The Sweet Taboo - Episode 3

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The last flight of Afresh airline would leave Lagos for Abuja by six p.m. Afresh was a reliable local airline that Ayo preferred to travel with.  He decided to leave home by half past four o' clock.  Mandy wanted to drive him to the airport, but he insisted on taking a cab.

   He had told his wife that barring any change, he would be coming home every weekend to be with his family. Of course, he would always call her on the phone unfailingly.

   'Be careful over there.' Mandy tried to curtail her anxiety . She never liked politics or anything political and had never hidden her disdain. Before now, she hardly engaged in political discussions with him, despite the fact that he was a political journalist.  Now that his appointment was 'purely political', as she put it, she had a lot of reservations.

   He smiled to dispel her fear. 'You don't worry my dear. I'm not a politician and neither am I going to join politics. I'm only going there to be an assistant to the Minister.'

   'All the same, be careful.'

   He kissed her good bye and left the house. She only drove him to the main road where he would get a cab

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. The cab he got was a new one, one of those distributed by the Lagos government in partnership with private operators.

   The driver talked a lot. He praised the efforts of the state government in trying to make things better for the people, but slammed the central government for its lackadaisical attitude towards development affairs.  Ayo listened to him without saying much. To the driver, the taciturnity of his passenger might mean he was apolitical.

   Thankfully there was no serious traffic hold-up. Lagos had one of the worst traffic in the world. Ayo got to the local wing of the airport several minutes before his flight. He went to Afresh airline office to buy his one-way ticket to Abuja. He then went to the Departure lounge and awaited when the announcement of his flight would be made.

   About fifteen minutes to the take-off time, the announcement came that the prospective passengers on his flight should proceed to the tarmac. He joined the other passengers and proceeded to where the plane was waiting.  The flight was smooth. By six fifty p.m. he disembarked from the plane at its destination. He took one of the green cabs from the airport to Sashi district. There was a modest hotel there. He knew he still had to keep a low profile for now. He then called Mandy to intimate her of his safe arrival in the city.

   Tuesday morning, as early as seven o 'clock, he was already dressed for office. His grey suit was well fitted and he looked ready for serious business.  He looked and smelled good.  Clutching his brief case, he left the hotel room to take a cab to the central district, where most of the ministries had their head offices.

   The right wing of the expansive building complex of Block C was where the honorable Minister of Communications and IT had his office. The secretary welcomed Ayo with a smile as soon as he introduced himself.

  'You're already on the appointment list.' She motioned him to a seat. 'Your appointment says nine o'clock. You're a bit early.'

   He nodded as he checked his watch. It was just about twenty minutes past eight o' clock. He shrugged as he took his seat to await the Minister. The man did not come until ten o clock. By them, more than six people were waiting to see him.

   It was obvious the man was not eager to attend to Ayo. He only called the latter in after he had attended to three visitors. Finally, Ayo breathed in sigh of relief when he was called inside the Minister's very expansive and comfortable office.

   The man looked up from where he sat majestically. 'Mr. Ayo Ariyo? It's a pleasure to meet you.'  There was a warm handshake.

   'The pleasure is mine, sir.' Ayo bowed slightly. The man asked him to take a seat.

   'Thank you, sir.' Ayo sank into one of the luxurious, well-padded seats. He stared straight into the eyes of the man and studied him.  The Minister, Chief, Doctor John Kolly, as he loved to be addressed, was a man of the world. He was a career politician who had long ago jettisoned his original profession which was architecture.  He was slightly taller than the average height but had a robust stature and rotund stomach. His dark, stern face portrayed that he was a man who would not take nonsense from anybody. Ayo was however quick to discover that the man had a friendly disposition.

   'How was your flight?'

   Ayo smiled slightly. ‘It was smooth, sir. I arrived yesterday evening.'

   'Really?' The Minister genuinely looked surprised. 'That meant you lodged in a hotel, right?' He paused as Ayo nodded. 'You should have called me that yesterday. There's a guest house you could have lodged in.  It is that guess house you will stay pending the time you will get your official residence.'

   The man went on to ask Ayo about his family and when he planned to bring them to Abuja. Ayo answered that they were all fine and he preferred that they should remain where they were for now.

   Chief Kolly nodded.  'Now, to business. I believe that as a seasoned journalist you know the briefings of a special assistant on mass and social media. My good friend, Alfred, who recommended you, gave a brilliant picture of your achievement as a political editor.'

   Ayo sighed, nodded but uttered no word.

   Kolly studied his younger companion and continued. 'I will always need good and quality advice from you. In this age, the media play a lot of significant role. The social media are becoming major players too. You will need to understudy the dynamics of these media and use them maximally to my advantages.'

