For a hustling youth like me, every kobo is essential. So nothing hurts like being sent 1k only for your available balance to read N967. First, the deduction destabilized me. I really needed the complete 1k, and even the thought of losing a hundred Naira to POS since the use of an ATM is no longer an option gave me a panic attack.
I decided to purchase N300 naira worth of airtime from my bank while I tried to figure out what to do. Well, there was nothing to do. I accepted the fate and headed for the nearest POS lady to withdraw the remaining N600. I typed in my card pin and returned the machine to her, but she looked at me.
“There is no network in your bank” She said,
I didn’t request for a print out or to see the feedback on the screen, I hurriedly moved to another lady at the junction. As soon as I punched in my pin, I saw it boldly written on the screen
“Insufficient funds”
I was startled as I looked at her like Mazi Mmeruwagini. The guys there laughed as they sensed the confusion on my face.
“I feel your pain bro” One of the ladies there jokingly added,
I pleaded with the attendant to help me check my account balance. To my bewilderment, what was remaining was N480. The mysterious escape of N120 from my account balance became a puzzle I’m yet to solve. Who do I blame? My bank or the previous lady I tried withdrawing from?
I decided to withdraw the N480. At least, it can take me to the INEC office.
I didn’t waste time at the INEC office, there were not much people in the office waiting to collect their PVC.
Then the annoying security guy showed up. “Brother please can I talk to you? Don’t always use an earpiece when walking on the road”
I nodded. I’d already gone through a lot of emotional stress that morning.
“They gave you your PVC sharp sharp” he continued, “Show your boy small love na”.
“Nothing dey” I managed to reply.
“But you just collected your PVC,” He said, giving me a soft push.
Amazed I replied, “You fit go collect your own PVC make dem give you your own share of the money”.
He asked who I wanted to vote, then I replied, “I don’t know” and walked away.
“My guy, vote Peter Obi!” He shouted after me.
I walked down to the mall to check the price of something, and the guy at the door muttered loudly “You no go find your boy something?”
I replied, “I don already give am”.
The annoying part is that most of these security guys that embarrass you with demands for tips earn more than you do, but you will use shame to take your last card and give them.
I am thinking of going to the bank to complain about my missing N200 and they are busy bothering me with security tips.
