<p>A boy seeks freedom, but a man sets boundaries. We, the people of Etebi, have lost our freedom, and our boundaries have been set ablaze by our brothers who speak another language. They have forced the popular but annoying term WAZOBIA down our throats since birth. They relegated us and thought of us as weaker vessels. They underestimate the chaos our unity can birth. I, Udo, grew up learning of the greatness of my people through whispers of the few that were bold amongst us. From cell 48, where I was raised by a single mother whose love for her husband knew no bounds, They made a mockery of my father, who was the dominant voice of the Etebi people. When they ripped his tongue in my presence, they thought it was over. A man's voice outlives him. <br></p><p>20 years later, that seed sown in my heart has become a forest. We are free, but those memories live rent-free in my mind. The WAZOBIA proponents will know no peace. You three monsters took joy from our childhood, so I will take your most prized possession from you. One more step, and I will set up the detonator, and we will all burn on this third mainland bridge. </p><p>Mumsy If you're watching this, please don't cry. Destiny comes for us all. Today, history will be rewritten, and those who seized our freedom will pay for their sins. They must experience our pain because they chose to cage us. Before I end this, I need you to answer this question: Why do you hate us so much? Why did you cage my people all these years?</p><p>Speak up (screaming).</p><p>Adé: (sobs) We never really meant it. We were just young men who never understood power. We just wanted to show you guys that we were bigger than you all. Also, your people were not actively involved in politics and were always acting like saints. We only wanted to show that we were more powerful. I'm sorry; we're sorry. We're all still one; please let's be brothers again; we are one Nigeria.</p><p>Udo: One! We were never one, and you made sure of that. You slid my father's tongue in my presence. You locked my innocent mother up. I've never known freedom, and my people have been bound for too long. We have only shown you the power of the community. The divide ends today, but you must all pay for your sins. Today, I am both man and God.</p><p>Let this be a reminder to everyone that all men are born equal. Language, tribe, and wealth shouldn't matter. Division sinks the boat, but unity holds it afloat. To those that will lead after us, remember that your duty is to God and man. You must place everyone above yourself and serve your people. One of us is all of us. No tribe deserves better treatment. We, the people, must always be top of mind as you navigate the affairs of the state. </p><p>See you guys on the other side.</p><p>Mumsy I love you.</p><p>(People are screaming noooooooo)</p><p>The detonator goes off with a loud bang following...</p>
Ajú Etébi: Son of Etébi
By
Samuel Ibok