The Incorruptible Judge: Episode 3

Ajala Oni leaves the Establishment Officer's office to join his friend, Femi who was outside waiting for him.

FEMI: [welcoming his friend]: How was it, old boy? You were there for such a long time that i thought you were probably asked to start at once.

AJALA: Ah, far from it. I saw the Establishment Officer himself. He read my application and my testimonial, and said i was qualified in every respect.

FEMI: Good. When did he ask you to start then?

AJALA: Start! He said that he would not give me the job until i have given him "Kola".

FEMI: "Kola"! What a simple thing! We can easily buy kola nuts and give them to him. I have a shilling here with me. [Looks for it in his pocket.] By the way, is he a northerner, or why should he be so fond of kola nuts?

Ajala was amused in spite of his extreme unhappiness.

AJALA: At first i thought it was mere kola nuts but i later understood it to be five pounds.

FEMI: Five pounds! From where can you get five pounds? I don't have as much with me. I have already given my first salary to my father who saves it for me and gives me only pocket money. But even if we had money, would it still not be wrong to give him a bribe? Whether he calls it "Kola" or money, i am sure it is still a bribe.
Do you remember what the principal used to say about taking or giving bribes, that it is a canker eating into the very fabric of our nation, and that we, as the future hopes of this country, must steer clear of bribery!

AJALA: [remembering his perfect days]: Yes. I have said so in many debates and discussions about bribery and corruption, not knowing that i myself would soon be asked to offer one. What am i to do now, Femi? I can't give a bribe, even if i had the means. But the simple truth is, i don't have it, and i have nobody to give it to me. You yourself know how poor my parents are, with six other children to feed and clothe. As i told the Establishment Officer, my school-fees for last term were borrowed and i still have to pay them back.

FEMI: I am indeed very sorry for you, Ajala. I wish i could help you as you deserve. [Thinks, and then as if suddenly inspired.] Can't you go to the police? After all, demanding a bribe is criminal, as we have often been told at school, and the police are there to deal with such crimes.

AJALA: That is what i shall have to do. There is no way out. He says he gives me only three days to find the money if i don't want to lose the job. So i mustn't waste any time. I also need somebody at the police station. I think, who will be a witness to what i am going to say there, will you please come with me?

FEMI: I am sorry i cannot go with you. We begin our after session at A. B. & Co. At 2.30. [Looks at his watch.] It is almost time now. I must be off.

AJALA: [rather disappointed]: Well, don't worry. If there is no other way out, i may have to go there alone.

They both leave each other, but in opposite directions. Femi, walking briskly and Ajala with slow sad steps.

To be continued........