NOVELIST: AKIMUA TIMITIMI
BOOK: HARVEST OF BETRAYAL
GENRE: PROSE
SUMMARY/ REVIEW OF HARVESTOF BETRAYAL BY AKIMUA TIMITIMI
ANALYSIS /PLOT OVERVIEW
Though a welcome sight, as exploit Oil comes to Oloibiri, Ikiama and other communities in the Niger Delta region, as Exploit Oil and other oil companies drill for oil, the sorrows that follow after breaks the people of the Niger Delta. The story cuts across different communities with all having the same problem of bad leadership. It is felt more in the rural communities as the oil companies and bad leaders drive the youths to arms and the communities to chaos, finally cementing the life of the people in continuous chaos.
The protagonist is one of the youths that pick up arms as a n over-zealous activist. Although some of his ways could be questioned (especially using physical intimidation and kidnap against his Chief’s opponent), he is seen as one having a pure heart towards his community, even when he is betrayed he still fights for its well being. It is he who reaps the Harvest of Betrayals.
On the other side of the novel are the elders, Chiefs, rig workers and the government. The writer condemns their greediness and indifference to the plight of the people. They are the ones who turn the youths to militants and still hunt them down.
In summary, the story is about the discovery of oil in Nigeria (precisely the Niger Delta regions), and the avoidable troubles that follows as a result of greed (on the side of the oil workers, on the side of the leaders and on the side of the youths), and as a result of bad leadership. The novel portrays to the reader, the state of the Niger Delta people, before the discovery of oil (blissful and joy-filled) and their state after (chaotic and sorrow-filled).
-Amabebe Alexander
CHAPTER BY CHAPTER SUMMARY
PROLOGUE
The prologue opens with chief Peredou on an operating bed in the theater. Having a determination to survive to enjoy his money…
“…He was determined to survive. No, this was not the time to be sick, not the time to talk of dying. He needed to enjoy his money…” (pg. 6)
He becomes scared when he sees that the specialist from America is “Miedia”. To him, it would be his end. He wonders if he would be spared by him.
“…This was their story earlier”. (pg. 7)
CHAPTER ONE
The chapter starts with the description of the tranquil state of the Izon people, the bliss of a land. Ikiou, an elder after taking his bath, is preparing to attend the marriage ceremony of Olutu, a son of the soil who had gone to study abroad and had returned to marry the love of his life. The chapter reveals how they both met,
“…remembered how he met his would-be-wife. He was reputed to be a good mathematician, and Ebioboere had brought an assignment for him to assist her during a short holiday. Ebiboere scored a very high mark in that assignment. That was the beginning of their friendship as she always looked for an opportunity to be close to him…” (pg. 10)
Also, the chapter reveals his ordeal through life to get to where, his father’s indifference in his education and well being, and his mother’s and uncle support of him, and his outstanding intelligence.
“…His Ibo colleagues used to wonder in admiration how Olotu came out first class in his class. He also got a scholarship that year, which took care of his schooling…” (pg. 11)
Olutu is angry and surprised at the state of his people, even after the discovery of oil in their backyard. Thinking he would come back and meet a place similar to London or at least like the northern cities in the country, he is highly disappointed.
The marriage was finally conducted and the two love bird married, with the chapter ending with a man of Ikiama, drinking to stupor and ending up in a neighboring community.
“…The following morning, a canoe was found drifting along the river, close to the next village. Its occupant was in a drunken stupor…” (pg. 17)
CHAPTER TWO
The second chapter introduces the protagonist, in his teenage age and in the agriculturalist club at Baptist High School in Port Harcourt at an excursion at a zoo. Miedia meets and makes friends with Izonbodie, a girl from Holy Rosary Girls secondary school, Port Harcourt. They met unexpectedly due to Izonbodie fear of the scene of a lion eating a goat.
“…there were horrifying screams from the girls as the lion growled, lunged first at its throat, and sank its fangs and spike like teeth into it… Izonbodie grabbed a hand and closed her eyes…when Izonbodie let go of his hand, Miedia was staring at her…” (pg. 19)
The rest of the chapter see them going round the zoo...
CHAPTER THREE
“it was getting close to the West African examination council. Miedia was burning the midnight oil. He wanted to study medicine.”
Miedia is preparing for his WAEC examination and his parents have enrolled him in the extramural classes. The chapter gave an insight into the state of students who now had freedom to do anything they liked, being caged all their lives. And no matter how rough the lesson ground became, the students returned as if nothing ever happens.
“hooligans who often came to look for girls sometimes disrupted the busy school with brawls as aggrieved rivals traced some “enemy” student into the extramural schools and would brandish bottles and knives, causing commotion. The students would stampede … there would be visible apprehension in the school for a period, but soon the school would be bubbling again as the students preferred to be there, where they would be independent, than at home where they would be independent, than to be at home, where they would be monitored.”
The chapter also shows izonbodie and miedia keeping in touch, even though she was in Lagos.
CHAPTER FOUR
The chapter starts with miedia expecting and getting his jamb result and admission into the University of Port Harcourt. He runs into his friend from the extramural classes, George, who is studying mechanical engineering.
“somebody touched his back. It was one of his friends who had been in the extramural classes.
“old boy, so you are here!” the boy exclaimed.
“George! You got admission here too. What are you studying?
Mechanical engineering, have you finished your registration”…
Also, a month to the semester’s exams and he has a brief encounter with a girl who got admitted very late on the supplementary list.
CHAPTER FIVE
The chapter kicks off with the entire school preparing for the NUGA games that will be hosted by The University of Port Harcourt. Also, Media sees and talks with his friend Peter and they discourse about the upcoming games, the cheating that would take place, about their studies and the school system in general.
"...men, it is not a university game anymore, it will be a national sports festival. The Nigerian record holder in long jump is jumping for Uniben as a basic student. The person that came second in Nigeria is at Unical jumping as a certificate student... Don't be surprised -you may see Muhammad Ali boxing for Unilag...as it is with examinations, so it is with the NUGA games. People now write exams for others to pass WAEC and JAMB. I even heard that in some schools, the teachers just shade answers for them, and you will hear that one Kunle Gbenga scored four hundred in JAMB as the best student, but I heard when he goes to the University, he would not perform. "
CHAPTER SIX
The chapter starts with Exploit Oil, getting the license to drill for crude oil in Oloibiri, a community in old Rivers state (now Bayelsa state). The general manager, a Briton, calls the head of the geology department breaks the "good news” to him.
