#GirlFriends: #TweetDrama Highlighting Current & Perennial Issues In Nigeria. [Part 2]




is a beautiful way of explaining complex problems and proffering solutions.
is a drama script adapted as tweets and shared on Twitter via  in 12 episodes since August 12, 2015. It is aimed at highlighting recent and perennial issues in Nigeria's polity.















Episode 8 [Aug 24]






Amaka: Hi girls! Did u see d broken down trailer at d roundabout?

 Lola: I asw it o! D traffic there was heavy.

Amina: It was frustrating.

 Amaka: I've been in dat traffic for d past one hour

Amina: Sori. But d trailer ought to hv been pulled out

Lola: I can imagine the backlog

 Amaka: I was even lookin for gala 2 buy

Amina: Hahaha. It's rare 2 get hawkers at dat roundabout.

Lola: Next time, buy d gala b4 leavin VI

 Amina: Lola, do u always hv gala in ur bag?

 Lola: Check my bag n u'll see two gala.

Amaka: I believe u Lola

Amina: Hahaha!

Lola: Hahaha!

 Amaka: Earlier, we conducted interview for 50 job seekers at our head office.

 Amina: How did it go?

Lola: What's their average age?

 Amaka: Their average age is 24. I was disappointed by their general performance at the interview.

Amina: That's sad.

 Lola: [Sigh]

 Amaka: As a nation, we need to hv gone past this perennial problem in our education sector.

Lola: The problem is very real. It's really sad

 Amina: Even d increase of private schools hasn't helped much in solving the problem.

Lola: I think we need a comprehensive policy framework

 Amina: Yes Lola. We really need a comprehensive policy framework for the education sector covering a period of 25 years at least.

Lola: Yes

 Amaka: But we've always had policies on education since independence.

Lola: True. But the exigency of the moment requires broader policies.

 Amina: I agree with Lola. We need broader n comprehensive policies that identifies n eliminates inherent problems in the education sector.

 Lola: There should also be political will to walk the talk at all levels. We must be determined to move our education forward.

Amaka: True.

Amina: Come to think of it, do we match our education curricula from primary to tertiary levels with our development goals? Uhm, do we?

 Lola: Any comprehensive education policy document should match our economic development goals.

Amaka: But what are our development goals?

 Amina: Good question Amaka. The govt of PMB should task itself to define our economic dev goals. And I think industrialization should be top.

 Lola: I agree Amina. To industrialize, we must also take seriously technical education, n elevate graduates of polytechnics.

Amina: Oh yes!

 Amaka: I also think we need to improve welfare of teachers to make teaching attractive.

 Lola: Yes. A comprehensive policy will address that.

 Amaka: Well, we've shortlisted 20 of the 50 interviewees for the next phase of d interview process

Amina: Ok.

Lola: Can I give u my gala?

 Amaka: Lola, what I feel like eating now is yam n stew.

 Amina: Hahaha! That's exactly what we prepared!

Amaka: Yaaay!!

 Lola: Look at you!



Episode 9 [Aug 26]



 Amina: Hi Lola. Where are u going this early morni?

Lola: I got a call from my editor to be at d office early.

Amina: Haba fa! It's 4am.

 Lola: I know.. He wants me to join him for a scheduled interview with d gov at the state house this morni.

 Amina: But it's too early to go.

 Lola: Ok. I'll leave by 5am. But why are u awake by dis time?

Amina: I've been awake since 3am going thru my brief n reading news online.

 Lola: I guess u hv read all the accusations n counter-accusations going on in the political space

Amina: Yes. I just don't get it. Why now?

 Lola: Why not now? No one want to go down alone. Certainly the fight against corruption is going to be a very long night.

Amina: Night?

 Lola: Yes. Long night. I'm sure very soon we'll begin to see lawyers approach d courts with frivolous suits to halt probes.

Amina: [Sigh]

 Lola: Amina, you're a lawyer. Do you think any politician will be willing to go to jail?

Amina: No. But the law has to be the law.

