By Dr Bassey Emmanuel Two Vows and the Safehouse. My friend! Who are you to batch into my office like that what is chasing you? Pascal shouted. I am sorry sir I was terrified by the visuals coming in from Maiduguri. Our soldiers were attacked and the Commanding Officer of the Unit, his Orderly and … Read more
By Dr Bassey Emmanuel A knock on the door, who is it? Pascal asked the second time raising his voice. I am the one sir, a Senegalese Air Force Officer came in and saluted Pascal Morning sir! He spoke. Morning, Pascal responded. How may I be of help to you? Pascal asked. Sir, I was … Read more
By Dr Bassey Emmanuel The WHO Briefing in Geneva – A rifle is replaced by a laser pointer. But the war follows him. Geneva, Switzerland — WHO Headquarters. 72 Hours After the Prize Pascal adjusted his tie. It felt like a tourniquet around his neck. He immediately recalled his last night in Sudan when someone … Read more
By Dr Bassey Emmanuel The Geneva Call: From the deserts of Darfur to the halls of Switzerland: A Nigerian soldier stands before the world. One year after the BBC World Service interviewed Pascal, he submitted a casual poem titled “The Scar” to be read for the listening pleasure of listeners. He wrote the poem on … Read more
By Dr Bassey Emmanuel UN Observer – The Soldier-Poet of Sudan with Stethoscope and Rifle Pascal arrived at the Army Headquarters Department of Army Training and Operations, AHQ DATOPS, the next day 30 minutes before the time he was given. The office was still scanty as most staff were yet to resume work for the … Read more
By Dr Bassey Emmanuel The National Stage – He recited a poem called THE FLAG. By midnight, Army Headquarters was calling. By morning, he had orders for Sudan. That was Pascal’s second time in Abuja, the first being when he went for documentation exercise for the Nigerian Army Sponsorship into civil institution, which he was … Read more
By Dr Bassey Emmanuel “When the road refuses to move, the people’s heart must agree to move.” 1. THE NEW CLOCK OF MARARABA The bridge is under construction, and the road has become a test of both patience and wisdom. Before, from Masaka to Area 1 was 40 minutes. Now it is “God knows when.” … Read more
By Dr Bassey Emmanuel. The Corporal, The Doctor and The Poet He refused a bribe and found an AK-47. He topped JAMB and wrote poetry for peace. Nigeria had to promote him. I will not be a party to anyone collecting money under any guise in this checkpoint, Pascal warned his colleagues and issued an … Read more
By Dr Bassey Emmanuel Homecoming in Camouflage The whole street hid when he came home. Then they realised: their soldier came to protect, not arrest. Pascal the vehicle is ready to take us to our new units come let’s go, Peter said. Oh, thank you Peter I was carried away with my thoughts. Your bang … Read more
By Dr Bassey Emmanuel The Race and The Rank. He ran 3.2km in 18 minutes. He defined “soldier” in 18 words. Nigerian Army promoted him on the spot. Mother I’m doing fine where I am. How are you and father doing and how are my siblings? Pascal asked. He had finally put his 2 SIM … Read more