Put down the swords into rough shares

Put down the swords into rough-shares

I received a call from the home of our making that i lost friends and a friend of friends over the recent incident In jos and other areas. Tears dropped from my eyes.

I was about to roll up my sleeves and fight back, but I resigned and changed my mind. I realised that any fool can do that, and I want to be above fool. I changed the hostilities into friendliness.

I don't want to exaggerate the issue and promote hatred, but the number of the death-roll were too numerous to mention. Above all, it's what it's, it was what it was, and what happened had happened.

Able bodies of individual who could have been very productive were sent to their earlier graves. Perhaps, this people would have contributed their best towards the development and the progress of the state.

Not only that, many properties were destroyed. Interestingly, Plateau has been so fortunate to never lost a leader or a great politician during each clashed.

Sadly enough, the land that we fought, fight over and over is the same land that we wet with our bloods and buried our own soul inside. Be soft. Even the mountains are soft. They springs us water sometimes. Be calm. Even the lions are not scary all the time. They are friendly, sometimes.

I learnt from our fathers that theirs was better than this. Theirs was peace and harmony. For that I said NO to retaliation. Let's live with example.

I'm down on my knees urging my people not to retaliate, let's give peace a chance to reign. Together we make our home a great.

The days and years to come will not be the same without my people- but they will be good days, filled with life and love, because of the example they lived for us.

The soul that we lost to the cruel hands of death may they rest in perfect peace, for the families who had the lost; may God grant them the fortitude to bear the lost.

( Ai anshamu tun muna 'yan yara kanana, kuma mun warke.) please say NO to retaliation, let's shun the violence and harmonise each other.

Riding to kill

Two injured as keke hits bike.

A speedy runner, keke rider knocked down two young boys whom sustained severe injuries on leg around Koki street, at about 12 noon, the victims were rushed to hospital.

According to an eye witness Mallam Sanusi who confirmed the incident, explained that; the keke rider was running in a high speed without taking caution.

He added that, that was the third accident which occurred at the same place same date, due to the poor road, holes and heavy a downfall. He expressed discomfort over the incident.

Mallam Sanusi also said, the first accident which occurred at early morning happened to be the fatal accident accident among the three accidents, with many casualties, broken of arms and vehicle damages.

According to the Keke rider known as Adams Sarki, said he tried all his possible ways not to hit the bike, but he couldn't. And he was riding with caution and averaged speed.

His words, " I had a break failure, I had to know when I got closer to them, and there are hawkers by side, going to gutter will will cause a lot of casualties and damages, if not I would've entered the gutter without hitting any one".

According to one of the victims, Haidar Abubakr, who sustained severe injuries on his leg said, he saw the keke rider coming towards to them, they never knew that he lost control. Before they noticed it, he had knocked them down.

The victims were rushed to Kano state hospital, Accident and Emergency unit. Efforts were made to speak with The Federal Road Safety Corps, but unfortunately none of their members are available at the incident.

Fly off the handle

Fly off the handle.

I do love nothing in the world so well as you- is not that strange?

Dating is so hard today. You don't know if you are meeting the representative. You don't know if the other person is only entertaining you until they can physically have your body.

You don't know if they are using your good spirit and good energy to get over an old flame that once burned them. 

Dating is so hard because so many people are afraid to be transparent with how they feel and what they truly want out of the next person. 

We project and say that we want all these things, but in the end some of us really don't. Building a bond and a relationship with someone takes an extreme amount of work.

 You can't take days off when you are in a relationship. Everyday has to be geared towards growing stronger as a couple. 

You meet so many people today that don't understand that concept. You meet so many people today that just want to waste your time. 

It would be nice to meet someone without having hidden motives for a change. It would be nice to meet someone you can talk to and forget how much time has passed.

 It would be nice to meet someone who is tired of getting hurt and tired of getting it wrong just like you, and wants to get it right with someone special one day.

Never whisper the words of love if the feeling is not true. Never share your feelings if you mean to break the heart. Never look into my eyes iffy all you have to do is lie, and never say hello iffy you really mean goodbye.

Butterflies of sadness

The butterflies of sadness.

Indeed, death does not come when we plan for it. It's an uninvited guest, and when ever it comes we have no control over it. It takes anyone it wants, especially the good ones.