 Lola: Members of the bar, with due respect, will be major obstacle in the fight against corruption

Amina: We hv a duty 2 defend our clients

 Lola: I know. But where does national interest come in?

Amina: Like I said the other day, there's need for reforms in our justice system.

 Lola: I do hope the bar association will be fully active n cooperative in bringing the reforms to fruition.

Amina: I believe so. It's 5am.

 Lola: I should be on my way now. Pls I need u to open the gate for me.

Amina: Ofcourse. Ah, Amaka has woken up!

Lola: Good morning Amaka!

 Amaka: Good morni girls! Is everything ok?

Amina: Yes! Lola has 2 leave 4 work early

Lola: Yes!

Amaka: Ok. Hv a great day

 Lola: You too!



Episode 10 [Aug 31]






 Lola: [Knocks]

 Amina: Door is open.

Lola: Hey Amina, you've been inside your room for hours. Are you ok?

Amina: I'm feeling stressed.

 Lola: Awwww, I guess the brief you're working on is a tough one.

Amina: Yes. The witnesses I called for the case are unwilling to testify.

 Lola: What are you going to do now?

Amina: [Sigh] I'm considering my options, and then would decide on what to do next. Is Amaka back?

 Lola: Amaka is not yet back. What can I do to help?

Amina: Prepare me pounded yam n egusi.

Lola: Not only pounded yam, it's pounded eba.

 Amina: Hahaha! But you want to help me naa.

Lola: So, I should go n prepare pounded yam, abi? You're not serious.

Amina? Hahaha! Looola!

 Lola: You n Amaka surprised me on my birthday with things u both planned for me. Whose idea was it?

Amina: Don't worry abt that.

 Lola: Ok.

 Amina: Some1 is opening main door.

 Lola: It should be Amaka' Let me check. [Walks to the parlour]

Amaka: Hey Lola!

Lola: Amaka babyyyyy!!

 Amaka: How far?

Lola: I didn't see u this morni when u left. How was the wedding?

Amaka: It was great!!

Lola: I like your aso ebi style!

 [Enters Amina]

Amaka: Hey Amina!

Amina: Hi Amaka! How was the wedding?

Amaka: Fantastic!

 Lola: Amina, isn't Amaka looking so gorgeous?

 Amina: She looks like First Lady! Whoever sewed this aso ebi for you is a real professional.

Amaka: You girls are flattering me abi? Ehn?

 Lola: You know say me no sabi flatter people. If e no gud, I go tell u

 Amina: Honestly, Amaka, u look so good in that style. I really like it.

 Lola: The way you even tie the gele sef makes me wonder if you are not the bride at that wedding.

Amina: Hahahaha! Lola, you've started!

 Amaka: Two ladies actually walked up to me at the reception and requested to take my photo with their tabs. They said they like my style.

 Lola: You seeee! You're a celebrity. Very soon pple will ask for your autograph.

Amaka: Amen oo! Aso ebi celebrity.

Amina: Hahahahahaaaa!

Amaka: Talking abt First Lady, why is everyone beefing that Office?

Amina: I think for obvious reason that the Office has lost its appeal.

Lola: Yes Amina. Occupants of that Office in recent time have dragged the Office to disrepute.

Amina: Also the Office is unconstitutional.

 Amaka: I think d Office should remain as Office Of The First Lady, but not funded by appropriation, public fund, politicians or contractors.

 Lola: Ah, who then should fund it?

Amaka: I think going by d causes d occupant of that Office pursues, there should be multi-layer support.

 Amina: I totally agree with Amaka. For instance, agencies of the UN, the EU, as well as other global donor agencies can lend their support.

 Amaka: For the fact that occupants of that Office in recent time have dragged it to disrepute doesn't mean the nation can't benefit from it.

 Lola: I can see d point both of u are making. If for instance that Office takes on the cause to end child marriage, it'll surely make impact.

 Amaka: Yes Lola! The Office can key into that cause to end child marriage in Nigeria, and that will draw support from right places!

 Amina: I also think the Office should be a rallying point for all women, particularly rural women, to give them and their children hope!

