We were in SS1 when I was accused of bearing a false witness.
I had just joined a new school in Jss3 were I made new friends, I and one of my class mates became close friends.
My friend by name Jessica, was engaged in an argument with one of our classmates and it led to a fight after the other girl landed her a slap.
The fight was reported to a teacher, and I was called to bear witness. I had not gone half way into what I was saying when I was told to keep quiet that I was only speaking in favour of my friend.
This issue was reported to the principal. The next morning in school, during the usual assembly, Jessica was called out by the principal, he told the whole school that she was engaged in a fight yesterday which is a prohibited act, so she would be dealt with as an example to others.
I thought it takes two to fight? But only Jessica was called out.
Jessica was beaten mercilessly. It is a pity the teacher believed all the lies told by the other of my classmate who fought with Jessica. I couldn't believe what was going on. I thought canes where no more allowed in schools, oh no, they are hidden and kept here for some unlucky students who would fall into their traps. It seemed like a movie to me, this is pure Injustice.
I was curious to know what could warrant such maltreatment? I realized that Jessica had defaulted in paying her a school from the previous class, that made her unlucky before the entire staff and the school's administrators.
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Jessica's parents where unable to pay up her school fees for the first time in Jss3.
I knew my friend's mom to had given birth through CS (cesarean section).
They came out as premature babies (twins). It was a hard time for her family due to hospital bills. Her mum salaries stopped coming for some months which has to be rectified. All these pose a challenge to her family. That made them unable to afford other bills that they were to be responsible for as parents.
Jessica at that time finds it difficult to come to school as sometimes she had to stay with her mom in the hospital and other times she has to stay at home to care for the one at home.
It was out of struggle that they where able to afford the fees for the external examination that would take her from junior class to the senior class (junior WAEC). All this went on with the knowledge of the school which made them permit her to stay but, they never expect such to prolong into the next year. she was victimized even tho her parents has always been pleading and promised to pay up.
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Due to the unjust treatment given to her, Jessica fell sick and was home treated for two weeks as they could not afford the bills for an admission in the hospital. When I went to visit my friend, her mom was shedding tears, but what can a poor man do?
Jessica managed to resume back to write the end of the terms exams with us.
My good friend could no longer resume with us as she was withdrawn and taken to a nearby public school.
I on the other hand was getting to be victimized for telling the truth, they said I was on the side of someone who is a fighter and a trouble maker in the school, someone with no good record. She was called names all because she was a defaulter.
As then I promised myself never to speak up on any issue that does not directly involves me. But now I know better, I would not let injustice prevail under my watch if there is something I could do to Savage the situation.
