THE EXETA

CHAPTER ELEVEN

After Clarence had accepted to take the responsibility as grandmaster of the Black Guild, Prof Aikien sent word to all his colleague local an international whom he knew where passionate about black lives and liberation. Most pan African club, groups and organization had received message from The Harbingers and after all the responses were analyzed and scanned the current members of The Brotherhood were chosen. The Court of the Giuld was also secured as it was agreed that the Headquarters will be in Accra Ghana since that was the place THE EXEA resided. Clarence had been grandmaster for the past 20 years and it was a great pleasure that the day where Africa will be perpetually transmuted into an utopia will happen on his radar.

Court of the Black Guild was packed to it brim for another African convocation. The members of the high table had all taken their seats in the oval fashion. The new recruits found seats at the back as there were ready to be taught. But there was something bizarre. Clarence noticed that – the four recruits have reduced to three. With that Sentinel Okoh was called aside and interrogated.

            “Thank you for coming. We are excited that we have the chance to meet and learn and discuss how we can move Africa forward. And to you recruits I just received message about the reason why one of you is not present and I am not happy about that all. Maybe you do not understand the meaning of a brotherhood I will tell you. We care for each other we are concerned about the welfare of each other. We will die for each other. That is what it means to be a member of the Black Guild. So, I will entreat you to find out why your brother did not make it today and always be in touch with each other.  You are brothers no matter the different nationalities you come from. Is that clear?” Clarence bellowed.

            The three recruits then all replied in unison. With that, Clarence sat down and Prof Aikens took over the stage. “Thanks a lot Grandmaster. Now we move on. To our recruit you still have 17 days more for then end of the Kodexes to be deciphered. I hope you are still working on them. Remember this is your final test and if you succeed you get to join the members of the high table. And now in consonance to that. Today’s convocation is special. The rest of the members of the table will introduce then selves” Prof Aikens said and took his seat. With that the introduction begun with The North African representative—a Tunisian. He was called Yousir Bouaff and a Florist from Tunisia. The second was the Central Africa representative. He was Edibo Fetumba, a Geologist from Cameroon. The third was the Eastern Africa representative of the Black Guild. He was Hagoss Ghebreyesus a Musician from Ethiopia. It was then followed by West African representative. He was Khami Keita a history Teacher from Guinea. Then to the Southern representative was Sibu Makoena a Clinical Psychiatrist from South Africa. Then finally there was a representative from the country Madagascar. He was Renario Ademoney a farmer and third richest person in Madagascar. After the introductions, Prof Aikens took over the floor again.

            “Thanks a lot for the introduction gentlemen. Now to zoom into serious business today talk and discussion will be based on a meeting that took place many year ago. The freedom fighters of Africa fighting for African Unity. We will listen to a very shot piece by the great Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. In the meantime, my brother Matthias will go around with the speech on which today’s discussion is based on.” Prof said and moved over to set the projector. After the projector was set, and Matthias had shared the document to the recruits they started to read through. After the ten minutes audio was played for them to listen again. The message of the audio was:

            “For centuries, Europeans dominated the African continent. The white man arrogated to

himself the right to rule and to be obeyed by the non-white; his mission, he claimed, was to “civilise” Africa. Under this cloak, the Europeans robbed the continent of vast riches and inflicted unimaginable suffering on the African people.

All this makes a sad story, but now we must be prepared to bury the past with its unpleasant memories and look to the future. All we ask of the former colonial powers is their goodwill and cooperation to remedy past mistakes and injustices and to grant independence to the colonies in Africa? It is clear that we must find an African solution to our problems, and that this can only be found in African unity. Divided we are weak; united, Africa could become one of the greatest forces for good in the world. Although most Africans are poor, our continent is potentially extremely rich…

We must prove that greatness is not to be measured in stockpiles of atom bombs. I believe strongly and sincerely that with the deep-rooted wisdom and dignity, the innate respect for human lives, the intense humanity that is our heritage, the African race, united under one federal government, will emerge not as just another world bloc to flaunt its wealth and strength, but as a Great Power whose greatness is indestructible because it is built not on fear, envy and suspicion, nor won at the expense of others, but founded on hope, trust, friendship and directed to the good of all mankind.