"We have got the license from the government... "
At Oloibiri, the public relations officer of Exploit oil is negotiating with chief Peredou, the community leader, to allow them look and drill for oil in peace in the community. The chief demands for a goat to allow the gods grant them entrance into their forest. He agrees to meet with the elders to prepare the list of requirements of the community. Also, the cunning nature of Chief Peredou comes to play.
""it is a welcome idea that you want to prospect for oil in Oloibiri". He knew how it was done in other communities, so he would not be conned by anybody. "You have to bring certain things so that you can enter the bush... we have to appease the gods first. It will cost you one goat for that. "
CHAPTER SEVEN
The chapter starts with an Exploit oil team taking photographs of Oloibiri to enable them draw a map of the place and ease their search of oil in the area. The head of the geology department does this, gathers his team (of trainees) and sets out for Oloibiiri. The team, with a help of a native forest guide, combed the forest, inspecting and digging up rocks to know for certain if oil was in the area.
“We will take these stones to the office and use some instruments to know if oil is is around here,”… They combed the forest with great care and excavated samples of rock or soil.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
After assuring the natives the safety of their land and river, which was their source of food and water, Exploit oil used explosive to do a seismic survey in the river. The explosion cracked some buildings and scared some natives due to its fearful sound. The chapter also hints at the poor health care state of the natives…
“One of the crew had been ill due to the water condition. There was no health center in Oloibiri or the neighboring villages…”
The chapter ends with the crew complaining of the poor state of the people, especially their water and also planning to come with enough money to buy fish because of its cheapness in the area.
“The fish we eat here would be thrice its price in port Harcourt. Next time I will bring enough money and buy plenty of them…”
CHAPTER NINE
The chapter opens with Ikiama in the flood season with its wrestling activities. Click to see more on the ijaw wrestling stories in down river nun and harvest of betrayl. Olotu engages the youths in this activities to keep them busy. The chapter, like the previous chapter, hints on the poor state of the natives; as a man die of cholera.
“…a young man had died of cholera, an epidemic that had claimed some lives because there was no health center nearby. The nearest hospital from Ikiama was that of Ahoada, kilometers away. He died because there was no transportation available that night to convey him to a hospital.”
Also, the chapter reveals the myth in Izon death and burial as revealed by Olotu’s grandmother as he asks her. Click to read ijaws myth in burial and death from down river nun and harvest of betrayal.
CHAPTER TEN
A very short chapter that begins with a town crier sent by the youths of Ikiama, summons the youths of the village to a meeting which Olotu presides over.
“Without too many words, what concerns us is what we are after. Our brother has died yesterday from dysentery, a sickness that can be cured if we had a hospital nearby. It is time we work hand in hand to get things done”. Olotu spoke with much anger in his voice.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
The chapter tells the background story of chief Peredou. His father being a polygamous man, chief perdou like almost everybody born in such a family, he was never cared for by his father. Through his mother’s efforts he was able to go to Ghana and get a primary education, come back and become a wealthy chief in Oloibiri.
He was a teacher and a big-time trader. And because of the kind of high life he lived, he needed a lot of money and so when Exploit oil came to his doorstep; he was very happy and ready to exploit the opportunity.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Back at Exploit Oil Company, the spots in Oloibiri to drill were chosen.
“After long consultations, the pencil point went down the map for the last time, and the spots for drilling were chosen.”
The d-day has arrived and the company was shipping in drilling equipments into Olobiri and bulldozers to clear the forest for the drilling. Natives of Oloibiri apply to work with the company as this was a great opportunity.
The chapter also introduces Gbasa, a petty thief and wayward native of the community. He threatens the recruitment officer because he isn’t employed to work for the company. Later on, when he and the recruitment officer, Mallam Sambo becomes friends; he supplies him with Indian hemp and women.
“…which was now a regular meeting place for them because he supplied Mallam sambo with Indian hemp.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
The chapter focuses on the forest guide from Oloibiri on his way to Port Harcourt. The chapter does not necessarily talk about the person of the forest guide but on the condition of the people of the south -south. As evident in the journey to Port Harcourt which took longer than expected because of too frequent hold ups caused by pot holes due to government neglect.
“…the journey had not been smooth due to the numerous potholes on the road. The trip would have taken only three hours but had taken five hours due to the holdups caused by the potholes.”
Also, when his rate and tax receipt is demanded by tax collectors, his reply to them and their response show how pathetic the exercise they carried out was.
“What do you people do with the tax we pay? No light in my place, no water also, and you are always asking for tax receipt…” “it is the gofment that you would tell that one…”
Although he was allowed to pass when he declares and shows his ID that he is an ex-service man.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
The first part of the chapter is all about the drilling process. The second part however has a romance tune to it. Mr. Jack Forrest, one of the white drillers is fascinated with Tutu, a native of Oloibiri. He gets across to her through Mallam Sambo and has since become acquainted with her. Unlike himself, he becomes a different man around her.
“…no matter how badly he wanted her, he wasn’t about to take advantage of her needs… Jack was filled with the sudden urge to prove to her that not all men were takers. He knew it was corny, but for some as-yet-unknown reason, he wanted to be the one who slew her dragon and restored her trust, the one who taught her to love again”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Another very sort chapter, it is a market day at Oloibiri and the natives complain bitterly at the high rise of prices of local food stuffs. This is due to the presence of the oil workers. A woman suggests that the chief be told as was done in Bonny.
“How much is your fish… N100
Last week this fish sold for only N50… things are getting expensive now
It is because these rig works don’t haggle, any amount they are old they just pay… is it only the price of foodstuff? What about the cost of houses?”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Emesco Oil Tools Servicing Company is giving the contract to supply pipelines for the job at Oloibiri, but connives with Exploit Oil inspectors and supplies fairly used ones that sets the stage for oil spillage in Oloibiri rivers.
The oil spillage spreads quickly putting fear into the natives; however they were assured that the company would do something about it.
“…please be fast. You know that the water from the river is our source for domestic use and is also the living place for our fish…”
The second part of the chapter takes place in Ikiama, Olotu’s community. They too are experiencing the effect of the oil spillage, which adversely affects them. The meetings Olotu organized has turned into the Movement for the Survival of Izon Communinities (MOSIC). Having the back up of both youths and elders, they meet to plan the way forward and how to deal with the mess they allowed on themselves. However they come to the conclusion that they need true and good leaders to lead them in the fight.
