20| Mr president.

Ruby.

The noise and laughter that engulfed me as we stepped foot into the Daniels' elegant mansion was alarming and somewhat disturbing for the introvert me. The fleet of luxurious cars and bodyguards dressed in black suits and dark shades didn't give me a hint of what I was to meet inside.

Chief Bankole Daniels had called for Toby and I two days ago, saying that he had a very important news to share, one that concerns us dearly and trust me when I say that he said the last part with so much strictness in his tone.

Toby disappeared into the circle of the pot bellied men within a twinkle of an eye, most of which were dressed in expensive looking suits. Only very few women were present, dressed in shiny and colorful wears and this included Mrs Daniels herself.

I found myself looking to and fro wondering what the occasion was and who was going to put me out of my curious mystery. The chants of Mr president kept echoing as they laughed and drank expensive wines.

"Ahnahn! Is that not Toby's wife? Fine girl, Our Toby must be doing such a great job, see how robust she is. Evidence of good life." One of the men finally acknowledged me in a very accent I couldn't quite point out.

I was forced to smile and greet them.
The same man drew me closer and his strong cologne almost suffocated me.
"Children of nowadays! How are you? You children should be careful about what you do henceforth! My president, have you told them yet?"

I took my seat shyly amidst them while I struggled to keep my eyes on the large screen TV that was showing a telenovela show.

"No. I wanted it to be a surprise to them as well. So I'll be breaking the news to them today. Let me start with Toby..." Chief Bankole Daniels started as he turned to Toby who was seated beside his mom.
I didn't miss the smile and cheeriness that was on Mrs Daniels' face.

This one that everybody is just happy today.

"You must resume at Daniels' Group Global headquarters on Monday.  You're now the new Chairman of  the Daniels' Conglomerate." Chief Bankole Daniels announced as clapping, congratulations and back pats followed afterwards.

Toby was smiling from ear to ear. It was very obvious that he had waited for this his whole life. Well, he was the heir after all, who else would become the chairman before. But why Chief Daniels was retiring early was the part I wanted them to get to.

"Thank you so much, dad. I promise not to disappoint you and take the family business to the highest levels." Toby said.

"Well, I have not given you full access yet, so I can still do and undo. Disappoint me and you're going to be demoted to being someone's secretary."

Way to ruin the mood, Chief.

"It's 12pm already. The program would be on." One of the men announced as he changed the station to a popular TV News channel.
The room was eerily quiet. We all watched as Chief Bankole was welcomed onto the program with laughter, clapping and greetings.
The fact that the program said it was live made me wonder if the person in the room with us was his twin.

Untruthful bunch of people.

"Chief Bankole, rumors have been flying around about your interest in running for President of this nation. This couldn't be said to be true yet as it was also circulated years before. Would you please tell us the truth?" The beautiful dark lady questioned.

"Well, it's true this time. Not that it wasn't true the last time too but I lost at the primaries but this time. I won."
Wow escaped my mouth before I could even think.

"That's very nice. As someone that the nation adores for his humbleness, philanthropy and good heart, I'm sure over seventy percent of the nation will be very happy to hear this, asides the north of course since you're running against their potential candidate."

"General Hassan Maigoro is my very good friend, running against each other doesn't jeopardize that. It's a democratic society after all, may the people's choice win." Chief Bankole said with humbleness. I could swear that he wasn't the same man who swears at his family and acts bipolar everytime.

The next question that the lady popped was about his intention for the nation when he wins. I prepared my mind to hear dozens of promises that were sure to be failed, as usual. How anybody still believes any of them baffles me.

"The first thing I'm going to do is to ensure twenty four hours supply of electricity. I mean, isn't it high time the giant of Africa has this? And I'll create job opportunities for up to one hundred thousand graduates, you people should know that I create job opportunities even when I'm not the president so what's to say when I become the president."

If you become the president. General Hassan Maigoro obviously has the upper hand.

And that twenty four hours blah blah blah, I hope my country people have already canceled it out cos we all know that these politicians won't do shit! Who are they even deceiving?
The rest of the interview was filled with more fake promises as I rolled my eyes as he mentioned and buttressed each one. 

Soon the program came to an end and one of the women present broke into a Yoruba song cheerily.

"Ba ti e di bo,
Bankole, o ti wole!"
{Even if we don't vote,
Bankole, you have won.}

Another woman chanted, "APP!"

"Progress!"

"APP!"

"Progress!"

"APP!"

"Progress!"

"Congratulations, My President!" Otunba said as they gave eachother hugs. One would think it was his inauguration party already.

Election that's yet to even start.  These political parties can be hilarious.

I watched as Chief Bankole Daniels and his wife escorted their guests amidst gists, songs and laughter. The silence in the extra large living room was deafening as I focused on everywhere except Toby. Ever since my birthday party which ended on a bad note by the way, with different gifs and remix of my embarrassing fall circulating around the Internet, Toby and I have hardly exchanged words nor had any confrontation.

I liked it that way.

"You're getting so fat."
I heard his deep voice say as I finally looked at him.

"I wasn't exactly slim before." I retorted even though my voice came out squeaky.

"Well,  Yes. But you're fatter! Looking more amoeba-ish now." Toby mocked while I just looked away not having any replies to that. I'm aware of the fact that I was gaining so much weight, and it was due to the fact that all I channel my energy to these days are junk foods.

"You need to get a gym instructor. Being ugly and at the same time fat is not a good combination. Choose one and stick with it." He instructed as he glared.

Chief Bankole Daniels and his wife walked in at that moment.
After looking to and fro between Toby and I as if telling that there was some sort of tension, he spoke, "Now that you know of my political ambitions. Not just any ambition, presidency for that matter, I hope you have the common sense to know that good behavior is expected from all of you in this family. Good behavior entails you all doing what you're supposed to do, going where you're supposed to go, avoiding unnecessary drama and Internet nonsense and also campaigning for me of course. Clara, try not to be the witch that you are to people for now, you jeopardize this with some stupid stuff and I swear, I'd strangle you and throw your body to wolves to feed on.  And Toby, anything bad come from your wife, I'd still hold you responsible so be in control of her."

We were all silent as he instructed sternly, I definitely wouldn't want to get on the bad side of this man. Even the family he's lived with for years fear him, who am I not to?

"I hope with these few points of mine, I have been able to convince you and not confuse you that loosing is not my thing and I always win no matter what!"Chief Bankole concluded playfully as he broke into a grin.

Bipolar runs in the family, that's certain.

"FM!" He called out.
A middle aged man dressed in black suit and dark shades rushed in.

"My family needs more security, see to that! I don't want to hear story that touches!" Chief Bankole instructed him as he left for the inner rooms.

"Yes sir!"

That is totally necessary!