Episode 5: The Follow-Up

Summary Page 16-20

At 9:00 p.m., Pastor Chiamaka receives a call from the guide. He's calling to see if Pastor Chiamaka has examined the contents of the briefcase. Pastor Chiamaka confirms that he saw the AGDA letter, a copy of Way Omega (the development strategy that twenty Nobel laureates crafted to end Africa's misery and which the heads of state were expected to adopt at the summit), a copy of Path Alpha (the development strategy that AGDA believes is a superior alternative to Way Omega and which AGDA hopes to slip in to replace Way Omega), AGDA leaflets, pamphlets, and brochures, and a mobile phone.

The guide then instructs Pastor Chiamaka to keep the mobile phone on at all times, around the clock. After confirming that Pastor Chiamaka is familiar with all of the documents, particularly Way Omega and Path Alpha, the guide informs him that he will be calling anytime using the mobile phone because he believes it is far more secure than the hotel phone. When Pastor Chiamaka asks for his name, the guide retorts aggressively. He goes on to tell Pastor Chiamaka that he doesn't need to know him because he will be the one making the calls when the occasion arises. Pastor Chiamka attempts to downplay this logic, but the guide holds firm and commands him to shut up and obey him and not to debate or talk back to him, successfully demonstrating his dominance over him. The guide's authoritarian nature works because he succeeds in subduing Pastor Chiamaka into submitting to him, which pleases him. Following that, the guide informs Pastor Chiamaka that they are expected to work as a team because they are on the same side pursuing the same goals. The guide justifies his anonymity further by noting that their mission is still in a fragile position and that, as a result, he should stay nameless to him; thus, the guide will not allow Pastor Chiamaka to see his face but will allow him to hear his voice. Pastor Chiamaka queries why he should believe the guide, who leads him to a section in the letter from AGDA in the briefcase that specifies that he should not have less faith even if he identifies himself by the nickname "the guide." Based on that understanding, Pastor Chiamka is required to trust him. The guide highlights to Pastor Chiamka the importance of thoroughly understanding both documents (Way Omega and Path Alpha). He tells Pastor Chiamka that he was at the Seamount Hotel an hour ago and saw him at the bar, where he claims he went to drink a bottle of Pepsi. This enrages him and fuels his suspicion that the caller is an invisible executioner. Pastor Chiamaka is forced to apologize for going to the pub and swears never to return. Comrade Melusi, Professor Kimani, and engineer Tahir all receive identical calls and converse with the guide.

Analysis

Stylistic Devices,Themes and Character & Characterization

The episode provides more information about AGDA's plan to introduce Path Alpha to replace Way Omega. The secret nature of the talk between Pastor Chiamaka and the guide adds to the story's suspense. This contributes to the theme of secrecy. Pastor Chiamaka, on the other hand, is portrayed as an inquisitive individual, which is seen in the manner in which he questions the guide. ‘What were you doing here anyway? Spying on me?’ page 19. When the guide refuses to tell him his name, both Pastor Chiamaka and the guide become emotional or temperamental. ‘ Well, ‘why’ yourself? Pastor Chiamaka shouted back, also angrily, answering fire with fire.’ Page 17. Pastor Chiamaka is apologetic when he finally apologizes for going to drink Pepsi in the bar. ‘ All right, I had no business being in the bar,…It was a mistake, and I promise I won’t do it again.’ Page 20

When the guide tells Pastor Chiamka to shut up and obey him, he is being authoritative/commanding.’ Now get this: I want you to obey me, not argue with me. You will not talk back to me like this again, ever. Do you understand?’ page 18 He is also persuasive in that he convinces Pastor Chiamaka that they are on the same side and there is no need to doubt. ‘Look, You and I are supposed to be working together. We are on the same mission.’ Page 18. Finally, the guide is secretive and cautious in refusing to reveal his identity, preferring to remain incognito. ‘ I won’t because our mission is still at a delicate stage…I won’t let you see my face either, but you will hear my voice.’ Page 18.

Like the other episodes, the author makes considerable use of dialogue, which has helped us identify the character traits and themes stated above. Ellipsis is used as a literary device by the author to depict the character of the guide, who rudely interrupts pastor Chiamaka while he is speaking. ‘I was there an hour ago…’ page 19 There is also the usage of biblical allusion, which occurs when the author appears to refer to a biblical verse. '...turn the other cheek...' page 20. There is also irony in this episode when the guide believes that the cell phone is more secure than the hotel phones, which is not the case, as later proved by Nick Sentinel of Voice of America, who can tap their connection. Furthermore, We don't expect a man of God to go to a pub, yet in this episode, Pastor Chiamaka is shown heading to the pub to supposedly sip a Pepsi.

Read Chapter Three of Fathers of Nations Analysis and Summaries Here