Gang of Looters: …A Political Story

By MarkAnthony Nze

From being a besotted governor, to be sent into an exile the story is weaved around Kulala Bodega, the governor of Endassa and his battle to bring the economy and people of his state out of the evil shadow of the gang of looters, who are feasting on the corpse of the once abundant treasury.

Nonetheless, standing up against the bully had never been easy, as Chief Timbabu has his eyes and ears in every branch of the government making sure whoever stands in his way is ceased from the existence. The chief may be powerful but in the war between the good and evil, it is always the good that wins, so the sun shines on the state of Endassa once again after a long dark spell. The children of Africa return from their exile back to what they always called home.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris UK
• Release date: Nov 4, 2019
• ISBN: 9781984592255

MarkAnthony Nze

MarkAnthony Nze is a first-rate content creator, publisher, and the CEO of People and Polity Incorporated, New york, a media outfit into content creation, and operating two news web-portals namely: www.africatodaynewsonline.com and www.africadailynews.net, both sites publish 24/7 unbiased reportage of trending events, and breaking news particularly from Africa, and the rest of the world. As an iconoclastic literary artist, his works are usually expository, and quite often center on the truth while breaking age-long misconceptions in the society erroneously held as norms. The author presently lives, and works in New York where he is working on another intriguing novel.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

E ndassa was located right in the heart of Lasegeria, but this is not the reason for why it was considered to be an indispensable part on the map of the region, the primary incentive was its highest oil-producing assets. Ever since the prices of oil started touching the skies, Endassa grew in power and took more significant steps towards a more stable economy until it was the steadiest economy in the entire region making its governor Bodega one of the most influential people in the country.

Endassa was relatively smaller than the other states surrounding it, but its behemoth economy made it the big fish that it was. Some even called it the golden goose with all the oil reservoirs lusciously ripen and ready. As per the most recent World Bank report, Lasegeria stood firm in the top twenty-five wealthiest countries in the entire world for its oil reserves in Endassa, with a secure position in the financial industry in the continent.

Apart from the oil production, the governor was planning to promote tourism since the different ethnic groups, colorful heritage and beautiful forests and caverns surrounded by waterfall and beaches could be an excellent attraction for the tourists if show-cased wisely. The president had a special bonding with the governor, Bodega, for his dedication and love towards the nation. The respect Bodega earned came after a long journey of hard work and sacrifices on his end, some he wasn’t even sure if he wanted to make. He practiced law before joining politics and as soon as he stepped into the public affairs and that of the state, he knew precisely why it was termed as a dirty business.

Despite of his feelings towards politics, Bodega was great at what he did. He was loved by commoners and the people involved in the affairs of the government equally, or at least it seemed that way. He was a leader, born to show people the light at the end of a tunnel; he had the courage it takes to achieve the impossible and he had a love for his homeland and his people that was what made him the nation’s hero.

It was a regular morning in the governor’s residence except for a slight change in the dynamic governor’s mood. Bodega was agitated and unsettled unlike his usual confident self for a reason his assistant Akachi could not decipher. As Akachi went through the details of how the governor’s day was further planned, he realized that Bodega was not quite ready to start his day at all which was surprising because he was always looking forward to parties and charity events.

Maybe he is sick or something, Akachi told himself as he looked at the slightly green shade on the governor’s face. Only if he knew what had been eating Bodega on the inside, Akachi would ask him to lock himself up in his room once again. Bodega was sweating so much that his wife Awiti, who was eating breakfast with their children at the dining table across the room, noticed it, too and approached them with a worried expression.

What is it, lief? Are you alright? She murmured as she touched his forehead.

Ja, ja!! I am fine. Bodega held her by the shoulders and pushed her away gently making sure he doesn’t look her in the eye. She was Awiti, the woman he loved, the woman who knew him inside out and he did not want to worry her by any means. He looked at his giggling daughters, so carefree and filled with innocence and he knew he had to do everything he could to protect his family.

"Akachi, what are we doing after the hospital dedication today? Bodega cleared his throat and asked, his voice not as weak as it sounded earlier.

Sir, meeting with the advisor before lunch, the invitation for lunch has been accepted by the Japanese delegation and you are invited as the chief guest at the hospital dedication today. Akachi started animatedly like a radio program.

Nothing after that? Bodega questioned him in a flat tone.

Dinner with the… Akachi began but was interrupted by the governor.

Cancel everything lined up for the evening. I have to be somewhere else.

But sir, what could be more important than dinner with the state officials? Akachi started freaking out.

