A fictional representation of Leadership Crisis in Nigeria

2. Loneliness 

The breeze was blowing really good and cold. And the weather was filled with harmattan dust particles. The farmer went to the door at the front of the house, knocked it and called to the occupant. That was the second time. And he continued to chant the traditional praises while they waited for somebody to respond. But nobody answered, and nobody came out to meet them. So, the farmer came back with the little boy and stood with Ekoyata near the big car again for a while, the two of them, in tattered clothes. He also told Ekoyata how glad he was to see a son of the soil who had decided to visit home. Then, he raised his eyes heavenwards, lifted his hands to the sky and offered a blessing for the returnee.

Ekoyata began to feel some sincere gratitude now. The man knew that he needed this for the terrible homecoming. So, he didn't care even though the smell of their clothes drifted to him by the car.

There was a final couple of words of welcome after the blessing. That took some more time. Then the farmer finally announced his departure.

Ekoyata started feeling the pain of separation already as he bade his new friends goodbye. Then, he watched the man and the boy walking away from him, their legs barely lifting themselves from the ground. He saw them leaving the compound and crossing the road. Cold sweat broke over his body as he continued to watch them got smaller while he was left alone on the other side, melancholy birds replacing their voices in the air with their plaintive cries.

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