“…some of us here ate the money from the white man, and now we are complaining… a people without a chief is like a canoe without a paddler… we know there is an interim council of chiefs and what have they been doing in front of our eyes?...we must look for good leaders first before we take our case to the outside world and other sites used by oil companies who refused to develop their places.”
The last part of the chapter sees the natives opening their eyes gradually to the oil companies’ fake promises. In Olotu’s village, the organization formed gains members who spur towards development, by organizing self help projects and paying technicians and trainers to train their youths. The fire slowly burnt…
“…he nodded as he read the Daily Express’s Headline, COMMUNIUTY DESTROYS OIL COMPANY PREMISES…the fire has started burning in the hearts of people… the people blinded by promises were opening their eyes gradually”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Oloibiri too is experiencing the oil spillage. To the point that dead fishes floated on the rivers and the natives had to paddle up stream to look for drinking water. A team of young men are sent out to assess the damage, and their report shows the extent…
“the oil is spreading down the river, and we saw a lot of dead fish…we were not able to locate where the oil was coming from.’
Chief Peredou’s suggestion is for a message to be sent to the oil company to take control of the situation, and to exercise caution and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
The second part of the chapter focuses on our Protagonist, Miedia’s involvement in the problems rocking the Izon communities.
He is now an activist in MOSIC (the Movement for the Survival of the Izon Communities. One of the many youths who left the People’s Forum Against Environmental Pollution (PFAEP), because the group wasn’t active enough as the oil companies were becoming high handed…
“…the first oil spill had caused a great deal of havoc in the aquatic life and farmlands of Oloibiri. The people’s cry for compensation had been met with deaf ears, save for threats by the oil companies.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
EXPOILT Oil visits Chief Peredou and complains of MOSIC’s activities which they see as a threat to their activities, they give him the sum of one hundred thousand naira to help them control his subjects. To this he greedily agrees to do. It is evident that Chief Peredou and the elders has been sharing whatever gifts that came to the community, in return they become slaves to the oil companies and fight against their own people.
“…Chief Peredou had always been receiving extra money as they saw he had control over his subjects. The amount of money on his table would be used to send his children to school, he decided. How could he misuse this opportunity? He was ready to do anything now for exploit oil.”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
A short chapter that deals with one of MOSIC's frequent meeting. The people are encouraged to continue their struggle as oil spillages in different communities were an everyday news.
"…the oil spillage in different communities was now an everyday issue that affected communities. Various youth organizations were now having regular meetings on how to combat these problems ".
CHAPTER TWENTY
There is a gathering in Port Harcourt liberation stadium hall. It houses MOSIC 's launching which is attended by dignitaries and a lot of Izon people. The launch takes place to set the awareness of the people's plight, to strengthen the fight against injustice.
"…the truth is that wars, agitations, strife, cold wars, and conflicts will not stop until there is equality, until there is respect for fundamental human rights, and until there is respect for human dignity... We want peace... justice... equality... For that reason we are gathered here today -to get information, create awareness, and proffer solutions... "
The chapter ends with the amazing Owigiri dance.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
The chapter starts off with Chief Peredou in serious greed filled thinking. His tenure as chief would soon be over and he enjoys the money from exploit oil too much to leave it and the next Chief (if he succeeded to win) would discover all his evil doings.
"…His tenure would soon be over, and this was a time when the oil companies were giving out lots of money to their community, much of which his community did not know about and that he had been secretly siphoning for his personal use. If he was not voted again, this would mean his not getting such money again. Secondly, a subsequent chief would discover his atrocities. "
Meanwhile, Miedia rallies the youths to support Chief Peredou as he was a support them. And the chapter ends with Chief Peredou giving money to Miedia and asking for his help with promises that he has a planned bright future for him, the youths and the community, to which Miedia believes and accepts.
"…thank you very much, Chief. We are solidly behind you. "
Take a study break, read also - Why I love you: versions of poetry, prose and drama
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
The chapter begins with chief Peredou going over to Exploit Oil and giving them feed back of his services to them. They plan to deceive the youths further and even arm them with arms and ammunition.
"Now to the issue of Oloibiri, how have you talked to the youth? ...what can't money do? In no time, they will all be under our control. I will make them feel they are fighting for their resources. The next thing to do after they have been bought over is to send them some arms and ammunition... “
The second part of the chapter shows Miedia, Gbasa and three other young men deep in the forest in front of a native doctor who imparts to them the powers of the Egbesu, the Izon war god. Guns and ammunition are supplied to them and other youths were also being trained in a military-like training camp.
The third part of the chapter briefly talks about the family history of Gbasa.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
The chapter starts with the trends of the upcoming election. Chief Inemo, who is running for the position meets Chief Peredou for assistance and Chief Perdou, who has won his own election for second tenure with the help of Miedia and his boys, assures him victory by any means.
“…in fact, you have won… I will tell my boys to run around for you. Whatever our opponents need, we will give them- rigging for rigging, gun for gun…. My boys helped me win the election. By the time they kidnapped my opponent’s son and threatened to kill him, he stepped down… later when his son was released, he denied ever being kidnapped. We simply blackmailed him.”
The chapter ends with Chief Peredou deceiving Miedia and his boys into attacking a neighboring community. The community is uncooperative with exploit oil and so, they plot on how to teach them a lesson. Chief Perdou uses a group of young men, who raided a boat in Oloibiri and this sparks off Miedia and his boys who burn down the community’s Chief’s house.
CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR
It is the election period and Chief Inemo with the support of MOSIC boys (Miedia and his boys) wins the election with a landslide victory. Meanwhile in Chief Perdou’s residence, he threatens to disown his son if he mingles with MOSIC boys ever again.
“”I do not want you to interact with those riffraff. Immediately after you finish your A levels, you will go overseas for further studies, okay? If I see you near those MOSIC boys again, I will disown you. Let them run their elections by themselves”. Chief Peredou had never been seen in public with the militant youth. He always met in secret with Miedia.”
The chapter shows the youth going too far with their game, as Gbasa forms a different faction to support the spreading of the power of Chief Inemo. The chapter ends with the brief history of the Okrika people, whom Gbasa and his group try to overpower to put Chief Inemo in power. Surprisingly, they have the back up of the government, who supplies them with arms and ammunitions.