   Ayo nodded as he noted the self-emphasis of the man.

   Kolly continued:  'But, I must say this. You're also going to be my political adviser. Your boss, er former boss, says you are adept in political analysis.  You need to study the political terrain more.

   'Specifically, you need to study the complexities of our political system and the antics of our political opponents. You will be giving me tactics on how to successfully overcome the challenges and be ahead of my political adversaries. Even within our party, there are intrigues, bickering and high-level power play.  There are booby traps I must not fall inside. That's another reason why you're here.  I do not need to tell you that the politics of Nigeria is dirty and dangerous. It's survival of the fittest. Therefore, you must be up and doing.'

   Ayo nodded again. 'I promise to do my best, sir. I can assure you of quality and proactive advice from time to time. On mass and social media, I have always believed their vibrancy can be used for national cohesion and development. I believe resources can be used to attain set goals. On political matters,  I'm not a politician, but in political analyses, permutations and foresight, I will be very handy, sir, and I'll give my best.'

   Kolly nodded in agreement. 'Yes, I expect nothing less.' He used the intercom to summon the secretary.

   'Tell the Permanent Secretary I want to see her.'

   Ayo was bemused. The man could have given the secretary that message on the intercom, couldn't he?

   'Yes, sir.' The woman glided out of the office.

   Ayo was thoughtful on the job at hand.  He knew he had a big task ahead, but he also believed he was equal to the task.

   'You will get your letter of appointment signed of course by me from the Perm Sec.' Chief Kolly interrupted his thoughts.  'The letter will spell out details of your responsibilities and emoluments. The Perm Sec will also give you other necessary information.'

   'Thank you, sir.'

   There was a rap on the door. It was opened gently. A woman in her late forties stepped inside. She was wearing a black skirt suit that fitted her well. Somehow, her pretty face had seriousness behind it.

   'Good morning, sir.' She looked at the Minister in smile.

   'Good morning, Ms. Popo. Please, sit down.'

   'Thank you, sir.' The woman sat down gingerly as if the seat was made of egg shells.

   'Yes, let me introduce Mr. Ayo Ariyo. He is my new Special Assistant on mass and social media, coming in to replace Mallam Sodique.' The Minister turned to Ayo. 'Mr. Ariyo, meet Ms. Popo, the Perm sec.'

   Ayo bowed slightly. 'Good morning, madam. It's a pleasure to meet you.'

   The woman smiled at him and offered a handshake. 'You're welcome aboard Mr. Ariyo.'

   One hour later, Ayo was sitting comfortably in the office allotted to him. It was on the same floor with the Minister's office. He had submitted his c.v and photocopies of all his credentials to the Perm sec for documentation. He had also received his letter of appointment. Now in his office, he perused the letter. All the terms of office were what he expected. His eyes went to the salaries and allowances. He whistled softly to himself. The figures were more than he thought. No wonder some people were ready to involve in diabolical things for the sake of acquiring and retaining political power.

   There were many perks too. He was entitled to an official car and a driver, a cook and a domestic servant. In the office, he would be entitled to employ a personal secretary and a personal assistant to aid him in the job. Of course, already there was a secretary and an office assistant attached to his office from the Ministry. Wow!  He whistled again.

 

Titi went through the messages on her WhatsApp and wondered at some of the contents. There was a particular message about two ladies that were caught romancing each other in a public place. Some people had descended on them by beating them up.  Not satisfied in their desire to humiliate them, they went ahead to strip the two ladies naked. The scene was such a public spectacle and one of the men watching had gleefully videoed it. Now, it had gone viral and some people really derived so much gladness in watching and sharing the nude video.

   Titi found the whole thing disgusting and barbarous. If the crowd felt the ladies had committed a crime, why couldn't they apprehend them and hand them over to the police? Why must the crowd take the law into their own hands? To Titi, what the crowd had done was a jungle justice which should be condemned.

   A woman came into the office. Her face looked slightly familiar. She could be one of the numerous visitors that came to see the pastor.

   'Good morning.' The woman was all smiles. There was happiness in the air.

   'Good morning, ma'am.'

   'I've come to see the pastor. I was here before. The name is Madam Gloria Meshaga.'

   Titi looked apologetic. 'Sorry, but the pastor is not around. He went out to attend a function. Is there anything I can do for you, madam?'

   Madam Gloria looked disappointed. 'Oh, how I wish I had seen him in person. I need to see him. Anyway, I will call him.' She brought out her cell phone from her bag and called Pastor Raymond Olufemi's number.

