Question

(No Longer At Ease: Ch. 6-10)

What responsibilities does Obi feel he have to his family?

What was the problem with Obi marrying Clara?

Why did Obi take back his request to the Union for delaying of loan repayment?

What was Mr. Mark’s request and how did Obi react?

According to Obi, what did the Union not understand about his financial situation?

Answer 1

1. What responsibilities does Obi feel he have to his family?

The parents of Obi were poor and her mother was ill when he returned home. Apart from caring for his family members, Obi also thought that he should be able to contribute financially towards the better health and social status of his family. Obi also decided that he would pay the school fees of his brother.

1. What was the problem with Obi marrying Clara?

Clara was born in Nigeria and was an outcast (Osu) as declared by her descendants. Therefore Obi could not marry her according to the traditional norms and ways that the Igbo Community of Nigeria followed. Obi’s mother was also in opposition to the marriage and told Obi that he can marry Clara only after her death.

1. Why did Obi take back his request to the Union for delaying of loan repayment?

Obi was furious and angry by the remarks that the Union’s President made about his character and his relationship with Clara. The president said that Obi could save money for repaying the debt only if he led moral and frugal life and did not fall into pleasures of Lagos. The president then remarked that he has heard rumours according to which Obi was having a relationship with a girl of doubtful ancestry. This remark infuriated Obi. He refused the loan repayment time extension that was being offered by the Union and walked away from the meeting saying that he will start paying the debt instantly.

1. What was Mr Mark's request and how did Obi react?

The sister of Mr Mark had recently passed the school certificate and had attained first grade. Mr Mark wanted to get a scholarship for his sister so that she could study in England. As Obi held the position of Secretary at the Scholarship Commission, Mr Mark thought that he could help in her sister getting the scholarship. In a while, it was clear that Mark was trying to bribe Obi for the purpose. As Obi was against using his influence and was against bribery, he told Mr Mark to leave. He was also happy with himself, as he wanted to have a clean image and character

1. According to Obi, what did the Union not understand his financial situation?

Many members of the Union were of the view that he is making lots of money in his new position. This money, the members thought, is more than sufficient for Obi to fulfil his financial responsibilities and he would still have a good amount of money left. According to Obi, this money was not sufficient enough and as he had to pay for his brother school fee and for the health and livelihood of this his parents. He hence needed time towards repaying the loan.