A Turbulent Journey to Anambra for COPDEM/DDM Leadership Training

Daniel Okey

The Coalition for the Protection of Democracy in Nigeria (COPDEM) is a pro-democracy group with the members cutting across all parts of the country and in the diaspora. She is in collaboration with digital academy of an International media organisation, the Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) organising a leadership training in journalism for all the State Publicity Secretaries and some National Officers in Awka.

The trip from Abakaliki to Awka takes an average of three hours, according to some drivers. As I bid farewell to my children, who waved goodbye with apparently innocent smiles but openly distressful for some, I felt a pang of sadness. My wife’s reassuring smile and cheering facial expression,, as she dropped me off at the park did little to alleviate my anxiety about the long journey ahead.

The park was a dusty, chaotic hub of activity, with people rushing to board buses and lorries; and hawkers trying to make their sales. I joined my colleagues, along with other passengers, who met on the bus, and together, we squeezed into a bus already overflowing with luggage. The three-hour journey was a test of endurance, with my legs cramped and uncomfortable throughout with alternating numbness with attempted adjustments.

The road from Enugu State was a nightmare, with potholes, dust and dilapidated surfaces forcing vehicles, including heavy-duty trucks, to jostle for space on a single lane. The police and soldiers mounted roadblocks, openly soliciting bribes from drivers and even giving balance to those with higher denominations. It was a blatant display of corruption, which is a clear reflection of Nigerian society, and this left a sour taste in my mouth.

The journey took a turn for the worse when an elderly woman, clearly unwell, began vomiting in the bus after being thrown around in the poor and dilapidated road. The driver’s response was callous, and he berated her, calling her a “waybill” – a heartless term that implied she was nothing more than a packaged item to be delivered. His actions continued till one of the military checkpoints and was noticed by the soldiers. One of the soldiers at the roadblock intervened, warning the driver to show some respect, not only for the elderly but also for his passengers.

The tension in the bus was palpable, with passengers angry at the driver’s behaviour but reluctant to speak out for fear of further delays by the military officer. As we finally approached our destination, the driver’s demeanour became increasingly aggressive, quarrelling with passengers who dared to criticize him.

We eventually arrived at Unizik junction, one of the motor parks in Awka relieved to disembark from the chaotic bus. However, our journey was far from over as the local tricyclists were unclear about the directions to our final destination, DDM IT Academy at Mgbakwu one of the villages in Awka, leading to frustrating delays. We climbed the pedestrian crossing multiple times in obedience to their directive on where to board for our final destination.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, we arrived at the academy, exhausted but happy and grateful to God to have arrived safely. As I alerted my family to my arrival, I couldn’t help but reflect on the turbulent journey that had brought me to this moment.

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