Something that should not concern you, Akachi. Back off! And do as I told you to do. Bodega seemed to be an entirely different person and Akachi knew exactly not to cross him with that mood.

Breakfast was a quick event, as Bodega looked as nervous as he had been throughout the family routine, with Awiti watching like with a worried expression. Once they were done, Bodega hugged and kissed his daughters Daliya and Layla who were twins and held them longer than he usually would. Then he turned to Awiti, kissing her forehead, he murmured,

Liefling, do take care and be strong no matter what, okay?

And what does that mean? Stop scaring me like that Bodi, as if you are going somewhere or leaving us. Are you? Awiti was now on the verge of crying.

Awiti, hey! You are the strongest woman I have known, do not say like that. You are the one our girls look upto. Just be there for them even if I am not. Being a government official is not easy, who would know it better than you, gets crazy sometimes.

What are you so nervous about? Please tell me. Awiti begged. She knew her husband was someone who always gave an air of confidence wherever he went, and it was so unlike him being so fidgety.

Nah, it is nothing. It’s been a long time since we got to relax. I think we should plan a vacation. Bodega tried to sound nonchalant.

That’s it? Awiti searched his eyes.

Ja, my lief. Now I should better be going, don’t want to be late. And I might be late tonight. Do not wait for me, eat without me and go to bed. He kissed her forehead again and left the room before he could crumble in front of his wife and daughters.

As he reached his office, he found his advisor waiting for him already looking as nervous and as green as Bodega himself. Without saying a word, he opened the door for Bodega and waited for him to get inside so he could follow, but Bodega stopped in his tracks.

Akachi, you stay here. Also, we are not to be disturbed unless we come out. Akachi was shocked once more but chose not to say anything.

Bodega and the advisor, Hakana, went into the office and locked the door behind them. Hours passed and Akachi grew restless as all he could think about was the meeting with the Japanese delegation. He didn’t want to be late or worst cancel it knowing that this meeting is crucial in developing a trade relationship with Japan.

Before Akachi could knock the door, he saw them coming out of the room looking greener than before. What exactly could be so nerve-wrecking that these two do not want to share with him or anyone? He wondered.

Walking towards Akachi, Bodega took his handkerchief out and cleaned his forehead.

Is it time for lunch already? Bodega entreated him as if he was dreading that the day was passing too fast.

Yes, sir! Akachi gulped and nodded. Are we ready to leave?

Can you get me a cold drink of water, please? The governor’s voice was a little shaky too.

Akachi scrutinized him and went Sir, are you okay? You are sweating bullets.

Yes, yes, yes! Just get me some water please! Bodega replied.

Akachi fetched him some water which he downed in one gulp and took some heavy breaths. Let’s go, get those Japanese. Bodega smiled awkwardly and they were ready to leave.

The lunch went pleasantly on the contrary to Akachi’s expectations. Bodega looked like his usual confident self again, like he was wearing a mask. There were talks of a huge deal coming up from the Japanese delegation that would make Endassa not only the most powerful state in Lasegeria but one of the most powerful states in the entire world and all the eyes were on that deal.

As calm and composed that Bodega was, there was something about him that worried Akachi. The calm demeanor was just on the surface; inside he was a burning man. Something was eating him up, something he was helpless about, something that he could not fight. Akachi had been with Bodega for years and he wished the governor would trust him enough to share what was bothering him, maybe he could help. Akachi would take a bullet for Bodega that much he was sure of, then why wouldn’t he tell him what was wrong?

After the lunch, they were to head straight for the hospital, which was constructed in the memory of the bomb blast victims that killed around 47 people in a remote area of Lasegeria. Bodega looked over each and every step of the making of the hospital personally, it was like his dream project, He had once told Akachi, When I’d see sick children been treated in the hospital for free, I would know that I have made a difference.

Even the agonizing worry could not fade Bodega’s excitement for the hospital inauguration. As soon as they reached the hospital venue, they were pounced on by the paparazzi. Bodega was the beloved of the nation, and these reporters would never skip an opportunity to click him in public. The speech he was to make in the ceremony was much anticipated as everyone wanted to know how the deal with Japan would help their economy rise higher. The surrounding area of the venue was brimful with the commoners gathered there just to have a glimpse of their leader. The people of Lasegeria were filled with gratitude for his services to the nation. Bodega waved at the people with a huge grin plastered on his face, each pore of him radiating love for the nation.

As they reached the internal entrance, they saw how the hospital team had put a massive poster of Bodega and the whole place was covered with flowers. Everyone waited till Bodega waved to the people once again and took the scissors from Akachi so that he could cut the ribbon. As the ribbon was cut, there was a massive cheering