teenager: (stares in amazement) Fuel?

Uncle: (shakes his head) No. I noticed something.

Teenager: (sober) What did I do? Is it Aunt? Is it because I refused to sleep over. I told her I had a test tomorrow and I still have a couple of pass…

Uncle: Its not that. It’s just - (sigh wearily) - I had a quarrel with my wife. For over two days now and she has not allowed me into the bedroom. I sleep in the guest-room.

Teenager: (puzzled) okay

Uncle: Yes. And I don’t want to cheat on her, so I want you to help me out.

Teenager: (eyes widen). How?

Uncle: Lets make out. Kiss and small romance. Nothing heavy. Just help me out. I don’t want to cheat. Do this for your uncle. Or do you want me to go and look for another woman? That’s cheating and I don’t want to cheat. So help me out. Please. There is nothing wrong in helping out a family member.

Third dialogue

A long shot of uncle and his teenage niece in the small one room apartment where he’d come to visit her. He’s sitting on the single plastic chair in front of the reading table stacked with books. His niece is sitting, cross-legged on the bed, eating suya; courtesy, Uncle.

Uncle: So how are lectures?

Teenager: (Swallows the munched meat) Good. Very different from secondary school.

Uncle: And the boys?

Teenager: What boys?

Uncle: (tsks) Don’t tell me no boy has been disturbing you. I saw that boy who dropped off a text book, when I came in.

Teenager: (laughs, slurping water) He’s just my course-mate, uncle. Nothing there. You know I don’t have time for boys. I’m just in 100 level. I need to focus on my studies.

Uncle: (stares speculatively) So you’re still a virgin?

Teenager: (chokes on the meat she’s about to swallow) Uncle!

Uncle: (unabashed) What? (Shakes his head) I don’t believe you. I need proof. If you say you are still a virgin with all the boys I can see around you then I want proof. I’ll check with my finger. Just one finger, Except you’re lying and no longer a virgin; that’s when you will refuse. If you’re really the book worm you’re professing to be, then let me confirm. Just one finger.  

In conclusion, BE WATCHFUL and BEWARE

Photo credit: teen.fightforzero.org

Giving your child a voice

ACT ONE

Scene one

Its the middle of the day

A modest sitting room, the curtains are drawn open, permitting the sunlight to stream in, emphasizing the individual and collective family portraits hanging on the wall. Nigerian Father sits on one of the brown sofas, beneath the twirling ceiling fan reading a newspaper.

(one of the inner doors open)

Nigerian Mother walks into the parlour, with Nigerian Children trailing behind her

Nigerian Mother: The children said they have something to tell us (sits down besides the husband)

Nigerian Father: (looks up from his newspapers, adjusts spectacles) Yes.

1^st Nigerian Child: (looks at siblings nervously) Dad, there’s something I want to tell you

Nigerian Father: I’m listening

1^st Nigerian Child: (lips quiver) Daddy, uncle Timothy has been trying to touch me.

Nigerian Mother: (confused) What do you mean touching you? He’s your uncle. There is nothing wrong with that.

2^nd Nigerian Child: (eyes widen) But Mum, he tried to touch her breasts. He said he wanted to find out how big her breast are.

3^rd Nigerian Child: (interjects) And when I walked into the room, he jumped up suspiciously.

Nigerian Father: (incredulously) My brother?

1^st Nigerian Child: Yes daddy.

Nigerian Mother: (shakes her head in disbelief) No. I don’t believe that. You might not have heard him correctly. He must have been saying something else.

Nigerian Father: Yes. That is what must have happened. He’s my brother and he would never do such a thing. I trust him. Do you know he’s even the youth president in his campus fellowship at school? (stares furiously at the children). I’m sure it’s all those movies you’ve been watching that’s putting weird ideas in your head.

3^rd Nigerian Child; But dad…

Nigerian Mother: Shush. When your father is talking you keep quiet. How dear you make such allegations against your uncle? That’s very bad. And he always buys gifts for you whenever he returns from school. Especially you - (points to 1^st Nigerian Child) - and yet you are lying against him? Wasn’t he the one who bought you that pink blouse you’ve wanted for so long?

