Courage pays

 In Enugu State, during the reign of the past administration, there was a certain House of Assembly member (name withheld). He unleashed tax forces known as "Agbero" upon the unsuspecting motorists at Orie Emene and Eke Obinagu area in the name of traffic control. These tax forces, inexperienced and ruthless, terrorized drivers with impunity.

One day, a driver shared his harrowing experience at a mechanic's shop, how his bus was impounded by the tax forces for what they judged as infringement. He vividly described how he pleaded with them, offering them the only 2,000 naira he had in his possession. However, the tax forces, unmoved by his pleas, adamantly refused to accept anything less than their demanded amount.

According to him, feeling trapped and desperate, he resorted to cunning tactics. He feigned compliance, pretending to agree to their terms and promising to return with the full 15,000 naira. While the tax forces were momentarily distracted by another commotion, he seized the opportunity to make his escape.

With a mix of nerves and adrenaline coursing through his veins, he stealthily slipped back to his car. His heart raced as he fumbled for the spare key hidden in the pigeonhole. With trembling hands, he inserted the key into the ignition and started the engine, praying silently that the noise wouldn't alert the tax forces to his escape.

In a daring move, the driver swiftly drove away from the scene straight to the mechanic's garage, leaving the tax forces bewildered and clueless to his disappearance. As he recounted this daring escape, a sense of triumph and relief washed over him, as well as all of us who listened. 

A barrister who was in our midst overheard and saw an opportunity. He immediately struck a deal with the driver, agreeing to buy his case for a hefty sum. All the driver needed to do was to introduce him as the owner of the car. Me, as I too like amebo, I followed them to see how the whole drama will play out. Well, they confronted the tax forces, presenting the demanded 15,000 naira and reclaiming the car. However, the head of the tax forces was baffled when he realized the car was missing. Little did he know, the police were already on their way, thanks to the barrister's quick thinking.

The tax force head was arrested and detained for the disappearance of the car, valued at 850,000 naira. This incident served as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of integrity and responsibility in one's actions. I wish I followed up the case to know how things eventually played out. Well, however, since then, Emene has seen no resurgence of such oppressive tax forces, and motorists have enjoyed a sense of safety and freedom on the roads. 

Sometimes ur courage might just be what is needed to end a lasting trouble in your community.