Skip to main content

 The Remote control
By Chukwudi Anagbogu



 Chapter  one

Mr Okafor and Mrs Urawa read their respective letters and exchanged knowing glances. Of course, reading such a letter was a mere formality as every member of staff at Unity College knew how and when a query is in the offing. The duo were alleged to have missed a number of lessons, and as such are required to explain to the principal why  'disciplinary measures should not be taken against them for such negligence.'

Ever since Mr Charles assumed the duty of the principal of Unity College  following the resignation of his predecessor, a lot of 'fireworks ' have been thrown at the staff. As a former teacher in the same school before his surprising and questionable elevation to the post of the principal, it was thought that he would be protective of his subordinates, but alas, the reverse was the case.  Charles obviously was a good man with a charming personality. Forty-five years old and a family man, he was jovial and easy going especially among his colleagues. He never looked like he could hurt a fly. These were before he became the principal. The manner with which he discharged his duties lent credence to the popular saying that,  "absolute power corrupts absolutely." People wondered whether his disregard and uncharitable attitude to the staff was just because of power intoxication. Before long however, the burble began to burst and everyone eventually discovered the reason behind his uncharacteristic disdain for his subordinates; Miss Christie, his 'confidential secretary' whom he had recruited the moment he assumed office.

They quickly responded to the query and proceeded to the principal's office to submit it personally, as was the instruction. Seeing the principal was always a day's job, especially if you are not among the creme de la creme of the school. After being deliberately kept waiting for hours at the reception room for nearly an hour by the offer bossy Christie, they were allowed in, but with Christie in tow. Without responding to their greetings nor offering them a seat,the principal took the letters from them and dropped them inside a nearby basket, before looking up to them.
"You both will hear from me later... "
"Charles, " interjected Christie coming closer to the principal's desk, "these two teachers need to be disciplined instantly to serve as a deterrent to others.,,"she ended looking straight into his eyes.
The principal looked obviously ruffled, while the two teachers were dumbfounded. They were not surprised. After all, Christie actually called the shots, not Charles. For an ordinary secretary to wield such influence looked suspicious. No one knew why Charles allowed himself to be manipulated by a lady his personally employed.

"Okay, "responded the principal, "what do you think we should do to them? "he asked.

"Surcharge them instantly. They should get a half pay this month,"she enthused, much to the chagrin of the teachers.
"So, "the principal began obviously addressing the teachers facing him, "you have heard her...your salary for this month has been slashed by a half...
To be continued

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

RELATIONSHIP RUINED BY ZEE WORLD

 Story by Chukwudi Anagbogu  In the bustling city of Lagos, Nigeria, evenings once meant family time—gathering around the dinner table, sharing stories, and connecting over meals. But things began to change when Zee World, the Indian television channel showcasing Hindi dramas, became a household staple. It all started innocently enough. Adama, a young woman in her late twenties, was drawn to the elaborate storylines and dramatic twists of the telenovelas. With their glitzy portrayals of love, betrayal, and family drama, she found herself mesmerized by characters like Rani and Raj. Each night, she tuned in, eager to see how the latest episode would unfold. At first, Adama’s enthusiasm was infectious. Her younger brother, Chike, and her parents would join her on the sofa, laughing and gasping at the ridiculous plot turns. But as weeks turned into months, something shifted. Adama began prioritizing her viewing schedule over family interactions. Dinners turned quiet as everyone wa...

SEX GONE WRONG: A TOUCHING STORY

  By Chukwudi Anagbogu  In the bustling city of Lagos, Nigeria, life moves fast. Among the endless honking of cars, the vibrant chatter of market vendors, and the warm tropical breeze, lived a young woman named Amaka. At twenty-four, she was a soft-spoken, diligent student of Accounting at the University of Lagos. Life for her had been a steady rhythm of family, studies, and church. Amaka had always been the dutiful daughter—never one to step out of line, and she upheld her moral values with a deep-rooted sense of pride. But like many young women her age, Amaka longed for something more. Though she was content with her life, a part of her wondered about love—the kind of love she read about in novels and heard about in songs. She had seen friends fall in love, sometimes stumbling and getting hurt, but other times finding happiness. Yet, she had always been cautious, holding her heart close and believing that love would find her when the time was right. That time came when she m...

DO THE DEAD CARE?: FULL STORY by Chukwudi Anagbogu

   Stories by Chukwudi Anagbogu (+2348061199777) In the heart of Nigeria, beneath the sweltering sun and among the lush green hills of Igbo land, lay the village of Umuokoro. Surrounded by thick forests that whispered ancient secrets and a river that flowed like a living vein through the land, Umuokoro was a place where tradition and the modern world intersected. The people here held fast to their beliefs, passed down through generations—stories of spirits, ancestors, and the unseen forces that governed their lives. But in recent years, something had begun to change. It was subtle at first, a sense of unease that settled over the village like a fine mist. People whispered about strange occurrences in the night, of shadows moving in the corners of their homes, and of voices that spoke from the air, calling their names. It was said that the dead were returning, walking among the living once more. At the center of the village stood the house of Chief Emeka, the village leader. He...