Dear Ng.,

During my term in NYSC 2018/2019; I served at the Independence National Electoral Commission (INEC), Jalingo in Taraba State. Then, I could not comprehend the fear of the people for fighting desperately in getting their Permanent Voters Card (PVC). Every morning, I always attended to an angry mob who were ready to tear down the building, if they had not gotten their PVC. I recall a lot of people sustained injuries as a result of the struggle. Being so naïve about the state of our country, I asked my colleagues, “why is this election so important to these northerners? It is not like we are being recognized by these leaders, neither does our votes count”; but I was given a reply which I couldn't comprehend, “because they want to be heard, they want to make sure they get who they choose and they make sure it counts.” Each day that passed brought more curiosity than the other, these northerners sure knows what they are looking for and really had a “wonderful” way of showing it. ...

It’s been five years since our last encounter; and I can’t help but imagine of the things that would have been if she had ever existed. I named her jewel, and I speak to her even when she’s not here. Her opinion, ideas and imagination of things or people is what keeps me going. But I seem not to find her in the people I meet. After our first encounter, her existence is the only thing that drives me to bed; and when I search her in our place of solitude, she would always be under a tree, with her braids packed up and in an African printed dress, holding a book with an unusual name. “You finally came!”, she said after our first encounter, “I thought you would disappear on me after I scared you”, she said while laughing; My God! She has the most beautiful laughter I have ever heard, I continued to admire as she threw her head backwards and laughed; this time in slow motion while I played one of Chad Lawson’s songs in my head. “You are beautiful,” I thought aloud. She stopped and sta...