The second part of the chapter deals with the musing of chief Iyo.
The third part of the chapter deals with the negligence of the militant youths by Chief Peredou and Inemo, who now call them thieves and riffraff. The promises made to the youths of jobs were untrue and they were avoided like plagues by the two men they had been loyal to.
(The youth in question as written by the author is not known, but it is clear that it is neither Gbasa nor Miedia, but a MOSIC boy). He gathers some youths whom he smokes with and gives them an offer- sea piracy.
“…and sighted one of the militant youths coming tyo his house…”close the door”, he told his wife. “…that boy is a thief…” That had been Chief Inemo’s attitude toward the militant youth ever since he was given a chieftaincy title and sworn in as the local government chairman. The militant youths who had helped him were now known as thieves and riffraff. All the promises of jobs in oil companies were untrue…”
The third part sees Gbasa and his boys in Oloibiri raid a trader’s boat. This became the condition of the state as month after month, traders were robbed by the militant youths who had no other means of survival, but were still in possession of the arms they used during the election.
This drew the attention of the government as a meeting involving the Security Council, the governor and traditional rulers. (And shamelessly Chief peredou and Inemo.
“…”the youth restiveness is becoming a thing of concern to us,” the governor said. “Please warn your children because security operatives will shoot on sight.” … “That is the best thing to do,” Chief Peredou said… “They refuse to go to school… imagine! They want to be paid salaries without doing anything… every day they come to the council for money.” It was Chief Peredou who hinted to the governor about the whereabouts of the training camp of the militant youth while, at the same time, pretending to support their course.”
The fourth part sees Chief Perdou and Inemo meeting with the Native doctor, Baba, who had fortified the boys with the powers and protection of Ebesu. He is offered four million naira and he agrees to neutralize the powers of the boys, in contrast to his calling, which was meant to protect the village.
“…”your illness is because you have not done the work you are called to do. Walls will have to be built around our village. Oil will flow in water.
The last part of the chapter ends with Miedia and the militant youths of Oloibiri being attacked by the military. With their powers neutralized, they had to flee, but a lot of them were killed and captured. Even innocent youths were arrested and suspected witches were killed.
Miedia luckily escaped with a few of the militant youths, with injuries, waking up in the hut of an herbalist in warri. A month later, he and his boys attacked Chief Peredou’s house, though he escaped unhurt.
Miedia and his groups escape to another state to train, to plan their war against those in power, till they controlled what was theirs.
“They later moved to another state to train to fight the real enemies, those in [powers, till they controlled what was rightfully theirs. On the 8:00 p.m. news, another oil spillage was announced in olobiri...”
CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE
Miedia receives a letter from his lover, Izonbodie, who has made everything available for him to come to America. He takes this as an opportunity to escape, and this he does secretly with a heavy heart.
“Chief Perdou had betrayed him. Chief Inemo had betrayed him. The Egbesu priest had betrayed him. The rig workers and the white men had disappointed them; the government they worked for had disappointed them… The crisis, the youth restiveness, was a harvest of betrayals.”
Notably in the chapter are two things: Miedia thinks Olotu is the only one he could turn to and his letter to the United Nations, World health Organization and the Organization of African Unity.
“Sir,
NEED FOR INTERVENTION FOR AN IMPENDING HOLOCAUST IN OLOBIRI
I am from Oloibiri community, the biggest oil-producing community. I am also a hunted animal, a victim of poachers, hungry sharks, and predators in the air. In case I am talking in parables, I can elucidate. I am wanted by security agents urgently on land, sea and air and could be caught any moment. We are in an impending holocaust- as my letter is headed- because our sources of livelihood, our rivers and seas, are polluted with oil from spillages. Our lands can no longer yield fruits because of acid rain from gas flaring from multinational companies.
To add to our woes, we do not have roads or hospitals but much of the wealth of this country comes from my community. We cannot get good jobs also as these big oil companies are headed by people from non-oil-producing communities. I am a militant youth because of my will to survive. This is the only way for me to express my grievance because even those we voted into power to speak for us have joined them and have now started developing potbellies. You must have read about us in dallies. We have different names, like IYC, MOSIC, Egbesu boys, NYCOP and so on. They say we are lazy. They say we are crazy. They say we did not go to school. They say we do not know the rules, so we cannot work and earn the dues. But I say these are all lies. For we have got guys who can all write. We are not lazy. We are not crazy. We are just oppressed. We are wounded lions. We are militant youths. That is the only way left for us. For us to be heard. For them to know we exist. When we capture some expatriates, when we bomb some flow satiations, when our women go naked on the streets to protest, when we close flow stations and we make power failures, or when security personnel attack us and we defend ourselves- that is when they notice us. That is when they want to talk. When they know how to work in pain, that is when they know we can write in pages.
Yours faithfully,
President, militant youth.”
CHAPTER TWENTY SIX
The first part of the chapter is a meeting in Ikiama, Olotu’s village, between the elders and chief. They feel the youths are becoming disrespectful as they demand the right to vote their own chief. The reason is Ari, the only educated person in the council uses his literacy for his selfish purpose…
“…in his position as assistant chief and secretary, he made the chief sign papers that the chief did not know the contents of… Ari only told him that the village elders had agreed over certain things and that a paper needed to be signed… Ari’s atrocities had been discovered by the youth and were stirring to them to impeach him…”
The second part shows Olotu going about his normal duty of trying to educate the people.
CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN
The first part of the was Chief Inemo, desperate for money, going into bunkering and black market oil trade.
Poem
And finally, when the sun sets at our beginning
and evil flawlessly be winning
and we be loyal and willing
then always the story will be known and royal
how we the future sunrise reaped a bountiful harvest of betrayal.
-Amabebe Alexander
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BOOK: HARVEST OF BETRAYAL
GENRE: PROSE
SUMMARY/ REVIEW OF HARVESTOF BETRAYAL BY AKIMUA TIMITIMI
ANALYSIS /PLOT OVERVIEW
Though a welcome sight, as exploit Oil comes to Oloibiri, Ikiama and other communities in the Niger Delta region, as Exploit Oil and other oil companies drill for oil, the sorrows that follow after breaks the people of the Niger Delta. The story cuts across different communities with all having the same problem of bad leadership. It is felt more in the rural communities as the oil companies and bad leaders drive the youths to arms and the communities to chaos, finally cementing the life of the people in continuous chaos.