When thing goes the same way forever, it's not life. Different things must happen, the good, and the bad. We have no choice than to accept our fate. If Lucky was enough.

Dying has nothing to do with ageing, good wealth or ill health.

Dying is a process called Death thus; it's just like every-other Debt. It comes without knocking, and does not deserves mocking.

From the day you arrived this world, Death has prepared your Debt Sword.

Jafar Muhammad Danmande has paid his own debt, and gone to rest. Indeed, it's a long journey, lemme hold my crashing tears, till we meet in the nearest years. Though, the tears never dry from the wet heart.

If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you back home.

Jafar was the only kid brother I had, and I lost him to the cruel hands of death on Tuesday morning 09/10/2018, which I call the 'tears day'. It's true we don't know what we've got until its gone.

While we're mourning the loss of our brother, others are rejoicing to meet him behind the veil.

I have lived long to outgrown clothes, in the constant image of my own face, I have witnessed rays of newborn sun, in the grave attention of my own eyes.

I have seen the demise of my own soul, seemingly panting, like the heart of a virgin bride, but on the tip of my parched tongue, I have commanded my pen to ask, how easy is it to die?

If dying is to cease living, a hungry man might have no code, but surely he's got only one hope, the hope of death, to sweep his debt.

like the hunter that passed on, he left his poverty to his own gun.

what about my little brother? the poor boy who died over a day sick,

he left his unforgettable memories to the home and the family.

Jafar, simple sweet he is. He was a good boy, smart and intelligent. A fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy. Sometimes stubborn for my likings. The one l liked the most, but death do us apart. The one I bullied under any circumstances, the one I beat for no reason.

A dark gloom days has passed, the butterflies of sadness Hoover in millions, and the pond of tears never dry. The sweet memories are still fresh, and they will always be. Though, everything remains joyless.

Jafar, was used to knocked on my door every morning for school rid. That was what I hated the most. We had to fight everyday before I drove him to school. Now, he has gone. I wish he'll come back someday just to knock on my door, if it's necessitate let him break down the door. I wouldn't mind.

I remembered, the last time I drove him to school, I bullied him well, he was just laughing at me with enthusiasm. I can see the smiling face which had never fade. This little boy has touched our heart, mind and soul. We'll always count you in our daily prayers.

The days and years to come will not be the same without my brother, but they will be good days, filled with life and love, because of the example he lived for us.

Dear death, if you want to take someone's soul from my family, please take mine first. Thanks.

“Death comes, and makes a man his prey,

A man whose powers are yet unspent;

Like one on gathering flowers intent,

Whose thoughts are turned another way.

Begin betimes to practise good,

Lest fate surprise thee

unawares

Amid thy round of schemes and cares;

To-morrow’s task to-day conclude.*

Mahābhārata.”

Excerpt From: William Alexander Clouston. “Book of Wise Sayings.”

Oh Allah!

Make Jafar's death better than his live,

Make his grave better than his house,

And make jannatul Firdausi his final destination. Ameen Ya Rabbi.

The girl called Meenoh

The girl called Meenoh.

The story started on a faithful morning. She was the first person I met. First person I knew. And the only  One I liked. In a particular.

Wind sprinkled mind and wiped away sorrows.

Rain falls down and cleaned out worries.

Terrific flood hits heart whirlwind glanced healed wounds. 

For off a face visage sat down under a tree little drawn was largeness think in paradise sawn.

vowed nothing greatness will attention drawn.

Breezes passed by like a cloudy

Cold soared like a kite 

Snow dropped by like a rain

Birds sang so sweet like a melody

She looked so lonely. I looked so humble. We met by a destiny. On a the same version. Those memories were unforgettable.

She sat all alone. Under trees, under cold. The trees were soft. They springs water on her. I felt pity for her. And I liked her at first sight for the patience and for endurance. She earned my respect immediately, at first sight. And forever. Because she was strong.

I greeted her( as gentle man), I learnt that we were all there for the same purposes. I thank God for that, for she was a real.

We walked together towards the Deen's office for why we were there.

I should be a mighty proud for walking with a golden lady, with a pure heart like her. For that, I recognized myself as a fortunate person than anyone could be.

