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THE KHALIFA


CAST

KHALIFA A General in Banana Republican Army
AMOBI A General in Banana Republican Army
GHALI The Head of State of Banana Republic
SEGUN A General in Banana Republican Army
MUNIRAT Khalifa’s Wife
DEJI ASALU A Businessman and Statesman
RILWAN A Politician
THE MARABOUT
KADIR A General in Banana Republican Army
MUMUNI A General in Banana Republican Army
1ST POLITICIAN
2ND POLITICIAN
3RD POLITICIAN
THE KHALFA
2
4TH POLITICIAN
SOLDIERS, POLITICIANS, ATTENDANTS, GENERALS.
SCENES SET IN ACAPULCO, BANANA REPUBLIC.



ACT 1
SCENE 4
AT KHALIFA’S HOUSE
Enter Khalifa, Amobi, Segun and other generals in Banana Republic
Army
Khalifa: Well gentlemen you all are aware of the latest
development. I called this meeting to seek your support because
I know that their will be opposition in the council of generals. By
some generals who are comfortable with the present regime.
But we all know that change is inevitable and posterity will one
day record this our little meeting here and brand us as the
saviours of Banana Republic.
Amobi: Indeed I am delighted that you should repose such
confidence on us. We all have to salvage our country from the
oblivion threatening it. Government of national unity is
definitely a worthwhile venture. But before I proceed I will like
to know it’s mandate.
Khalifa: It’s mandate is to conduct an election and hand over to
a democratically elected government within one year.
Segun: General Khalifa, we are solidly behind you, whatever it
takes. This brilliant scheme of yours must succeed, leave it to us.
THE KHALFA
17
We shall win the other generals over, it is for the good of our
fatherland.
Khalifa: Men like you makes a nation to gloat, General Segun. I
have always known that you are a great patriot.
enter Rilwan
Khalifa: Here comes another esteemed citizen of Banana
Republic. Now, Rilwan tell us what the political class thinks
about this Government of national unity. We all know that you
are a military apologist.
Rilwan: The political imbroglio we have been witnessing is not
something we can not surmount. I have held consultations, far
and wide throughout the length and breadth of this country. I
must inform you that there is a consensus among the political
class. Which is that the head of state must go. No matter the
sincerity of his actions, people don’t seem to see it that way.
What they see is a cunning man that has not kept a single
promise. Who is clinging to power tenaciously and does not
want to relinquish it. Consequently, the first obstacle to peace in
this country is the head of state and we the political class want
the military to know that. We do not have any problem with the
military per se. Therefore, gentlemen I must impress it upon you
that we have to act fast. A government of national unity have to
THE KHALFA
18
be in place within one month or this nation will go to tatters.
Therefore, I urge you generals to speed up action, that we may
save this nation from a major catastrophy.
Amobi: Indeed we understand the urgency attached to your
speech. We generals are more concerned about the fate of this
country more than any other group. Palpable trepidation
hammers a note in our hearts each day at the turn of events in
this country. We shall not fail to act fast on a solution we
believe will pull us out of this doldrums. Now, there is a
pertinent issue we have to trash out here. We all know that this
current agitation has been tribalised. Are the tribe in the
forefront of this agitation willing to embrace the idea of a
government of national unity?
Rilwan: Thank you General, I can see from your question that
you are not a badmash. Therefore, I shall endeavour to give you
a candid answer. Some of the political class from this tribe are
favourably disposed to the idea of a government of national
unity. But the core political class of this tribe are not. But I see
no reason why that should stop us. It is the best option we have
right now and any other action will only lead to a further
degeneration of law and order.
THE KHALFA
19
Khalifa: Since when can we not be able to accommodate slight
differences? If we want a solution that the entire citizens of
Banana Republic will approve, then we will have none. The most
important point to note here, is that majority of stakeholders in
this political imbroglio approves. Now Generals, I must remind
you that we are going to have stiff opposition. Especially from
that fat general, General Kadir, I want you all to watch out for
him.
exit Amobi, Segun and other generals.
Rilwan: General Khalifa, I want you to be wary of General
Amobi and General Segun. They might not back your scheme if
they were to know the motives behind your subtle moves.
Khalifa: You are closer to me in this deed than any other person,
not even my wife whom we are bonded in partnership.
Therefore, I shall not conceal any fact from you. I understand
your fears, and I must tell you that they are not misplaced. I
know these generals, I know what they can do and undo. Right
now, I need those two generals. They are the archetypal upright
men, with virtuous virtues effulgently shining. They are well
respected in the army, even more than the head of state and
myself. Their words carry so much weight among their
contemporaries and even among junior officers. Because
THE KHALFA
20
everyone knows that they speak out of sincerity of purpose.
They have seen the nobility of my idea without deciphering the
transcendent manouever which am making. Now that they are
convinced about this government of national unity, they will
work tirelessly to bring other generals on board. Believing
naively that they are working for the good of the country. And
believe me my friend that the moment I do not need their
services anymore, I will throw them to the trash can. I can
assure you that it will not be long after I have become the head
of state.
Rilwan: General, I have been faithful right from the beginning
and I shall be till this venture is accomplished. But I do not see
my name coming out prominently in your scheme of things. A
labourer has his wage and a faithful servant his reward from his
master whom he has diligently served. What is my reward?
Name it, that I might hold on to it when this deed is
accomplished.
Khalifa: My dear Rilwan, your services to me has been priceless.
There is no price or reward that is too much for you. Who do
you think will sit at my right hand, out of sight, yet there, ruling
and plundering. For all the riches God has bless this country
with will be at your disposal. We shall both swim in it yet we will
THE KHALFA
21
not drown. To my dear Rilwan, there will be no closed doors,
only an official title shall separate us. In nomenclature only
while in our hearts we shall be one. It shall all be yours for the
taking, this great expanse of land, this massive hulk of a nation.
The pride of every Blackman, it shall be laid on your feet. And
other men shall pray to their gods to be like you. What envy you
shall cause at other people’s heart.
Rilwan: It is sealed then, this deed is as good as accomplished,
let us rejoice in our good fortune, that God has bestowed upon
us.
exit Khalifa and Rilwan
scene fades.
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         OKEY    ENI
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