The protagonist is one of the youths that pick up arms as a n over-zealous activist. Although some of his ways could be questioned (especially using physical intimidation and kidnap against his Chief’s opponent), he is seen as one having a pure heart towards his community, even when he is betrayed he still fights for its well being. It is he who reaps the Harvest of Betrayals.
On the other side of the novel are the elders, Chiefs, rig workers and the government. The writer condemns their greediness and indifference to the plight of the people. They are the ones who turn the youths to militants and still hunt them down.
In summary, the story is about the discovery of oil in Nigeria (precisely the Niger Delta regions), and the avoidable troubles that follows as a result of greed (on the side of the oil workers, on the side of the leaders and on the side of the youths), and as a result of bad leadership. The novel portrays to the reader, the state of the Niger Delta people, before the discovery of oil (blissful and joy-filled) and their state after (chaotic and sorrow-filled).
-Amabebe Alexander
CHAPTER BY CHAPTER SUMMARY
PROLOGUE
The prologue opens with chief Peredou on an operating bed in the theater. Having a determination to survive to enjoy his money…
“…He was determined to survive. No, this was not the time to be sick, not the time to talk of dying. He needed to enjoy his money…” (pg. 6)
He becomes scared when he sees that the specialist from America is “Miedia”. To him, it would be his end. He wonders if he would be spared by him.
“…This was their story earlier”. (pg. 7)
CHAPTER ONE
The chapter starts with the description of the tranquil state of the Izon people, the bliss of a land. Ikiou, an elder after taking his bath, is preparing to attend the marriage ceremony of Olutu, a son of the soil who had gone to study abroad and had returned to marry the love of his life. The chapter reveals how they both met,
“…remembered how he met his would-be-wife. He was reputed to be a good mathematician, and Ebioboere had brought an assignment for him to assist her during a short holiday. Ebiboere scored a very high mark in that assignment. That was the beginning of their friendship as she always looked for an opportunity to be close to him…” (pg. 10)
Also, the chapter reveals his ordeal through life to get to where, his father’s indifference in his education and well being, and his mother’s and uncle support of him, and his outstanding intelligence.
“…His Ibo colleagues used to wonder in admiration how Olotu came out first class in his class. He also got a scholarship that year, which took care of his schooling…” (pg. 11)
Olutu is angry and surprised at the state of his people, even after the discovery of oil in their backyard. Thinking he would come back and meet a place similar to London or at least like the northern cities in the country, he is highly disappointed.
The marriage was finally conducted and the two love bird married, with the chapter ending with a man of Ikiama, drinking to stupor and ending up in a neighboring community.
“…The following morning, a canoe was found drifting along the river, close to the next village. Its occupant was in a drunken stupor…” (pg. 17)
CHAPTER TWO
The second chapter introduces the protagonist, in his teenage age and in the agriculturalist club at Baptist High School in Port Harcourt at an excursion at a zoo. Miedia meets and makes friends with Izonbodie, a girl from Holy Rosary Girls secondary school, Port Harcourt. They met unexpectedly due to Izonbodie fear of the scene of a lion eating a goat.
“…there were horrifying screams from the girls as the lion growled, lunged first at its throat, and sank its fangs and spike like teeth into it… Izonbodie grabbed a hand and closed her eyes…when Izonbodie let go of his hand, Miedia was staring at her…” (pg. 19)
The rest of the chapter see them going round the zoo...
CHAPTER THREE
“it was getting close to the West African examination council. Miedia was burning the midnight oil. He wanted to study medicine.”
Miedia is preparing for his WAEC examination and his parents have enrolled him in the extramural classes. The chapter gave an insight into the state of students who now had freedom to do anything they liked, being caged all their lives. And no matter how rough the lesson ground became, the students returned as if nothing ever happens.
“hooligans who often came to look for girls sometimes disrupted the busy school with brawls as aggrieved rivals traced some “enemy” student into the extramural schools and would brandish bottles and knives, causing commotion. The students would stampede … there would be visible apprehension in the school for a period, but soon the school would be bubbling again as the students preferred to be there, where they would be independent, than at home where they would be independent, than to be at home, where they would be monitored.”
The chapter also shows izonbodie and miedia keeping in touch, even though she was in Lagos.
CHAPTER FOUR
The chapter starts with miedia expecting and getting his jamb result and admission into the University of Port Harcourt. He runs into his friend from the extramural classes, George, who is studying mechanical engineering.
“somebody touched his back. It was one of his friends who had been in the extramural classes.
“old boy, so you are here!” the boy exclaimed.
“George! You got admission here too. What are you studying?
Mechanical engineering, have you finished your registration”…
Also, a month to the semester’s exams and he has a brief encounter with a girl who got admitted very late on the supplementary list.
CHAPTER FIVE
The chapter kicks off with the entire school preparing for the NUGA games that will be hosted by The University of Port Harcourt. Also, Media sees and talks with his friend Peter and they discourse about the upcoming games, the cheating that would take place, about their studies and the school system in general.
"...men, it is not a university game anymore, it will be a national sports festival. The Nigerian record holder in long jump is jumping for Uniben as a basic student. The person that came second in Nigeria is at Unical jumping as a certificate student... Don't be surprised -you may see Muhammad Ali boxing for Unilag...as it is with examinations, so it is with the NUGA games. People now write exams for others to pass WAEC and JAMB. I even heard that in some schools, the teachers just shade answers for them, and you will hear that one Kunle Gbenga scored four hundred in JAMB as the best student, but I heard when he goes to the University, he would not perform. "
CHAPTER SIX
The chapter starts with Exploit Oil, getting the license to drill for crude oil in Oloibiri, a community in old Rivers state (now Bayelsa state). The general manager, a Briton, calls the head of the geology department breaks the "good news” to him.
"We have got the license from the government... "
At Oloibiri, the public relations officer of Exploit oil is negotiating with chief Peredou, the community leader, to allow them look and drill for oil in peace in the community. The chief demands for a goat to allow the gods grant them entrance into their forest. He agrees to meet with the elders to prepare the list of requirements of the community. Also, the cunning nature of Chief Peredou comes to play.
