20th of October, 2020

16th October, 2020

16th October, 2020
Lekki
6:30 am.

Jóke

I sat on my bed, rubbing oil on my hair. Yesterday was my first day at the protest ground and it wasn't funny.

Maami was very upset. She asked me not to go. But I have to go. I'll have to sneak out without her permission today. By all means.

I put on my customized T-shirt which read: #End SARS, #End police brutality

The match was becoming serious and I liked the way people were emphasizing on it.

After putting on my sneakers, I went towards the window and inhaled. I climbed over and them jumped.

I was on the ground soon and then I ran out the gate and onto the road.

7:00 am.

I was opposite the bridge with many people. People had slept in shops and on the floor. They had decided to sleep there.

My phone was ringing. It was Bimbo.

"Jóke, we're cooking in that restaurant we were at yesterday. Come there and help us." She said and I nodded, walking down to the restaurant.

As soon as I had entered the restaurant, I saw Emmanuel and Bimbo hugging. They didn't even notice my presence.

"Hmm hmm." I cleared my throat and they moved away from each other.

"Jóke welcome. We're cooking, come and help us." Bimbo said and smiled at me.

I shook my head at Emmanuel and he laughed following us inside the kitchen.

The day brightened up. I found myself serving food and water to the protesters.

"Madam, put plantain, put plantain." One young man muttered.

"Madam, beans na."

Bimbo laughed and served them too.

The protest went on, with people crying and screaming.

"I was locked in a cell for five days. I didn't do anything wrong. All they said I did was that I was boasting." One Mr Tobi said.

"I was just asking them to let me go oh."

My phone beeped in my pocket.

Maami

Jóke, I don't want to lose you.
Please take care of yourself.
God be with you.
Always.

I smiled and then texted back.

Me
Thank you, Maami.
God bless you.

As soon as I dropped my phone, the song 'Jerusalema was being played.

"Jóke!" Bimbo screamed. "Our song."

She pulled me and we began to dance, laughing at our dance steps. Many people danced today like it was going to be the last day.

"Jerusalema ekayalami o." Bimbo screamed.

"Ahh Bimbo, is that the lyrics? Keep quiet jare." I said and we all laughed.

I was going to sleep at the bridge tonight and yet again without Maami's permission.