 Lola: And d fact that d constitution never envisaged the Office doesn't mean that we the people of Nigeria can't benefit from its existence!

 Amaka: I submit that d Office Of The First Lady should remain!

Amina: I second!

Lola: I last!

Amina: Hahaha! Lola u last?!

Lola: Hahaha!

 Amaka: Don't mind Lola jare. I was looking for her to tie my gele last night but no where to be found.

Lola: Hahaha! I went for vigil naa.

 Amaka: So, what did you girls cook? I'm hungry.

 Lola: Oti o! U're hungry ke? We were waiting for you to bring party rice o.

Amina: Hahaha!


Episode 11 [Sept 8]

Amina: Lola I'll join u today for ur wkend jogging

Lola: Pls o, I won't be responsible for any act of fainting o

Amina: Hahaha! U're crazy

 Amaka: Hahaha! Lola, u're a case! Which one is act of fainting?

Amina: Don't mind Lola n her upper case mouth.

 Lola: Hahahaaaa! Amina, me?

 Amaka: Girls, can u imagine my uncle called me and was angry that PMB has made several appointments that he considered lopsided.

Lola: How?

 Amaka: He said PMB has not made any appointment to aso rock that is from the South-East.

Lola: Does it matter?

Amina: It matters Lola.

 Lola: How Amina? Shouldn't we have people with integrity who can also do the job?

Amaka: I told my uncle there's no need to be angry.

 Amina: Look, I don't believe that only a section of this great nation has men n women of integrity n competence. There's need for balance.

 Lola: Amina, when u say balance, are u implying that PMB should just bring in anyone to his govt simply because he need to satisfy everyone?

 Amina: Lola, u are not getting the point. Nigeria is a diverse n complex nation, n there's need to reach out to all interests

Lola: Explain

 Amina: Look, governance is all abt people, n where u hv different sets in the universal set, it's needful to take all the sets to cognition.

 Amaka: And when d sets are taken into cognition, it makes the problem of the universal set of governance easier to solve.

Amina: Yes Amaka!

 Lola: But let's be fair to PMB. How did the South-East help his election bid?

Amina: Lola, politics is politics. It's a game, n it's over.

 Amaka: I thought of what Lola just said, but the elections are over, n I expect PMB to embrace his opponents.

Lola: Politics is not tennis.

 Amina: Lola, what are u really saying?

Lola: See, politics is all abt interest. Elections may be over, but the game of politics continues.

 Amaka: Lola, do you expect PMB's kitchen cabinet to comprise of people from his region only?

Lola: I have not said so.

 Amaka: So?

 Lola: What I'm saying is that PMB reserve the right to decide who he want to work with regardless of what part of the country they come from.

 Amina: Lola, no one is contesting PMB's reserved right to work with any1. But this is not abt rights. It's abt unity that comes from balance

 Amaka: I think men n women of integrity n competence abound across every zone in the country, n PMB as father of the nation will find them.

 Lola: Well, govt spokesperson have said PMB will correct any lopsidedness in his next appointments

Amina: And many more appointments ahead.

 Amaka: Girls, I think we've had enough talk on this..

 Lola: I'm even having headache. 

Amina: It's a sensitive issue.. 

Amaka: Yes, it is.

 Amina: Lola, can we go joggin now? 

Lola: I want 2 sleep, n I'm feelin hungry. 

Amaka: Not only u Lola. Me too 

Amina: So, what should I do?

 Lola: Amina, since u're in ur tracksuit already, u can go jogging for both of us 

Amina: Hahaha! U're crazy! 

 Amaka: Hahaha! Looola o!


Episode 12 [Sept 18]




 [Amina joins Amaka in the kitchen on returning from work] 

Amaka: How was your day Amina? 

Amina: Great! What about yours? 

 Amaka: So-so.

 Amina: Is everything ok? 

Amaka: Everything was ok o until news filter that salary won't be paid this week. 

Amina: Hahaha! You need money?

