By Saleh Barde Keana
A call entered, and I hesitated to pick because I was reading a book I once read some good 8yrs back. I was reading an interesting part when the phone rang. When I turned to pick the call, my mind cowered restlessly as i saw who the caller was – a deeply consequential figure in the state politics.
“Good morning sir”. I greeted him, refusing to adorn him with his popular traditional tittle.
“Saleh Barde Keana”, came his response. He was hailing me vehemently. His voice beaming radiantly with cheerfulness and humility. And whether he heard my earlier greeting but ignored it and deliberately hailed my name in response, I cannot fathom well. All I could remember is that he simply called my name when I warmly greeted.
Usually, when i call, the talk will be brief and briskly. But I would make sure I lengthen the conversation when he called so that I exhaust much of his airtime which seems to have never got finished. That day, was another chance to chop his credit and to say that I utilized it very well, would be an understatement.
However, something happened in the course of our discussion that have dramatically improved my perception about him and further reignites the admiration i had for his intellectuality. I nearly jumped out of the comfort of my bed and took to my heels when he told me exactly the book I was reading. I said to him that i was reading one of the Chinua Achebe’s best-selling and highly enthralling novels. And with vivid accuracy that almost scared me, he said I am reading ” Anthills of the Savannah”. I was absolutely dumbfounded. Adori is a brilliant witch.
I had for long hold on to a belief – though non scientific and empirical, that too much intelligence over time transform a man to full fledge witch. Hamza Elayo is a witch. Only witches, augur and those who master the art of sorcery can make perfect prediction and say with amazing accuracy what one is doing elsewhere.
Shakespeare introduced me to the world of witches and to the potency of their work. The Witches prophecy to brave Macbeth and his gallant friend, Banquo still resonate in my ears ;
” Hail to theee thane of Cawdor,
All hail Macbeth that shalt be King here after”.
And to Banquo, the witches said,
“Thou shalt get Kings though thou be none”.
And these words of a witches came to pass. It occurred in sequence that leaves one wondering if witches were not semi god. I do not believe in witches but I revel reading their sweet words of promises and consolations.
Dear Adori Hem, the unfailing political cum intellectual witch, I beseech you to unravel the pregnant cloud of political uncertainty and mystery hanging on the air, ahead of the LG
Election in Nassarawa State, and tell me if I will win the race to become the youngest Chairman of Keana, should I decide to throw my hat on ring to contest.
Hon. Hamza Elayo was a former SSG, later Special Adviser on Command Centre to the immediate past Governor Umaru Tanko Al-makura.