 The emergence of such a mighty stabilising force in this strife-worn world should be regarded not as the shadowy dream of a visionary, but as a practical proposition, which the peoples of Africa can, and should, translate into reality. There is a tide in the affairs of every people when the moment strikes for political action. Such was the moment in the history of the United States of America when the Founding Fathers saw beyond the petty wranglings of the separate states and created a Union. This is our chance. We must act now. Tomorrow may be too late and the opportunity will have passed, and with it the hope of free Africa's survival.” With that the message ended.

Prof Aikin then moved to reset the projector and took his seat again. “What you have heard is the same speech you have I your hands currently. It was speech delivered by Kwame Nkrumah popularly titles the “I SPEAK OF FREEDOM SPEECH.” It was not just a speech it was the very core of the emancipation of Africa. As the focus has never changed always advocating for a united state of Africa. What I want you to know is that, we have been at war for many years. And the enemy will not stop until it get what it wants. You have to brace yourselves for the worse. Africa need heroes who were willing to die for it course like all the heroes whose portraits are in this auditorium at the moment. Their spirit is still with us as we continue the good fight of African Unity.” Prof Aikens point to the portrait of the former members of the Black guild.

Edibo the Cameroonian representative then stoop up to speak. “My fellow recruit that will become members soon. I want you to know that my brother Aikin mention about an enemy we are at war against. And that enemy is imperialism. And what do we mean by imperialism? And the elements that it operates with. They are capitalism and colonialism. A state when the colonial master wants to be the sole owner of the food you eat so that if you have not labored for him you will sleep with an empty stomach that day. That is what capitalism is about. The white man’s thought he was the Supreme Being so we black had to succumb to everything they had to offer. They controlled our lives, our freedom, our choice and our economy. And it still happening now. Though we are free from colonialism. We are not free. Neo-colonialism is the new form colonialism has taken. Still from the blood line of Capitalism. We want you to open your eyes and see the white man does not love your interest all he is interest and has been interest is to take all you have. Your gold, diamond, bauxite, manganese, iron, and oil. All he is interested in is to make you believe you are children of a lesser God. Make you lose confidence in your self’s. Make you feel you are not worth living. And they have succeeded in making all this possible through what that brought to us called education.” Edibo was full on anger then sat.

Matthais then took the floor.” So the plan was that when they first discovered this part of the world called Africa and saw it was a land full of rich minerals and precious natural resources. The felt heaven had conferred on them the supreme right to come and encroach all we had. So they devised a tactic of doing this through persuasion. So, in order to facilitate their ulterior agenda, they built schools and churches everywhere they had forts and castle, built schools and churches there and there. They knew that if only they could get us to forget out native language, our customs, our tradition and cultural values and make us take up a new language called English then the process of domination and colonization will be easy. So, we were made to shun our own native language and started to learn the white man’s English. Gradually were forgetting who we here. Where we come from and what we stood for. There is a popular book by the Kenyan’s scholar -- Ngugi Wa Thiong'o, called Decolonization of the Mind. Ngugi in this book advocates the fact that, the colonization of Africa was made easy because African were made to learn the white man’s English, while we forgot our native languages. Though we are freed currently from s*****y and colonialism, our mind is still mentally cached. Because now we use the white man’s English more than we use our own native language.

Lawyer Lokku also took the floor and added.” We can ask that was it all about accruing our natural resources or it was about other reasons we had no idea of. Come to think of it before the coming of the white man to Africa. African had their own indigenous way of life and it was our own utopian in which we life we were so proud of. It was the best we had and we loved it that way. So what really happened? All that happened was simple. They were smart. They were savvy. They were brilliant. And we all in this auditorium are. We all have all the abilities they possess when they made away with most of our natural resources after they enslaved us. This is the war we have been talking about. Africans are not inferior. Africans are not children of lesser gods. We are powerful and mighty if we decide to stand together. We can achieve and chalk success in anything we set our hearts and minds to achieve. It all begins with coming together. As an African Brotherhood, the Black Guild that, is what we stand for.

The discussion was getting hotter. The recruit were keen jotting down points. Yousir Bouaff was ignited and also stood to his feet and started to talk.

“We all know that on the 25th of May every year we celebrate the African Union Day. But lately a lot of people have even forgotten that Africa has an African Union. It feels like that do not exist. In Addis Ababa where I come from, on the 25th of May it feels nothing of significance is happens in the AU headquarters. With all the different crisis and plagues affecting African it would be very hard to hear of the AU intervene in any situation of that sort. African needs something more vivacious and vibrant. And that is the reason we meet here. American and Europe do not have the slightest idea of our existence and what we possess. Many of us here have visited have visited the AU. And there waning in potency with each passing day. But in the mist of the feebleness, we the Black Guild stand strong, and we will bring the desired reckon to any country and continent that have hurt Africa one way or the other. The day of the reckoning is near. And woe unto the then countries whole call themselves the super powers something more than supermen is about to hit them.

