CHICKEN REPUBLIC
BY: ABIMBOLA OMOPO

The massacre of the chickens was soon to start again. It was April, when the March showers ushered in the May flowers. It was Easter, too, for the chickens were worried, for soon enough, their population would once again be decimated by the humans. They had better find a solution to this recurring disadvantage, lest their species get endangered. They thus decided to call a meeting. Yeah, a meeting, where they could put heads together to save themselves from the looming danger.

How the humans were cruel to them! They murdered them young and old for Easter and Christmas! Their eggs weren't allowed to develop into maturity, for humans needed them for their daily nutrition. How saddening!

The meeting started, and ended no sooner than it started, for they were quick to make their decisions: They were to start a revolution. Yes, a Revolution! Their terms for revolting was outlined quickly:

1. They​ were slaughtered too many, and their rights to life was to be upheld.
2. By revolting, they would be able to save their eggs from untimely death, and by so doing, lead them on to maturity and to old age.
3. By calling for a recognition of their rights, they wanted also, compensation for families of chickens who have died by the hands of humans.

All things said and agreed upon, the chickens were ready. The next day was chosen to be showdown day. March! March!! March!!! they went, with their commander-in-chief, General Cockerel, calling out to them in his croaked voice, to fight the injustice once and for all.

No sooner had the chickens walked a Mile, than the humans heard of the chickens' rampage. The Major General of the 8th division was hollered upon to clamp down on the invaders. However, he was a wise man, skilled in the art of war. He knew that, if the chickens were allowed to die by the bullets, a major source of protein was destined for the drains.

He instructed planes to be loaded with chicken feed, and had them scattered at the scene of the revolt. A great number of chickens scampered to get their share of the seeds, forgetting their cause - to fight for their lives. The commander rounded up the weak remnants of the invading chickens, and offered a truce: They were to surrender, or risk being killed. What were they to do? At least, they were well fed by the humans; they were treated well, though they ended up in soups and chicken pies! "Isn’t that a better death, than by bullets?" The chickens thought. They all surrendered, forgetting their chosen cause. So sad.

Now, are we Nigerians any different from the chickens? When we cry out against injustice to our persons, to other citizens, how often we chicken out by the force of those greater than we are; how often are our shouts for justice drowned into grumbles!

It is funny enough that, before elections, we rave and rant silly that we weren't going to elect the 'Ajelus', but when cash exchange hands, and cups of rice shared amongst the hungry populace, the cry for change gets drowned by folks fighting to get their share of the cups of Rice. Let's not get carried away, Nigerians, though the change we seek seems to be here, let's fight on till it manifests!

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