Shettima’s Subtlety and Natasha’s Return
And it came to pass in those days that Kashim, called Shettima, the Vice President of the land, a man known for his temperate speech and cunning counsel, did move with subtlety and discretion as the year of our Lord 2027 drew nigh. Though in the past seven days no open declaration as to his part in the forthcoming contest was uttered, the murmurs of times past echoed still among the people.
For verily, but a little more than a month ago, there arose among the rulers of the All Progressives Congress, the king’s own party, great stirrings and whispers concerning the place of Shettima as running mate unto King Bola, the President. In the city of Gombe, when the council of stakeholders gathered to affirm the King’s re-election, the name of Shettima was notably absent in the list proclaimed, and chaos ensued among the assembly. Though swiftly they sought to quench the fire of rumor, the event laid bare the wounds and divisions that lay hidden beneath the surface of the ruling house.
And so all the words and deeds of Shettima were watched, every utterance noted, for the people coveted a sign of his standing and favor. Yet he remained as the silent brook that runneth deep, his intentions cloaked in silence.
Meanwhile, the tale of Natasha, daughter of Akpoti, whose name had been cast down by the Senate for six months’ time, continued to unfold as a scroll of drama and law. Upon the fourth day of the seventh month, she secured an order from the seat of justice commanding the Senate to restore her to her office and duties without delay.
And on the Tuesday following, the twenty and second day of the seventh month, Natasha did fulfill her pledge. She came unto the gates of the National Assembly, accompanied by the faithful, among them Aisha, called Yesufu, a woman of bold activism well known throughout the land. But lo, at the first gate the keepers of security barred her passage. Undaunted, she descended from her chariot and did walk upon the earth, making toward the sacred halls.
At the second gate she was also hindered and spoken against by the watchmen. Yet after long debate and amidst great public gaze, she was suffered to enter the enclosure. Nevertheless, the Senate remained steadfast in defiance. Their mouthpiece, Yemi, named Adaramodu, before her coming had declared that no present court order did yet compel the Senate to allow her immediate return; and he proclaimed that the judgment was under appeal, bidding her to “stay away from the chambers and let the course of law run its appointed path.”
Natasha, having gained but partial entry, expressed great displeasure, and vowed to consult her counselors, both of law and purpose, that she might take the next steps with wisdom. She declared with firmness that she would resume her full role when the Senate, preparing to enter a two-month season of rest, should reconvene thereafter.
This bold and dramatic coming back of Natasha stirred the hearts of many and heightened the discourse over the strife between the judiciary and the legislature. Moreover, the name of Godswill, called Akpabio, President of the Senate, whose hand was believed to be heavy upon the suspension of Natasha, was much discussed among the people, who wondered at the fairness and justice of the matter.
Thus the tension waxed hot, and the struggle for power was made manifest before the eyes of all the kingdom.