""it is a welcome idea that you want to prospect for oil in Oloibiri". He knew how it was done in other communities, so he would not be conned by anybody. "You have to bring certain things so that you can enter the bush... we have to appease the gods first. It will cost you one goat for that. "
CHAPTER SEVEN
The chapter starts with an Exploit oil team taking photographs of Oloibiri to enable them draw a map of the place and ease their search of oil in the area. The head of the geology department does this, gathers his team (of trainees) and sets out for Oloibiiri. The team, with a help of a native forest guide, combed the forest, inspecting and digging up rocks to know for certain if oil was in the area.
“We will take these stones to the office and use some instruments to know if oil is is around here,”… They combed the forest with great care and excavated samples of rock or soil.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
After assuring the natives the safety of their land and river, which was their source of food and water, Exploit oil used explosive to do a seismic survey in the river. The explosion cracked some buildings and scared some natives due to its fearful sound. The chapter also hints at the poor health care state of the natives…
“One of the crew had been ill due to the water condition. There was no health center in Oloibiri or the neighboring villages…”
The chapter ends with the crew complaining of the poor state of the people, especially their water and also planning to come with enough money to buy fish because of its cheapness in the area.
“The fish we eat here would be thrice its price in port Harcourt. Next time I will bring enough money and buy plenty of them…”
CHAPTER NINE
The chapter opens with Ikiama in the flood season with its wrestling activities. Click to see more on the ijaw wrestling stories in down river nun and harvest of betrayl. Olotu engages the youths in this activities to keep them busy. The chapter, like the previous chapter, hints on the poor state of the natives; as a man die of cholera.
“…a young man had died of cholera, an epidemic that had claimed some lives because there was no health center nearby. The nearest hospital from Ikiama was that of Ahoada, kilometers away. He died because there was no transportation available that night to convey him to a hospital.”
Also, the chapter reveals the myth in Izon death and burial as revealed by Olotu’s grandmother as he asks her. Click to read ijaws myth in burial and death from down river nun and harvest of betrayal.
CHAPTER TEN
A very short chapter that begins with a town crier sent by the youths of Ikiama, summons the youths of the village to a meeting which Olotu presides over.
“Without too many words, what concerns us is what we are after. Our brother has died yesterday from dysentery, a sickness that can be cured if we had a hospital nearby. It is time we work hand in hand to get things done”. Olotu spoke with much anger in his voice.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
The chapter tells the background story of chief Peredou. His father being a polygamous man, chief perdou like almost everybody born in such a family, he was never cared for by his father. Through his mother’s efforts he was able to go to Ghana and get a primary education, come back and become a wealthy chief in Oloibiri.
He was a teacher and a big-time trader. And because of the kind of high life he lived, he needed a lot of money and so when Exploit oil came to his doorstep; he was very happy and ready to exploit the opportunity.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Back at Exploit Oil Company, the spots in Oloibiri to drill were chosen.
“After long consultations, the pencil point went down the map for the last time, and the spots for drilling were chosen.”
The d-day has arrived and the company was shipping in drilling equipments into Olobiri and bulldozers to clear the forest for the drilling. Natives of Oloibiri apply to work with the company as this was a great opportunity.
The chapter also introduces Gbasa, a petty thief and wayward native of the community. He threatens the recruitment officer because he isn’t employed to work for the company. Later on, when he and the recruitment officer, Mallam Sambo becomes friends; he supplies him with Indian hemp and women.
“…which was now a regular meeting place for them because he supplied Mallam sambo with Indian hemp.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
The chapter focuses on the forest guide from Oloibiri on his way to Port Harcourt. The chapter does not necessarily talk about the person of the forest guide but on the condition of the people of the south -south. As evident in the journey to Port Harcourt which took longer than expected because of too frequent hold ups caused by pot holes due to government neglect.
“…the journey had not been smooth due to the numerous potholes on the road. The trip would have taken only three hours but had taken five hours due to the holdups caused by the potholes.”
Also, when his rate and tax receipt is demanded by tax collectors, his reply to them and their response show how pathetic the exercise they carried out was.
“What do you people do with the tax we pay? No light in my place, no water also, and you are always asking for tax receipt…” “it is the gofment that you would tell that one…”
Although he was allowed to pass when he declares and shows his ID that he is an ex-service man.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
The first part of the chapter is all about the drilling process. The second part however has a romance tune to it. Mr. Jack Forrest, one of the white drillers is fascinated with Tutu, a native of Oloibiri. He gets across to her through Mallam Sambo and has since become acquainted with her. Unlike himself, he becomes a different man around her.
“…no matter how badly he wanted her, he wasn’t about to take advantage of her needs… Jack was filled with the sudden urge to prove to her that not all men were takers. He knew it was corny, but for some as-yet-unknown reason, he wanted to be the one who slew her dragon and restored her trust, the one who taught her to love again”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Another very sort chapter, it is a market day at Oloibiri and the natives complain bitterly at the high rise of prices of local food stuffs. This is due to the presence of the oil workers. A woman suggests that the chief be told as was done in Bonny.
“How much is your fish… N100
Last week this fish sold for only N50… things are getting expensive now
It is because these rig works don’t haggle, any amount they are old they just pay… is it only the price of foodstuff? What about the cost of houses?”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Emesco Oil Tools Servicing Company is giving the contract to supply pipelines for the job at Oloibiri, but connives with Exploit Oil inspectors and supplies fairly used ones that sets the stage for oil spillage in Oloibiri rivers.
The oil spillage spreads quickly putting fear into the natives; however they were assured that the company would do something about it.
“…please be fast. You know that the water from the river is our source for domestic use and is also the living place for our fish…”
The second part of the chapter takes place in Ikiama, Olotu’s community. They too are experiencing the effect of the oil spillage, which adversely affects them. The meetings Olotu organized has turned into the Movement for the Survival of Izon Communinities (MOSIC). Having the back up of both youths and elders, they meet to plan the way forward and how to deal with the mess they allowed on themselves. However they come to the conclusion that they need true and good leaders to lead them in the fight.
“…some of us here ate the money from the white man, and now we are complaining… a people without a chief is like a canoe without a paddler… we know there is an interim council of chiefs and what have they been doing in front of our eyes?...we must look for good leaders first before we take our case to the outside world and other sites used by oil companies who refused to develop their places.”