1^st Nigerian Child: (eyes downcast) Yes, but when…

Nigerian Father: (interrupts angrily) No buts. I don’t want to hear such malicious lies again. Now go to your rooms before I loose my temper. (jerks fingers in the direction of their room). And no television privileges for a month.

Nigerian children exits the parlour

Nigerian Father: (faces Nigerian Mother) I have told you to always caution your children. Imagine if Timothy hears this? Do you know what scandal it will cause? My reputation?

Nigerian Mother: (solemn) I’m sorry, my husband. I’m sure its the shows they watch on television nowadays that’s influencing their minds.

Nigerian Father: My own brother? (shakes his head) Timothy will never do such a thing.

Nigerian Mother: I concur. Lets put the matter behind us, my husband. Your food is ready. Do you want me to serve it?

Nigerian Father: Yes. I’m famished. And isn’t it even Timothy who helped you pound the yam?

Nigerian Mother: Yes oh. Such a hard working boy. Don’t mind the children. Its just a silly prank. They have learnt their lesson. Let me go get your food.

Nigerian mother walks into the kitchen

Nigerian father leans back into the sofa, picks ups his newspaper; resumes reading

Light fade

Scene two

Six months later.

Nigerian Father and Nigerian Mother are in the parlour watching a show on the television

The mobile phone rings

Nigerian Father: (picks up the mobile) Yes

(voice heard over speaker)

Police Officer: This is Sergeant Obi, from the Amuwo Odofin police Division

Nigerian Father: (jerks in his chair, gesturing to Nigerian Mother to tune down the volume of the television set) And why is the police calling me?

(voice heard over speaker)

Police Officer: Are you related to Mr Timothy Evans?

Nigerian Father: Yes, he’s my younger brother. What crime could he have possibly committed? He is a good boy.

(voice heard over speaker)

Police Officer: (snorts) Well, your younger brother was caught in the act of raping a minor he was supposed to be tutoring. Luckily enough, a police officer was around, so he was saved from jungle justice.

Nigerian Father: (mouths drops open) What? That’s impossible! Are you sure its my brother?

Nigerian Mother; What? (anxious) What is it?

(voice heard over speaker)

Police officer: (continues) He was caught in the act, sir. He gave us your number to call as next of kin. Anyway, he’s about to be locked up in a cell and a court case has been filed.

Nigerian father: But.. (stammers) I cant believe this. Can I speak to him, please.

(voice heard over speaker)

Police officer: (pause) One moment

(scuffles in the background is heard through the speaker of the phone)

(voice heard over speaker)

Timothy: Brother please help me. (sobs)

Nigerian Father: Timothy is it true?

(voice heard over speaker)

Timothy: Brother, it was the devil o.

Nigerian Father: The devil? (suddenly annoyed) Did the devil also lead you to my daughter?

(voice heard over speaker)

Timothy: (hesitates) Brother it was not like that. It was the devil. But your sons were always around her, so I couldn’t do anything. Brother it was the devil.

Nigerian Father: (agitated, he smashes the phone against the wall.) 

Nigerian Mother: (tense) What happened?

Nigerian Father: (narrates the news to his wife.) So our children were right all along. And they told us but we choose not to believe them.

Nigerian Mother: (still in shock) Timothy? (wraps her arms about herself) Who would have thought it possible?!

Light fades

The end!

I think the story speaks for itself.

Since it’s more than a word, I’ll rephrase and say: The story is enough for the wise.

Photo credit: marsabitimes.com

Right or wrong?

Today, through no fault of mine; (I was coordinating a catering event for a family) and I happened to eavesdrop, or more aptly - overheard the parents of the home in the middle of a heated discussion (they were quite loud and I was in the kitchen).

And guess the subject of contention?

Ostensibly, on the man’s parental right to barge in, into his matured daughters room without first, knocking!

The wife vehemently protested the daughter might not be appropriately dressed and she’d always told him to knock before entering the daughters room - an act he always never consented to. The father protested, arguing on why that shouldn’t be a problem as he is the father and what would his daughter be concealing from him? Insinuating he’d seen her nude as a baby. The mother protested, there was a difference.

