EPISODE 24
Everyone was quiet…
Our manager looked at Folahan like he was crazy.
Folahan moved closer to him, beckoned me over and said
“Sir, I don’t have any problem giving up the offer. She deserves it more than I do…she worked hard for it.
As Teller Captain, she balances every teller, every single day since I’ve been here. The vault has never had a shortage or an overage since she started handling it.
She even found the GL difference this branch was carrying for over a year before we got here.
She was instrumental to the success of the last audit…even you said that sir.
Maybe she did not bring in a 700 million Naira check, but I wasn’t planning to either, I was just lucky to be at the right place at the right time.
She may not be able to smooth talk customers like I do, but we’ve heard customers commend her many times. Some even bring her gifts
I’m not going to let her lose this chance…trust me, even if I wasn’t dating her, I would do exactly what I’m doing now for her.
This Branch needs her; you need her more than you need me sir…you will see that in the long run”
“I understand your sentiments Folahan, but I am not Human Resources. I don’t make such calls.
Will they consider her if you decline? I don’t know…I have never had anyone decline a job offer at this bank before. But if you are sure that’s what you want to do, I can send an e-mail to HR and see what can be done” Our manager responded
Folahan thanked him and asked if we could leave for the day to which our manager agreed.
I also wanted to say something but Folahan held my right hand and squeezed it gently…somehow, I understood that he didn’t want me to comment on what was happening.
In the car, he told me that he meant everything he said and wasn’t just doing it for me as a girlfriend. He gave me a long lecture on equity and how as Christians we should speak up when we see injustice.
“Mr. Americana, this is Nigeria o” I joked
“I know, but Christianity has no nationality.
We may not be able to fix everything but we should do the little we can whenever we can.How could they base such a decision on a last minute fluke from me, discounting everything you did?”
“But what about you?
Will you be going back to Schlumberger then?” I asked
“I’ll be fine…
I still want to stay in the Banking industry.
I called another uncle of mine when I stepped out and explained what happened.
Fine…he laughed at me and called me a fool for planning to give up the job offer
But he’ll call me back later tonight or tomorrow.
##############
Click 7 bwlow to continue reading