TIME TO KILL

TIME TO KILL 

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It was Christmas, Emeka a 25 years old man has spent the early stage of his life in the city.

He left home at the age of 13 and now he has made it and has decided to go see his people and also show them the beautiful lady he wants to marry.

As it's common with the Igbos, at a tender age, they leave the village to the city in pursuit of greener pastures. Finally, Emeka found wealth and it will be necessary to go back to his people.

When he arrived, everyone was happy to see Emeka again, they couldn't believe their sight. At first, they didn't recognize him, not until he stepped out of his car.

"You are now a big man", said his Uncle as Emeka steps down from the car.

The atmosphere was filled of happiness and everyone was in celebration mode. They all ate and merry all through until it's night.

Two days after Emeka arrived with his fiance, he introduced his fiance to his parents. They were also happy for him for taking such great step at such age.

Just like you have watched in Nigerian movies, Nigerian mother's especially the Igbo tribe are happy to see their sons getting married early just to make sure they see their grand children.

He once again introduce the lady he came back with, not as a friend this time but as a wife. The  happiness in their midst suddenly disappeared.

"Titi is a beautiful and a good woman. I think she should be every man's desire, but it's unfortunate that you can not marry her". The mother concluded after isolating him from the rest.

Just then, the Father added "How can you be too quick to forget? Don't you remember the custom of our land? You can't marry a lady that is not from here."

Emeka was speechless," what a custom", he muttered

Only if the she was from here, the custom would have favoured her.

To you my reader, Tribalism has killed us and the worse is that our customs and beliefs has added to the injury.

We cry out for racism but here in Nigeria, something greater than that is eating us up.

Just last week, I heard of how Ondo state governor appointed an Igbo lady as a special adviser and the people cried out for her removal and I am sure it will happen like that too if it Happens in the eastern or northern part of this country.

How can we achieve unity in diversity of we can't tolerate our tribes. This sickness is worse than tribalism. It's amongst us black 

Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, Efik, Ibibio, etc

Is our skin colour different?

Food for thought.

Dim Chizoba

Writer