Binta

Chapter Three

I woke up early to the first call of prayers, I performed some Nafila (special prayers) and fajr (morning prayer) then recited the holy Quran. When I was done I did some morning chores and hurried to take my bath because I don't want to be late today being my first day at work I have to make up for yesterday ,I won't want my Boss to feel am not fit and proper for the job.

I greeted my mom and told her am off for work.

"Wont you have breakfast before going" she inquired

I showed her my food flask in which I have pack some leftover from yesterday night.

"I would come down to your office later to say a thank you to your boss, give me a call when he is free" she ordered,

"...please put in your best and don't get into any trouble" she preached.

I only smiled and walked away briskly.

My mother she doesn't stop to amaze me really. I am not surprised she told me she was coming to my office, I did expect it. I'm even lucky she notified me. I just pray and hope that when she comes she doesn't embarrass me, I don't get use to being embarrassed despite the fact she does that often.

.....................................................................

I walked into my office at exactly 8am just as I was about to take the weight off my feet my boss voiced drone in.

"Thank God you are here...I need you take a brief for me before the high Court 2. I have a matter at the court of Appeal I can't put off.

Hope you have your wig and gown" he asked struggling with his bib.

"No sir, I have no idea we were going to the court today" I fumble with my words.

"Binta how do a farmer go to the farm without his hoe" he retorted harshly.

"I am sorry sir, I can hurry home to pick it before the court sit" I pleaded

"Don't you worry I guess we have a spare in the library for people like you, use it but ensure you come with yours tomorrow" he admonished.

"Let's meet in the library so I can brief you on what to expect in court we don't have much time".

............................................................

I stepped into the court confidently like I had been doing this all my life and found myself a seat at the middle row, as I sat down I greeted my learned friends beside me.

The court was actually full today which made me a bit nervous. I slowly put on my wig and gown and waited patiently for the judge. Not long enough there was a heavy bang and we all observed the court decorum as the judge took his seat.

"Alhaji Ibrahim and Alhausa project Nig LTD..." announced the court clerk.

I stood up and announced my appearance and so did the other party. Then I proceed to move the motion.

"My lord I have here a motion on notice for amendment of pleadings..."

"May I have the permission of this honorable court to move the motion...."I paused for the judge reaction.

When there was no objection I continued.

"My lord this motion is supported with five paragraph affidavits brought pursuant to order 24 r. 2.....and under the inherent jurisdiction of the court...I would like to rely on all the whole paragraph especially paragraph 3, 4, and 5.

"My lord this amendment is to bring the pleading in line with evidence adduced and to include an additional claim..."

"Any objection" she turned to the defence counsel

"My lord we have no objection to the motion"

"Application granted matters adjourned for the 5th of February for trial" the judge pronounced.

My lord 5th of February won't be convenient we have a matter at the federal High court" as I perused the diary my boss gave me.

"What about the 2nd of February?" his Lordship asked

"That's very okay my Lord" said the defense counsel immediately without seeking my opinion, and I wonder if he was speaking for the both of us or himself, I found myself taking it personal.

"Are you in consensus counsel to the plaintiff?"The judge snapped me out of my thought.

"Yes....yes my lord" I stammered. .

"Matter adjourned for the 2nd of February..."

"As the court pleases" we took our bow and sat down.

I scribe down the date in my diary then bow and took my leave, when I was out of the court room I caught my breath as relief swabbed through me.

"Alhamdulillah (Glory be to God)"I sighed.

"For your first appearance in court that was marvelous, "I turned to the compliment and behold it was the defense counsel.

"Thank you...but how do you know it's was my first appearance?"

"Because I am old in the Bar, I know babies when I see them" he smirked.

"The young shall grow" I retorted and walked away.

I was very angry I hated his guts, his manners. Subhanallilah! "The elephant maybe big but it falls on its face more often than the ant" I whispered to myself then I smiled. When I get back to the office I am going to plead with my Boss to please allow me continue with this case.