 Amaka: Do I need money? Ofcourse. I promised to pay my brother's tuition this week. Now I'm worried. 

Amina: How much is it? 

Amaka: N355K

 Amina: How much do you have? 

Amaka: I have N200k at the moment 

Amina: I'll lend you the balance until you have it 

Amaka: Aminaaa! Thanks!

 Amina: Are we cookin jollof? 

Amaka: Yes! Plus fried plantain n fish. You don't like it? 

Amina: I like it 

Amaka: Get d tomatoes 

Amina: Ok

 Amaka: You didn't ask for Lola 

Amina: I thot she's not back yet 

Amaka: She's back but not feeling fine. She had a bad day 

Amina: Bad day?

 Amaka: She was abt telling me, but her tears won't let her. She's feeling very bad. 

Amina: I need to see her now. Pls excuse me. 

Amaka: Ok

 Amina: [Knocks] 

Lola: [In low voice] Door is open. 

Amina: Lola, are you ok? What happened to you? 

Lola: My editor was abducted. 

Amina: What?

 [Amaka joins conversation] 

Lola: My editor n I were returnin frm Ojo in his car when suddenly gunmen in two cars abducted him 

Amaka: What?

 Lola: In a commando manner, two cars overtook us at 1st Rainbow. Four gunmen got of the cars, dragged my editor out..[sobs] 

Amina:Don't cry

 Lola: I've never experienced this kind of incident in my life. I'm so scared. 

Amaka: [Draws closer n hold Lola's hands] It's ok. Don't cry.

 Amina: This is really serious. 

Lola: One of the gunmen told me that I should thank my God that they were not asked to bring me too.

 Amaka: Have you reported it? 

 Lola: Yes. I called our Chief Editor to inform him what happened, n he directed me to tell the police quickly.

 Amina: It's good that u've reported it at the police station 

Lola: By the time I got to the office, everyone in the newsroom is on the case.

 Amaka: It is well. 

Lola: The Chief Editor asked me to go home bcoz of how I was feeling. I feel so bad. 

Amina: It's ok 

Amaka: It is well

 Lola: It's even a miracle that I could drive my editor's car back to the office after the incident. I was so much in shock. 

 Amina: It's ok

 Amaka: [Looking at Lola's tv set that's on] Oh, take a look at that. It's already a breaking news. 

Amina: It's really sad. 

 Lola [sobs]

 Amaka: Lola stop crying pls. Let's pray that God will touch the hearts of his abductors to release him soon. 

Amina: Amen.

 Lola: Thank you

 Amina: Do u know if he offended anyone?

 Lola: I can't say. We've been on high profile stories lately and he is currently investigating one.

 Amina: Someone somewhere is not happy with his investigations and stories 

Amaka: But can't journalists do their job? Why all these threats?

 Amina: Journalists hv constitutional duty to discharge, but some cowards somewhere don't like that, n would do anything to silence the press

 Lola: My editor mentioned at our newsroom weekly meeting last week that he got a call, n a male voice threatened to kill him.

 Amaka: What?

 Amina: Journalism has its occupational hazard. It's not only in Nigeria, but it's a global problem. It's an attempt to silence the press.

 Amaka: I think in this our side of the globe, we celebrate mediocrity a lot n we make the work of journalists more difficult 

Amina: I agree

 Lola: If they had taken me along with them, I'm sure I would die before they get to where they are taking us.. 

Amaka: Don't talk like that.

 Amina: I salute the courage of the journalists we have around who inspite of the work hazards, they still carry on well and professionally.

 Amaka: I'm sure all d headlines in d papers 2moro will report d abduction. 

Amina: Yes. I expect d Lagos police command to be on it already.

 Lola: I can smell something burning. 

Amaka: Chineke! It's jollof rice o. 

Amina, let's go n fry the dodo. 

Amina: Ok Lola: I want to sleep.

Amaka: Ehn, Lola I won't allow you sleep on empty stomach. 

Amina: Yes Lola. You need to eat. 

Lola: Ok, I will eat. Thanks to both of you.




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