I enjoyed every single second of that moment. 

I read her like a magazine and I saw my future in her  eyes. I had faith in what I saw.

I loved every piece of her, from her head to her toes. She reminded me of my past. I loved her name the most. She shared the same name with the most important person in my universe. My mom.

I wished we could stay for a longer time, and know each other more. But, alas we achieved what brought us together. I knew that we would still meet again soon. I guarantee it. And it happened.

School resumed:

We kept behind closed doors, and every time I see her, I die little more. It was obvious that she is meant for me. Every piece of her just fits in so perfectly.

Every second, every thought, every time, I'm in so deep. But I never show on my face. Whenever I'm with her, I'm lost of words.

We can see for forever not a cloud in the sky

Picture perfect weather everyday of our lives

Just imagine if everything she wanted came true

Well it happened to me so it can happen to her,

We were on a journey of truth and belief is the key

So open up your heart and let your life free.

The more I know her, the more I got to know that she have a problem. I love being around crazy people, and I like her madness the most. She possessed them all. And, those kept me stocked with her.

The more I wanted to get close to her, the more I felt avoided. It hurts this fragile heart so badly. Life choices, this heart chose her. Just her. Little angel. 

I can walk miles to the edge of the universe for her angel, I will cross Oceans for her, I will walk barefooted for her, under grasses, under nails, and irons. When goodbye doesn't work, You could lay your hands on my shoulder.

Whenever the game is about to finish 

And we are losing, and no any fan to cheer up with panicked not, I will rewind the time and be the Ronaldo 

of your arena, and I will dedicate my championship crown to you.

Self crirism

The power of self criticism

Reason was lost, so were facts. The harder I argued the more arrogant he became. I quickly resigned, and admitted that i was wrong without any emphatically.

I'm in for it. I knew it. You caught me red handed. I have no any jurisdiction to argue or to defend myself. I said.

I must be very stupid for violating the rules and crossing my limits. You have all the rights to arrest me. You can take me to any court of law and the jury will decide on what to do with me. I added.

Young man look, you...I hurriedly interrupted him. You warned me severally not to violate the rules but I turned to deaf ears. I stubbornly reluctant to accept the ways and the rules. I said.

I lost the right to apologize for what I did. You can take me to your office and punish me for my mistakes. For that it will teach me a lesson. I added.

Now listen. You seriously violated the rules, but you can... I interrupted him again. I admired your work. I get my experience only from books, and you get your own experience everyday on a life line situations. I wish I had a job like you. I meant everything I said.

He stopped for seconds and start to tell me about his work experienced for 32 years of service. The places he worked, how he caught offenders, and dealt with them.

He continued to tell me about his likes and dislikes, what he liked the most about his job, and Also about his family. 

I was bewildered on how he suddenly changed from a hard-boiled to a softhearted. He also changed the topic of our discussion thoroughly to his biography.

He continued. If people are like you, can admit their wrong quickly, and without emphatically. We wouldn't have been dragging people to court every week. 

The townspeople defiled our work. Thank GOD. People like you can understand how good our work is.

You reminded me about my dearest late friend. He appreciate good things, with a sincere appreciation, just like you.

You appreciate good things. You are freeman. You can go. He said.

From cradle to grave

From cradle to grave.

Many people come in and out of our lives. Some go without return, but the special ones keep their footprints in our mind and heart. Just like a little domestic birds; free to come, and free to go. Sometimes they go without return. Just like; Murtala and Lawal.

After having a terrible day for about 9 hours. I came back from school very exhausted and tired. I bathed. I ate my roasted flour(gurasa), which I bought in school. I switched on my fan, the air was very cold and snappy.

I idled on my mat, trying to get a comfort from discomfort, a relief from tough, a peace of mind from pieces of work. My phone rang. It was very irritating. Who could this be at this hour, trying to arouse my old feelings of hatred for night calls. 

My time said it was 9:03 PM. I checked the caller who was "Big Bro", has the world end! i wonder what was he going to tell me at that hour after knowing that I don't make calls anything past 8:00 PM.

If there is anything which i can't do at that moment was rejecting his call. I had no choice. I picked up the call and took it closer to my left ear. I greeted him politely as usual. He answered. His tune was unusual, it weaken my weakened soul. We both muted for seconds. 