The last part of the chapter sees the natives opening their eyes gradually to the oil companies’ fake promises. In Olotu’s village, the organization formed gains members who spur towards development, by organizing self help projects and paying technicians and trainers to train their youths. The fire slowly burnt…
“…he nodded as he read the Daily Express’s Headline, COMMUNIUTY DESTROYS OIL COMPANY PREMISES…the fire has started burning in the hearts of people… the people blinded by promises were opening their eyes gradually”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Oloibiri too is experiencing the oil spillage. To the point that dead fishes floated on the rivers and the natives had to paddle up stream to look for drinking water. A team of young men are sent out to assess the damage, and their report shows the extent…
“the oil is spreading down the river, and we saw a lot of dead fish…we were not able to locate where the oil was coming from.’
Chief Peredou’s suggestion is for a message to be sent to the oil company to take control of the situation, and to exercise caution and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
The second part of the chapter focuses on our Protagonist, Miedia’s involvement in the problems rocking the Izon communities.
He is now an activist in MOSIC (the Movement for the Survival of the Izon Communities. One of the many youths who left the People’s Forum Against Environmental Pollution (PFAEP), because the group wasn’t active enough as the oil companies were becoming high handed…
“…the first oil spill had caused a great deal of havoc in the aquatic life and farmlands of Oloibiri. The people’s cry for compensation had been met with deaf ears, save for threats by the oil companies.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
EXPOILT Oil visits Chief Peredou and complains of MOSIC’s activities which they see as a threat to their activities, they give him the sum of one hundred thousand naira to help them control his subjects. To this he greedily agrees to do. It is evident that Chief Peredou and the elders has been sharing whatever gifts that came to the community, in return they become slaves to the oil companies and fight against their own people.
“…Chief Peredou had always been receiving extra money as they saw he had control over his subjects. The amount of money on his table would be used to send his children to school, he decided. How could he misuse this opportunity? He was ready to do anything now for exploit oil.”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
A short chapter that deals with one of MOSIC's frequent meeting. The people are encouraged to continue their struggle as oil spillages in different communities were an everyday news.
"…the oil spillage in different communities was now an everyday issue that affected communities. Various youth organizations were now having regular meetings on how to combat these problems ".
CHAPTER TWENTY
There is a gathering in Port Harcourt liberation stadium hall. It houses MOSIC 's launching which is attended by dignitaries and a lot of Izon people. The launch takes place to set the awareness of the people's plight, to strengthen the fight against injustice.
"…the truth is that wars, agitations, strife, cold wars, and conflicts will not stop until there is equality, until there is respect for fundamental human rights, and until there is respect for human dignity... We want peace... justice... equality... For that reason we are gathered here today -to get information, create awareness, and proffer solutions... "
The chapter ends with the amazing Owigiri dance.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
The chapter starts off with Chief Peredou in serious greed filled thinking. His tenure as chief would soon be over and he enjoys the money from exploit oil too much to leave it and the next Chief (if he succeeded to win) would discover all his evil doings.
"…His tenure would soon be over, and this was a time when the oil companies were giving out lots of money to their community, much of which his community did not know about and that he had been secretly siphoning for his personal use. If he was not voted again, this would mean his not getting such money again. Secondly, a subsequent chief would discover his atrocities. "
Meanwhile, Miedia rallies the youths to support Chief Peredou as he was a support them. And the chapter ends with Chief Peredou giving money to Miedia and asking for his help with promises that he has a planned bright future for him, the youths and the community, to which Miedia believes and accepts.
"…thank you very much, Chief. We are solidly behind you. "
Take a study break, read also - Why I love you: versions of poetry, prose and drama
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
The chapter begins with chief Peredou going over to Exploit Oil and giving them feed back of his services to them. They plan to deceive the youths further and even arm them with arms and ammunition.
"Now to the issue of Oloibiri, how have you talked to the youth? ...what can't money do? In no time, they will all be under our control. I will make them feel they are fighting for their resources. The next thing to do after they have been bought over is to send them some arms and ammunition... “
The second part of the chapter shows Miedia, Gbasa and three other young men deep in the forest in front of a native doctor who imparts to them the powers of the Egbesu, the Izon war god. Guns and ammunition are supplied to them and other youths were also being trained in a military-like training camp.
The third part of the chapter briefly talks about the family history of Gbasa.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
The chapter starts with the trends of the upcoming election. Chief Inemo, who is running for the position meets Chief Peredou for assistance and Chief Perdou, who has won his own election for second tenure with the help of Miedia and his boys, assures him victory by any means.
“…in fact, you have won… I will tell my boys to run around for you. Whatever our opponents need, we will give them- rigging for rigging, gun for gun…. My boys helped me win the election. By the time they kidnapped my opponent’s son and threatened to kill him, he stepped down… later when his son was released, he denied ever being kidnapped. We simply blackmailed him.”
The chapter ends with Chief Peredou deceiving Miedia and his boys into attacking a neighboring community. The community is uncooperative with exploit oil and so, they plot on how to teach them a lesson. Chief Perdou uses a group of young men, who raided a boat in Oloibiri and this sparks off Miedia and his boys who burn down the community’s Chief’s house.
CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR
It is the election period and Chief Inemo with the support of MOSIC boys (Miedia and his boys) wins the election with a landslide victory. Meanwhile in Chief Perdou’s residence, he threatens to disown his son if he mingles with MOSIC boys ever again.
“”I do not want you to interact with those riffraff. Immediately after you finish your A levels, you will go overseas for further studies, okay? If I see you near those MOSIC boys again, I will disown you. Let them run their elections by themselves”. Chief Peredou had never been seen in public with the militant youth. He always met in secret with Miedia.”
The chapter shows the youth going too far with their game, as Gbasa forms a different faction to support the spreading of the power of Chief Inemo. The chapter ends with the brief history of the Okrika people, whom Gbasa and his group try to overpower to put Chief Inemo in power. Surprisingly, they have the back up of the government, who supplies them with arms and ammunitions.
The second part of the chapter deals with the musing of chief Iyo.
The third part of the chapter deals with the negligence of the militant youths by Chief Peredou and Inemo, who now call them thieves and riffraff. The promises made to the youths of jobs were untrue and they were avoided like plagues by the two men they had been loyal to.
(The youth in question as written by the author is not known, but it is clear that it is neither Gbasa nor Miedia, but a MOSIC boy). He gathers some youths whom he smokes with and gives them an offer- sea piracy.
