Oluwafunmilayo Oluduro

Excerpt from CHAPTER ONE Wondering at his calm disposition, Kunle had been grateful he’d kept a tape recorder rolling in the pocket of his suit jacket - something that could come in handy in the case of any negative eventuality. He’d surely picked up a thing or two of street smarts. Likely Akerele had taken it for granted that the reports would come to him first; but a recent impromptu official trip to the States had left Kunle wondering if the big man on the pent floor had not been unto him long before. Already rumors were flying in the lower ranks about an impending Akerele dismissal or suspension as the reason for the unplanned business trip. Kunle decided that it was best for him and his job to choose his next words carefully. “Sir, what you’ve read in my report represents the results of careful and detailed work of members of my team for over four months and these are the outcomes and conclusions we’ve reached. I can stand to defend the veracity of my report anywhere.” “As for the duplicity or otherwise of previous auditors, it’s not really my place to pass judgment, I can only speak with all sincerity on the basis of what we have found out from the records within the last four months.” The big man knew a smart answer when he heard one, and he knew a cop-out as well if he saw it. Akerele was in on some nasty deal and the man seated across him was sharp enough to elude any reference to his direct superior, a professional through and through. He had to admire the young man, he looked fit enough and mentally alert for the job not at all cowered by the tough stare he was giving him, one that he’d applied in countless negotiation meetings to derail a client or on direct aides brow-beating them into submission. This man just looked calm, no repeated clasping of fingers, no nervousness shown; just that poker faced stare. But he wouldn’t let him off the hook, not yet…………. Heaving loudly, the MD asked one brow lifted, “So in the light of your findings what would your recommendation be?” Kunle knew he must have read his report at least twice and it was clear enough for even a simpleton to understand. The recommendation was clearly stated in the last page, but rather than point him there, he replied calmly, “There’s no doubt in my mind that in cases such as this its best to act according to our corporate identity and objectives; Promenade and Gale Associates prides itself on the core values of honesty, sincerity, purpose and openness. We cannot but act in line with the values our clients and indeed the public identifies us with. To act otherwise would be murderous to our twenty year goal of being the premium auditors in the country.” There you have it, nothing giving away, avoidance of the traps as much as possible, an evasive yet professional answer. The big man continued looking at Kunle for just a few more seconds while Kunle pushed his specs higher up the bridge of his nose although his eyes remained steady; the first sign of nervousness the MD had noted so far.  ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Traffic in Abuja was light at most times of the day except in the evenings when civil servants plied the wide gaping highways on their way back home. Those living in Nyanya and Lugbe as well as the Kubwa inhabitants especially had a hard time of it. A major percentage of the government workforce lived in these rusty and dilapidated suburbs of the capital city mostly former Lagos residents who had migrated to Abuja in the wake of the transference of government parastatals and HQs from the former capital of Nigeria in 2000. Not that it in any way diminished the relevance of the Portuguese named city; it still remained the commercial nerve centre of the nation and its foremost capitalistic state. Winding the Toyota Camry 2008 through the smooth highway of Berger Rewari in the Central Business District, he passed the Central Bank Hq and made a right turn at the Ahmadu Bello junction to enter Zone 4 leaving behind the Central Episcopal Church. The absence of gridlock meant that he would make it to the Federal Palace Hotel, venue of his meeting within fifteen minutes. Brief case in hand, Kunle walked up the few steps to the first floor lounge of the hotel and choosing a comfy roped armed sofa, sat in a semi visible location from where he could easily spot his client but remain secluded. The meeting was underway within set time and not an easy one. That Ahlaji displayed incredible numeric intelligence for a person of limited formal education albeit numerous investments was quite enviable; this however meant Kunle was on the receiving end and constantly barraged with series of questions one coming quickly on the heels of the other. Towards the end of the meeting, Ahlaji in heavily accented English said “I am quite satisfied with your handling of my Northern accounts. You have personally given a good account of your skill and on this basis I feel you should know that I am considering taking steps towards litigation against your organization.” Kunle could hardly believe his ears. Litigation did he say? Continuing his speech while Kunle stared at him dumbfounded, “As you know your company has been financial advisors for the BUK bank.” “Pr-recisely for six years.” He pronounced the P as F . “Due to the recent requirements by the Central Bank for consolidation of financial institutions, we contracted an independent financial company to audit the bank accounts with the intention of propositioning some other banks for mergers.” “Imagine my shock when it was revealed that the bank reserve was dismal”. Infact the last audit report submitted by your firm had been seriously doctored; it in no way described the real state of affairs.” Ahlaji continued looking slightly angered. This was bad, really bad. Kunle knew that the implication of this was that his organization had not acted appropriately in its capacity as financial advisor to the bank’s management executives or………….worst still there had been some connivance on the part of whoever was in charge of the BUK account, all arrows pointed to Jide Akerele…………….again.  ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Leaning forward, Ahlaji advised “Be very careful from now on my friend; and it wouldn’t be a bad idea to dust your resume now.” Glancing at his watch, “Kai, it’s 1.30 already, I need to go, good work as usual Kunle. Thank you for your time. Please free to order anything you fancy” And with that, the meeting came to an end. Popping a slice of chilled pineapple into his mouth with a fork, he thought “Dust my resume?” the words of Ahlaji ringing loud in his head as when he had heard them nearly fifteen minutes ago. But that was impossible, he couldn’t just hightail it and run.