He ensued. How has been your day?

It was so terrible and full of stressed. I said. 

I was expecting the usual mocking laugh from him, but I got 'sannu', tough luck. Instead. My conscious mind quickly signaled my brain that something was wrong. I didn't ask too many questions. I waited to hear what he got for me.

Does anyone call you from home? He asked with a shaky voice. My heart beats increased to 101 percent. No, this's my first call from the hour of 3:00 to 21:00. I replied. Have you heard about the death of.... he quite. 

The death of who! I exclaimed in a stammered voice. Warmth tears falling down from my eyes. Who died? I asked. Murtala is dead. 

What! I exclaimed. Wait. Which Murtala are you talking about? How many Murtala do we have? He said.

He continued. I got a phone call that he had an accident few minutes earlier, together with his friend, Lawal, and Sadiq's wife. From kaduna to Jigawa at Ringim, and ended the call.

The terrific news rushed into my bloodstream and causes; heart pounding, quavering voice, shaky hands, change in body temperature, itchy skin, and dry mouth, mind going blank, and cold hands and feet.

The physiological changes produced by my body leads circulation and breathing to become more rapid, additional oxygen reached the muscles. Increased circulation caused uninvited sweat; adrenaline rushed through the body and instructed my body to speed up its movements.

I quickly topped up VTU and phoned my mom. She wasn't able to pick up the call. It was my dad who answered the call. Before exchanging any pleasantry. I heard my mummy's sobbed of pain from behind obstruction. It happened. I knew it. Pray for your brother. he said. and hung up the call. I can't explain how my night went from there.

The friendship of Murtala and Lawal is like the old cliche of " when there is love there is peace", " when there is moon there must be stars". So also when there's Murtala there's Lawal.

If you're looking for Murtala. You don't look for him directly, look for Lawal. Instead. So also if you're looking for Lawal. Don't look for him directly, look for Murtala, you'll find Lawal standing by his side. Always.

The story of their friendship is a long story, but what makes it unique would be told in brief.

Distance never serve as a barrier to them. No matter the distance, no matter the situation, no matter the impact of social media over relationship, no matter the self-esteem; why would I be the first person to call, why would I always be the first person to look for him/her! They never depart.

Murtala and Lawal grew up together. Attended the same primary school, the same secondary school, the same university, and served at the same state ( Jigawa), had an accident at the same time, died at the same spot, and buried at the same place.

Solidarity forever. Friends, you shall forever remind. Together you shall forever be in the highest ranking of paradise. Indeed you are the real definition of a true friendship. You thought me a good lesson, I hope, I shall never forget.

The last time I mate Lawal, it was in Jigawa while he was serving. Then. He was our host. We arrived at late night and went to a nearest teashop at Dutse. We ate noodles with a hot leap-tea. God bless the presence of comrade Isa he paid the bill. We chatted about politics and politicians.

On that night. I and Lawal slept on the same bed after making jets of me because I'm an Arsenal fan and we played against Liverpool. We lost to Liverpool. He's simple sweet. Good person to be with. Before I woke up in the morning, he boiled water for me. Ready for bath. I bathed and rushed to Sadiq's wedding.

 It's normal to meet and to depart. When we were departing Lawal said to me "when ever I get money I will send you to by me correct OK shoes in jos, your stuffs are good. I trust it' these were his words.

Those memories were unforgettable. They're still fresh.

I and Murtala. We always chat. I had never missed his Friday well wishes. He's a sneak lover. Our last chat with him was about marriage. I mounted a pressure on him. I told him that I heard about his wedding date. December ending. He quickly defend himself with ' I don't even have a girlfriend' we laugh and laugh. We talked about different issues. That's life.

Oh! 

The creator of the universe in six days. The king, the master of the day of judgment. Answer my prayers.

Oh!

My Lord. I'm down on my knees asking for your forgiveness and mercies. You alone can forgive and bestow mercy upon us.

Oh!

The ever living God. Forgive Murtala, Lawal, and Khadijah. Distance them from the flame of hell fire. Make them a dwellers of Jannat Firdaus.  May their own gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Ameen Ya Rabbi.