It was another smelly day at Ikeja Bus stop, and I was praying to find a Danfo (thanks for the ban Gov. Sanwo-Olu).
I left scores of people lined up, and walked the length of the road trying to find a Danfo before it got to the bus stop (because I didn't wear my fine skirt so that danfo hustle will tear it).
I raced back to the bus stop when I saw 3 danfos stop, and got in casually with a bunch of people for just N100 extra.
That is when the drama began...
The car had barely moved two feet when it started making a horrid rattling sound (listen below).
We thought it would wear off but it didn't. And no one wanted to get down since the driver became conveniently deaf to our cries for our change/money back; no one could afford to kiss their money goodbye, so we stayed.
Each time the bus stopped for more passengers, we told them about the sound. None minded until the car moved.
But when it came to a woman with a 2-3month old child on her back, we insisted!
'No oooo ma please! Your child can't bear it"
She listened and got down.
Then the driver 'sparked'
He yelled at us for dissuading his passengers. Three Igbo guys, especially, at the back yelled back at him for being selfish--I was proud of them. Curses started to fly.
When I came to my bus stop I asked for my change. I knew he would see me as I took a picture of his plate number (intending to report) but that was the best position to take a picture and demand my change at the same time.
The insults began. He refused to give me my change and began with the classic Yoruba 'ya werey...'
I sat back down and, feeling generous, gifted him a piece of my mind. I called him wicked for preferring N100 over the health of a child.
When he started threatening to beat me up, I brought our my student ID card (National Institute of Journalism) and threw the classic journalist threats at him.
Then the insult that activated my maddness came
" I thought you were responsible. Look at your fellow woman, (pointing at the woman beside me) is she not calm?..."
What kind of mad mysognistic comment is that? So because I am a woman, I should sit down and smile at you for your lack of consideration--and I dare say it--inhumanity?
I gave him a Benin woman tongue lashing. Called him names I am not proud of, and dragged my change from his hands.
He kept the threats coming. He was going to beat me if he ever saw me at the bus stop. That didn't make me cower, if there's any Ibibio phrase my mum taught me well it's 'Ku nyergidem' (do not fear).
I have armed myself with the recording of those sounds and a picture of his plate number and will report to relevant authorities; whether or not they take me seriously.
It looks like a trivial matter until you consider the fact that people like this, who would choose petty change over their fellow human being's welfare are one of the reasons why thinking about Nigeria is one path to depression.
I don't make this stuff up folks.
Tell me, what would you have said and done if you were in that bus? And yes, subscribe😘
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