(By Jude Idada)

Three times I warned them.
Yet they persisted.

Not these ones, but the ones like them.

Dressed in uniforms.

They are supposed to guard the estate in which I live.

But they conducted themselves like motorpark touts.

There was the first time.

I was walking to the elevator and the uniformed guard who usually sits by the elevator said to me...

"Sir, please find me something. Owu dey blow."

I warned him to desist from begging and bringing dishonour to the uniform he wore.

He apologised.

Next day I walk to the elevator.

He greets me with a welcoming smile.

I get into the elevator and as the door is about closing, he blocks it with his hand.

It opens.