The invitation arrived on national television.
During the evening news, sandwiched between reports of political scandals and football scores, the anchor announced that Senator Ekene Okoro—one of the Network's most prominent political allies—had formally challenged Elian Athens to a live televised debate. The topic: "Corruption in Nigerian Business: Who Is Really to Blame?"
Okoro himself appeared via satellite, his broad face arranged in a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Let the people see for themselves who speaks truth and who merely shouts slogans. I'm ready to debate Mr. Athen anytime, anywhere. Unless, of course, he's afraid to face real questions."
The challenge was a trap, obviously. Okoro was a skilled debater, a former law professor who had made his name destroying witnesses
