I delivered a speech at a youth rally. It was an unprepared speech but it came from a desiring heart. Over the years, we have suffered at the hands of political officeholders, They promised during political campaigns that all dividends of democracy will be given to the youth. In the end, those were empty promises as nothing good came out of them.
My speech caused a positive start in the body of youths who were rooting to take over political power from the power-drunk politicians.
Some of these youths do not even know what their rights are. They most times sheepishly follow one politician who uses them for selfish reasons.
On that day, I simply reminded the average youth of his place in the polity. The rights that the government owes him and the obligations that he should give the government in return.
Unknowing to me, my public address was being recorded and sent to some political witches in our proximity. It didn't occur to me at all that I could be in danger for saying the right things.
After the speech, I received an ovation from the gathering and some other support groups of our principal in the elections asked that I visit them tomorrow for an address. I humbly accepted this invitation.
The Night Call
After everyone had returned home, to rest and resume the campaigns the next day, I received an anonymous call. The call has a male hoarse voice from the other end. He warned me sternly to desist from speaking to the youth body, that else, I would live to regret if I did otherwise.
It was a shock to me. I could not utter a word as the anonymous caller spoke throughout the two minutes call. I developed a cold immediately. As he was ending the call, he said:
Never mention this call to anyone, if you do, it would be more dangerous for you. You are on our watch list.
At that moment, my sleep was aborted. I opened my eyes throughout the night and any movement of a rat or cockroach got me scared to the marrow.
The next day, when I ought to be at the youth gathering, I put off my phone and remained indoors throughout the day until the elections were over.
On the day of the election, the tough leader in my province called me to ask where I was. The question was not a surprise to me but I didn't know how to answer him and I didn't want to tell a lie. I was between the devil and the deep blue sea.
I managed to tell him that it was a personal issue that has kept me away from the public domain. Until recently, I never knew that threats could make one devastated. I was perturbed and couldn't do anything productive for a while.