   'Pastor, good morning, sir.' Her radiant look was back. 'Mrs. Gloria Meshaga on the line.' She paused for some seconds. 'Yes, there's good news. I will like to see you personally to share it.' She waited for some seconds again. 'Alright. I'll be around again tomorrow. I'll come by ten. Thank you very much, pastor. God will bless you. See you tomorrow morning.'

   The madam disconnected the line. She turned to Titi. 'I'll be back again tomorrow morning.' She opened her handbag to return the phone and to bring out some currency notes. 'Here, have this.'

   The money was shoved into Titi's surprised hand. 'Thank you, ma'am.'

   'Till tomorrow.'

   Titi watched as the important looking woman departed the office. The currency notes she had given her were many. She must be very happy and generous to do that.

 

Ayo's cell phone rang. Ore was the one on the line.

   'Hello, darling.'

   'Hi. I've been trying to get across to you for some time.' Her voice was faint across the line.

   'It could be the network. How're you?'

   'Fine. Are we meeting at the hotel today?'

   Ayo smiled to himself. 'I've got great news for you. Right now, I'm in Abuja. I've got a new job.'

   'What?' The surprise was total from her voice. 'You don't mean it!'

   'I do. I'm in Abuja, now. I've just started the job of special assistant to the Minister of Communications.'

   'And you didn't tell me anything about it before now?'

   'Yes, I want to make it a surprise. You remember that on Saturday, we were together when my boss called me. He discussed the job. I got it through him. He and the Minister were buddies.'

   'Amazing. Accept my congratulations.'

   'Thank you.'

   'So, when do we see again?'

   'I'll be coming to Lagos by weekend. I'll let you know my itinerary.'

   They chatted a bit more. Ore said she was missing him already. He assured her it would not be long when they would be seeing again. After the exchange of some words of endearment, the line was disconnected.

   He sat back on his seat and switched on the laptop. Then he connected the internet dongle and opened the web pages of national dailies to read the major news. He brought out his jotter and noted some political news and developments. His work had started in earnest.

  Half an hour later, he was still taking down some notes when Ms. Popo called his line.

   'Hello, Madam.'

   'Hello.' Her voice seemed to be filled with excitement. 'I'm sending someone over to you. Her name is Jane. She will assist you on sundry matters.'

   Ayo's brows went up. 'Sundry matters?'

   'Yes, she will explain better when she gets there.'

   'Okay, madam. Thank you.'

   He whistled to himself as soon as the line was disengaged. What would sundry matters be? He was still wondering when there was a soft knock on his door and the secretary stepped in.

   'The perm. sec. sent someone to see you, sir.'

   Ayo was surprised the person had already come. 'Yes, let him come in right away.'

   'It's a female, sir.  I will tell her to come in right now.'

   The secretary stepped out of the office. Almost immediately, a lady came in. She couldn't be more than twenty seven. She was almost six feet tall and had a pretty face. Her hair was stylishly fixed. She looked more like a fashion enthusiast than a government worker.

   'Good day, sir. I'm Jane. I was sent by Ms. Popo.'

   'Yes.' He looked at her all over again. 'She told me about you, but I didn't get your job schedule.

   She smiled warmly and didn't answer him immediately.  Her well-fitting clothes looked very new and beautiful.

   Ayo smiled too. 'Sorry, I didn't offer you a seat.' He pointed at one. 'Sit down, please.'

   The lady who just called herself Jane thanked him and took the offer.

   She cleared her throat. 'I'm your assistant on special duties. My schedule covers sundry matters such as taking you around to places, getting things you need, and such things.'

   He nodded. Surely, this job was more interesting than he thought.

   She was studying him too. 'For example, after close of work today, I will take you to the guest house where you'll be staying for now, and show you around.'

   He stared at her briefly and nodded again.

   'One more thing.' Her countenance was cool and calm. 'I'm also to keep you company in case you're bored.'

   He could not resist the chuckle that he made.  'Very interesting.'

   He nodded again. 'Alright, Jane. I actually need someone to show me around, here. I mean I hardly know Abuja.'

   'That is one of my duties.' She flashed another smile.

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. Her dentition was well-defined and attractive. 'Now, to start with, will you like to eat anything? Will you like the meal to be delivered to you, or will you like to eat out?'

 Ayo suddenly remembered that he had not eaten anything since morning. He suppressed a yawn.

   'That reminds me that I've actually not had any bite today. I'll rather eat in the office as I have some things to do now, and there's no point wasting time.'

   'Very well, sir. What will you like to eat?'

   'Get me some pizza and a bottle of water. I'll also like some apple juice.'

   Jane nodded and got to her feet. 'Okay, Mr. Ariyo. At your service.'

   She smiled again and left the office in that sleek way she carried herself.

   He whistled to himself as he watched her leave. I am also to keep you company, she had said. Wow, that would be interesting.