THE COVIDIOTS (1)

"This is your time, sir. Your hour of glory has come, and we must utilize every aspect of this misfortune to grow your fortune." Chief of Staff to the President whispered into his ears as they walked towards the Exco chamber, where all the 36 State governors and Federal Ministers waited for a very important meeting. 

#Sule, was a controversial political science lecture at the Federal University Kashere, in Gombe State. His extreme political views against the last administration led to his sacking by the same government he victimized, his publications on social media and the print media played a vital role in the failed reelection bid of former President Ginlok Johnny. Because his followers believed he spoke the truth to authority without fear. They blindly endorsed his candidate of choice in the following presidential election without thinking twice. 

His appointment as CoS to President #Mamman Bukar did not come as a surprise to the followers of political happenings in the country. "He deserved it." They thought. 

Today, there's a new deadly virus sweeping accross the globe, and all the political leaders in the country must act fast and put measures in place before it reaches here. That's why this emergency meeting was convened. 

Sule always has a plan, "don't be quick to shut the borders sir, our economy completely depends on import and export. The country will collapse in a matter of days if you go ahead with the decision." On his mind, was the shipment of hand sanitizer, face mask, ventilators, and other medical supplies he had ordered from China. The shipment was due to arrive in seven days time, he must buy some time for this cargo to enter the country on time for his plan hatch. 

After the closed door meeting with the President, Sule invited five Governors into his office for another crucial meeting. 

"Like I discussed with you on phone last week, I already have the pathogen in that cooler right there." Pointing to a cylindrical container at the corner. 

"You will take one flask with you to Lagos, find and corner any unfortunate foreigner who'd just returned to the country and make him your index case. Infect him with the virus while he is quarantined in your facility so that he will test positive by the time W.H.O. and NCDC conduct a test on him. Once that is done, we're in business."

Lagos has a large population density,the spread will be very easy and flawless. Sule deliberately chose the State for the introduction of his imported virus which was only known as a new strain of the coronavirus. 

Turning to the Cross River State Governor he said, "I have a different business proposal for you. Recruit some hungry but professional virologists and pay them to deny the existence of the virus".

The Governor had the notion that this was supposed to be a money making venture, "How could denying having any case in my State make me any richer as you promised?"

"Do not insult your credentials, Your Excellency. You are going to blow open the State's treasury and claim that you've successfully stopped the virus from penetrating your borders because you are spending billions daily to keep it out. I will collect 50% of what we realize at the end of every week." He added while using the cover of a pen to pick his itchy ear. 

Now the Governors all noded with an assuring smile that this man is definitely a genius. 👏👏👏

"You will refuse to collect any test centers in the mean time." He now turned to face Taraba and Adamawa State Governors. 

"This idiot wants to victimize us because we're in the opposition". #Sondick, the Taraba State Governor murmured in a low tone.  😐

"Borno will have enough test centers to cater for you two. We are looking to totally shut down the country in one month's time, you will send your samples there daily. This is how it works, we will send enough swabs to your States to collect samples. Whether there is a case or not, you must send any random sample to Borno daily...."

"But how does that translate to the billions we're supposed to get?" Gov. Rifinti of Adamawa State rudely interrupted him. 🙄

Sule is a very patient man, he's read virtually every book on Emotional Intelligence. So his demeanor is always on point. 👌

"When there's a total lockdown, State borders and airports are going to be closed down. The only way you can get a sample to the lab in Maiduguri is by authorized vehicular movement. You will budget #500,000 for daily transportation of samples to the lab. That will continue for as long as there is still loose money in your treasuries. Even if it means you'll continue sending the same samples daily. Then my boys will bring proposals on setting up isolation centers in every state. That will introduce the second phase of our Masterplan." At this point, #Dujegan the Kano State Governor almost applauded Sule's wizardry. He loves to hear about money. 😂

Gov. Dujegan could not wait for the part he would play in the grand scheme of things anymore. "But the Health Minister doesn't look like an intelligent man, do you think he will play ball? Even the NCDC boss refused to accept a bag full of dollars from me when I attempted to bribe him into making Kano the biggest test center in the North."

"Mr. President will inaugrate a Task Force next week, I have positioned an ally to coordinate the committee. They will all answer to him, and our interest will still be protected."

"But I want your state to champion the distribution of the virus in the entire North. I have a container load of infected face masks already on its way into the country, and I want you to recruit your Almajiri boys to sell them in traffic jams and intersections so that the number of infected persons will surge astronomically and your State will be eligible to access the #10billion Naira I have advised Mr. President to give the first states to record over 50 cases each."

Hearing this, Gov. Dujegan began to pick his nose with his pinky finger as he quickly converted the amount to dollars in his head. 

"Now I have to go brief the President that we are ready to go. Do not discuss any of this with anyone outside this meeting, except if you intend to exclude yourself from taking part in the phase three which is the main event." Sule Shook hands with the governors but only waved at Gov. Dujegan whose hand was just pulled out from scratching his sweaty armpit. 

TO BE CONTINUED... 

#FICTION

JBZ_2020