Ripple Effect

Serial Ranter

So once again, I decided to take the mini yellow bus to my place of work on a hot Monday morning.

Sharply dressed in my corporate wear, looking all trim and prim, I joined the other passengers and queued up to wait for the next available bus.

We were orderly and organized today, and besides it was convenient for me to use this bus today and not request for taxify or O'ride as I was wont to do.

I just had to be economical since we have a president who is more interested in marrying a second wife than making life easier for Nigerians who didn't vote for him but were conned into accepting him.

Even though I'm always of the opinion that we deserve the president we have because the average Nigerian reasons from their anus, we still deserve better.

Even shit deserves a better package.

The line was very long, but it was worth it. Those that were queuing didn't have two heads.

Halfway through the journey, the conductor began his usual routine collection, and as he got to the elderly lady sitting beside me, I tapped her gently and told her not to worry that I'd pay, and so I paid her Tfare and mine.

Because it was a small bus, the gesture didn't go unnoticed by almost everyone in the bus.

As he got to the passengers behind me, I heard a man tell the conductor to return my money as he was going to pay for my Tfare.

Obviously he was impressed with my act of kindness.

I turned and thanked him but even though I was honored, I told him not to worry about it.

Almost everyone in the bus chorused that I had earned it and should accept it.

The King in me refused to accept it, I politely declined and thanked everyone. I couldn't bear to do that.

When the conductor got to the last passenger, it was a sophisticated looking middle age lady, she asked that I and the man's money be returned. She said it with a graceful command and finality, I knew refusing was out of the question.

I laughed and thanked her with the man, and then the elderly woman who I paid her transport fare and caused this entire chain of kindness, offered to say a word of prayer for her and all of us.

''PRAISSSSSSEEEEE THE LORD!!!''
''PRAISE MASTER JESUS''

A young haggard looking man to the far right shouted and ironically, nobody, not a single one of us answered, as if we had planned it.

It was the way he said it and the timing I guess, we just knew it was a hoax.

He now continued shamelessly,
''I want to tell you about the love of God and what you must do to show that love to your neighbor.''

''Uncle nobody will give you offering or return your transport o.''
The conductor said

I coughed and turned to look at him again.

''Not even my transport?'' This he said looking at the sophisticated lady.

No response.

Then he turned to me and I turned to mind my business.

Uncle took the initiative, it seemed he found shame, as he kept his mouth quiet while we rode in peace to our destination.

No matter what, I can't change my nature, I must demonstrate that act of kindness as I was taught by my parents.

Nigeria will not change me, and I don't care about changing Nigeria either, I don't care about any frigging part I have to play, I will mind my business and be myself even if it means helping someone in need, because that is who I am.
Not someone in greed.

A friend in greed is a 'fiend' indeed, and a friend, always in need, is a friend you never want to keep.

Those are my two favorite philosophies.

Nigeria didn't make me.

I made me after God created me.

''Call me'' the sophisticated looking woman said and handed me her complimentary card as I came down from the bus.

I smiled and collected it.

I knew I was not gonna call her. It's not her, it's me.

''Brother please, I have a message from God specifically for you.'' It was the same haggard looking preacher, unfortunately for him he alighted with me.

''I know my son'' I answered even though he was years older than me.
''I gave you the message for me.'' I surmised.

As he stood confused, trying to make sense of what I just said to him, I walked away wearing a large smile on my face.

We are all mad in this country I swear.

Ripple Effect



Kingdavid Chinaeke Ofunne
Authorpreneur
www.ofunneceo.blogspot.com