“So I am a musician from Ethiopia and I believe music is also a universal language that transcend the physical. Some will say music’s is food for the soul. And I have been an ardent fun of the late legend Robert Nesta Marley. And for me, it all boils down to emancipation our self from mental freedom as Bob Marley said. A psychological liberation. Loving every about Africa and shunning everything about Europe. No other person but us can free our minds. They have been killing our prophets and leaders including Bob Marley himself and we are still here. So someone will say how is it that always African leaders have to go to the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to borrow money. What happened to all the rich natural resources and minerals we had? What happened to them?  So the little part of the story then do not tell you is that. The kind of schooling system we have is not pragmatic to enable us to effectively utilize the remaining resources we have left. It so it feels we are not doing anything. But the problem is that our current educational system is not apt for development. It’s all about memorization and passing exams. So when our African leaders go for the loans or borrow money they are in turn hit with hard terms and condition which end up rendering the African countries in poverty. So you see everywhere in Africa poverty. But they will tell you it because African leaders are corrupt and bribery is a part. Bribery and corruption is prevalent because out education system produces graduate who are corrupt. And these same graduates become leaders and the plight of Africa starts all over again” Hagoss bellowed sentimentally.

The auditorium was silent for some time. Everyone was ruminating about the currently state of the African continent and the necessity of a united states. It was obvious that the only plausible solution was a unification. With that Clarence took the floor once again.

“So that is the query we have been asking ourselves for about 50 years now. Is there hope for Africa. What will be the fate of the African continent the 50 years to come? Will Africa beet better or get worser? Think about theses. When the white man shows you his white teeth, the does not necessarily means you well, Yaa Gyasi wrote in her current book -  Home going. We have been victims of their tyranny and inferiority. And we are not going let that happen forever. The Exeta is what we believe will be the solution to all these quagmires of ours. Many great leaders have fought but they did not succeed. Many died in the course of fighting for the emancipation of the African continent. Because the enemy has always been in-between the details. He has always been lurking in the shadows. The enemy will do well to eliminate you if it sees you will be a troublesome fellow. That has been the history of many great African leaders. But in this moment, we are not counting on any human. We are not counting on any army. We are not counting on any democracy. We will not be frail. We will not be fooled by the scheme of the enemy. The Exeta will be unleashed on a special day called THE DAY OF THE SOLIDATE. And after Africa will never be the same. The world will not know what hit it. African is about to metamorphosed into the utopian haven many continents have been dreamed of.” Clarence narrated.

He received a beckoning from Lawyer Lokku that then time is up. Clarence then nodded his head to that.

“My final words before we end todays convocation. We have been looking to man to fight our battle for us, but this time we get to leave everything in the hands of God – THE EXETA. And when gods go to war with men. You know the outcome.” Clarence ended his talks and sat as he wiped the tears from his face. The rest of the brothers were also saddened with emotions.

“So to add to next time recruits we will like to take your questions. We believe you have a lot to ask and we will be glad to answer them for you. As the Bible says in Timothy” study to show yourself approved. A steward not needed to be ashamed but rather always ready to divide the word of truth. This is truth. All we have talked about in this auditorium is truth.” Renario added.

Prof Aikens then beckon Sibu to say something. Sibu all a little shy then stood up and said.

“All I like to add is that, there had been a war going on as grandmaster said. A war for supremacy for survival, for fame, for glory and emancipation. Let this mind be in you as it was in our founding fathers. The perpetual liberation of Africa from the shackles and the entanglement of the while man is by far the only answer. And this mean that a United States of Africa is what we need. Africa is counting on you. And you better not disappoint her.” Sibu said and sat.

With that Prof Aikin took the floor to close the convocation. “Thank you all for coming. Just a quickly reminder. The Black Guild receive donations and support from it brothers willingly, so we can spearhead the course of African unity. The apartment you are all residing in currently, are all possible due to your generous donations. We want to say mother Africa is grateful and we hope our hard work will pay off on THE DAY OF THE SOLIDATE. Again, to the recruits, concerning the question for the next meeting we advise you to send in your questions via the Black Guild e-mail early so we can prepare to give you concise and profound answers. And remember be each other’s keeper. The meeting is dismissed have a nice weekend.” Prof Aikens closed the convocation with that.

