The incorruptible

Episode 4

       TERROR IN THE CLASS

There was gradual transformation in the school as majority of the students began to ‘comport themselves in good manner. They began to understand that it was because of the high level of corruption in the country that citizens were exposed to untold hardship being experienced all over the country. They realised that the alarming rate of unemployment was also because of the unwholesome activities of some corrupt leaders who were selfish and self centred. Therefore, they saw the need for self discipline.

Although some undisciplined students who were not ready for change found it extremely . difficult to adjust and behave right, the Principal promised never to relent in his effort at making all the students turn a new leave.

Abe was a popular boy in the school. He had three friends: Mope, Tunde and Sina. They
were all very brilliant. These four friends loved the Principal dearly. In fact, they were the closest to the Principal among the students.

These friends appreciated the Principal for his principles and ideas. Each time they had an opportunity to be with the Principal, mostly after the school hours or at weekends, they often asked different questions from him. The Principal in his characteristic manner always created time for .' them and told them the truth about whichever topic they raised.

Most times they asked the Principal about the state of the nation and the Principal really gave them insight on why the country was not making the desired progress despite the huge resources it has.

Similarly, he enlightened them on the possible solution. He emphatically told them that the future of the nation was in their hands and it would be disastrous if they also disappointed the nation as the present generation had done. In order to live up toexpectations, he encouraged them to promote the culture of morality, discipline, patriotism, rule of law and truth amongthemselves.

Fortunately, these four friends had a deep
love for their country. They wanted it to be great against. They wanted all to start to enjoy so that there would be peace in the land, as such they were ready to do things in an ideal, civilised and decent way so as not to follow the footstep of the leaders.

Apparently,Abe and his friends were genuine leaders among the students. That was evident in the number of their admirers. Other students respected their opinion and also held them in high esteem. And they exploited the advantage of their popularity to talk to many students. As a result, they were able to make great impact among them.

Unfortunately, one major difficulty they
had was Bamu. Because Bamu was a spoilt child, all the Principal was doing was strange to him. Each time Abe and any of his friends talked to him, he made jest of them and even called them names.

Sadly, Bamu was able to win some students to his side and they constituted the set of notorious boys in the school. The Principal got to know about them and kept on inviting them to his office for counselling at regular intervals.

Despite his untiring effort at changing
Bamu and his friends, little or nothing was achieved and each time the Principal called for their parents, Bamu would not tell his father but his mother. Yet, she would not turn up.

One day, there was trouble in Bamu’s class. Alade, a member of the class kept some money in his desk. As he went out to ease himself, Bamu smartly stole the money without anybody’s knowledge, except Ade.

Meanwhile, Bamu suspected that Ade caught him stealing with the way he was staring at him. Later, he went to him and warned him never to tell anybody about what happened or else, he would deal with him on the way home.

In the class, everybody ' feared Bamu because of his stature and nature. Bamu was a big ’ boy and very dangerous. He often used his huge physique to intimidate and bully others. So, Ade was scared and decided to keep quiet, pretending not to have seen what had happened.

Later, Alade discovered that his money had been stolen and raised an alarm. But nobody seemed to know anything about the lost money.

Soon, Uncle Dele, the class teacher heard
about the incident and stepped into the matter. He persuaded whoever had stolen the money to
return it before he took a strong measure to find It Yet the money was not returned. Already, they knew Uncle Dele to be tough and a no nonsense teacher.

Uncle Dele was angry and decided to cane every member of the class. Not that alone, he said that everybody would have to contribute money to refund the lost money. Although all the students did not like he decision, but their is nothingthey could do except try to identify the person that stole the money.

Ade was thinking in his heart but he dared not risk exposing Bamu. Each time he tried to say something, Bamu’s look would frighten him and he would keep quiet.

Mope noticed that Ade was troubled. She then suspected that something was f1shy. After a while, she moved up to Ade and asked what was wrong with him.

At first, Ade wanted to pretend but when Mope threatened to report to Uncle Dele, he quietly told Mope about the lost money. H6 however begged Mope to keep the, secret to herself alone so as to avoid trouble with Bamu.

At that juncture, Mope was very angry a5 she immediately went to Bamu to challenge him.

Bamu was very angry and slapped Mope. Although Mope did not return the slap, she went straight to report to Uncle Dele. Before Uncle Dele came into the class, Bamu had jumped through the window and escaped.

The case was reported to the Principal. The Principal was very angry and promised to make Bamu a scapegoat.

Later, he sent for Bamu's father. Not long Aweda, Bamu's father arrived in the Principal's Office. The Principal welcomed him "and then berated him on why he had not been showing up each time he sent for him.

Aweda was surprised and denied ever receiving any invitation from the school. The Principal briefed him on why he had called him.

Once again, Aweda was sad. He regretted his son's .behaviorand told the Principal the challenges he had been facing with Bamu and his mother. Then the Principal understood why it would be very difficult for Bamu to change.

Meanwhile, he promised to do all within his power to make him become a good boy. He also promised to come and talk to Aweda’s Wife.