“…and sighted one of the militant youths coming tyo his house…”close the door”, he told his wife. “…that boy is a thief…” That had been Chief Inemo’s attitude toward the militant youth ever since he was given a chieftaincy title and sworn in as the local government chairman. The militant youths who had helped him were now known as thieves and riffraff. All the promises of jobs in oil companies were untrue…”
The third part sees Gbasa and his boys in Oloibiri raid a trader’s boat. This became the condition of the state as month after month, traders were robbed by the militant youths who had no other means of survival, but were still in possession of the arms they used during the election.
This drew the attention of the government as a meeting involving the Security Council, the governor and traditional rulers. (And shamelessly Chief peredou and Inemo.
“…”the youth restiveness is becoming a thing of concern to us,” the governor said. “Please warn your children because security operatives will shoot on sight.” … “That is the best thing to do,” Chief Peredou said… “They refuse to go to school… imagine! They want to be paid salaries without doing anything… every day they come to the council for money.” It was Chief Peredou who hinted to the governor about the whereabouts of the training camp of the militant youth while, at the same time, pretending to support their course.”
The fourth part sees Chief Perdou and Inemo meeting with the Native doctor, Baba, who had fortified the boys with the powers and protection of Ebesu. He is offered four million naira and he agrees to neutralize the powers of the boys, in contrast to his calling, which was meant to protect the village.
“…”your illness is because you have not done the work you are called to do. Walls will have to be built around our village. Oil will flow in water.
The last part of the chapter ends with Miedia and the militant youths of Oloibiri being attacked by the military. With their powers neutralized, they had to flee, but a lot of them were killed and captured. Even innocent youths were arrested and suspected witches were killed.
Miedia luckily escaped with a few of the militant youths, with injuries, waking up in the hut of an herbalist in warri. A month later, he and his boys attacked Chief Peredou’s house, though he escaped unhurt.
Miedia and his groups escape to another state to train, to plan their war against those in power, till they controlled what was theirs.
“They later moved to another state to train to fight the real enemies, those in [powers, till they controlled what was rightfully theirs. On the 8:00 p.m. news, another oil spillage was announced in olobiri...”
CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE
Miedia receives a letter from his lover, Izonbodie, who has made everything available for him to come to America. He takes this as an opportunity to escape, and this he does secretly with a heavy heart.
“Chief Perdou had betrayed him. Chief Inemo had betrayed him. The Egbesu priest had betrayed him. The rig workers and the white men had disappointed them; the government they worked for had disappointed them… The crisis, the youth restiveness, was a harvest of betrayals.”
Notably in the chapter are two things: Miedia thinks Olotu is the only one he could turn to and his letter to the United Nations, World health Organization and the Organization of African Unity.
“Sir,
NEED FOR INTERVENTION FOR AN IMPENDING HOLOCAUST IN OLOBIRI
I am from Oloibiri community, the biggest oil-producing community. I am also a hunted animal, a victim of poachers, hungry sharks, and predators in the air. In case I am talking in parables, I can elucidate. I am wanted by security agents urgently on land, sea and air and could be caught any moment. We are in an impending holocaust- as my letter is headed- because our sources of livelihood, our rivers and seas, are polluted with oil from spillages. Our lands can no longer yield fruits because of acid rain from gas flaring from multinational companies.
To add to our woes, we do not have roads or hospitals but much of the wealth of this country comes from my community. We cannot get good jobs also as these big oil companies are headed by people from non-oil-producing communities. I am a militant youth because of my will to survive. This is the only way for me to express my grievance because even those we voted into power to speak for us have joined them and have now started developing potbellies. You must have read about us in dallies. We have different names, like IYC, MOSIC, Egbesu boys, NYCOP and so on. They say we are lazy. They say we are crazy. They say we did not go to school. They say we do not know the rules, so we cannot work and earn the dues. But I say these are all lies. For we have got guys who can all write. We are not lazy. We are not crazy. We are just oppressed. We are wounded lions. We are militant youths. That is the only way left for us. For us to be heard. For them to know we exist. When we capture some expatriates, when we bomb some flow satiations, when our women go naked on the streets to protest, when we close flow stations and we make power failures, or when security personnel attack us and we defend ourselves- that is when they notice us. That is when they want to talk. When they know how to work in pain, that is when they know we can write in pages.
Yours faithfully,
President, militant youth.”
CHAPTER TWENTY SIX
The first part of the chapter is a meeting in Ikiama, Olotu’s village, between the elders and chief. They feel the youths are becoming disrespectful as they demand the right to vote their own chief. The reason is Ari, the only educated person in the council uses his literacy for his selfish purpose…
“…in his position as assistant chief and secretary, he made the chief sign papers that the chief did not know the contents of… Ari only told him that the village elders had agreed over certain things and that a paper needed to be signed… Ari’s atrocities had been discovered by the youth and were stirring to them to impeach him…”
The second part shows Olotu going about his normal duty of trying to educate the people.
CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN
The first part of the was Chief Inemo, desperate for money, going into bunkering and black market oil trade.
The second is about Elias Farouk… read more in character Analysis.
The third is a rather shocking part, as Chief Peredou, Chief Inemo, Mr. Osagie and Mallam Sambo and Olotu are in a meeting. Clearly, Olotu, now a commissioner, has taken the turn and was now part of the other side…
“…”Don’t allow those boys in,” Olotu whispered to his security man when the security man had told him somebody he identified as a MOSIC member was at the gate…”They are rogues and hooligans. Tell them am not in.”
CONCLUSION
After a successful operation, Chief Perdou has a change of heart, surprised that Miedia spare his life. He plans to go back and turn things around.
“…when he back home, he would use his resources to help the youth and give as many people who were willing to study scholarships and create job opportunities for as many people as he could with his connections.”
Unfortunately, things are upside down, cult groups, backed up by the government sprang up like mushrooms and killings became an everyday occurrence. Trust faded from the people, as people could no longer attend, with calm minds, burials and weddings as this were where the cult boys clashed frequently.
“…On a daily basis, the war cries of the Izons bellowed from the youth.
“…Asawana”
“…
Poem
And finally, when the sun sets at our beginning
and evil flawlessly be winning
and we be loyal and willing
then always the story will be known and royal
how we the future sunrise reaped a bountiful harvest of betrayal.
-Amabebe Alexander
Read other summaries on Literaturemind
(1) Summary of An Empty Kingdom by Ebi Robert
(2) Summary of Dance on His Grave by Barclays Ayakoroma
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