I thought that as soon as I finished school, life would become straight. Land a great job, get those neat shirts in the office, get a salary by month-end and start planning for the future. Reality looks so different even when the image looks clear in my head.
It turned out to be much more difficult than I ever thought to find a job. I roamed under the fiery sun all over, placing one office to another, dripping with CVs; somebody had to call, but alas! It turned from wicks to months but nada. Every day seemed to carry its weight as I kept asking myself, is this really how life was going to be?
I decided to go out and buy bread that evening. One guy was already in the shop when I arrived. He was talking very loudly as if to give orders and with full authority. He saw me, then spoke introducing himself as Chief Dominic.
He started with politics right in that little shop. Told me he was getting ready to contest in the next local government election. Did not waste time before pointing to all the problems we knew only too well the broken road outside; the health center that never worked; and the young people just roaming around jobless.
“I want to change things,” he said, flashing a broad smile.
I thought it was just another hot-air talk. But his mode of speech drew me in. I told him I was a graduate, still looking for a job. He put his hand on my shoulder and said, “Do not worry, once I win, people like you will have the opportunity. It is going to be different.”
Having spoken, I found hope. I would think that, for the first time in a long period, just maybe something good was on its way into my life.
Just a short while after, the campaign season had begun. Chief Dominic was ubiquitous. He could be seen at markets, at football matches, in weddings, even in funerals. He danced with the youth; he ate roasted corn along the roadside; he spoke our language. We would be having better schools around, jobs for the youth, and loans for tin businesses. Everywhere there were posters, legible words reading: “A New Dawn for the People.”
I didn’t just watch. I joined his campaign team. I shouted his name at rallies until my voice cracked. I pasted posters until my hands smelled of gum. I followed the campaign truck under the hot sun, sweating but smiling. What kept me going was his promise jobs for the youth. I believed him completely.
And finally, came the election day. Huge numbers of people had turned up. Excitement was in the air. Results were announced at night. Chief Dominic had won by a big margin. The town burst out in joy. People danced in the streets, drummers beat their drums, children were jumping around shouting his name. I, too, was part of the celebration. “At last,” I thought, “life will change.”
But the joy didn’t last.
After his swearing-in, some of us from the campaign team went to his office. We expected him to at least recognize us, maybe even offer something small. We waited for hours. When he finally came out, he was surrounded by bodyguards. He walked past us without a single word.
Later, he began giving out contracts and appointments. But not to us who had worked hard for him. The jobs went to his family, his close friends, and big men who had money. We were forgotten.
I tried again to meet him. When I finally got close enough and reminded him of his promises, he only laughed. “Government takes time,” he said. Then he entered his car and drove off.
Months passed, but nothing changed for the people. The health center was still closed. The roads were worse. Young people were still without jobs. But Chief Dominic’s life changed fast. He bought new cars. He built a mansion with tall gates. He started traveling abroad for holidays.
The same man who once ate roasted corn with us now dined in big hotels. Greed had taken over him completely.
The people became restless. Some regretted voting for him. Others stayed silent, too tired to complain. I was seriously betrayed, when I remember what I have passed through for him. Defending all the critics against him. I felt badly about towards him.
One day, my mother visited. She noticed I was quiet and asked what was wrong. I told her everything. She listened, then spoke slowly.
“My son, greed is like fire. Once it enters a man’s heart, it burns everything good in him. You thought this man cared for you, but he only cared for himself. Don’t put your future in greedy men. Build yourself, no matter how small.”
Her words touched me deep. I realized that I have trusted someone who never care about the welfare of his people. That day I made up my mind, nothing will ever make me to trust any politician again.
I borrowed a little money from a friend and started a small recharge card and mobile money business. Later, I added snacks. It was not much, but it gave me dignity. Slowly, customers came, and I managed to survive.
Some months later, I heard that Chief Dominic was in trouble. People were protesting, demanding answers about the money he had taken. Rumors spread that he was under investigation. I was not surprised. Greed always ends the same way with shame and downfall.
As I looked back, the lesson was clear. Greed destroys trust. It kills hope. It empties even the richest man. Chief Dominic could have been remembered as a good leader, but he chose money instead.
I will not put my future in the hands of greedy men who will promise me anything. I will build slowly, with honesty and hard work. Maybe it’s going to take long, but at least it will be mine.