He then asked why she had to go in first and he was to be restricted. Her answer; she was a female. And she also knocked before going into their son’s room, in respect of his privacy. The husband termed the notion plain ridiculous.

Unfortunately, I had to go outside to check on the fish getting grilled, so I didn’t catch the end of the discussion.

Notwithstanding, the question that boggled my mind is this: Did the mother go overboard, trying to ensuring the personal privacy of her daughter?

And should a father knock or just barge-in, into his daughters room?

Photo credit: pinterest.com

How much is too much?

A lecture hall at one of the most prestigious university campuses. Nigerian child walks in, a bag draped over a shoulder, books cradled in the crook of an arm. Smiles and waves to other undergraduates milling around the lecture room. Moves towards a vacant seat. Phones vibrates as Nigerian child is about to sit down.

Nigerian child: (extracts mobile from bag) Daddy, good afternoon.

Nigerian parent: (a hushed sound) Where are you? I hear voices.

Nigerian child: I’m in the lecture room. About to have a lecture.

Nigerian parent: Then why do I hear boys voices in the background?

Nigerian child: Boys? Voices? (Startled) Dad, I’m in the lecture hall! I have male course-mates as well as females.

Nigerian parent: (hisses in indignation). Don’t try to be smart with me young lady! I know you have male course-mates. I’m asking why you have to sit close to them! Aren’t there other vacant seats available without the male counterparts flouncing about you? Is that what you do because you are now in a university, far away from home? This is why I wanted you to go to a university closer to the house, where I could keep an eye on you. Now, you have started mixing and seating with boys. Only God knows what you’ll do next?!

Nigerian child: (pensive) I’m about to have a lecture, dad.

Nigerian parent: Will you listen to me?! You should not be sitting down close to any boy. There should be other vacant seats where you can sit, without male interference,

Nigerian child: (heaves a quiet sigh) Dad, there …

Nigerian parent: (interrupts impatiently.) This is what I don’t like about you. Always stubborn when I’m trying to correct you. Protect you. You shouldn’t be sitting down in close proximity to any man.

Nigerian child: Dad, this is a mixed school! (she echoes vehemently)

Nigerian parent: Still. I want to hear you stand up and change your seat. Where no boy will traipse by.

Nigerian child: There’s no place like that.

Nigerian parent: (screeches) Then look for. Stand up right now. I want to hear you moving.

Sounds of feet moving is heard as she gets up, move towards a less crowded portion of the hall.

Nigerian child: I’m all alone, dad. No boys in the vicinity.

Nigerian parent: (listens intensively) Good. I just want to protect you.

Nigerian child: (sullenly) Yes. The lecturer just came in. Bye, dad.

Nigerian parent: Bye. I’ll call you later.

Call drops.

{The Ends.}

Dear readers, what’s your perception of the above illustration?

Are you of the opinion the father is justified in his protective disposition towards his child?

Or is this an attribute a parent will exhibit, that will spook a child into never wanting to return home.

Remarks and answers can be dropped in the comment box.

Photo credit:sirlejuures.blogspot.com

No longer compatible!!!

I'll begin today’s post with a question.

What form of behavior will a parent showcase; with a case study of the father; that will provoke a child, to seek attempts of escape?

I know you're wondering why the question. It streams from a conversation I had with a friend some days ago. I inquired why he never visited for the holidays after the school sessions ended.

His explanation boiled down to the constant altercations with his father. And to avoid any probable verbal disaffection, the distance was a gainful solution to both parties involved.

This brought into remembrance, a family friend; of the female gender, who moved  out of her parents house after she openly informed them; if she was to abide in the same home with her parents, she would not be favorably inclined to marriage. More especially the behavior of her father towards her mother,

And this, is but a few of the life illustrations.

This prodded my source of inquiry. When did family relationships become so hostile, one decides to escape the clutches of the other? When do fathers become so overbearing, they unknowingly encourage daughters or sons to seek refuge in a different apartment? 

Or would you say its the fault of the kids who all of a sudden become independent?

photocredit:houghtonhouse.co.za