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It was late evening and the Frimpong Manso house was quiet. They had returned from church as usual. Clarence apparently was in the Black Guild meeting. Theresa was busy in the bedroom getting ready for another day of work at the hospital. Lily was the only one in the sofa watching the TV. Talented kidz -  A Ghanaian kids reality TV show, was live and Lily was all into the youth reality show. Lily watched and kept on making noises from the reaction from the performances. It was only Lily in the living room but, it felt as if there were a lot of people there. The noise kept on reverberating as she did not stop giggling and rattling.

            Margaret moved from her room to join Lily on the sofa. She also like the reality show a lot.

            “So who is about to perform now?” Margaret inquired. Lily turned her so much head and replied.         

            “This boy who calls himself KENNI D. He can rap though.” Lily replied.

            “I see…have you ever considered going for auditions on of this days?” Margaret proposed. Lily turned and gave Margaret a strange look.

            “Me, auditions, never… Mom kill me.”

            “And why if you are good singer?” Lily did not hear that last sentence as she was now glued to the current performance. The KENNI D guys seems to mesmerize even the fans at the auditorium.

            “Aha…Where is Simon?…I need to tell him something.” Margaret inquired. Lily turned back her dead and replied,

            “He is in his room. He said I was making too much noise so he left me alone.”

            “Okay. I will be right back.” Margaret moved to the Simon’s room.

Simon room was the moderate space that could accommodate the most minimal of creatures. With the bed tucked at the left corner that was a lot of space in the front where he had his learning table and old computer. There were two windows facing each other the provided the necessary ventilation. Also on the floor was a nicely draped carpet that veneered the floor. In all, Simon rooms was the room that seem good for a cool boy like him. Simon was busy working through some Differential Calculus. Something he really liked a lot. He was into the calculation when Margaret entered.

            “Am busy Lily…if it’s your intention to worry me.” Simon bellowed not knowing who had just entered. Margaret kept the pace and moved on. Getting closer, she eyed the room and saw the portrait of many great mathematicians and scientist on Simon walls like Archimedes, Aristotle, Ptolemy, Renee Desecartes, Galileo Galilei, Isaac Newton …Margaret’s was impressed.

            “Wow!...I guess you are the son of a scientist indeed.” Margaret complemented. That is when Simon knew it was not Lily. He quickly turned and saw her.

            “Hi Auntie Margaret, I thought it was Lily.”

            “Yes who wouldn’t think so…nice pics by the way? I do not recall seeing them then last time I was here.”

            “Yes…I just pasted then last week. After reading from my Dad old books I cut them out and paste them on my wall. Just to remind me.”

            “I see can I sit?” Margaret inquired. Simon hesitantly quickly rose from his seat and gave it to Margaret.

            “Thanks…now to the reason why I can here. I young girl called this afternoon When we were back from Church. I tried in the morning but no one was around so she called again when we were back and luckily, I was out so I picked it. And guess what she said she wanted to speak to you.” Margaret said.

            Simon was getting more curios. There was only one person in his mind that could have called and that was not Marlon.

            “Did she mention her name and the reason she wanted to speak to me?” Simon inquired curious.

            “Yes…I think so she said she was called…Mali”.

            “Marlon…yes I know who she is.” Simon replied now satiated. That was not something he was really looking out for. What did she need him for again?

            “So she said she needs help in solving the riddle you sent her so she will be happy to see you tomorrow.” Margaret explained.

            “Really!...” Simon as stunned, “That is what she said.

            “Yes…so I guess…am done here” Margaret rose to leave, but then turned back to Simon.

            “And if I may ask, who is she by the way?” Margaret inquired. Simon looked on a bot tensed and then release himself.

            “Oh!...she is someone I know…yes just someone.”

            “I see” Margaret then turned back with a smile that said you are trying to hide a lot but I can see through all that lies. She then moved out of Simon’s room.

            Simon then exploded with elation knowing that her mom’s plan had worked. The only plausible conclusion for the current situation was that, Marlon had not been able to decipher the riddles and needed his help. He was gradually getting his revenge back. And when he got there tomorrow, there was a lot he hoped to unveil to Marlon. Make her realise how ignoramus she is. Simon remembered the saying of her mother.