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. 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
By Dr Bassey Emmanuel The Missing Pascal on the Road to Calabar I have been calling the two lines of Pascal for days now they are both not reachable. Where could he be? Oh God please help my son wherever he may be. Protect him in the morning while going out and bring him back … Read more
At 18, Pascal chose the Army over poverty. His father called it betrayal. He called it duty. Pascal! Pascal!! where is this boy for goodness’s sake Mrs Vincent wondered. He is not always the outing type where on earth could he have gone? What is the matter? Why are you shouting on top of your … Read more