Edwin said and handed the microphone to Tom, who took the opportunity to invite the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for his speech.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we have come to the significant moment of today's event. That is the address by the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Festus Ancient GCFR, GCON. Your Excellency, you are welcome to the platform. A big round of applause as he comes to the platform.”
(Clap) (Clap)
Now, the media team was fully ready. They had mounted their microphones on the lectern. All the Television Stations wanted their microphones and the logo to be visible. The press men and women from the print media and radio houses strategically positioned their recording devices for a clear recording. No one wished to be left out. The President was a well-built man. He was dressed in his official native wear to fit. He had no pot-belly, as it was common with most leaders in Nigeria.
Furthermore, he held his speech and his phone as he walked briskly to the platform. Then, he collected the microphone from Tom and began his speech. Before then, he looked at Edwin and teased, “Edwin, I want to assist the General Manager to remind you to get married.”
The audience, that was taken unawares, erupted in laughter. . Little did they know that he had been listening to the jokes from the platform, and at the same time took them to heart? Everyone laughed, but two people who were mourning their death in advance did not laugh. They were very displeased with life, especially theirs, and were in pain. They were neither awake nor sleeping. All the activities of the day did not interest them in any way. Now, the President continued. He knew that such a joke would align him with the audience. They would be ready to listen to him.
“That was on a lighter note. I wish to stand on the already existing protocol. I am delighted to be part of this thoughtful, insightful and history – making event. Furthermore, I will appreciate the management and staff of the Cherry Fields Oil and Gas Group, ably led by Mr. Morris, and his lieutenants. You drew my attention to some issues that had escaped my attention, and that is the street children. Nevertheless, I wish to thank you. If not for this event, which was organized to mark this year's Independent Anniversary Celebration of our beloved country, I wouldn't have seen the need to include the street children office in my administration. On this note, I wish to inform you that this eye-opening event had led to the creation of the office of the Special Adviser to the President on Street Children…”
The audience was thrilled, especially the staff of the Cherry Fields Oil and Gas Group. The Chairman, his Vice, and the General Manager were not left out.
The program had yielded the desired results, and the General Manager's reputation had been cleared. No one remembered anything about the disparaging post by Robinson and Richard to vilify him.
Then, the president continued.
“I want to appreciate, commend and recognize the contributions of the Cherry Fields Oil and Gas Group to our economy. She is the only foreign company that has ninety-nine percent of her workers as the citizens of Nigeria. The only foreign company that had well over one thousand staff. Your contribution by reducing the unemployment rate in our economy cannot be overemphasized.”
He paused and allowed the clapping and cheering from the audience to lessen before he proceeded.
“I am indeed proud of the Nigerians in the employment of the Cherry Fields Oil and Gas Group. Your inputs and results in the organization strongly suggested that you have lived up to the expectations of the management that warranted such trust. I appreciate the Vice Chairman, Mr. Ken Israel, the General Manager, Mr. Gabriel Johnson and the Medical Director, Dr. Promise Dike. You have represented Nigeria very well. Your good behavior gave room for your fellow Nigerians to have access to the company…”
(Clap) (Clap) and he continued.
“You're good ambassadors of Nigeria and you deserve a National Award. You will get a letter from my office to that effect within the week…”
(Clap) (Clap)
“I must commend the efforts of Mr. Victor Ife for taking the pain and his time to save our youngsters from idleness, criminal activities and poverty by engaging them meaningfully. I also commend our community heads for protecting the oil pipelines of the company in your communities. That is patriotism…”
(Clap) (Clap)
“I seize this opportunity to encourage other investors, both local and foreign, to emulate the Cherry Fields Oil and Gas Group. The development and well-being of your host communities should be your priorities. With this, we will achieve our much desired goals of economic development, peaceful co-existence, unity and progress. Thank you all for listening. I wish you a successful outing.”
(Clap) (Clap)
Now, the audience clapped happily, and gave a standing ovation as the President walked back to his seat. Then, the Chairman and the Vice Chairman took turns in giving him a hug. Afterward, the General Manager showed his appreciation by giving him a hug too before he took his seat.
Meanwhile, Richard and Robinson, who would have been the men of the moment, felt bad. They would have been the ones giving the president hugs. If possible, giving approval to those they wished to come close to the president, were dazed and drenched with shame. Their evil plans against the General Manager became a ladder with which he climbed to the top. Now, they were seated when everyone stood in honor of the president. Then, their sex toy – 'Madam hotel room' who was standing behind them felt that it was absurd for them to be sitting while others were standing, tapped their shoulders to call their attention to what they were expected to do. However, instead of appreciating her gesture, they turned and gave her a hateful look before they stood up like others, but were determined to vent their anger on her. Then, the MCs continued, “Keep clapping,” the people clapped more and more.
“Thank you very much, Mr. President,” he appreciated. Then, he waved at the audience to take their seats. The audience sat quietly while waiting for the next instruction, and Edwin continued.
“Thank you very much once again, Mr. President, for that wonderful speech. You're indeed a very observant leader. You have been able to follow up on the activities of the Cherry Fields Oil and Gas Group, despite your tight schedule. That shows that the company is dear to your heart. We appreciate you, Sir.”
However, the President was smiling and nodding his head in the affirmative, and the elated Edwin continued,
“Next on the agenda is the good will from another guest of honor. Now, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, let's invite the Canadian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Liam Grayson, for his good will message.”
Now, the Canadian Ambassador walked quickly to the platform and collected the microphone from Edwin before he proceeded with his Goodwill Message.